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A metal roof is not a new concept in the roofing industry but they aren’t as prevalent yet as are shingle or other roof styles. A metal roof, while more expensive than an asphalt or shingle roof, has the benefit of longevity as compared to many other roofing styles.
What are the benefits of a metal roof other than its useful life? Because most metal roofs are made from panels or sheets, it means there are fewer seams and a lesser chance of a leaking roof on a seam; this is an issue with many other roof styles as the seam is the most vulnerable part of a roof. Copper is an ideal roofing material and is generally found on commercial buildings or churches. It is a durable, almost lightning-proof material, blocks radio frequencies and is a material that is completely recyclable if there is a tear off.
An alternative to a copper roof, and more cost effective, is galvanized steel. This metal uses a zinc coating and heavy duty pain as a way to limit the chances of rust. Stone-coated steel is another popular choice for a metal roof. Because stainless is an option that is not prone to rust, it is a popular choice. Aluminum is sometimes found in metal roof materials; it is lightweight and less expensive than stainless steel and is generally painted to take away the “industrial” look of the roof.
If you choose galvanized steel for your metal roof, it will need to be rust-proofed by an experienced roofing contractor and should be inspected every couple of years to check for any kind of damage or rust around areas in which the roof material abuts other metal projections on your roof. A treated metal roof won’t typically rust, but again having an annual inspection will help assure the roof is not sustaining any damage.
Buckling or the chipping of roofing sealants will lead to a visit from your roofing professional to address the issue. If the roof buckles, a roofer will need to remove the impacted areas and replace them. When your roofing professional makes repairs, he will also check where the screws are in the roofing material to make certain there are no areas of rust. Rust must be addressed immediately as it is almost impossible to stop once it’s started. A rusted metal panel will need to be replaced, not repaired.
A metal roof has the potential to last for 30 to 50 years; for many homeowners, installing a metal roof will likely be the only roof they need to install for the lifetime of the home. An asphalt roof will last around 20 to 25 years, depending on the weather conditions.
What are the bottom line benefits and disadvantages for installing a metal roof? The benefit is durability and the fact that water won’t typically damage the metal roof. Installation is much quicker than installing shingles. A metal roof may help reflect the heat and this could lead to lower cooling costs. Your insurance company might offer discounts on your homeowner’s insurance because it can reduce the risk of your home suffering structural damage, ask your agent for a quote or information.
The cost of a metal roof is what many homeowners find the biggest issue. A metal roof can cost upwards of $20,000. If you weigh the initial up front cost of a metal roof and then determine how many times you will need to replace a roof of another style and you may quickly see the return on your investment.
The best way to determine if a metal roof is right for your home, you will want to spend time talking with your roofing professional to gain a full understanding.
