If you’re in the market for a new roof, you’ve no doubt considered the potential of a metal roof. You’re probably wondering if it’s right for you and worth the investment. That’s up to you to decide in the end, but we’d like to lay out the benefits of a metal roof for you to hopefully lead you in the right direction and make sure you know just how great choosing a metal roof can be for you, for your home, and the environment.
The Top 5 Advantages of a Metal Roof
Read on to discover the top five benefits of a metal roof for your home.
Benefit #1: The Longevity of a Metal Roof
Depending on the material, a metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, compared to traditional asphalt roofs, which can last for 15 to 20 years at best. That being said, 40 to 70 years is a pretty wide range– to come up with a more solid answer, the two main types of metal roofs must be examined.
- Standing Seam Metal Roof Lifespan: A standing seam metal roof is a series of panels locked together at the seams. Because of its structure, it can expand and contract when the metal heats up or cools down. You can expect to get 30 years out of a standing seam metal roof if it’s installed well and your attic is adequately ventilated. A standing seam metal roof could last 50 years or more if conditions are perfect.
- Screw-Down Panel Metal Roof Lifespan: A screw-down panel metal roof (also commonly referred to as an exposed fastener) is a metal roof that’s screwed down with the fasteners exposed. Unlike a standing seam metal roof, a screw-down metal roof can’t naturally expand and contract and shouldn’t be installed above heated spaces in a home. With proper maintenance, a homeowner could get 25 to 30 years out of a screw-down panel metal roof, and even with no maintenance, 20 years is the norm.
The lifespan of both types of metal roofs depends on a few factors, such as how well the metal roof was installed, how well the roof has been maintained over the years, and the type of weather in the area where the roof was installed. The weather is uncontrollable, but the first two factors are up to you, and could be the difference between a moderately long life span and a well above-average lifespan for your metal roof.
Benefit #2: The Durability of a Metal Roof
Metal roofs are more than prepared to withstand the elements. As mentioned above, metal roofs are renowned for their longevity, and that is due to their outstanding durability and how well the roofs can handle anything that nature may throw it’s way. Metal roofs are ready to handle any potentially harmful element you could think of.
- Wind: With proper installation, metal roofs can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour without cracking or corroding.
- Hail: Every year, hail can cause billions of dollars in damage to homes in the US, many with traditional asphalt roofs. Metal roofs are highly resistant to hail. In fact, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have an impact-resistant metal roof.
- Fire: Most metal roofs have a Class A fire-resistant rating which is the highest possible. In areas where wildfire is likely, metal roofs are the best option compared to traditional roofing materials.
- Snow and Ice: Metal roofs are designed to withstand heavy weight loads, and due to the smooth surface, they can encourage the shedding of snow and ice.
Benefit #3: The Energy Efficiency of a Metal Roof
Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing options available, and are infinitely more energy efficient than asphalt shingles. Metal roofing provides excellent insulation during the winter months, and metal materials also reflect sunlight, helping keep the home’s energy costs down by 40-50 percent during warmer months.
Traditional asphalt roofs trap heat, absorb it into the home, and drastically increase the indoor temperature. Also, when asphalt shingles are exposed to direct sunlight and other weather elements, they weaken and eventually wear down, thus inhibiting their ability to protect your home from damage.
Though some homeowners are hesitant to select a metal roof due to the cost of installation, many homeowners find that the energy savings and durability more than makeup for the initial investment. Depending on your home’s size and heating and cooling requirements, hundreds of dollars can be saved each month on utility bills, especially during summer.
To read more about the energy-efficiency of metal roofs, check out our blog linked here.
Benefit #4: The Eco-Friendliness of Metal Roofs
In addition to the energy efficiency, metal is one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing materials currently available, more eco-friendly than asphalt shingles.
- It’s 100% Recyclable: Asphalt shingles contribute approximately 20 billion pounds of waste to United States landfills annually. Metal roofs, however, are 100 percent recyclable and often made with at least 25 percent recycled material.
- It’s Lightweight: A typical asphalt shingle roofing contains hundreds of gallons of oil and needs to be replaced every 12 to 20 years, making them far more wasteful than metal roofs. Metal roofs weigh half of the typical asphalt roofing, putting less stress on your home’s structure and the environment.
- It Helps to Reduce Carbon Emissions: Since metal roofs help better insulate and regulate your home’s indoor temperature, your HVAC doesn’t need to put as much energy into heating and cooling. If multiple homes in a neighborhood use metal roofs, they can significantly reduce the amount of mercury, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide generated by HVAC systems.
Benefit #5: The Unique Styles of a Metal Roof:
We mentioned two styles of metal roofs above, but there are also many different aesthetic and stylistic choices. Your options aren’t just limited to silver metal, you can find the perfect look to match your home!
This benefit is so expansive that it can be better summed up in an article all its own, and we’ve done just that:
Contact Werner Roofing For Your Metal Roofing Needs
When considering a metal roof for your home, Werner Roofing would love to help! We’re one of West Michigan’s premier metal roofing installation experts, and we can install a variety of attractive metal roof types. For more information, give us a call at 616-844-5382, or leave us a message online today.
