4 Benefits of Metal Roofs

Many homeowners and commercial property owners encounter roof problems on a regular basis. Most of these issues relate to traditional asphalt shingle roofs, which under ideal conditions may only last 20 to 30 years at most. Property owners who encounter problems with their roofs should consider the various benefits of investing in metal roofs to replace their asphalt shingle roofs. Metal roofs offer better lifetime cost of ownership and many other perks over asphalt shingle roofs.

If you own a home or commercial property consider the benefits of investing in a new metal roof if your existing roof needs repairs or replacement. While installing a new metal roof is typically more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, the many perks and overall lower cost of ownership over time make it an ideal investment for any property owner.

Metal Roofs Outlast Asphalt Shingle Roofs Many Times Over

When a property owner chooses a new asphalt shingle roof, it will only last 20 to 30 years at most – and that’s under perfect conditions. However, the property owner will likely encounter issues from time to time like missing shingles, leaks, and physical damage from severe weather that may lead to expensive repairs. By comparison, a professionally installed metal roof can last 50 years or more with minimal need for maintenance during the entire lifespan of the roof.

Metal roofs are also incredibly durable, rarely requiring repairs unless very severe weather causes physical damage. However, most property owners find that metal roofs can withstand much more severe punishment than even the sturdiest asphalt shingle roofs, rarely require maintenance, and offer significantly higher lifetime value than even the most well-made asphalt shingle roofs. A common misconception is that hail will dent or damage a metal roof more easily than an asphalt shingle roof with more “give,” but this is not true. Homeowners who choose metal roofs are surprised to see just how durable their metal roofs are after severe weather.

Metal Roofs Increase Energy Efficiency

Property owners are always looking for ways to save money on their energy bills, and investing in a metal roof can be the ideal solution in many cases. Metal roofs increase a structure’s energy efficiency by absorbing heat better than asphalt shingle roofs. While this may sound like it would overheat a structure during hot weather, metal roofs actually absorb heat and sunlight without transferring it inside the structure. During colder months, the additional warmth absorbed by sunlight creates a heat buffer around the structure, effectively insulating it better than an asphalt shingle roof ever could.

Many property owners see higher energy bills when their traditional asphalt shingle roofs start to fall into disrepair. Missing shingles and leaks allow heat to escape during the winter and cool air to escape during the summer, causing the heating and cooling system of the structure to work harder than it should. Ultimately, metal roofs not only help increase energy efficiency of any residential or commercial property, but also help to preserve the structure’s heating and cooling system and lower the chances of breakdowns from overtaxing the system.

Metal Roofs are Environmentally Friendly

Asphalt shingles will wind up in landfills after roof repairs and replacements, and the manufacturing processes for creating asphalt shingles aren’t exactly environmentally friendly. By contrast, metal roofs use almost entirely recycled materials in their manufacturing processes, and, when a metal roof reaches the end of its lifespan, it is entirely recyclable. However, the environmentally friendly perks of metal roofs don’t end with manufacturing and recyclability.

The energy efficiency offered by professionally installed metal roofs also lightens the environmental impact of a structure. When the structure requires less reliance on the heating and cooling system, it consumes less fossil fuels. Coupling a metal roof with solar panels can be an even better ecologically responsible option as the homeowner or commercial property owner can lighten the burden on the local power grid, enjoy reduced energy bills, and potentially even qualify for payments from the energy company if the structure produces more energy than it consumes.

Metal roofs are the ideal surface for solar panels and do not encounter the same issues as asphalt shingle roofs when it comes to solar panel installation. For example, solar panel installation on an asphalt shingle roof requires drilling through the roof tiles and the roof bed to secure the racking for the panels. This process can require extensive flashing and waterproofing to prevent water from seeping through the drilled holes. Additionally, solar panels can block a property owner’s view of the roof shingles in covered areas, potentially allowing damage to remain unaddressed for too long.

Metal Roofs Offer Design Versatility

Some property owners may not like the look of standing seam metal roof panels, but metal roofs come in many other varieties that offer a wide range of design versatility. Some of the options available for metal roofs include:

● Dimensional shingles. These mimic the appearance of traditional asphalt tiles with all of the benefits of a metal roof.

● Wood shake. These metal tiles offer the same rustic beauty at cedar shake tiles with a fraction of the maintenance issues.

● Spanish tiles. Metal roof tiles crafted to look like ceramic Spanish tiles can be a stunning addition to many styles of homes and commercial buildings.

Metal roofs are available in many different colors, finishes, and metal alloys that all have unique advantages and design potential. Property owners who may not like the standard vertical metal roof panels will have plenty of other design options from which to choose when they opt for new metal roofs. Any exterior design aesthetic is possible with a professionally installed metal roof, and leading roofers specializing in metal roofs can offer a wide range of design options for any structure.

Metal roofs offer fantastic design versatility, better energy efficiency, and many other benefits that asphalt shingle roofs cannot match. Modern metal roofing materials use high-quality recycled materials and offer significantly higher lifetime value than even the best made asphalt shingle roofs. If your home or commercial property needs a new roof, choosing a metal roof can offer significantly higher value than any asphalt shingle roof.