Whether you are putting a roof on a new home or your current roofing needs a complete replacement, many materials are available to choose from, like zinc, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel. Regardless of the style, metal roofs are an attractive option due to their longevity, minimal maintenance, and energy efficiency. If you need to learn more about roof painting and roof restoration, then this post will give you an overview of the benefits and risks of metal roofing, just in case you consider it for your house.
Advantages
Metal roofs offer many advantages like:
Longevity. Depending on the material, metal roofs can last 40-70 years, unlike asphalt roofing with an estimated life expectancy of roughly 12-20 years.
Durability. Some metal roofs can withstand wind gusts of about 140 mph, won’t corrode or crack, and may even be impact-resistant (depending on the metal you choose). Also, metal roofs do not require the regular and expensive maintenance that other roofing materials often require. However, they need to be inspected regularly to ensure that no additional repairs are needed.
Safety. Metal roofs can withstand sparks and ignition that could start flames and even a lightning strike.
Energy-efficient. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.
Eco friendly. Metal roofs have 25-95% recycled content and are also 100% recyclable at the end of their function as a roof. In contrast, most tile demolition waste ends up as construction-related waste – about 20 billion pounds per year.
Disadvantages
Despite many advantages, metal roofs also have potential drawbacks such as:
Affordability. Metal roofs can be expensive than other roofing materials. Although the life of a metal roof is significantly longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you’re likely to be in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.
Noisiness. Metal roofs can produce unnecessary sounds, especially during heavy rains and hailstorm. Adding more insulation during installation usually solves these issues, but increases the cost.
Expansion and contraction. Metal roofing materials that are installed as large panels tend to contract and expand. If not installed properly with fasteners that allow the metal to “breathe,” the panels may loosen.
Inconsistency in color matching. Years later, when a home repair or a renovation is needed, it can be challenging to find a specific match to the existing metal.
Performance. If water accumulates throughout the roof due to poor installation or repair, it can cause significant damage. Inferior metals will also be thinner and much less durable. Some metals rust easily than many others in certain climates or during hail storms or installation.…