Advantages of Metal Roofing

Advantages of Metal Roofing

Whether you’re looking to build new or replace an existing roof, metal roofing has some major advantages over traditional shingle roofing. These include style, energy efficiency and longevity.

1. Durability

Metal roofing is an environmentally-friendly choice that has many benefits. Its durability helps prevent waste in landfills, and it is also recyclable at the end of its life cycle. In addition, it is a good option for homeowners looking to maximize energy efficiency in their homes. It reflects the sun’s heat rays, which helps to keep temperatures cooler inside the home without increasing air conditioning usage.

In addition, it is strong enough to withstand hurricanes and hail. Its long lifespan and low maintenance costs make it a cost-effective option for homeowners. However, homeowners should consider the initial upfront cost of a metal roof before making a purchase. This can be offset by the fact that a metal roof will last three times as long as traditional asphalt shingles.

2. Energy Efficiency

With fuel prices rising, people are searching for ways to cut their energy costs. Metal roofing can help with that. A metal roof reflects solar energy and lowers your attic temperatures, decreasing cooling costs by up to 40%. This energy efficiency is also good for the environment, as metal roofs use between 25-95% recycled material and are 100% recyclable when they reach the end of their life as a roof.

Additionally, a metal roof can be installed over an existing roof, eliminating the waste and environmental impact associated with shingle tear-offs. Lastly, metal roofs can increase the resale value of your home.

3. Low Maintenance

Whether molded into wood-like shingles for traditional homes or applied as a ridged sheet in modern construction, metal roofing provides homeowners with style options to match any architectural design. Multiple-layer factory finishes are also available to create a wide range of aesthetics.

Metal roofs are durable and routinely last 2-4 times longer than shingle roofs. This significantly reduces the need to buy and install a new roof in a home or commercial structure, thus saving money on shingle replacement.

Metal roofing can be cleaned with a simple soap and water hose or pressure washer. It is important to avoid walking on a metal roof since excessive foot traffic can damage the panels and cause premature degradation. Keep an eye out for debris and branches that may get stuck on a roof as well – these can scratch or stain the paint system.

4. Aesthetics

A metal roof’s aesthetic appeal is an important selling point for design and construction professionals. It can easily complement a variety of architectural styles.

A standing seam metal roof offers a clean appearance and sleek lines that work well with contemporary architecture. This is achieved by panels that interlock and hide the fasteners.

Panel profiles can also offer a natural look, complementing ranch-style houses. Brown and gray roofing panels are also popular with craftsman homes, blending seamlessly with the brick, stone, and wood cladding found on these home styles.

Stainless steel, for example, is available in several different finishes that can match a wide range of other materials. This versatility is a major selling point for residential metal roofing. It allows homeowners to create their desired exterior home aesthetic.

5. Recyclability

With their longevity, minimal maintenance and energy efficiency, metal roofs make sense for homeowners. But they also offer significant benefits for builders and architects who prioritize environmental sustainability.

For one thing, unlike shingles, metal can be recycled after its useful life ends. This is thanks to steel and aluminum, which have the highest recycled content of any roofing material. The materials are melted and reformed into new products, such as metal roofing panels or buildings.