The Benefits of Residential Metal Roofing
When replacing or installing a roof, homeowners are looking for beauty, durability and energy efficiency. Residential metal roofing provides all of these and more.
Metal roofs routinely last 2-4 times longer than shingle roofs and often have a 50-year manufacturer’s warranty. This longevity makes them an attractive option for homeowners looking to avoid repeated roof repairs.
Longevity
The primary reason that homeowners are turning to metal roof panels is the longevity that these types of roofs offer. Unlike asphalt shingles, which are often replaced every 15 years, a well-maintained metal roof can last up to 60 years. This lifespan significantly increases the resale value of a home.
In fact, some homeowners even receive a savings on their homeowner’s insurance because of the durability of a metal roof. This is because the roof’s construction and strength can help to mitigate damage from certain storms.
While many people associate metal roofing with barns and industrial buildings, these roofs can work well on any type of architecture. Also, thanks to a wide range of colors and textures, metal roofing can blend in with any aesthetic. For example, stone-coated metal roof panels can replicate the look of clay tiles, wood shakes or even asphalt shingles. Another feature that makes a metal roof more attractive is its resistance to mildew, moss and fungus.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to avoiding the initial upfront cost of a new roof and maintenance expenses, homeowners can also save energy costs by choosing metal over shingles. This is because shingles absorb heat from the sun, which can cause higher cooling costs, whereas metal roofing reflects heat back into the atmosphere and lowers energy bills.
A metal roof can even be placed over existing shingles, saving time and labor. If you’re planning to stay in your home for years, a metal roof can easily pay for itself in terms of longevity and utility savings. And if you’re worried about environmental impact, metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan and contain significantly less harmful chemicals than asphalt shingles.
Aesthetics
The gentle drumming of rain on a metal roof adds a beautiful aesthetic to any home. In contrast, asphalt shingles can become streaked and stained over time. This can detract from the beauty and value of a home and is not something homeowners want to have to deal with.
Metal roof panels come in a variety of styles to complement any architectural design. They are available in varying profiles to suit different aesthetics, and can be painted with a multitude of colors to match any color palette. There are also textured panels to create more depth on a building’s facade.
Maintenance
The gentle drumming of rain drops on metal roofs is more than just a lovely noise. It also helps to reduce home energy costs, which is great news for homeowners with rising utility bills. Metal roofs act as temperature regulators, keeping homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Lighter colored roofs reflect more sunlight, whereas darker-colored roofs absorb heat.
Another advantage of metal roofing is that they don’t crack like shingle roofs and are resistant to moss and fungus. They are also easy to maintain and don’t gather snow during winter storms, as the snow just slides off the metal panels.
Aside from cleaning the occasional leaves or debris, a metal roof requires little maintenance. However, homeowners should have their metal roofs inspected once or twice per year to ensure there are no leaks or damage. Metal roofs also offer long-term warranties, which is not typically the case with shingles. This means that homeowners can rest assured knowing their investment in a new roof will pay off over the years.