If you’re considering a new roof for your home, it may be worth thinking outside the asphalt. Metal roofing is surging in popularity, with increased demand in the residential market and year after year industry growth. Today’s metal roofs offer streamlined looks and increased energy efficiency, with a variety of options available so you can fit the style of your home’s exterior. So whether you’re building a new home from scratch or updating your existing roof, installing metal roofing might just be the way to go.
What is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing is an alternative to traditional asphalt roofing that’s usually composed of large sheets, though varieties are available that mimic the look of standard asphalt shingles. Materials that may be used for metal roofing include zinc, tin, steel, copper, aluminum, and hybrid metal mixtures, all of which are finished with special coatings to reflect heat, prevent rust, and seal the material against moisture damage.
The growing market for metal roofing in the U.S. now stands at about $3.3 billion across both commercial and residential properties, with manufacturers offering buyers more options for getting the look and utility that they’re after. So if it’s time for a new roof, here are seven reasons that you might want to put metal roofing at the top of your list of considerations.
Installing Metal Roofing Can Be Cost Effective 💰
While it’s true that metal roofing costs more than asphalt shingles up front (about $120 to $900 per square foot of metal roofing versus $70 to $160 per square foot of asphalt, according to HomeAdvisor), it has a significantly longer life expectancy that helps offset the initial spend.
A metal roof will last about 40 to 70 years, while traditional asphalt roofs last about 12 to 20 years. Live in your house long enough and you could end up replacing an asphalt roof anywhere from two to five times in the length of time a metal roof would remain in good condition.
They’re Impact- And Fire-Resistant 🔥
It’s not uncommon for asphalt shingles to fly off during strong winds or to be easily damaged by hail. Asphalt can also be prone to mildew or mold from moisture build-up, and aside from fiberglass varieties, doesn’t offer much in terms of fire resistance.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, can hold up to many conditions, and doesn’t pose a risk of harmful moisture build-up. It’s also fire resistant. So while you might get a few dents from a major hail storm, you’ll have much more durability against extreme elements.
They’re Environmentally Friendly 🌱
Metal roofs are 100% recyclable, and many metal roofing manufactures use anywhere from 25% to 95% recycled materials in the production of their product.
In addition to maximizing the use of recycled materials in production, metal roofs can often be resealed to extend their life-cycle instead of needing to be entirely replaced.
- Metal roofs are 100% recyclable, and many metal roofing.
- Use anywhere from 25% to 95% recycled materials
They’re Energy Efficient 💡
Metal roofs are an ideal choice for homeowners who are looking to optimize their property’s use of energy. One study found that metal roofs offer a 40% reduction in energy costs in the summer and a 15% reduction in energy costs in the winter when constructed with a four-inch strapping system (horizontal boards between the plywood base and the metal sheets) and in a reflective, light color such as white, light green, or blue.
These roofs can run 50 to 60 degrees cooler than dark asphalt shingles, reflecting harsh sunlight back instead of trapping it so that it enters into the home.
They Boost Your Home Value ✅
The upfront costs of installing metal roofing become even easier to justify when you consider that they can increase your home’s value by anywhere from about 1% to 6%.
According to Home Guides, homeowners can expect to recoup an average of 85.9% of the cost of a metal roof, with those who live in eastern regions of the country getting an even higher return of 95.5% on average. That means that even if you’re not planning to stay in your home for the next 40 to 70 years you can still reap the cost-effective benefits of metal roofing.
They Can Save You Money On Homeowners Insurance 💵
You may be able to get a discount on your homeowners insurance when you install a metal roof on your home. Because they’re more durable and less prone to damage from the weather, some homeowners insurance companies offer policy discounts of up to 35% for those with metal roofing.
It’s worth checking if your policy has this type of promotion and what the discount would be. Alternately, if you’re set on a metal roof and your homeowners insurance doesn’t offer a lowered rate, switch your policy to a provider that does.
Reach Out to Us Today!
They require professional installation. Metal roofing is not a job for DIYers. Any failures with the installation of a metal roof can lead to serious (and costly) problems later on, including expansion or contraction of the materials that can cause the metal sheets to loosen or allow moisture to get under the panels. Don’t cut corners when it comes to your installer, and work with Shingle & Metal Roofs, we are sure to get the job done to your satisfaction!
There are plenty of good reasons to invest in a metal roof for your home. If you’ve decided to go that direction, Contact us today for an estimate!
