Roofing

One of the biggest advantages of metal roofing is its long lifespan. While the initial cost is higher than traditional shingles, metal roofing often ends up being more cost-effective in the long run. A well-installed metal roof can last 40 to 60 years or more—outlasting at least three asphalt shingle roofs, which typically need replacing every 15 to 20 years. That kind of durability means fewer replacements, less maintenance, and long-term savings.

One of the major benefits of metal roofing is that it’s a very lightweight material. First, it’s easier for the installers to handle and transport up on the roof during the roll forming and installation process. Second, it doesn’t weigh down and put unnecessary stress on a structure, which reduces frame damage and preserves the integrity of the building.

When compared to different materials such as wood, concrete, metal, plastic, or glass, metal easily stands out as the strongest and most durable in regular and extreme weather conditions. When properly installed, metal roofing is designed to withstand:

• Strong Winds
• Driving Rain
• Snow
• Hail and Ice
• Extreme Cold
• High Heat

Metal roofing is typically Class A fire-rated and noncombustible, making it the most resistant to catching fire. This is especially important in areas prone to wildfires because if hot ashes or embers fall on a metal roof, it’s much less likely to catch on fire than shingle roofing.

In addition to metal roofing’s environmental benefits, it also has energy efficiency advantages. There are a variety of colors and finishes for metal roofs. Additionally, you have the ability to easily mount energy-saving equipment, such as solar panels, on a metal roof using clamps.

Since metal roofing lasts longer and has a higher one-time cost in the short run, a building with a metal roof has a higher property value (typically 1-6% higher). This can also contribute to how easy it is to resell a structure, especially if the roof is in good condition and wouldn’t need to be replaced by the new owners. This can come in handy if you plan to put your home or building on the market.

The level of upkeep needed to maintain a metal roof is generally minimal, especially if the roof was correctly installed. The manufacturer’s maintenance guide will provide instructions on how to care for your new roof, but general upkeep would include looking for leaves, branches, and other debris that could get stuck on the roof and in the gutters around twice a year and after strong storms. In the event that dirt or other stains do not come off with rain, there are ways to clean your metal roof too.

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points for metal roofing is that it can come in virtually any color, including bright/vivid colors and earth tones. Metal coil manufacturers partner with reputable paint companies, such as Akzo, that develop paint systems specifically designed for metal panels. In addition to the variety of color options, these paint systems are thoroughly tested in a real outdoor environment to ensure it can last decades, which is why trusted metal roofs are backed by paint warranties.

In some situations, a metal roofing could lower home insurance premiums because metal is much less likely to fail from fire, damage, etc. than other types of roofing. That being said, there are a lot of other factors that play into the cost of insurance, such as location and other problem-causing risks.

There’s no doubt that metal roofing is the more eco-friendly option to roofing, which applies in a number of ways:

• Metal roofing is highly recyclable, meaning leftover pieces, tear-off panels, or damaged parts can be recycled for future use.
• There are metal coils and sheets that are made up of previously recycled materials. This is especially true with aluminum, as nearly 95% of aluminum roofing is already recycled materials.