Pros And Cons Of Getting A Metal Roof

There are many different materials we can choose from when it comes to roofing. In the end, there are as many choices and styles as you can even imagine. And roofing is a serious issue, you can not take this decision lightly. Many people have started to consider getting a metal roof since. The reason is they can be a lot more durable than other kinds of roofs.

The final call will only come up after you’ve considered all the different options. You have got to think what could be a better fit for your home and your lifestyle. Considered that if you’re buying a home with a metal roof, or you’re desire about installing one. Here’s all what you need to know.

When you’re roofing a new home, or when your current roof requires renovation, there are many materials available. But no matter what style of roof you have, metal roofing can be an attractive option because of its longevity, minimal maintenance and energy efficiency. In terms of materials, options include steel (galvanized, galvalume or corten), aluminum, copper, zinc and tin. Product types include standing seam, preformed panel and granular coated panels. Styling options allow you to achieve the look of asphalt shingles, slate roofing, clay tiles, wood shingles or vertical panels. Make sure your metal roofing product has been tested, labeled and listed by a testing organization, such as UL, FM Approvals or Intertek. They need to be wind, fire and impact resistant. Also remember that installation may vary by geographic location, manufacturer’s guidelines and as a result of local building code requirements.

Advantages Of Metal Roofing

Metal roofs offer many benefits. They have started to gain popularity recently, and it is no surprise. 

One of the greatest advantages of using metal roofing is the longevity they offer. Metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years, depending on the material used. Traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life of approximately 12 to 20 years.

This of course means that they have an amazing durability. If installed properly, some metal roofs can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, are not subject to corrosion or cracking, and may be impact resistant, but this will always depend on the type of metal you choose. 

In addition, metal roofs do not require the periodic and costly maintenance often required by other roofing materials. However, they should be inspected periodically to make sure repairs are not required.

Another big point we need to take into account is their safety. Metal roofs do not spark or burst into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike. This takes out a concern from you and will allow you to sleep well knowing that nothing will happen to your roof, even in the most wild storms.

We should also mention that they are very energy efficient. Metal roofs reflect ultraviolet and infrared light rays that contribute to radiant heat from the roof surface, which can result in a 10-25% reduction in cooling costs.

They are also environmentally friendly. Not only do metal roofs contain 25 to 95% recycled material, depending on the material used, but they are also 100% recyclable at the end of their useful life. In contrast, most shingle waste ends up as part of other construction-related waste: producing up to 20 billion pounds per year.

Disadvantages Of Metal Roofing

Of course, nothing can be perfect. Metal roofing can be an excellent choice for your home, but you always need to have both sides of the coin before making a decision. In the end, roofing is a big investment and should not be taken lightly. Despite their many advantages, metal roofs have some potential disadvantages.

Price

One of the main disadvantages we find in metal roofing is their affordability. Metal roofs can cost up to two to three times more than other roofing materials. While the lifespan of a metal roof is much longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.

Noisy

Now, you may haven’t thought of this but this is actually a disadvantage that can be a big deal breaker for many people: they are extremely noisy. This is easy to imagine, metal doesn’t have the same properties as other roofings and we all know tin or other metals can be really loud in normal conditions. Metal roofs can be noisier than other products during a heavy rain or hail storm, depending on the type of decking used during installation (spaced or solid). Sometimes, the problem can be solved by adding more sound insulation to the attic, but that could increase costs.

Expansion, Shrinkage and Fasteners

Another issue you should take into account is the expansion, shrinkage and fasteners. Assemblies for metal roofing materials added to large panels are designed to expand and contract as they heat and cool. However, the lifespan of both exposed and concealed fasteners can vary. Depending on the climate, neoprene washers and screws used during installation may deteriorate and come loose over time.

You should also take into account the shade inconsistency. Should a repair or extension be added to the home years later, it may be difficult to find another metal that is exactly the same shade as the existing one. This could create a weird aspect of your home, but if you’re fine with that it shouldn’t be a major issue.

Performance

Lastly, we find that something to take into account is their performance. If poor quality installation or repair causes water to accumulate on any part of the roof, this can cause serious damage over time. Low-grade metals may be thinner and less durable. Some metals rust in certain climates or dent more easily than others during hail storms or installation.

Either way, and such as you would do with basically everything, you need to really be conscious about all of the pros and cons of your decision and lastly make the decision that will be more suitable for your home. You can check the Durability of Roofing Materials for your roof in our blog. Some people try out first with a small portion of their house, like a balcony or a terrace, to see if that’s something they could handle.