What type of roof do you have right now? If the roof is pitched, it’s most likely covered in shingles, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re due for a new roof (or choosing a roof for new construction), it will be worth your time to explore your options. Metal roofing is growing rapidly in popularity, and you might want to know why. These are the five main benefits of metal roofing.
Longevity
The leading reason anyone opts for a metal roof is longevity, which is closely tied to durability. We all know that metal is tough, and the common metals used in roofing live up to that expectation. Steel is extremely strong. It can hold up against extreme winds. Falling branches and hail rarely cause more than superficial damage.
Aluminum is nearly as strong and very resistant to corrosion. Copper is similarly tough and resilient.
It’s common for metal roofs to last 50 years or longer. They are very much a long-term investment, and that is why they are so desirable.
Beauty
When many people picture a metal roof, they probably think about steel sheets on a shed. While that is metal, it hardly represents the extent of aesthetic options you have with metal. By all means, you can choose a shiny steel color, but you can also put nonmetallic finishes on metal roofs. You can get different colors on your metal roofing.
In fact, black and dark gray aluminum roofing is very popular among residential developers across the country. It provides a sleek, attractive look for a house.
And then there’s copper. Copper is outright opulent. It also will form a unique patina over time, meaning that no two copper roofs are ever the same.
Low Maintenance
Because metal roofing is so tough, it doesn’t need much maintenance. You should clean it on a regular basis (which is true for all roofs). Other than that, an annual inspection can prevent small issues from expanding into major issues.
With a shingle roof, you can expect to do repairs every few years. Metal doesn’t typically need that much attention. It simply weathers the storms and lasts a long time with minimal intervention on your part.
The minimal maintenance also saves you money over time. You aren’t spending on frequent repairs, which compounds the financial benefits we’re about to cover.
Cost-Effectiveness
Metal roofs cost more than shingle roofs. That is not a secret, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise. You can expect to pay significantly more for a metal roof than a shingle roof.
But the metal roof will last a lot longer. Because of that, you aren’t replacing the roof very often. In fact, many metal roofs genuinely last for a lifetime or more. Over the long run, the metal roof is more cost-effective because you don’t have to sink money into it every 10 to 20 years.
On top of that, many insurers recognize and appreciate this fact. While every policy will vary, it’s entirely possible that upgrading to a metal roof will lower your insurance premiums. Now you’re saving money every single month on top of the other cost benefits.
Sustainability
Metal roofing is much more sustainable than asphalt shingles. In fact, metal roofing is arguably the most sustainable roofing material you can find. There are two reasons for this.
First, there is very little waste in metal roofing. Since it isn’t constantly being replaced, you don’t have to tear out the old metal and put in new metal with regularity. Also, metal roofing is largely held in place through welding and permanent fasteners. You don’t get significant waste from bonding agents and the like.
More importantly, metal is very recyclable. When a roof eventually does need to be replaced, virtually the entire thing can be recycled. It’s not just that it can be recycled. It very likely will be recycled. Metal recycling is so effective that it’s often cheaper than fabricating new metals from ore. This incentive structure is why metals are one of the most recycled materials in the world.
When you think about the sheer scale of material on your roof, the sustainability of metal goes a long way.
There are plenty of reasons to consider metal roofing on your home or building. As long as your roof has an incline, metal is a viable option. If you want to take a serious look at what is involved in going with metal, call Bert Roofing Inc. or reach out online today. We can discuss all of your roofing options and make sure you get the best roof for what you want and need.