Metal roofing has become more and more popular as a roofing option in recent years. There are a wide variety of options that consider both aesthetics and budget along with many benefits to choosing to go with sheet metal roofing.
Corrugated metal roofing can have a high up-front cost. One can expect to pay $10,000 – $20,000 for a quality job on an average sized residential home. A metal roof can last for more than 50 years however without need for maintenance or repair. The high cost comes from the durability of the material and can vary depending on which metal you decide go with. Metal roofs also increase the value of your home, further deferring the cost. When compared to the cost of three or four traditional roofs, the price begins to seem much more reasonable.
Metal options include Aluminum, Galvanized or Stainless Steel, Copper, Tin and multiple alloys. Price will vary depending upon the type of metal you choose. The different options each carry with them various visual and structural benefits and can even help with heating and cooling costs.
If you are concerned with the old stereotypes of ugly tin sheets or loud pings with every drop of rain, there has been much in the way of advancements for seam metal roofing. One can choose from a wide variety of options including shake or slate style shingles, stone coated shingles, tile, panel or sheet. Many of the high end options are nearly indistinguishable from traditional shingle roofing and come in a wide range of colors. Copper roofing can be added for decorative touches in detail areas. Quality insulation provides near complete noise reduction.
Because of the nature of the material, metal roofs are waterproof and rot proof. For those living in snow prone areas, many types of metal roofing panels are designed to cause snow and ice to slide off, preventing build up and eliminating the need for climbing on one’s roof during the winter to shovel it off. The reflective nature of the metal can also prevent heat loss during the winter and reflect excessive solar heat during the summer, thus reducing heating and cooling costs.
Roofs made of metal have very little maintenance required. Most metal roofs are designed so that shingles are not able to tear or blow off, so there is no patch work to be done. The shingles or panels do not need to be tarred like an asphalt shingle roof and last 40 to 60 years or more compared to 10 to 12 years for traditional roofing.
If you do decide to have a metal roof installed, it is important to choose an experienced installer. With a reputable company you can be sure that the roof is installed correctly, eliminating the few concerns that can come with a metal roof including expansion or contraction, heat build up, and noise. Be sure that the roofing company you choose provides you with a warranty for at least the expected minimum life of the roof.
If you are concerned with environmental factors, metal roofs have even more to offer. Shake style shingles use an average of three trees per roof, replaced every 10 to 20 years. Other types of shingles can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Metal roofs are often made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of the life of the roof.
It is obvious that there have been many advancements in residential metal roofing since the days of corrugated tin. Longevity, lack of maintenance, a wide variety of aesthetic options and a positive environmental impact must be weighed against the initial costs of installing a metal roof. Consider the benefits the next time you are planning to re-roof your home.
