6 Essential Factors to Consider When Thinking About a Metal Roof

A homeowner facing the problem of addressing a roof in disrepair may have several options for fixing the issue. Many homeowners all over the country are making the switch from asphalt shingle roofs to metal roofs and for a good reason. Metal roofs offer superior performance, better cost of ownership and more customization options than many homeowners might realize. If you need a new roof for your home soon, there are a few things you should think about if a new metal roof sounds like your best option for roof replacement.

Metal Roofs Have Higher Installation Cost, but Are Well Worth It

Many homeowners will look at the cost of installing a metal roof compared to an asphalt shingle roof and lean toward the cheaper option. However, the initial installation cost of the metal roof is more than acceptable when you consider the long-term value of ownership for both roofing options. For example, installing a new asphalt shingle roof on a home may cost about $10,000, and installing a metal roof on the same house would cost about $20,000. The homeowner may balk at first at seeing the metal roof price being roughly double the cost of the asphalt shingle roof, but it’s vital to take the lifespan of the roof into account.

Under the best conditions, an asphalt shingle roof will last 20 to 25 years at most before it will need replacing. By comparison, a metal roof can last 75 to 100 years with proper care and maintenance, meaning that a $10,000 asphalt shingle roof will cost $30,000 to $40,000 for the metal roof’s expected lifespan. The cost of the metal roof is higher initially, but it more than pays for itself with its very long lifespan.

Metal Roofs Have Much Easier Maintenance Requirements

It’s not uncommon for homeowners with asphalt shingle roofs to perform periodic maintenance on them every year. They may need to replace missing and damaged shingles, address sagging and discoloration, and arrange repairs after severe storms. Metal roofs, by comparison, are much easier to maintain.

Metal roofs are better at shedding water, snow, and debris than asphalt shingle roofs, so there is much less chance of water damage and clogged gutters with a metal roof, and they are effortless to keep clean. The only things homeowners with metal roofs need to worry about are pieces of metal debris and substances that can cause corrosion when they remain in contact with metal roof panels, such as chunks of brick and concrete.

Metal Roofs Offer Superior Energy Savings

Many homeowners with asphalt shingle roofs will eventually see their utility bills start to climb as their roof ages. As an asphalt shingle roof deteriorates, it will be much harder for the roof to keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The deterioration will overtax the home’s heating and cooling systems, leading to higher utility costs and a greater chance of equipment failures and expensive repairs.

Metal roofs are fantastic for energy efficiency all year long. During the winter, the metal roof panels will absorb heat and sunlight, creating a temperature barrier around the home that will prevent the outside temperature from changing the interior temperature. During the summer months, the metal roof will absorb and reflect sunlight more efficiently than an asphalt shingle roof and do it without allowing the internal temperature below the roof bed to fluctuate.

Metal Roofs Are Friendlier to the Environment

Americans are more concerned than ever before with environmental responsibility. One of the most significant drawbacks to asphalt shingle roofs is that despite their versatility and affordability, they will ultimately wind up in landfills following removal and replacement. Considering the sheer number of homes in the United States that have asphalt shingle roofs, it’s easy to see how the number of asphalt shingles entering landfills is a significant threat to the environment.

Metal roofing materials are almost entirely fabricated using recycled and reclaimed materials. Copper, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized steel are also environmentally friendly because they are recyclable. When a metal roof reaches the end of its long lifespan, the metal roofing materials removed from the roof will not contribute to a landfill the way asphalt shingles would.

Metal Roofs Hold Up Better Against Severe Weather

Many parts of the US experience severe weather, including tropical storms in the Southeast, heavy rains in the Northwest, and strong winter snowstorms in the Northeast. Metal roofs can handle all of these severe weather conditions better than asphalt shingle roofs. While a severe storm might damage asphalt shingles and lead to roof leaks, a metal roof can withstand rain, hail, and strong winds better than the highest quality asphalt shingle roofs.

A Metal Roof Boosts Your Property Value

Metal roofs are gaining popularity throughout the United States not only for the significant performance benefits they offer over traditional asphalt shingle roofs but also the value they add to homes. If a home buyer is looking at different homes to purchase and one has a metal roof, the buyer will know that the roof won’t need replacing for several decades, nor will they encounter the typical problems common with asphalt shingle roofs. The roof can be a deciding factor for many buyers, and adding a metal roof to a home can instantly boost the seller’s asking price.

Homeowners all over the country need to make informed and confident decisions about their homes, and choosing the right roof is a common issue facing property owners in every state. When it comes to considering a metal roof, the only real downside is the initial higher installation cost. However, the many benefits the metal roof provides more than make up for this installation cost. A homeowner who needs a new roof should consider the various benefits metal roofs offer and start thinking about the long-term cost of ownership for their home.