4 Reasons to Install a Metal Roof Before the Hot Texas Summer Starts
May 22, 2021Replacing the roof is at the top of every Dallas homeowner’s list of projects they’d rather not have to experience. Which roof should I choose? When should I schedule the installation? And who should I call to do the job? These are all questions that come up during this time. While doing research, you will come across literature on metal roofs. You’ll want to learn more about the advantages and the best time to install one. Whether you have ever considered a metal roof before or if this is your first time looking into it, it’s helpful to have the answers to some of the more common questions.
Why Buy a Metal Roof?
There are four main reasons you should consider buying a metal roof for your home.
- Metal Roofs Are More Energy Efficient
When you compare the different types of roofing materials in Texas, metal comes out on top for being the most energy-efficient. Metal roofs can reduce heat flow through the top of your house by up to 45%. The way that metal roofs are installed also provides a key characteristic that helps make them the most energy-efficient. Metal roofs have ventilation above the sheathing. This air gap works two-fold—it helps prevent heat from escaping from your home in the winter, and during the summer, it helps prevent heat from coming into the house through the attic and heating the rest of your house when you want it to stay cool.
- Metal Roofs Have a Long Lifespan
The length of time a metal roof lasts may be the most significant advantage of all. The average lifespan is 40 to 70 years! Conventional asphalt roofs last only 12 to 20 years, which is a huge difference. The reason for the increased lifespan in a metal roof is how well it can withstand the elements. You won’t have to worry about your roof rusting because it has a rust-proof coating. You also won’t have to fear your roof cracking or corroding due to the special coating.
- Metal Roofs Provide a Sense of Security
Did you know that metal roofs are fire resistant? Well, they are, and they earn a Class A fire rating. This is because the materials that make up a metal roof are non-combustible. Metal will not spark or burst into flames during a wildfire or lightning storm. If your house does catch fire, houses with metal roofs are damaged far less than homes with wooden shingles.
- Metal Roofs Are Eco-Friendly
If you are looking for a roof made with 100% recyclable materials, then a metal roof is right for you. Many of the materials that go into making a metal roof have been recycled themselves. Some everyday items that are recycled into roofing materials include old refrigerators, stoves, even cars. If you want to ensure that the materials from your old roof don’t end up in the landfill, then install your new metal roof directly on top of your old asphalt shingles. The waste from asphalt shingles is abundant and damaging to the environment partly because asphalt is a petroleum product that needs to be replaced every 20 years.
Are There Disadvantages to Buying a Metal Roof?
There are, in fact, a couple of disadvantages to installing a metal roof on your home. Most people are worried about lightning strikes as a safety issue, but this is not a significant concern. The safety concern that is more likely to pose a problem is that metal roofs are very slippery. You should never try to climb on a metal roof if it is damp. Depending on where you live, snow and ice may cause a safety concern as well, as they can slip off the roof instead of building up on top.
Another disadvantage is not safety-related but rather a financial concern. A metal roof costs substantially more than many other alternatives. However, they do last much longer, so many people consider this a relative fact.
Other things people may consider disadvantages but are a matter of opinion are the noise that rain makes on a metal roof, the roof’s susceptibility to staining, and the potential for faulty installation if not performed by an experienced contractor.
What Are the Different Types of Metal Roofs?
There are four different types of metal roofs. Each one has pros and cons, including durability, lifespan, and cost. The four most common materials used in metal roofing are aluminum, copper, steel, and zinc.
When Is the Best Time to Install a Metal Roof?
Unlike traditional asphalt roofs, it is possible to install a metal roof year-round; however, there is a best time to install a metal roof in Texas. For a metal roof, you will want to consider having it installed before the beginning of a hot Texas summer! When scheduling your metal roof installation, keep the following things in mind: cost, quality, and wait time.
In terms of cost, it’s no secret that some roofers inflate their prices during busy times. Typically, you can get the best price during a slow season. For Texans, summer is a busy time of year for installation, so watch for price gouging, especially if you’re going with a company that may not have enough work. Reputable roofing companies stand behind their pricing and have all the work they need at all times of the year.
Another thing to consider when looking at a roofing company in Dallas is the quality of work they promise no matter how busy they are. Each job should be treated equally and contractors should devote an ample amount of time to properly installing your roof. Be aware of crew size cuts because some companies try to stretch their crews to accommodate a busy season, impacting the quality of their work.
Last, a long wait time is not good for anyone. Schedule your job far enough in advance to avoid running into an emergency where you have to have your roof replaced immediately. The slowest season is the best time for short wait times.
