For years, metal roofs made from corrugated panels belonged on sheds, barns, or commercial buildings. They seemed too plain for residential roofs. But today’s metal roofs have been given a major facelift. A broad array of diverse colors, textures, and design options are available, no matter what style of roof you desire.
Metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments of home improvement and beats out conventional roofing by being longer-lasting, lighter, fire-resistant, minimal maintenance, extremely durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Advantages of Metal Roofs
- Longevity – Metal roofs can last 40 years or more. That’s 2-3 times longer than a standard asphalt shingle roof.
- Lightweight – Weight is roughly ½ that of asphalt shingles and ¼ that of a tile roof.
- Fire Resistant – Metal is inherently fire resistant. Metal roofs will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike. If it is combined with fire-resistance barrier material underneath, metal roofing is rated Class A, the most fire-resistant.
- Low Maintenance – While other roofing materials need repairs when they break, crumble or discolor over time, metal roofs require little maintenance. Wash it off and you’re done.
- Extremely Durable – Metal is strong, durable, and resistant to damage from punctures, insects, mildew, rot, corrosion, and cracking. The surface of metal roofing is hard and slippery and the panels interlock allowing maximum shedding of rain and snow. Metal roofs are excellent for high wind areas and snow country.
- Energy Efficiency – Metal roof systems are one of the most energy efficient options, saving energy costs and providing excellent insulation during the winter. The most energy efficient finish for metal roofing is cool-metal roofing, which is a coating that increases solar reflectance and lowers the surface temperature of the roof.
- Environmentally Friendly – Metal roofing is manufactured using 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material used. Metal roofs easily integrate with solar energy collection systems. When the roof needs replacing, the metal is recyclable, eliminating the need to dispose in a landfill.
Drawbacks to Metal Roofing
- Higher Initial Cost – Metal roofs have a higher up-front cost compared to most asphalt shingles. The cost is approximately the same as other premium materials. However, in the long term, the cost is less expensive than composition or tile roofs since metal roofs last 40+ years.
- Leaking – A metal roof needs to be installed correctly to prevent leaking. Roofs with exposed fasteners are particularly vulnerable to improper installation. Rain water can run down the roof and seep into the screw holes. The good news is that roofing systems installed by Pfeifer Roofing offer concealed fasteners that are leak-proof.
- Noisiness – Historically metal roofs have been noisy during heavy rain or hailstorms. Some people consider the sound of rain tapping on the roof relaxing and romantic. For others, it’s like living inside a drum. But these days a metal roof does not need to be louder than any other roof. Noise can be controlled by applying sound-deadening insulation and solid plywood sheathing.
Metal roofs are the second most popular roofing material available, thanks to its many advantages over asphalt shingles. Both materials are good options, but if you’re willing to pay the higher upfront cost, metal roofs have many advantages. Metal roofs can stand up to the attacks waged against them – storms, insects, rot, and mildew. You won’t need to even think about replacing your roof for decades. And because of its recyclability and energy-saving performance, it is both an eco-friendly solution and one of the top “return on investment” values.
The choice of roofing material is up to you. The roofing experts at Pfeifer Roofing can provide you with a free inspection and professional advice on what your best options are.