Ben's Construction Inc

A roof replacement project offers a number of exciting advantages, including increased comfort levels and lower utility costs. However, there are also times when a roof replacement can provide financial benefits that homeowners are not expecting. By installing a metal roof, your homeowner’s insurance can go down by 25%, making it an extremely valuable purchase. 

Can a Metal Roof Lower Your Homeowner’s Insurance Premium?

There are several factors that impact your homeowner’s insurance premium, which is the amount you pay from time to time to keep your insurance policy active. One of them is home characteristics. However, whether or not installing a metal roof will reduce your premium still depends on your personal circumstances.

The principal factor to take into account is the type of roofing you currently have. If your roof covering is made with untreated wood shakes, for example, then you are at a higher risk of a fire compared to having a fire-resistant, non-combustible metal roof. In fact, there are cases where homeowners opted to replace their roof shakes with metal roofing because their insurance provider would no longer provide coverage due to the increased potential for fire. A residential structure with wood shakes is also more at risk of water-related damage than a home with a standing seam metal roof. By swapping out a weaker roofing material with metal, your home will be less susceptible to fires and other elements. If this is the case, most insurance companies will be inclined to lower your homeowner’s insurance premium.

Consult Your Insurance Agent

Keep in mind that installing a metal roof does not guarantee a reduced insurance premium. While some companies pay close attention to the roofing material or membrane, others are not as concerned about it. Any roofing contractor will say that only your insurance company can determine whether or not you will be given a discount for adding a metal roof to your house. This is why it is incredibly important to consult your insurance agent or company representative for in-depth information. If you want to figure out whether investing in metal roofing will make an astronomical difference for you or not, they are your go-to person.

Why Choose Metal Roofing?

Aside from the potential reduction in homeowner’s insurance premium, other crucial benefits of installing a metal roof include:

• Lower lifecycle cost: While the initial cost for a good-quality metal roof is notably higher than other roofing materials, you will end up saving a lot more in the long run. A metal roof has a life expectancy of 40 to 70 years while traditional asphalt roofing typically requires re-roofing every 12 to 20 years. A metal roof is also a valuable investment because it can increase the resale value of your home.
• Energy efficiency: Both dark- and light-colored metal roofs can effectively reflect heat from the sun and outdoor temperatures. This reduces your cooling load during the blazing summer months and helps insulate your living space during the winter. Not only does this keep your home safe and comfortable year round, but also takes a chunk out of your usual utility bills.
• Reduced energy costs: According to a roofing contractor, more and more homeowners are searching for energy-saving building materials for their new homes, renovations and additions. Products like metal roofing do not only secure and improve the look and performance of structures, but also provide long-term cost reductions on heating and cooling costs – all while promoting economic and environmental sustainability in the greater community.
• Long warranties: Another unique benefit of metal roofing is it often comes with long warranties, although the duration or terms will vary depending on the manufacturer.
• Cool pigment technology: The roof has a critical impact on the absorption of heat from sunlight, and this heat is either absorbed into the home or reflected into the atmosphere. As expected, the absorbed solar radiation will raise the temperature on the surface of the roof, increasing the need to find alternative routes to dissipate heat. Fortunately, metal roofing utilizes inorganic pigments, which have low infrared absorption, meaning it cools down the roof structure.
• Recycling: Metal roofs, in general, are made with 25% recycled materials. This percentage of recycled content allows metal roofing to be considered as a green or eco-friendly product. It is also 100% recyclable. Other common materials are routinely taken down and sent into landfills, contributing to more waste in the environment.

FAQs About Metal Roofing

1. Is metal roofing noisy when it rains? This is a common misconception about metal roofing. The noise levels of metal roofing are about the same as other popular roofing materials on the market like asphalt shingles, wood shakes or clay tiles.

2. Can hail damage metal roofing? A premium metal roof is extremely tough and highly resistant to hail damage, even more so than traditional asphalt shingles. In fact, many metal roofing products have acquired the highest impact resistance and hail rating from insurance commissions in the so-called Hail Belt region of the U.S. 

3. Is metal roofing resistant to wind damage? All metal roofing products are wind-resistant, and many styles have been tested to withstand hurricane-force winds with wind speed warranties as high as 155 miles per hour (mph).

4.  Is metal roofing more susceptible to lightning? This is another popular myth. The truth is that metal roofing is no more susceptible to lightning strikes than other roofing materials. Plus, it is considered the most fire-safe roof. Oftentimes, lightning hits the highest point of the terrain, so if your roofing structure is located at the topmost part of the surrounding terrain, you can install lightning rods for your peace of mind.

5. Will a metal roof rust? Galvalume® is a coated steel sheet suited for roofing applications. It is more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel and has an excellent performance life in bare exposures. Industry-related studies have shown that Galvalume-coated steel panels have better corrosion resistance than other coated metals.

6. Will the color of a metal roof fade? A metal roof is coated with high-performance polymers that exhibit superior weathering features. Over time, you will notice a slight change in its color because of the settling of airborne contamination, but occasional rain or regular washing of the roof using a garden hose can keep the roof looking brand new.

7. Is metal roofing resistant to fire damage? A metal roof is designed with a Class A fire rating, making it one of the most non-combustible roofing materials with the greatest strength to withstand fires. Tests have confirmed that Class A roof coverings are effective against severe fire exposures.

Let Ben’s Construction Inc Help Achieve Your Dream Exterior

Ben’s Construction Inc is a premier source of residential and commercial construction services, including metal roof replacement, seamless gutter installation, snow removal and more. Our top-rated professionals are committed to providing the comfort and efficiency that each client deserves using industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation estimate. Our service areas include Natick, MA, and other nearby communities.