Are Metal Roofs Heavier Than Shingles?

We tend to think of metal as a heavy material. As a result, you might believe a metal roof is heavier than a shingle roof. You may even ask yourself if a metal roof would be too heavy for your home. However, despite its strength and durability, metal roofing is actually one of the lightest weight options on the market. If you want a lightweight roof that will guard your home from the elements, an Erie Metal Roof is the best choice.

Are Metal Roofs Heavier Than Shingles?

Despite common misconceptions, metal roofs are remarkably lightweight. Aluminum often weighs less than 1-pound per square foot. Additionally, steel, which is the heaviest metal roofing material, weighs about 1.5-pounds per square foot. For comparison, asphalt shingles weigh about 3- to 5-pounds per square foot. In other words, metal roofs are not heavier than shingles—in fact, the opposite is true!

What’s the Heaviest Roofing Material?

While metal is lightweight, some roofing options are incredibly heavy. You might be surprised by the sheer weight of some materials. For instance, concrete tiles can weigh 9.5- to 12-pounds per square foot. As you can see, concrete is an incredibly heavy roofing material, only suitable for specific building types.

Can a Roof Be Too Heavy for Your Home?

A roof can, in fact, be too heavy for the house it sits on. If the weight of a roof is too much for the house to handle, it can cause structural integrity issues. It’s important to consult with a professional to determine which roof material will best suit your home. Thankfully, Erie Metal Roofs are light enough that their weight is never a cause for concern.

How Much Weight Can a Metal Roof Hold?

A metal roof, though it doesn’t weigh much, can withstand a lot. While a metal roof is not heavier than shingles, it can bear just as much weight, if not more. It’s important to realize that building codes set minimums for how much concentrated weight a roof has to be able to hold. But before putting weight on your roof, be sure to look into local building codes and discuss weight-bearing limits with roofing professionals.

Metal Roofs for Lightweight Durability and Home Protection

For how little they weigh, metal roofs offer incredible home protection and long-lasting durability. They can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as:

• High winds – Metal roofs have interlocking features that keep them well-secured. An Erie Metal Roof can withstand winds up to 120 mph.
• Fire – A metal roof is also fire-resistant, which makes it a highly recommended choice in places where wildfires are common.
• Hail – Metal will also withstand hail better than other roofing materials.
• Ice, rain, and moisture – Water-related damage is a common issue for homeowners. But a metal roof is nonporous, and it will not crack or split due to water freezing and thawing.

Other Reasons to Choose a Metal Roof

In addition to their lightweight durability, metal roofs offer a variety of other benefits. They’re incredibly versatile in terms of appearance. Here at Erie Construction, our metal roof styles include:

• Shakes – If you like the charming look of wood shakes, choose our metal roof shakes, which are a more durable and lower maintenance alternative to actual wood.
• Spanish tiles – Our metal Spanish tiles mimic traditional clay barrel tiles, giving your home an old-world sophistication.
• Metal shingles – Many homeowners prefer the multidimensional appearance of our metal shingles.

Contact Erie Construction for More Information

An Erie Metal Roof is a lightweight yet remarkably durable option—metal roofs are not as heavy as shingles or other roofing materials. Although your metal roof will protect your home for many years to come, you won’t have to worry about its weight causing any damage. To learn more about Erie Metal Roofs, contact Erie Construction today.