Metal Roofs - The Safe Choice
If you’re building a new home or remodeling the one you’ve got now, a roof is an important and costly decision. When choosing which type of roof is best for your home, consider cost, durability, appearance, and the expected life of the material. Many people are now considering metal roofs, and they are a perfect choice for many people.
In both appearance and functionality, modern residential metal roofing has improved greatly from the days of their corrugated, “tin shed” appearance. Metal roofs now are more aesthetically pleasing, while retaining all the advantages of the material. Metal roofs are extremely durable, fire resistant, light weight, wind resistant, reflect heat well, and are easier to install. Drawbacks include initial cost, louder noise from rain or hail, poor insulation ability, and easier chipping and denting.
Metal roofs are very resistant to wind damage, such as from hurricanes, and so are an appealing option in areas vulnerable to wind damage. Metal types of roofing also receive the highest fire retardant rating. As such, homes with metal roofs may have a higher asset value, and enjoy lower insurance rates.
Since metal roofs reflect the heat of the sun, they will reduce the energy required to cool your house during the summer. They have little inherent insulation, but by inserting open space between the metal and the underlying roof, you can get the same effect as you would by adding insulation. Weather-related noise can be reduced by added sound deadening insulating material. Be aware that heat can cause metal to expand and connectors to become loose.
Metal roofs are lighter, require less support from underneath, and as such can reduce construction costs. The lighter weight also makes it possible to install a metal roof over the top of an existing roof, saving the time and expense of having to remove the original roof. Installation of metal roofing typically takes less time too, as the metal sheets cover a large area. On the other side of that coin, replacing a larger section, should it become necessary, may be more difficult. Metal roofing sections may also prove more difficult to match if a replacement is needed, or an addition is built.
Metal roofs cost more than most other roofs, which is the main obstacle to installing them. However, discount metal roofing is available at lower cost. Even if you cannot get a discount, the durability of metal may make it cheaper in the long run. Most roofs made of metal will last for 20 to 50 years, or longer than the house beneath them. Metal becomes a greater bargain if you intend to continue living in the same house for a very long time.
Roofing is a critically important consideration for any new home, and a significant replacement expense for existing homes. When all factors are considered, metal roofs are an attractive choice for many homeowners. However, modern residential metal roofing is much more aesthetically attractive and functional, with all of the advantages that current technology can provide. If you’re concerned about noise from your metal roof during rain or hail, consider using sound deadening insulations. However, discount metal roofing is available, and in any case the very long lifespan may make metal effective cheaper than roofs that seem to be a bargain.
- Ryan McCall
