Deciding to put a new roof on your home is a very important decision. Everything from color to what type of roofing material you want to use are things that must be considered. One type of roofing material that people find themselves considering when they decide to put a new roof on their home is metal. After all, metal roofing is considered one of the cheapest roofing materials.
But before considering metal roof installation more seriously, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are a few metal roofing pros and cons to consider.
Metal Roofing Pros and Cons
Metal Roofing Pros:
- Energy savings - Metal roofing can save energy for a homeowner due to the fact that metal roofs deflect the sun's rays. This means that a homeowner can save energy and money needed to air-condition a home during the hot spring and summer months. That energy saving could definitely offset the expensive cost of a metal roof.
- Efficiency - Metal Roofing sheds rain and snow extremely well due to the nature of the way the panels interlock and connect.
- Resistance - Depending on the type of metal used it could be impact resistant. While aluminum is the most popular type of corrugated metal roofing, steel and copper roofs are stronger metals and provide better durability against hail and other types of debris.
- Durability - Metal roof panels do not corrode or crack either…way less maintenance meaning less frequent roofing repairs as well.
- Long lifespan - Properly installed metal roofing systems typically have a very long lifespan. The predicted life expectancy of a metal roof is anywhere between 40 and 70 years depending on the type of metal you choose (galvanized steel, zinc, aluminum, tin, or copper)
While these are all pros to metal roofing, there are also cons to think about.
Metal Roofing Cons:
- Cost - While aluminum metal roofs are among the cheapest roofing materials, other, more durable, types of metal roofs can be very expensive. The material of metal roofing can therefore be more expensive than other types of roofing materials, and labor also tends to be more expensive for metal roofing.
- Dents - Metal roofs can dent easily during certain hail storms. Depending on the size of the hail, metal roofs can be very prone to dents.
- Maintenance - Metal roofs are harder to repair or replace than individual asphalt shingles due to the size of metal roofing panels.
- Noise - Metal roofs can be very noisy during storms
- Durability - Metal roofs expand and contract so if they are not installed properly over time they can loosen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roofing
What type of metal roof lasts the longest?
In terms of longevity, copper roofing is the type of metal roof known to have the longest lifespan. A well-maintained copper roof can last over 100 years.
Metal roof panels vs metal roof singles - Which one is the best?
Putting aside aesthetic preferences which can be very subjective, metal roof panels typically require less maintenance and roofing repair as they have fewer seams. In addition, metal roof panels tend to be cheaper than metal roof shingles since they cover large areas. This feature also makes metal roof panels easier and quicker to install than metal roof shingles on typical roofs. However, if you have a complex roof shape, shingles could be a better option.
Do metal roofs leak more than shingles?
If installed properly, metal roof systems can efficiently shed snow and ice to prevent moisture buildup. However, many homeowners take care of metal roofing themselves which might increase the risk of metal roofs leaking.
Conclusion
Making decisions about a new roof is a very important process. All of the above points are important to consider when contemplating whether or not a metal roof is the right type of roof for your home. If you are interested in starting the process of getting a new roof feel free to book a drone inspection with us. Here at Northpoint Roofing Systems we use cutting edge AI technology to take pictures of your roof and observe the damage on it. Any of our sales reps would be happy to go over the process of getting a new roof with you. Book a free drone inspection with us today!