Does your roof need a repair, or do you think it’s reached the end of its lifespan and requires a full replacement? A metal roof can offer greater durability, reliability, and many other benefits. In addition to these benefits, homeowners can choose from various metals, style options, and configurations to create the ideal roof for their homes with advanced protection from the elements and minimal maintenance requirements.
Homeowners who opt for metal roofs have three main styles of metal roofs from which to choose: dimensional shingle roofs, wood shake roofs, and Spanish tile roofs. Before you invest in your new metal roof, take time to learn more about these styles so you can start brainstorming designs for the ideal metal roof for your home.
In This Article
Advantages of Metal Roofs
Many homeowners all over the country are choosing to replace their existing traditional roofs with metal roofs. However, some homeowners may not like the aesthetics of standing seam roofs, which generally appear as flat vertical panels across the top of the home. Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular, which has led to an increase in the number of available design options. Now homeowners who prefer the traditional appearance of asphalt shingles, the rustic aesthetic of cedar shake, or the coastal look of Spanish tile can replicate those aesthetics with durable, reliable metals.
If you’re thinking of ways to configure a metal roof, consider the three most popular options for mimicking the traditional appearance of asphalt shingles, cedar shake, or Spanish tile. You can have the beautiful appearance you want with none of the drawbacks of traditional roofing materials and value that can last up to 50 years.
Dimensional Shingle Roofs
Many homeowners like the practical benefits of metal roofs but prefer the look and feel of traditional shingles. Dimensional shingle metal roofs are a fantastic option for any homeowner who wants to retain the classic aesthetic of a shingled roof with the added benefits of a metal roof.
Stone coated steel shingle panels offer the resemblance of traditional shingles with vastly greater durability. Homeowners can choose from a variety of styles, shingle shapes, and finishes for the perfect coloring to match their home’s exterior design. Homeowners upgrading to metal roofs can also choose Energy Star-approved colors that can lead to dramatically reduced energy bills and long-term savings.
When it comes to design options, dimensional metal shingles are incredibly versatile. You can match the roof color to fit the overall exterior aesthetic of your home. Due to their traditional appearance, dimensional shingle metal roofs fit with many different home styles. Homeowners can choose to mimic the appearance of a traditional shingle roof or create something entirely new with a vast assortment of color, texture, and placement options.
Wood Shake Roofs
Cedar shake roofs have an undeniably beautiful natural and rustic appearance, but they are vulnerable to wear-and-tear. Cedar shake shingles are also more expensive and require consistent regular maintenance to prevent mold, mildew, and moss growth. Wood shake metal roofs mimic the appearance of cedar shake shingles without the typical maintenance issues and much greater durability.
Wood shake metal roofing tiles are stone coated steel plates offering superior durability while being virtually maintenance-free. Unlike natural cedar shake roofing tiles, wood shake metal roofing shingles are lightweight and will never curl, splinter, crack, or peel like wood shingles.
Another advantage of choosing a wood shake style metal roof is the versatility in available design options. The appearance of wood shake is incredibly pleasing on various types of homes, from beach bungalows to stately suburban mini mansions. They’re especially beautiful on rustic homes and cottage-style houses in the countryside. Thanks to the ease of installation of a metal roof, you can configure different shake patterns around curved exteriors, create interesting texture and lighting effects with different colors, and the materials available mean lasting durability for virtually any design.
Spanish Tile Roofs
The stacked and curved aesthetic of a Spanish tile roof looks fantastic on many types of homes, and homeowners often choose this style of roof for its aesthetic appeal and durability, which comes close to matching the 50-year lifespan of a metal roof. However, while traditional Spanish tiles are terra cotta or fired clay, modern Spanish tiles consist of molded and colored concrete. They are very heavy and expensive, and Spanish tile metal roofs offer all the aesthetic benefits with none of the drawbacks.
You can capture a Mediterranean, old-world look with metal Spanish tiles, stone coated metal shingles that create the distinctive rippled pattern of Spanish tile with additional durability. This type of metal roofing looks best on coastal-style and rustic homes, but, with so many color and style options available, they can be beautiful on any type of home architecture.
Metal Roofs Marry Design Versatility with Practical Functionality
Whichever style of tiled metal roof you choose, your metal roof will outlast traditional asphalt shingles, cedar shake, or concrete tiles by a significant margin. Many homeowners choose these styles for their aesthetic qualities without taking their long-term maintenance requirements into account, leading to costly repairs and replacements down the road. Metal roofs can mimic the appearance of these roofing styles with various additional benefits, such as:
● Increased lifespan. An asphalt shingle or cedar shake roof may only last up to 30 years while a metal roof can last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. Concrete Spanish tiles can offer similar lifespan, but the tiles are heavier, less durable than metal, and expensive to repair.
● Increased efficiency. Metal roofs help keep homes more comfortable, allowing heating and cooling systems to operate at peak efficiency and preserving interior air quality more effectively than traditional roofing materials.
● Design versatility. Homeowners can choose from various colors, shingle arrangements, and finishes to create a durable and beautiful roof to fit any exterior design.
If you are thinking of ways to increase your home’s value, minimize roof-related maintenance issues for many years to come, and create something beautiful with your next roof project, stone coated metal roofs are a perfect option. An experienced roofing contractor can install a dimensional shingle, wood shake, or Spanish tile-styled metal roof, so start brainstorming ideas for your home and invest in a new metal roof.