Time to put a new roof on your home? Have you thought about installing a metal roof instead of another material like asphalt shingles? From longevity to minimal maintenance to energy efficiency, there are many benefits to having a metal roofing system. To help you in your decision, let’s go over the pros and cons of this material.
Pros
The benefits of metal roofs include:
- Durability. Metal roofs can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, if installed properly. Metal also will not crack or corrode, and can be impact resistant. It depends on which type of metal you choose. Because they’re so durable, metal roofs don’t need expensive and frequent maintenance, although regular inspections are recommended.
- Longevity. Metal roofs last between 40 and 70 years, with good care, as compared with asphalt roofing materials that only last up to 20 years.
- Safety. During wildfires or lightning storms, metal roofs won’t spark and ignite into flames.
- Energy efficiency. Because metal roofs reflect UV and infrared light rays that can increase roof surface radiant heat, you can enjoy reduced cooling costs of between 10 and 25%.
- Environmentally friendly. Because metal roofs contain between 25 and 95% recycled content, they are considered a very eco-friendly material. In addition, they are 100% recyclable, compared with shingle waste that will end up in the landfills, totaling 20 billion pounds a year.
Cons
Metal roofs have some drawbacks, too, which include:
- Noisiness. Metal roofs can be noisy during rain or hailstorms, which you could remedy by adding more attic insulation.
- Affordability. Metal roofs cost up to two or three times more than other materials. This is a wise investment if you plan to stay in the home for many more decades.
- Expansion and contraction. Metal roofing panels will expand and contract as the weather changes. But exposed and concealed fasteners have different lifespans. For example, neoprene washers and screws can degrade and fall out over the years.
- Inconsistent color. If you have to have a repair or partial replacement done down the line, it’s tough to find an exact color match to the existing metal.
- Performance. When a metal roof has been improperly installed, water can accumulate on the top, leading to serious damage such as leaks. If the installer used low-grade metals, these typically have a thinner gauge and as a result are less durable. Additionally, some metals will rust in cool, humid or rainy climates, and they will dent more easily than other materials during the time of installation or during severe hailstorms.
As you can see, there are many pros and cons to installing metal roofs. We can help you decide if this is a good option for you; just call us.
Contact Ferris Roofing Contractors
Still on the fence about metal roofing for your home or business? We welcome you to contact us at 817-727-4214 for a metal roofing consultation by experienced contractors in Fort Worth Texas.