The Benefits of Metal Roofing

Replacing the roof on a home can be a daunting task. It used to feel like the only option was shingles and the only real choice was color, but that’s no longer the case. In recent years, the benefits of metal roofing have become increasingly clear, and the popularity of metal roofs is booming.

But why?

Longevity

The primary reason that metal roofing is becoming so popular is because they last. The expected lifespan of a metal roof is currently in the 40-70 year range and warranties are commonly seen for 30-50 years. However, some experts suggest that these roofs will last even longer in gentle climates. In other words, it’s entirely possible that a metal roof will outlast the owner of the home, and as technology improves this lifespan could climb even higher. Comparing this to the 25-50 year life expectancy (and 10-25 year warranty) of asphalt shingles is a huge factor for consumers.

More Environmentally Friendly

Metal roofing has a distinct advantage when it comes to environmental impact: metal can be - and often is - recycled. Where millions of pounds of shingles end up in landfills every year, scrap metal is a constant source of recycling, so consumers are not contributing to the ever-present waste problem facing today’s world.

But the environmental impact goes beyond just recycling. Due to the reflective nature of metal roofing, homeowners can lock onto other eco-friendly advantages. The first is that metal roofing is much more reflective than other options, which helps cool the home. This means higher floors will be considerably cooler, which helps lower electric bills. The second is that you’re reducing the home’s carbon footprint by opting for a process less reliant on crude oil. A third, albeit less common, advantage is that it’s a fantastic way to collect rainwater for home gardening or filtration, as the water will remain relatively clean and flow neatly from the roof.

Lastly, for homeowners looking to go as renewable as possible, solar panels are easier to install on metal roofs. This is due to the installation process of the metal roof and how the panels are affixed to seams and supports. While those details are another story for another day, the upshot is that it’s notably easier to add solar panels to a metal roof than any other type.

Nature

In its simplest terms, the sole purpose of a roof is to keep the outside weather on the outside of the house. In most cases, that means the typical rain/snow/sun/wind types of weather, but severe weather is on an upward trend, and metal roofing is among the standard-bearers in this area.

In extreme weather like hurricanes and tornadoes, metal roofs shine. A typical metal roof is rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph, which is solidly within category 4 for hurricanes. Not only that, due to the process of placing/installing a roof, metal roofing is more air and water-tight, meaning that it holds up better against the long-term effects of rain. 

If a homeowner is in a wildfire-prone area, once again metal roofs are among the best-in-class. There are fewer cracks and creases when compared to shingles, meaning there are fewer places where a spark can enter a home and start a fire. This also means that one of nature’s other bounties - pests - have a harder time getting into your home.

The Takeaway

Every home is different. While it’s true that metal roofing can be more expensive to install, those expenses are covered by the benefits. The expectation that your metal roof will last nearly twice as long as shingles, reduce your energy bills, and better protect you and your family from extreme weather is more than enough to think that this is the right choice the next time a roof needs to be replaced.