Why Kansas City Metal Roofs Last Longer

Metal roofs are one of the most popular home updates in Kansas City and across the country. One of the many things metal roofs are known for is their durability. Because metal is a premium roofing material, it can withstand harsh weather, intense solar emissions, and other wear and tear, much better than your average asphalt shingle roof. Metal roofs are incredibly long-lasting. In fact, many homes are able to keep the same metal roof for over 50 years, with minimal maintenance needed. Metal roofs are also eco-friendly, allowing homes to regulate temperature, conserve energy, and cut costs. There are multiple different metals that can be used in the making of a metal roof.

The Different Metals Used for Roofing

A variety of different metals can be chosen from for your new metal roof. Each metal looks a bit different from the others and also produces slightly different results. Each metal also requires a different installation. The color or type of metal you decide to choose will impact aspects like the absorption or reflection of solar radiation as well as the overall durability and look of your roof.

1. Steel: Steel is one of the most common metals chosen for metal roofing. Not only does it have a smooth, slick appearance, but it has variations of colors homeowners can choose from. Steel is also not as costly as some of the other metals used for roofing, but is still quite durable. A steel roof usually comes in one of three styles: galvanized steel, galvalume, or weathering steel. Each of these variations is useful, depending on where you live. If you are somewhere that experiences heavy sea salt in the air, then galvanized steel won’t be the best option for you.
2. Aluminum: Aluminum is also another popular choice for metal roofing. Lightweight like steel, aluminum is said to be a bit more durable than the steel options. Though it is slightly more expensive than the steel options, aluminum has a strong defense against things like corrosion and rust, making it a common choice for many homeowners. A downside of aluminum though is that it is more susceptible to dents than some of the other metals.
3. Copper: Copper is incredibly durable, lasting up to 100 years on some buildings. It’s a great option for those who want color but are also indecisive. Copper offers a bright orange-brown for a while before slowly fading to brown and grey, and eventually to its well known blue-green hue. Despite its color changing, the durability of copper doesn’t change, making it very long-lasting. Also, because copper is a softer material, things like rainfall won’t sound as loud when hitting your roof. On the other hand, because of its many beneficial properties, copper isn’t the cheapest metal roofing option.
4. Zinc: Zinc is another material that metal roofing can use that can fight corrosion. Zinc naturally has an outer protective layer that makes it durable against anything from harsh wind to dents and scratches from debris blowing around. Zinc, like copper, has been shown to last anywhere from 50-100 years for many people, making it a great investment.

Why Choose a Metal Roof Over Asphalt

A metal roof is the perfect update for your Kansas home. Unlike the average asphalt shingle roofing many homes across the country share, a metal roof is durable, energy efficient, and requires little to no maintenance. On top of that, asphalt is known for absorbing too much heat from solar radiation and ultimately overheating homes or making their air-conditioning units work overtime.

The Pros of a Metal Roof

1. Durable: A metal roof can handle much harsher conditions than an asphalt or wood roof. Whether it’s the weather or weathering, metal roofs last much longer against wear and tear.
2. Long-lasting:  The average metal roof lasts up to 50 years or more, depending on the metal used, while an asphalt shingle roof usually lasts around 10-20 years tops.
3. Low Maintenance: Because of the durability of metal roofs, they require little to no maintenance at all once installed.
4. Energy Efficient: Metal roofs help homes be more energy efficient by reflecting large amounts of solar radiation back into the atmosphere instead of absorbing it. By doing so, things like your air conditioner don’t have to work nearly as hard, ultimately saving you energy and cutting down usage of it.
5. Eco-friendly: Not only are metal roofs eco-friendly by helping cut energy usage, but they are also made out of recycled materials and are 100% recyclable when the end of their life comes. This is a lot different than an asphalt roof that almost needs to be entirely thrown away at the end of its time.

The Cons of a Metal Roof:

1. An Investment: Metal roofs are more expensive than the average asphalt shingle or wooden roof people may have. This is because a metal roof often lasts two to three times longer than the other kinds of roofs, as well as being a lot more durable and saving its users money in the long run.
2. Varying Outcomes: Another con of metal roofing is differing outcomes in regards to solar radiation reflection and energy conservation. There are many different results from each coating, color, and material used to create a metal roof. Certain materials also require a bit more maintenance than others. For instance, making sure trees are trimmed around copper and aluminum roofs because of its susceptibility to denting. Make sure to do your research to figure out what is best for you and your home. Most importantly, proper installation by a professional experienced with this type of roof installation is necessary.

The durability of a metal roof is incomparable to the other average roofing materials like asphalt.  A metal roof will not only last you two to three times longer than an asphalt roof, but it will require little to no maintenance for the entirety of the time you have it. On top of that, metal roofs are the eco-friendly options of roofing, helping cut down energy usage and energy costs in the homes of its users. Learn more about metal roofing today and decide what is best for you!