4 Need-to-Know Benefits of Installing a Metal Roof

Numerous types of roofing are available to home and business owners. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, clay tiles and slate are only a few of the popular classics. For low-slope roofs, membrane and modified bitumen systems and built-up roofing offer suitable solutions. In recent years, various polymers have entered the mix as well.

One material continually gaining popularity is metal. Copper, aluminum, galvanized and stainless steel and advanced alloys are some of the most favored choices in this department. You’ll find metal roofing information readily available when the time comes to research the options. In the meantime, though, consider these four noteworthy benefits of this type of material.

1) Longevity

As noted on Angie’s List, metal roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 60 years depending on the type. In comparison, asphalt shingles typically need to be replaced after around 20 years. Clay tiles and wood shakes have been known to hold out for about 50 years, but they require considerable ongoing maintenance.

This brings us to another point in this category. Metal roofs need very little in the way of maintenance aside from possible repairs following particularly forceful impacts, such as falling tree limbs. Since they’re treated to resist weather and corrosion during manufacturing, they’re well equipped to hold up to the elements.

2) Cost-Effectiveness

Where cost-effectiveness is concerned, metal roofing stands out in a class all its own. Though it’s not the least expensive product on the market, some varieties do fall on the lower end of the price spectrum. Higher-grade alternatives can be more costly, but they typically don’t reach the same levels as slate or polymers.

Metal roofing may cost a bit more than some other materials initially, but it tends to make up for the difference over time. Plenty can be said for the money saved on ongoing maintenance and replacement.

Because this type of material reflects heat, it can reduce summer cooling costs by as much as 25 percent according to a recent write up from State Farm. It also helps hold in heat during the winter. At the risk of sounding cliche, metal roofs essentially pay for themselves over the years.

3) Versatility

Metal roofs offer versatility comparable to or exceeding that of most other options. Along with having several types to choose from, a wide range of hues is also available. This means they’ll meld well with different architectural styles and color schemes. With numerous types of coatings available, this material can also be tailored to different climates and weather patterns.

4) Environmental Friendliness

Sustainability and responsibility have become important factors to many property owners. They’re also critical to preserving the planet for future generations. These days, metal roofing contains anywhere from 25 to 95 percent recycled materials.

When the time for replacement does eventually come, it can be fully recycled and put to further use. By some accounts, this type of roofing can keep up to 20 billion pounds of waste out of landfills per year.

All Things Considered

Some homeowners shy away from metal roofing because of its upfront cost, but this shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. It generates a healthy ROI over time and fosters ample savings where repairs and energy consumption are concerned. Versatility and sustainability only serve to sweeten the pot. On top of all this, metal roofs are known for singing their owners to sleep during rainstorms, and that’s a feature you just won’t find with any other material.