Is A Metal Roof Right for Your Home?
Is A Metal Roof Right for Your Home?
Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular because of their durability, low maintenance costs, and energy efficiency. However, there are several factors to consider before making the decision to install a metal roof. While metal roofing is a great option for many people, it isn’t right for everyone. It will be important to consider your wants, needs, and desired aesthetic whenever making home improvement decisions. Thus, if you’re thinking about installing a metal roof, here’s a quick guide to help you decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing is a type of roofing that uses metal panels for its roof covering. These panels can be used on flat roofs, low sloped roofs, and steeply pitched roofs.
Steel and Aluminum Rooftops
The most common type of metal roof used today is aluminum. This material has been around since the 1930s but was only recently introduced into residential applications. In fact, steel-based materials have been in use for over 100 years! Both types of metals can provide excellent protection against weather elements such as rain, snow, hail, wind, sun, heat, cold, etc. They also offer an attractive appearance that complements any style or architectural design.
Why Should I Consider Installing an Energy Efficient Metal Roof?
Energy efficient, metal roofs are designed to reduce heating and cooling loads by up to 50% compared to traditional asphalt shingle roofs. When installed properly, these roofs can save homeowners money each year through lower utility bills. Additionally, they may qualify for tax credits from local governments.
Are There Any Advantages or Disadvantages to Using Metal Roofing?
When deciding if metal roofing is the right choice for your home, it is important to consider both the pros and cons of using this material. A fuller understanding of both will allow you to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks in view of your preferences and needs. Even though metal is a wonderful roofing material, as with everything in life, it will not be what everyone is looking for. Here are some things to keep in mind, when making your decision:
Advantage – Durability & Low Maintenance
One advantage of metal roofing is that it lasts longer than other roofing systems. Unlike wood shake roofs which require regular painting and staining, metal roofs last decades without requiring additional upkeep. Furthermore, unlike tile roofs, metal roofs won’t crack or chip.
Disadvantage – Appearance
A disadvantage of metal roofs is that they tend to look more industrial than traditional styles. Many consumers prefer the aesthetics of slate, clay, cedar shakes, and stone over the appearance of metal.
Advantage – Lower Utility Bills
Another benefit of metal roofs is that they reduce your energy consumption. This is because metal roofs reflect sunlight away from buildings, allowing homes to stay cooler during the hot summer months.
Disadvantage – Cost
Although metal roofs cost less than some other options available, this doesn’t mean that they are inexpensive. On average, installation costs range between $3-$5 per square foot. If you plan to add a second story onto your house, expect to pay even higher prices.
How Do I Know Which Type of Metal Roof Is Best for My Needs?
When choosing a metal roof, it’s best to start with what you want out of your new roof. What do you need it to accomplish? How much space does it cover? Will it protect your property from extreme temperatures? Does it complement your current architecture? Once you’ve answered those questions, you will be better equipped to decide if metal roofing is an option for you.
If you’d like to learn more about how metal roofs work, contact a reputable roofing company to have your questions addressed and ensure you make the right choice for your home and lifestyle!
Further Questions
Consider the questions below to further assist you in deciding if metal roofing could be right for you.
Do I Need to Replace Old Asphalt Shingles Before Installing New Metal Panels?
No. You don’t need to replace old asphalt shingles to add a new metal roof. If you do choose to remove them, make sure to dispose of them responsibly so that no hazardous chemicals get released into the environment.
How Much Does Installation of a Metal Roof Cost?
Installation prices vary depending upon the size of your project, how much work is involved, and whether you hire professionals or attempt a DIY job. Typically, installation costs range between $3-$5 per square foot.
Additional Considerations
While there are many benefits to installing a metal roof over an older style roof, one thing most people forget is that not all metals can be used interchangeably. In fact, certain types of metal will perform better under specific conditions than others. This means that if you’re planning on adding a metal roof to your home, you should consider several factors before making any decisions. Here are three things to keep in mind:
1) Material Selection
There are two main categories of metal roofing material: galvanized steel and aluminum. Both offer similar performance characteristics, although each offers its own advantages and disadvantages. Galvanized steel is typically cheaper than aluminum, while aluminum tends to hold up well against harsh weather elements such as snow and ice.
2) Design Considerations
Metal roofing systems come in various shapes and sizes. There are flat sheet designs, standing seam styles, and corrugated products which resemble cardboard boxes. Each type of system requires unique considerations regarding design and application. Flat sheet systems require less labor during installation because they simply slide onto the top surface of the structure without having to cut holes through the roof deck. Standing seams are designed to mimic the appearance of wood shakes by creating small gaps along the length of the panel. Corrugated systems are made from thin pieces of plastic that create ridges across the entire product. These allow water to drain off easily, but also add weight to the roof. It all comes down to your preferences.
3) Application Requirements
When selecting a metal roof, you may find yourself faced with multiple choices. Do you install the roof directly above the original roof, or do you build a separate support structure first? Should you use screws or nails to attach the panels together? How much overlap between adjacent panels does it take for them to form a continuous barrier? Once you’ve decided how you want to apply your new roof, make sure you hire someone who knows exactly how to go about doing so, as it is essential that any metal roofing system is installed properly to avoid leaks. You don’t want to end up spending more money fixing problems down the road!
Now that you’ve discovered the wonders of metal roofing, do you think it could be right for you? If you still have questions or are ready to take the next step, call an experienced roofing company today, so you can choose the right roof for you!
