Reasons You Should Have a Metal Roof for Your Home
A metal roof is an excellent option for your home if you are looking to save money on heating and cooling costs, have a low sloped roof, want an environmentally friendly option for your home, or just like the look of metal. The benefits of having this type of roof are endless. This blog post will cover reasons why you should consider getting one today.
What is metal roofing?
Metal roofing is a roof that has either iron or steel as its main component. However, it has evolved over the years, and now they are made of steel, aluminium, zinc, copper, and other metals. This option is appealing because it does not rot away like traditional roofs do when exposed to wind and rain. It will last much longer and will protect your home from fire, hail, and wind.
There is a growing market for metal roofing because of its benefits. You are likely to have to pay more for the material initially, however, it will last much longer than other materials you can use on your roof.
Advantages of metal roofs
They are cost-effective.
One of the main reasons why people are switching to metal roofs is because they are cost-effective. This roof will not have to be replaced every 20 years so that you can save thousands on your home’s roof replacement costs. You also do not need to replace the gutters, vents or chimneys when installing a new top for your house. When choosing metal, you are able to avoid the expensive painting that you would have to do with other types of roofs. Broken roofs can also be resealed and repaired rather than needing to be replaced, hence saving you money.
Metal roofs can save on energy costs.
Because metal does not absorb heat, it is effective at keeping your home cool in the summer. The black color of it reflects sun rays, so during hot days, your house will stay relatively cool. In the winter, this roof can heat your home because it can hold thermal energy from the sun. For every 1 degree, you lower your attic temperature by 150 degrees F, will save you about 3% on heating costs.
Metal roofs are environmentally friendly.
A great benefit of this roof is that it does not pollute the environment. It is more fire-resistant than other roofing materials, limiting any harmful chemicals released into the atmosphere. Metal does not encourage the growth of mold either, so you are helping to maintain a healthy environment for all living things that share your home with you.
They are fire- and impact-resistant
A benefit of metal roofing is that it is fire and impact-resistant. This roof has a Class A fire rating, making it 20 times less likely to catch fire than most other types of roofs. If your home does happen to catch on fire, the metal will not collapse as traditional shingles do. This roof can also withstand hail, wind, and storms. These roofs are also impact-resistant in that they are able to withstand high winds.
Boost the value of your home
A metal roof not only saves you money in the long run but can also increase the value of your home. Low maintenance and durable roofs are becoming more popular these days, which is why people who have them tend to get more when selling their homes. Having this roof installed will give buyers peace of mind, knowing that they purchased a home that is well protected. You can recoup your investment and then some once you sell your home.
Save money on Homeowners insurance.
A metal roof is more durable than a traditional roof, so you will see a reduction in your home insurance premiums. You can save money because this type of roof does not have to be replaced as frequently, and you never have to deal with the costly repairs that can come from an accident or storm damage.
You do not need to replace your existing roof.
For homeowners on a budget, putting up a metal roof is ideal because it does not require you to replace your existing roof. Instead, you can install it over the shingles that are already there. It is also possible to work with the color of the garage door to coordinate them together. This process reduces the costs of siding and painting.
Disadvantages of metal roofs
These roofs can be loud.
Metal roofs are known for being noisy when it rains. The sound of rain hitting a metal roof can be deafening. Depending on the climate where you live, this may not be an issue, so it would be something to think about before making your decision.
A properly installed metal roof will help to eliminate some of the noise from water droplets. You can also consider installing a coating on the roof, which will help to reduce noise.
You may have to replace eventually.
Like any roofing eventually, you will have to replace your metal roof. Because it is made of steel, rusting occurs over time, which means that the roof will need to be replaced after about 20-30 years of use.
These roofs can be expensive to acquire.
These roofs are not cheap to install. They can run anywhere from $6-$12 a square foot installed. If you plan on replacing an entire roof, then the costs will be higher. When compared to asphalt shingles which typically cost around $3 a square foot installed, it is an expensive option for homes that have steep roofs or multiple stories.
Require professional installation
These roofs require professional installation. You will need to hire a contractor who has experience installing them or handle the roofing project yourself if you are skilled enough. It is best to go with a company that specializes in metal roofing due to the complexity of correctly installing one for optimal performance and appearance. This process is rather costly, so it may not be ideal for people on a tight budget.
There are many benefits associated with having a metal roof installed on your home. They are known to last for decades without the need to be replaced, they are low maintenance and come in many different colors that you can choose from. There are disadvantages of metal roofs, though, just like any other type of roofing material. It may get loud when it rains, cost more to install than asphalt shingles, and you will need to replace it after several years. Make sure that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages for your home before deciding on which type of roof is best for you.