Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs In Dallas

For many people discovering that their home needs a new roof, metal roofing has become a popular choice. In fact, a metal roof upgrade is one of the best choices you can make if you are looking to improve the look, durability, and overall efficiency of your roof. Still, for homeowners in Texas and across the country, it is important to consider the many differences between metal roofs and traditional roofs that can impact your decision.

When you are considering such a substantial upgrade, it is especially crucial to remain aware of the potential advantages and disadvantages a metal roof poses. We’ve taken the time to highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages you may experience with a metal roof.

Potential Advantages of Metal Roofs

While every roofing project is different, here are some pros of installing a metal roof:

• Energy savings. Considering the size of a roof, it isn’t surprising that you stand to lose a significant amount of energy through the roof, which can raise your air conditioning or heating bill. Metal roofs can reflect the bulk of the sun’s rays away from your interior, and do not readily transfer extreme thermal energy into your home. As such, studies have found metal roofs up to 40% more efficient than asphalt-shingled roofs and provide significantly more insulation from the elements.
• Metal roofs are more resistant than traditional roofs to weather events like extreme wind, hail, heavy rain, and even ice and snow. A significant rain and wind event that would scatter asphalt shingles and cause leakage through to the interior of your home is easily withstood by a metal roof. Metal roofs are resistant to leaks, rot, and deterioration, and have fire-resistant properties for residents living in wildfire and lightning-prone areas.
• While a traditional roofing material like asphalt shingles or wood shakes will only last about 15 to 30 years with some lasting up to 40 years if they are properly taken care of in a moderate weather environment. Clay tile and cement tile fare a bit better but may not hold up to extreme weather. Metal roofs can easily last up to 50 years and many come with a lifetime guarantee or warranty that can easily outlast an asphalt roof’s lifespan. Some metals can even reach an expected lifetime of up to 100 years if you choose tin-plated steel or special metal alloys.
• Eco-friendliness. Metal roofs are more eco-friendly than traditional roofing materials. Asphalt shingles cannot be recycled in most regions, and many shingles wind up rotting away in a landfill. Metal requires replacement much less often and is almost 100% recyclable even if it has deteriorated or become damaged.
• Metal roofs are much more customizable than traditional roofing materials, including clay tile, wood shakes, and asphalt shingles. Metal roofing materials are available in standing seam and corrugated options, and some can be customized to look like dimensional shingles, clay tiles, or shakes. Once you choose your metal roof, you can choose a paint color to reflect your style choices and architectural features.
• Add-ons. Metal roofs have an easier time handling add-ons than traditional roofs. Roofs made from metal can take significantly more weight compared to other roofs. Potential add-ons include solar panels, satellite dishes, swamp coolers, snow management systems, and more.
• Financial benefits. Due to each of the other advantages listed above, metal roofs are extremely attractive to homebuyers and insurance companies alike. Homebuyers are often willing to pay a higher price with a home that has a long-lasting, durable metal roof that requires minimal maintenance. Insurance companies may lower home insurance premiums due to the reduced risk that your metal roof may need replaced soon.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofs

While a metal roof is a great option for any homeowner in Dallas looking to increase their home’s value and curb appeal, there are a few considerations you must make before deciding if a metal roof is for you. Potential cons to installing a metal roof include:

• Initial cost. The primary disadvantage of a metal roof is the cost to put the roof in place. Metal by itself is more expensive, and the labor needed to put up a metal roof is specialized. However, with the increase in your home’s value and curb appeal as well as the potential decrease in insurance premiums and replacement costs, metal roofs feature a good return on your investment.
• Repair costs. Repairs can potentially cost more for a metal roof. Although the time it takes for a metal roof to start degrading to the point of needing repair is significant, it will be more expensive to complete the repair should there be one. You may also struggle to find someone who can repair it in your area
• Lack of contractors. It can also be more difficult to find a roofing company who is qualified to install a variety of metal roofing options. Usually, small roofing companies choose to stick to a single type of roofing, hiring employees with expertise in that area. Fortunately, when you find a skilled metal roofing company, you will access a group of specially trained experts qualified to install your chosen roof.
• Warranty restrictions. Most metal roof manufacturers require certified personnel trained and qualified to install their particular metal roofing components. Choosing just any roofing company may mean a warranty is hard to come by. Be sure to utilize only a certified metal roofing contractor that can offer you a warranty for their work as well as the associated metal roofing materials.
• Variable concerns. While you need to be concerned about wind, rain, and UV damage to asphalt-shingled and clay-tiled roofs, metal roofs stand up to these quite well. However, blunt damage from falling limbs and large hail is still a concern. Fortunately, your metal roof can still protect your roof decking from many impacts, including minor hail.

What Kind of Roof Should I Choose?

Given the above pros and cons, it is clear that a metal roof can offer most homeowners significantly more advantages than disadvantages. Still, if you are unsure about metal’s ability to stand up to the weather in Dallas Texas, it is best to schedule a consultation with a professional metal roofing company. Together, you can discuss how a metal roof will hold up during the worst Mother Nature has to offer. In general, though, no matter your local conditions or how you want your house to look, a metal roof can be a benefit to any homeowner.