At some point in the life of your home you’re going to need to replace your roof. When that time comes, it’s important for you to know that you have choices for roofing Fairfax County, other than traditional asphalt. Clay, concrete, wood, shake, and even slate are all reliable and gorgeous, but if you want a truly unique look that will make your home stand out you should give serious consideration to metal roofing Fairfax County. It’s not easy to choose the perfect roofing material for your house, but these advantages of metal roofs make them an attractive option for roofing projects.
Benefits of Metal Roofing Fairfax County
Looks
Metal materials include zinc, aluminum, copper, and even timeless and trustworthy stainless steel, giving you quite a number of style and color choices that make matching your new roof to your overall decor and landscape a cinch. They’re similar in appearance to tiles, shingles, and shakes, and won’t look out of place or unusual (unless that’s the desired effect). Metal tiles also come in vertical panels and designs that beautifully mimic natural materials, (like wood tiles) based on the color and texture. Metal roofing Fairfax County seamlessly ties in the historical aesthetic of the city into any building or house.
Life Span
The life span of a metal roof is one of its biggest benefits. It’s especially important to younger homeowners who may not want to worry about a roof again in only 20 or 30 years. Depending on the style and design, your geographic location, and your exposure to weather, the average metal roof will last anywhere from 40 to 75 years.
This longevity is a major advantage over other roofing styles. Asphalt tends to last anywhere from 20 to 25 years. Expect clay and concrete to last about 40 to 50 years. Wood or shake shingles last just 25 to 30 years. Synthetic roofing materials are warrantied for an average of 50 years, but the quality and reliability isn’t as time-tested as the other materials out there.
Ease of Care
Caring for a metal roof is incredibly easy. While these materials are durable, proper maintenance will ensure your roof lasts for decades. To properly care for your roof:
- Do not stand on the roof unless absolutely necessary, even then taking care to walk across joists and purlins. Metal tiles are more likely to dent under heavy weights.
- Use a broom or leaf blower to move leaves and other debris off of the surface of the roof.
- Annually clean your roof with a hose and roof cleaner to avoid the build-up of tree sap and other growth from the environment.
- Occasionally survey the roof to make sure all screws are tightened.
- Occasionally inspect the sealants. Most will last the lifetime of the roof but some may need to be replaced every 20 years or so.
Lovely Sound
A common misconception is that metal materials are noisier than others. No roof is going to be 100 percent quiet, but some are better at controlling outside noises than others. A sheathing is installed beneath the metal panels, shielding you from regular, louder noises. Many people claim their homes are slightly quieter after the installation of a metal roof, with the sounds of normal tree-debris and rain or hail being dulled more than usual. Of course, others believe the sound of a gentle rain hitting metal as opposed to asphalt is actually quite soothing and more enjoyable to listen to. Because rain is a common occurrence in Virginia, there are many benefits of choosing this material when metal roofing Fairfax County.
Flame Proof
The roof of your home is the most vulnerable to fire, no matter what material it is made of. Most roofing materials are rated on an A-B-C rating system. Asphalt shingles tend to have Class A ratings as they are the most fire resistant. Wood shingles are usually Class C because they are more flammable.
Your metal panels in and of themselves are fireproof because of the materials. That said, you will still want to make sure the materials installed under the panels are Class A. Metal does tend to heat faster, so experts will install quality materials beneath to ensure a lower, slower rate of combustion.
Easy to Install
Metal roofing is relatively easy to install, making the project a little bit faster than a typical roofing project. Talk to a professional about your existing shingle roof before the project starts. In some cases the metal can go on right over top of existing asphalt shingles, saving even more time. In other cases we’ll need to remove the asphalt first. If your home is older, it’s better and safer to remove the old roof first. This ensures that the panels underneath can be checked and replaced if needed. Metal roofing Fairfax County experts will seamlessly install your metal roof for a beautiful, sleek finish.
Repels Water and Snow
Metal materials repel water and snow better than any of the others on the market today. Water simply rolls off the metal towards your gutters, with zero chance of absorption into the tiles themselves. The heat of the sun keeps the temperature of your roof warmer in the winter. This makes it harder for snow and ice to accumulate. What snow and ice does stick will also melt away faster.
Durability
A metal roof can withstand Mother Nature’s wrath far more efficiently than shingles or slate. You’re less likely to end up with water damage or missing shingles after a heavy wind storm. This means less cost associated with regular repairs and a significant reduction in leaking. These roofs are also more durable from the sun. Because they are typically 15-20% cooler than other roofing materials, metal roofing Fairfax County greatly benefits from metal materials.
The Virginia climate can be brutal on the roof of your house, but using this material for your next project for metal roofing Fairfax County helps counter the weather. These roofs have a myriad of benefits ranging from long-term maintenance and replacement cost to savings on your heating and air conditioning throughout the year. Have a metal roof installed and you may never have to replace your roof again in your lifetime.
