The Benefits and Drawbacks of Metal Roofing

Several improvements in metal roofing materials and installation techniques have made it a viable option while re-roofing conventional wood- or asphalt-shingle roofs. But neither are other roof materials like wood shingles, asphalt, or tile.

Here are some benefits and downsides of metal roofing to help you make an informed decision:

Metal Roofing Advantages

Longevity

Metal roofs have a longer estimated life than other roofing solutions due to special metallic blends, superior construction technologies, and permanent coatings that add corrosion resistance. Wood and asphalt shingles, by nature, begin a slow, inevitable degradation process soon after installation. So such items are technically “temporary.”

Wood shingles can be replaced in as short as 10 years, whereas asphalt shingles have a maximum useful life of 20 years. Both of these roofing materials have a short warranty to match their short lifespan. A properly built modern metal roof, on the other hand, can last 50-70 years. As a result, several metal roofing manufacturers provide warranties of at least 50 years.

Extreme Weather Skills

Some insurance companies actually give discounts for metal roofs. Metal roofs are excellent in wind and rain resistance. Some metal roofs can withstand 140 mph winds. Because the material is manufactured to resist corrosion and last for decades, severe rains are less likely to produce leaks than materials like wood and asphalt that fracture and disintegrate over time.

“What about lightning?” is a common concern when choosing a metal roof? Metal conducts electricity. But metal roofs do not attract lightning. Whatever is physically higher off the ground usually gets struck by lightning. Metal roofs are no more or less susceptible to lightning than other roofs.

Fire Safety

During wildfires and adjoining structure fires, blowing sparks and embers ignite flammable roofing. Lightning can ignite wood shingles. Metal roofs are entirely fireproof, resisting sparks, embers, and lightning.

Energy Savings

Solar radiation absorbed through the roof and into the attic drives up cooling expenses in the summer by radiating down through ceilings into living spaces. A metal roof reflects roughly 65 percent of the sun's heat back into the sky, unlike asphalt roofing which absorbs and concentrates it. Roofing and paint firms have developed reflective coatings for metallic surfaces. Metal roofing can lower summer cooling expenditures by up to 25%.

Ecologically Sustainable

Metal roofs include recycled content ranging from 25% to 95% depending on the type. Metal roofing materials are 100% recyclable at the end of their service life, unlike used asphalt shingles and wood shingles, which contribute to landfills at a rate of 20 billion pounds per year. The old roof may not even need to be removed because metal roofing may often be put over existing shingles without removing them. Contact BD Roofing for replacing your existing roof with a metal roof as they come from the top rated roofing companies.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofs

Cost

Metal roofs can be costly. The cost differential compared to most other roofing types is significant and must be considered. Metal roofs are generally two to three times more expensive than conventional roofing materials. Investing in a metal roof makes sense only if you want to live in the house for a long time. Metal roofing is expensive because of the upfront material and installation costs. In other circumstances, the original high price is enough to break the contract.

A metal roof's continuing maintenance costs are quite inexpensive after the initial purchase. If you own your home for 10 to 20 years, you won't have to re-roof it like you would with wood shingles or asphalt. Indeed, if a homeowner retains a property long enough, a metal roof can save money on re-roofing costs compared to a wood or asphalt shingle roof.

Damage Issues

A metal roof can withstand dents from normal-sized hail stones. However, unusually large and heavy hailstones could irreversibly dent metal roofing. (Of course, wood shingles and asphalt may also be severely damaged.) Because such storms are rare, many metal roof manufacturers include hail damage coverage in their long-term warranties.

Also, many metal roofs are not designed to be walked on in all regions. Inadvertently walking outside of designated locations may cause denting. However, you must follow the manufacturer's guidelines for where and how to walk on a metal roof (and bear in mind that metal roofs can be slippery!).

Quality Variation

Metal roofing is not all equal. Despite the current spike in popularity of metal roofing as a high-performance material, a homeowner might still acquire a substandard product if they don't do their homework and make an informed purchase. Negative consequences include low-grade, thinner metals that are less durable, and colouring that fades or worse, shines and seems “metallic”.

Metal roofing installation is a highly skilled skill that not every roofing contractor possesses. With metal roofing, it's important to research the product's quality requirements, as well as the reputation and competence of a commercial roof contractor .

Metal roofing is back. Its market share in re-roofing projects has tripled in 15 years. Local roofers are learning metal roof installation to keep up. Metal, like every roofing material, has pros and cons. If you need a new roof, do your homework, analyze the benefits and disadvantages, and select the best choice for you.