Metal roofing is the roofing solution of the future. Metal roofs are more lightweight, durable, and safer than traditional roofs. The question isn’t why you should choose a metal roof for your home, it’s why haven’t you already chosen a metal roof for your home. However, any type of change is daunting, and a new roof is a huge investment. That’s why this simple guide is here to lead you through the process of deciding if a metal roof is right for your home and what type of metal roof suits your home best.
Metal Roofing Materials
A metal roof is made out of panels of metal welded together to provide a waterproof, secure roof for your home. Metal roofs are typically made out of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or zinc, but one of the best options is stone coated steel, like that provided by Erie Metal Roofs.
Stone coated steel offers greater versatility in what your metal roof can look like, and has a wide variety of colors and textures that may not be available in other materials. Metal roofs look beautiful, but stone coated steel in particular is very aesthetically pleasing and can be customized to perfectly suit your home.
Types of Metal Roofing
There are three types of metal roofs. The first is called dimension shingle, and is crafted from steel panels. This type of metal roofing looks most similar to traditional, asphalt shingles.
The next type of metal roof is known as wood shake. A wood shake metal roof emulates the style of traditional cedar wood shake shingles but are made out of steel.
Lastly, there is the Spanish tile option. Spanish tile is a very unique style of metal roofing that emulates the style of red clay tiles found in the Mediterranean but are instead made out of steel. Spanish tiles offer a lot of character and culture to your home.
Environmental Impact of Metal Roofs
One major reason why many homeowners chose to replace their traditional roof with a metal roof or construct a new home with a metal roof is the myriad of environmental benefits that a metal roof provides. There are a few different reasons why metal roofs are better for the environment than traditional roofs.
First and foremost, metal roofs have a smaller carbon footprint. Carbon footprint may not be the first thing you would think to look for in a roof, but it’s a definite benefit. Metal roofs are often made from recycled steel, and they are often recycled again after the end of their lifespan as a roof.
Next, metal roofs can save the environment and your wallet. Metal roofs are much more energy efficient than traditional roofs. The reflective property of steel panels, even those that have been painted, help deflect the sun’s rays, leading to lower cooling costs for you and diminishing the urban heat island effect.
Lastly, the longevity of metal roofs is also great for the environment. Metal roofs are much sturdier than a traditional roof and, as a result, need to be replaced and repaired much less often. Therefore, metal roofs use up less environmental resources over the course of their lifespan than traditional roofs, while also saving you money on repairs and replacements.
Why Choose Metal Roofing
If the environmental benefits have not convinced you to make the switch to metal roofing for your home yet, there are a myriad of other benefits to consider. The first one is safety.
Especially if you live in an area prone to wildfires or lightning storms, you can rest a little easier knowing that a metal roof will not ignite. Additionally, metal roofs are not prone to water absorption like traditional shingles, so you will never have to worry about mildew and rotting shingles. Because of the lowered safety risk of metal roofs, you are actually likely to save on home insurance after installing a metal roof.
As previously mentioned, one of the primary benefits of metal roofing is sturdiness. Unlike a traditional roof, the panels of a metal roof are welded together, meaning that you will never lose shingles in a storm. Metal roofs can also withstand higher winds than traditional roofs, will not corrode and crack, and are often impact resistant.
Because of this durability, a metal roof can easily last for 40-70, more than double the life expectancy of a traditional roof. While metal roofs may cost more up front, you will save a ton over time.
You are also likely to save money on repairs with a metal roof. Metal roofs are very low maintenance, especially compared to the very high maintenance styles that some of them are emulated after, like Spanish tile and wood shake. Metal roofs should be periodically inspected but will rarely require costly repairs.
What to Look for in a Metal Roofing Installer
There are a lot of different metal roofing installers on the market, so it’s important to have a few things in mind when looking for one. Make sure to choose an installer who offers all of the design options you want, from materials to style to color. A roof is a major investment, so you want the final product to be perfect.
Additionally, look for an installer who offers a warranty. Roofs are such a major purchase that a warranty is a must-have, and an installer who offers a warranty is more likely to provide quality workmanship. It is also important that the installation company is licensed and insured.
Lastly, look for a company that employs factory-trained installers. This means that the employees have completed a specific training by the manufacturer and are certain to be capable and familiar with the product. Installing a new roof is a big choice, and it’s easy to choose something you are familiar with, like a traditional roof, over a metal roof simply because it’s what you know. But metal roofs are guaranteed to offer additional safety, savings, and environmental benefits that cannot be matched by a traditional roof. Metal roofs are simply unbeatable.
