Metal roofing is one of the more popular and long-lasting roofing solutions out there, but many people are unaware of the benefits of metal roofing and or how it holds some advantages over transitional shingled roofing.
In this article, we will be informing you about the multitude of benefits metal roofing offers, and how metal roof panels may be the right roofing solution for your home.
The Expected Lifespan of Metal Roof Panels
A professionally installed metal roof has a very long lifespan. A metal roof made with high-quality materials and installed competently is expected to last anywhere from 20-50 years, that’s a long time!
Yes, an exquisitely crafted and professionally installed metal roof can last generation on a home, barring any catastrophic damage.
Unlike traditional slate or wood shingles, most of the visible damage that a metal roof shows is merely cosmetic. And, this cosmetic damage will not likely impact the integrity of the roof or home in any way.
As with all things metal, metal roofs and metal roof panels are vulnerable to dents. This is of course a varying risk depending on the strength, durability, and quality of the metal roof being installed.
Some metals like copper, aluminum, and other composites are softer and thus more likely to dent than a stronger and denser metal, like steel.
Denting aside, metal roofs are not as susceptible to extreme weather conditions like traditional wood shingles are.
Metal roof panels interlock in such a way that they are near-impenetrable for rain and snow. Also, the surface of a metal roof is very hard and slippery, so precipitation is encouraged to slide off.
Overall, metal roofing is tougher in the face of harsh weather conditions.
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Resistant Against Heat and Fire
Metal roofs are non-combustible, meaning the metal itself has an extremely low (if not non-existent) chance of catching fire. This is why metal roofs typically receive a Class A fire rating, the best you can get.
It is worth noting, a metal roof may be fire-resistant, but if your support structure under the roof is made up of woods and other traditional building materials, the Class A rating does not hold ground.
Regardless, it’s safe to say that a metal roof would be the last piece of the home to be susceptible to or suffer fire damage.
The heat from the midday sun can raise the temperature of your home drastically. Not only is there uncomfortable for the occupants of the home, but it also can drive up energy bills and decrease the overall energy efficiency rating of the property.
Metal reflects radiant heat, which means the midday sun can beat down as hard as it likes, but a metal roof does an excellent job of dispersing the sun’s heat into the surrounding environment.
There are measurable energy cost-savings that come with the greater efficiency that metal roofing provides.
Some Reasons Metal Roofing May Not Be For You
If you do not plan on staying in your home for an extended time, installing a metal roof may not be the most cost-effective option for you.
The materials and initial installation costs of metal roofing is more than traditional shingling.
Depending on the quality of the metal roof panels a new metal roof can cost anywhere between $175-$650 per square foot. This is a bigger investment than some plan to make, especially if they plan on leaving the residence within a few years.
The energy savings and maintenance saving costs more than cover the installation costs of a metal roof over decades, but again, not in a shortened period.
It is also necessary to take into account the type of home you have and the design aesthetic you wish to maintain before thinking of installing a metal roof.
Here in New England, there are many older beautiful Victorian and Colonial-era houses. Metal roofs were not in existence when these homes were originally built. The point being, a metal roof may look odd and out of character in your neighborhood or region of the country.
Metal roofing is more common in parts of the country that have newer developments and potentially high annual accumulation of snowfall, like Colorado. With that being said, some of the more premium metal roofing materials can be made to look like slate, wood, stone, and even clay
Of course, new construction is different and everyone is free to make the design choices of their liking. But, a metal roof can look very out of place if installed on classic architecture, or it may not even be possible to retrofit the home to accommodate metal roofing.
Metal roofing is a superb choice for a new roof if the circumstances make sense for you.
Please contact us to learn more about metal roofing installation and services in the Greater Boston Area.