Is it time for you to replace your roof? Right now, you have never had so many options. There are many different materials you can use to replace your roof, and they all have their benefits. Metal roofs are often pointed out to be one of the best roofing options out there. While they are excellent for many reasons, they tend to be quite expensive to install.
For those who would like a metal roof but prefer a more budget-friendly option, don’t worry. Here are some of the best metal roof alternatives you can have installed on your roof right now.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Metal Roof
Why is it that metal roofs are often recommended as one of the best roofing options? They do have many benefits that make them a great option for some homeowners. One of the biggest reasons people have them installed is their lifespan. If they are installed properly and well cared for, they can easily last for 50 years or more. Because of that, it will be a long time before you have to consider replacing the roof again.
On top of this, they are also easier to maintain than other roofing options. This is thanks to the fact they are often installed in sheets, meaning there are less seams on the roof, and less places for water to make its way in and cause damage.
While metal roofs offer many benefits, they are one of the most expensive roofing options out there right now. If you are on a budget, then you will likely not be able to squeeze in a metal roof.
Budget-Friendly Metal Roof Alternatives
Metal roofs look good to you but you just cannot justify the cost of them in your current budget. Don’t worry, as there are plenty of different metal roof alternatives that offer many benefits and are much more budget-friendly.
Here are some of the options that you should be considering for your home.
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
These are some of the most common roofing materials you will see across the USA. The biggest selling point is that they are effective at protecting your roof while being especially budget-friendly.
As well as being highly affordable, they are also fairly easy to install. It is always advise that you have a professional roofer handle installing a new roof, but if you’re looking at getting an asphalt roof, pretty much every roofer you can consider will be experienced in doing so.
Another benefit of shingles is that roofing repairs are often very simple. If a shingle has been broken or has been pulled off the roof, all you have to do is replace it with a new shingle. Keeping an extra box of shingles after your roof has been replaced is always a good idea, so you can do these repairs.
If you do consider having an asphalt shingle roof installed, it is worth remembering that their lifespan is roughly 25 years with the right care. Of course, that is not as long lasting as a metal roof, but if you are trying to stay within budget, the asphalt roof will give you everything you need.
Slate Roofing
Another great budget-friendly option for your roof is a slate roof rather than a metal roof. If you are especially interested in improving the curb appeal of your home, then slate is one of the best options for you. As a natural roofing material, no two slate tiles are the same. That ensures that your roof will have a unique look that no one else will have.
One of the biggest benefits of having a slate roof installed is the longevity of them. When will installed, they actually last longer than metal roofs, giving you up to 150 years. That is an incredible lifespan for a roof, and if you want something that has longevity then this is something you should be considering.
If you are thinking of having slate roofing installed, then you do need to be aware that they are heavier than the average roofing material. If your roof is not already reinforced, you will have to do this work before you can have the roof installed. This does add extra cost and time to the roof installation. However, it is worth waiting against the long lifespan you will get from the roof and considering how much you will get out of that one installation cost.
Clay or Cement Tiles
Another good option for any new roof, again if you are looking for a sturdy and long-lasting material, is clay or cement. These kinds of tiles are very commonly found in southern US states, and they are especially good at resisting the elements and UV rays. For those who are trying to reduce energy costs in their home, that makes them a very good choice.
Again, if you were looking at metal roofs for their lifespan, you will want to look at clay and cement tiles as well. Depending on the roofing tiles in question, they can last anywhere from 60 to 100 years. Just like slate tiles, they offer you a very long lasting roof.
Another benefit of these tiles is the fact they need minimal maintenance over time. You will still need to keep an eye on them, and potentially replace tiles if they suffer damage or cracking. Compared to other tiles on the market though, these need much less care.
Just like slate tiles, your roof may need to be reinforced to handle the weight of clay or cement tiles. This is something to keep in mind when you are considering them.
Conclusion
While metal roofs offer many benefits to homeowners, they do tend to be quite pricey. These metal roof alternatives give you a lot of the benefits of a metal roof but with a lower price point. These options will look great on your home while protecting it from the elements.
If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Fairfax, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.
