Why a New Metal Roof Is a Smart Long Term Investment
There are numerous types of roofing types and materials. From wood to ceramic tile roofing, you may be weighing the pros and cons of your options. Here’s why a new metal roof is a smart long-term investment.
Looking to replace your roof? There are more options for you than ever before. There are so many different materials that you can use, and that makes it harder to figure out which one you want to use. Out of all the materials out there though, metal roofs are becoming very popular. Here’s why, and why you should consider it as an investment in your home.
How Metal Roofs Are Installed
Before you consider a metal roof for your home, you’ll want to think about how they’re installed. Typically, they’re quite different from your regular shingled roof. They come in large sheets, and these are screwed down onto the roof itself. They can come with lips that connect together, to make a long uninterrupted roofing material on your home.
What makes this the best option for your home though? Let’s take a look at the benefits of a metal roof.
A Long-Lasting Roofing Material
If you ask anyone with a metal roof why they chose it, this will be the number one answer. As compared to many other roofing materials out there, metal will outlast them by decades. For example, a shingled roof can last up to 25 years, depending on the weather and the quality of the shingles themselves. If you go for a metal roof though, it can last for up to 50 years in most cases.
That’s a huge benefit for you right off the bat. You don’t want to be thinking about replacing the roof in just a couple of decades, especially if you plan to stay in that home. With a metal roof, you’ll be able to install it and not have to worry about it for years and years to come.
Lightweight And Easy On Your Roof
Another big benefit of a metal roof is that it’s so lightweight. Typically, they’ll weigh around 1 to 3 pounds per square foot, as opposed to shingles which will weigh around 3.5 to 5 pounds. As such, it means the roof will need a lot less support. That’s especially helpful if you’re installing a roof on a new house, as you’ll need less support in the first place.
This lightweight structure also means that you can put a metal roof over existing shingles. There are some conditions that the roof needs to meet if you are going to put a metal roof over it. For example, it needs to be in sound condition and free of rot. If you’ve had a roofer inspect it and give you the go-ahead though, you can do this.
That saves a lot of time, money, and effort in replacing the roof. As you’re not tearing the original roof off, you’ll save a lot of manpower that way. It also leaves an extra layer which is helpful for insulation and adds extra sound insulation for rain and hail. It’s something you’ll want to consider if you’re looking to replace your roof.
Excellent Fire Resistance
Something you do need to think about when picking a new roof is fire resistance. All roofing materials will have a fire-resistance rating, and the higher it is, the safer it is. One of the best things about a metal roofs is that they have one of the highest fire resistance ratings out there.
Simply put, a metal roof can’t catch fire. If there’s a fire in your home, any flying sparks or embers won’t be able to set it alight.
Be aware that if you install the roof over the existing roof, that will lower its fire-resistance rating. Typically these will be classed as C, rather than A as regular metal roofs are.
Available In An Array Of Different Styles
When you think of a metal roof, are you thinking of the ridged designs that you often see on commercial buildings? These can actually look great on your home, but they’re not the only design available to you as a homeowner. Metal roofs actually come in an array of different styles, so you can pick something that works for you.
For example, a metal roof panel can be made to mimic regular shingles, slate tiles, shakes, and more. This is great as you’ll get the look of these materials, with all the benefits of a metal roof. You can also pick from a wide array of colors, so you can have a color that suits your home perfectly.
Metal Roofs Are Great For The Environment
Have you ever thought about how a new roof affects the planet? If you go for an asphalt shingle roof, you’ll be looking at using petroleum and fossil fuels to make it. There are many homeowners out there that are looking to be more eco-friendly in their design choices, and a metal roof allows them to be just that.
Typically, a metal roof will be made with some amount of recycled materials. When it’s ready to be removed, the metal in it can be recycled and used elsewhere. Plus, you’re already cutting down on waste as you won’t need to replace it as quickly as other roofs.
Metal Roofs Are Resistant To Inclement Weather
The weather is probably the biggest enemy of your roof. It’s so easy for the wind to rip shingles off, and for water to get in and damage the structure. Materials like shingles can protect against the weather, but if you’re not replacing those shingles quickly when they get damaged, you’re looking at real issues.
A metal roof can take more than you’d think. As they go on in large sheets, there are fewer areas where water can make its way in. You’ll also see that they can withstand even tornadoes and hurricanes, up to 140 mph. That means there’s less worry for you when there is inclement weather.
Wrapping Up The Advantages Of A New Metal Roof
As you can see, there are so many reasons why you’ll want to look at a metal roof for your home. As they’re fire-resistant, lightweight, and can withstand inclement weather, they can be the very best investment in your home.