The Ultimate Guide to Metal Roofing (Pros & Cons)

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When installed correctly, a metal roof can increase home value because of its resistance to the elements and ability to save you money on energy costs and insurance premiums. Metal roofs are available in various materials, such as aluminum or steel, and you can paint your roof to enhance its visual appeal.

If you're looking for a new roof, consider the advantages and drawbacks of metal roofing to make an informed decision. Your local climate, the type of metal and the installation quality affect how this component of your house will perform. Use this guide to explore the characteristics of metal roofs for homes to determine if this material is the right option for your property.

What Are the Advantages of a Metal Roof?

Explore some of these metal roofing benefits to discover why installing a brand-new roof can enhance your house's curb appeal and property value:

  • It's lightweight and easy to install: Compared to other roofing materials, metal is light, so it's more convenient for contractors to bring it onsite. Installers can also apply a layer directly on top of your existing roof material without tearing it off or adding extra structural support underneath it. Since metal roofs come in large panels and sections of multiple shingles, they're easier to install than asphalt roofs that the contractor needs to lay down one shingle at a time.
  • It's aesthetically pleasing: Over the years, metal roofs have increased in quality, from pieces of corrugated tin on top of barns to modern, stylish panels. You can choose from various types of metal roofs ? including galvanized steel, zinc, copper or aluminum. This material offers hundreds of different color options, which gives you more design choices that you would get with asphalt shingles. In particular, aluminum and steel can hold paint finishes well and are less likely to have chipped or faded paint.
  • It can help you save money in energy costs: In the summer and winter, a metal roof can reduce your cooling and heating costs each month. Instead of absorbing heat, this material reflects sunlight, keeping your house cool during the hot summer months. As a result, you won't have to run your air conditioner as often. When it's cold outside, metal roofing can also insulate your home, preventing hot air from escaping to the outdoors and reducing wear and tear on your furnace.
  • It's resistant to most weather damage: When properly installed and maintained, metal roofing withstands storms including rain, wind and snow much better than other materials. It can sustain its strength in heavy winds, and applying a protective coating can help prevent corrosion from moisture. Besides weather damage, metal is also resistant to pests, fire, rot and mildew. This roofing material is fireproof, so it won't spread or spark house fires.
  • It lasts a long time: Metal roofing can last more than twice as long as traditional asphalt shingles. If you want to stay in your home for several decades, or even pass it along to your children, a roof of this material can protect your property without the need to replace it. Most metal roofing products also come with a warranty, so even if it doesn't last as long as expected, you might be able to get it replaced for free.
  • You can recycle it without degrading its strength: Since steel roofs are 100% recyclable, installers can repeatedly use these panels without compromising durability. Even though you can recycle asphalt shingles, these components use petroleum products during the manufacturing process, so they rely on fossil fuels that can harm the environment. Plus, you would need to replace asphalt roofing every couple of decades, producing more carbon emissions to create a brand-new shingle set. Since metal lasts a long time, you don't have to order more materials.
  • It can help you save money on homeowners insurance: Metal roofing tends to lower your insurance premium rate. Since this material can withstand damage from house fires and storms, so you won't have to file an insurance claim as often. When considering homeowners insurance and metal roofs, keep in mind that these savings can offset the installation's initial cost.
  • It is very durable: Metal roofing is highly fire-resistant, which can be especially beneficial in areas prone to wildfires. It is particularly well-suited to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and hail. It is also highly resistant to damage from extreme heat and UV radiation.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Metal Roof?

Even though metal roofs can enhance the value of your property, you should also consider the following metal roof problems that you can avoid with the proper planning:

  • It can be expensive to install: Since metal roofing is more complex to install than asphalt shingle roofing, you may need to pay more money to hire an expert metal roofing installer with specialized experience. The cost to install your new roof may be a considerable upfront investment, but keep in mind that you can save money on energy costs, homeowners insurance, maintenance and replacement with this durable material.
  • It can be noisy when it's raining or hailing: During heavy storms, you may hear raindrops tapping on your metal roof. Some people consider this calming, but others may find it annoying. To minimize this noise, you can request materials with structural barriers. These additional insulation layers go over your solid plywood sheathing or insulated underlayment to keep sounds out of your living space. Keep in mind that this extra protection drives up your roof's installation cost, so make sure you budget for it accordingly.
  • It can be difficult to access when wet or icy: Cleaning and maintaining a metal roof can be challenging and even hazardous if you live in a humid or damp climate. Metal can become slippery after it rains, so you could endanger yourself by walking on the roof, especially if moss or algae has accumulated over time. If you need to inspect or repair your roof, you would have to call a professional for assistance instead of taking care of it yourself.
  • It can dent easily from fallen trees or hail: Even though modern metal roofs can withstand years of wear and tear from extreme weather conditions, fallen branches and large hail pieces can dent some weaker kinds. Some types of metal roofs are so fragile that you won't be able to walk on them without damaging them. To enhance your roof's resilience, make sure you pick a rigid type, such as steel, instead of soft aluminum and copper that are prone to denting.
  • It doesn't do well with temperature changes: Metal roofing can expand and contract with temperature changes, which can cause the roofing panels to warp or buckle over time if the panels are not installed properly. Metal roofing panels are typically installed with special clips or fasteners that allow them to move slightly in response to temperature changes, without affecting the roof's overall integrity.
  • Installation is more specialized: Installing metal roofing requires specialized knowledge and tools, which can make it more challenging and expensive to install than other roofing materials.

Explore Our Metal Roofs for Homes at roofclaim.com

Is a metal roof a good idea? It might be worth it for you. You can get the most out of your investment by hiring the right installers for the job.

At roofclaim.com, we carefully screen our network of contractors to make sure that they're equipped with the expertise to take on your metal roof replacement. To take the first step toward getting a new roof today, contact us online to schedule an inspection with one of our representatives.

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RoofClaim is not a licensed public adjuster under section 626.854, Florida Statutes and does not provide services as a public adjuster for insurance claims.
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