If a Metal Roof Is Too Expensive, Look at the Savings Over Time

Are you a homeowner in need of a new roof? If your old roof needs to be replaced or if you are building a new home and considering your options, a metal roof is the way to go. These fashionable and durable roofs are energy efficient and resistant to damage from ice, snow, rain, hail, and wind. Although they come at a slightly higher initial installation cost than traditional asphalt roofs, they are well worth the investment over their lifetime. Consider these reasons why you should choose a metal roof.

Cost Effectiveness Over Time

Looking at the investment in a metal roof in terms of the roof’s lifespan is really the best way to see a substantial return on your investment. This roofing material gives homeowners peace of mind knowing they will most likely not have to worry about damage from precipitation and wind, paying for costly repairs, and then paying for another roof replacement during the time they will live in the home.

The first area in which cost-effectiveness becomes apparent is in savings on monthly utility bills. Metal roofs are one of the most energy efficient roofing options on the market. They reflect over 90% of the sun’s rays, which means air conditioning systems don’t have to work as hard to cool the home. This most often translates to energy savings between 20% and 30% during the summer months. The roof’s insulating properties also mean that heating costs will be less in the winter. Homeowners often see a savings of around 10% on their home heating bills.

The construction of the roof is resistant to damage from the elements by design, so the repairs that often accompany asphalt roofs are basically unheard of with a metal roof. The most substantial savings comes in the satisfaction of knowing that the lifespan of the roof is a minimum of 50 years. With other roofing materials, a full roof replacement is usually necessary every 20 years or so. Homeowners who choose metal roofs get to enjoy their benefits for many years, without going through the hassle and expense of replacing the roof multiple times.

How Long Do You Plan to Live in the Home?

A major factor in the decision of whether to choose a metal roof over other roofing materials is the duration of time the homeowner plans to stay in the home. Most young families are establishing their lives in a home that they plan to grow in and create memories in for the foreseeable future. Those who have already raised families, may be downsizing, or choosing a home that will be more conducive to their physical activity as they age. Either way, a majority of homeowners plan to be in their home for the long haul. When this is the case, investing a bit more at the outset to save a lot more in the long term is the most fiscally responsible decision to make.

Repairs Are Practically Non-existent

The way that metal roofs are constructed and installed basically guarantees that damage from rain, snow, hail, or wind is not going to be an issue over the lifetime of the roof. The edges of a metal roof are locked in place and cannot be lifted. Flashing materials are used in conjunction with the roof panels when they are installed to prevent leakage. In addition to this, the panels are anchored to the roof deck with specially designed nails that are next to impossible to pull out. When you consider that typical asphalt shingles begin breaking down in the elements as soon as they are installed and are subject to damage from high winds and hail, you can see that metal roofs are the most economical choice.

Metal Roofs Are Better For the Environment

Homeowners today are very conscious of the products they use in their daily lives. The effect of these products and the waste they create are powerful factors for why many people choose metal roofs. Think about how much waste is sitting on top of your house in all of those old shingles that need to be replaced, then multiply that by all the homeowners across the country who are replacing old roofs. It is staggering to think of how many tons of old shingles will end up in landfills.

Asphalt shingles are made from materials that can be toxic to the environment and delicate ecosystems as they break down and get into the groundwater. When a metal roof is installed, it can be put right over the old roof in most circumstances. This eliminates the need for dumping those old shingles in landfills and reduces the homeowner’s impact on the environment.

The energy efficiency of metal roofs is yet another factor in their eco-friendliness. When your air conditioning and heating systems don’t need to run as much to heat and cool your home, the savings are passed on to you via your utility bills. Those savings are also passed on to the earth in terms of conserving our energy resources.

If these examples aren’t convincing enough, there’s more. Metal roofing panels are often composed of steel and other metals that are over 50% recycled materials. As we recycle our old products into new ones, we prevent the waste of precious elements that can be used in better ways. Each of these factors work together to create a positive effect on the environment that replacing an old roof with asphalt simply can’t achieve.

The Choice Is Obvious

If you need a new roof and have perceived the installation cost as a deterrent to choosing a metal roof, you are not alone. However, once you take a good look at the ways a metal roof will save you money and roofing issues overtime, it is clear that this roofing material is the perfect choice. You will enjoy the benefits of lower utility bills, minimizing your carbon footprint, no damage from the elements, and not having to worry about replacing the roof down the road. With all these perks, the initial investment cost seems insignificant. Find a metal roofing contractor in your area and start planning your metal roof installation today.