Metal roofing might not be the most popular roofing material in the country today, but it has seen an increase in demand over the years. Several factors contributed to this, including the need for re-roofing in residential areas that are ravaged by severe weather every year. From being only utilized for barns, warehouses and commercial establishments, metal roofing has gained favor over the years, thanks to the material’s significant evolution in the recent decades. Now, it is available in many different forms and styles as well as a variety of eye-catching colors.
If you’re thinking of getting a metal roof for your home, then you need to keep on reading. Here’s everything you need to know about this worthwhile investment.
The following are some of the primary reasons to consider metal as your roofing material on your upcoming roof replacement project:
The durability of metal roofing stems from the fact that it is completely non-porous, which means no water can seep through it. To bolster its waterproofing capabilities, a special coating is applied on the roof surface. That same surface sheds rainwater and snow better than other roofing options. Because metal doesn’t hold moisture, the roof is less likely to accumulate mold and rot. Unlike traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles and wood shakes, it has a lower chance of attracting insects and pests.
Another proof of the metal roof’s durability is its ability to withstand fires. Many metal roofing systems boast a Class A fire rating, making them an ideal roofing choice in residential areas that regularly experience wildfires. To maintain this kind of fire rating, the metal roof must not have any wooden components. Otherwise, the entire roofing system’s rating drops to Class C.
Most metal roofing products are backed by warranties that are comparable to high-quality asphalt shingles. However, they have been known to last 50 years or more; that’s way more than the aforementioned counterpart. Thus, it is very rare for homeowners to install more than one metal roof over the time they live in their home. Conversely, a homeowner may likely replace their asphalt shingle roofing at least twice within the 50-year period. This goes to show that, despite its upfront costs, metal roofing can help you save money in the long run.
Ease of installation is one of the many advantages of investing in a metal roofing system. A typical roof replacement usually involves tearing off the old roofing material, which takes time and effort. By choosing a metal roof, you get to skip that part of the process and install the panels right on top of the old roof. Additional supports are no longer needed as well since the metal panels are lightweight. This makes metal roof installations quicker than others. To ensure the project’s success, however, you must hire a professional roofing contractor that specializes in this type of roofing material.
Passive heating promoted by traditional roofing materials results in unstable indoor temperatures and high energy consumption. While a metal roof still conducts the heat it is unable to bounce back, it can release what it does absorb, limiting heat passing through your home. Combined with proper insulation, metal roofing can help reduce cooling costs by up to 25%. With this, your AC unit won’t have to work harder to reach desired comfort levels during the summer months. To improve energy savings further, the metal roof can have a shiny or granular coating that can help increase its reflective capacity.
Metal roofing is one of the many “green” building material options available today. That’s because it is manufactured using a significant amount of recycled metals. Every piece of metal roof ever produced is 100% recyclable and can be recycled many times, either into another roof or a different metal product. Since metal roofs have a long lifespan, it takes decades before their components end up in landfills.
Not all metal roofs are the same. There are different kinds of metal used to make the roofs, which are the following:
Lightweight and highly reflective, this material doesn’t accumulate rust unlike steel or iron. This makes it the ideal choice for homes situated along coastlines or near any body of water, where moisture can lead to the faster formation of rust.
The impact resistance of steel allows it to withstand hailstones and wind-carried debris without suffering any dents. The addition of protective coatings and galvanization during the manufacturing process helps limit the accumulation of rust.
It might come at a higher cost compared to the other two mentioned above, but a copper roof provides an economical, long-term roofing solution. Even with regular wear and tear, this metal can easily last for 50 years. It also improves with age thanks to the patina that develops after a few years, highlighting the roof’s details that help boost a home’s curb appeal.
Of all the forms of metal roofing, the standing seam panel roof is the most popular. Large, smooth panels with raised sides are installed together, creating the roof’s seams. These are formed either through production or on-site before the actual installation using a crimper. The raised seams help the roof shed water more effectively.
Another form of metal roofing utilizes smaller, uniformly-sized metal pieces that are very similar to asphalt shingles and tile roofing. Because they can be bent or warped, metal shingles roofs often mimic the appearance of three-dimensional roofing systems like wood shakes and clay or concrete tiles.
There’s a lot that metal roofing can offer you, but to ensure its longevity and weather performance, it has to be installed right. At Ben’s Construction Inc, we specialize in repairing and installing most types of roofing systems, including metal roofs. You can rely on us to get the job done quickly and accurately.
We also perform siding installations and home renovations. Get in touch with us today so we can discuss your roofing needs and propose a detailed, personalized estimate for our roofing services. Call (508) 962-2417, or fill out our contact form to get started!
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