Benefits of Metal Roofing – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are durable, reliable, beautiful, and they will likely last the rest of your life.

We understand that investing in a new roof can be a hard decision for homeowners.  Although metal roofing can be slightly more expensive than other materials, the decision to invest can be one that is definitely worth it.

Saving Money with a Metal Roof

Those who understand roofing or those who have done their research, know that the benefits of metal roofing start with saving money.

  • Your metal roof starts saving you money right away by cutting your utility bills significantly.  Due to the inherent qualities of metal, it reflects and re-emits nearly 0% of solar radiation rather than absorbing it, like asphalt shingles will. Some homeowners claim to save up to 40% on their energy bills simply by switching to a metal roof.

  • Because of the increased protection you gain from installing a metal roof, your homeowner’s insurance may decrease.

  • If you’re planning to sell your home soon, a metal roof may pay for itself.  Homes with a metal roof see, on average, up to 6% resale value gain over homes roofed with asphalt. Nationwide, homeowners who install metal roofing are usually able to recoup 85% or more of the costs upon resale.

More Benefits of Metal Roofing

It’s clear that a metal roof can save you money, but what about functionality, longevity, and reliability?  There are endless benefits of metal roofing.  Metal roofing offers beautiful style, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and a proven performance expectation.

Here are additional benefits of metal roofing:

  1. Longevity: Typically, a traditional asphalt shingle roof will last between 10-20 years.  A metal roof will last at least three times that long, easily over 50 years.  This makes it a great choice for a home you’re planning to own for a long time.  It also has great resale value, so whether you’re planning to stay in your home forever or sell soon – it still makes a valuable investment.

  2. Eco – Friendly: If you’re looking for a more “green” roofing material, metal roofs fit the bill.  They are manufactured with 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year.  Alternatively, metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their life.

  3. Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which means that heat is not absorbed into your home, and your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool. This can reduce cooling costs by 10-25% and oftentimes even more.

  4. Resale Value:  Homes across the country will sell for more, but specifically the south and east have better resale value.  This is generally because of the longevity of metal roofs, and the increased value you’re bringing to your home.

  5. Maintenance: Metal roofs do not require the maintenance that other roofing materials do. You can rest easy against wind, hail damage, and even fire. While you should continue with your annual inspections, they don’t require as frequent maintenance as other roofing materials do.

  6. Safety: Metal roofs are virtually indestructible and will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike. They can also stand up against other elements of Mother Nature, such as high wind, extreme temperatures, or snow and ice buildup. This provides increased safety to your family and belongings inside.

  7. Fire Resistance: Yep, that’s right. Metal roofs are fire-resistant. They will not spark or ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike, both of which are possibilities with asphalt shingles.

  8. Wind Resistance: Metal roofs are a great choice for high wind areas or areas where wind damage is common.  While asphalt shingles can blow off piece by piece, leaving the roof susceptible to more damage, metal roofs stay in one piece and are excellent at protecting against wind.  Even in wind uplift tests, metal roofs earn the highest marks at a 140 MPH wind rating, sometimes up to 180 MPH gusts without budging.

  9. Durability & Weight: Metal is one of the most lightweight materials you can put on a roof, which protects the structural integrity of the building.  Tile weighs in at 750 pounds per square (an area equal to 100 square feet) or concrete can run up to 900 pounds per square.  Metal roofing runs from 50 to 150 pounds per square.

  10. Maximum Shedding of Rain and Snow: If you live in an area with significant rain or snow, a metal roof is a perfect solution because they are practically impervious.  Because of the way the panels interlock, and because the surface is smooth and slippery, snow slides right off without any trouble.

Addressing the Cons of Metal Roofing

Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?

Because metal roofing is a premium home product, you can expect your new roof to cost roughly two to three times what an asphalt shingle roof costs.  However, a metal roof is comparable in price to tile roofing or cedar shake roofing.

Is metal roofing noisier in bad weather?

There is a little bit more of a difference between metal and other materials when it comes to noise from rain or hail.  However, with proper attic insulation, the extra noise is easily avoided, as the insulation absorbs most of the sound.

Would a metal roof be too heavy for certain types of homes or older homes?

You’ll be surprised to learn that residential metal roofing is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and up to 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes, and slate roofing.

Doesn’t a metal roof make my house more prone to lightning strikes?

It’s a common assumption that because metal conducts electricity, it also attracts it.  This really isn’t the case, and many instances have been documented where lightning has struck trees or other high objects located near residential metal roofs, and not the roof itself.  However, there are options where metal roofs can be easily inspected and protected by a lightning protection company, if that is a concern.

Isn’t metal roofing more prone to denting?

Although today’s metal roofs are designed to withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather, some metal can still be dented by large hail or falling branches.  It’s really all about choosing the right type of metal.  Aluminum and copper, for example, are both softer and therefore more prone to this type of damage than, say, steel.