Metal Roofing Pros and Cons
If you’re considering putting a metal roof on your home or commercial building, it’s smart to have a basic understanding of what you can expect from this particular roofing material. While metal roofing has a reputation for being remarkably long lasting, durable, and highly protective, it’s not without a few potential drawbacks, just like any other roofing material on the market.
If you’re curious whether metal roofing is the best choice for your aesthetic goals, budget constraints, and durability needs, read on to learn all about the pros and cons of choosing a metal roof.
Metal Roofing Pro: Impressive Durability
Of all the residential and commercial roofing materials on the market today, metal is one of the strongest and most durable. Just how durable is it? When you choose a metal roof, you can expect:
- Resistance to corrosion. Many types of metal roofing feature protective coatings that allow them to resist corrosion and rust, while some types of higher-quality metal are naturally corrosion resistant.
- Class A fire resistance. All roofing materials come with a fire-resistance rating, and metal has the highest rating of Class A. That means it will not catch fire or spark and will also help prevent flame spread from more flammable building materials like wood.
- Resistance to organic roof problems. Metal naturally resists rotting and the development of organic growths like moss and lichen.
- Wind resistance. Most types of metal roofing can withstand winds up to 140 mph, and some can withstand gusts as high as 180 mph
Metal Roofing Pro: Serious Longevity
On average, metal roofing has a lifespan of 40 to 70 years, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. When a metal roof is correctly installed and properly maintained, certain types of metal roofing last far longer than that average lifespan — up to 100 years or more.
So if you choose to install a metal roof, and you care for it well, there’s a good chance you’ll never need another roof replacement as long as you own your home or building.
Metal Roofing Pro: Design Versatility
Although metal roofing tends to conjure up thoughts of boring, plain metal panels, there are actually many design options available. Metal roofing can be manufactured to mimic the appearance of other roofing materials, including wood shake, slate, and clay tiles, and it’s also available in a range of attractive colors. No matter what type of exterior aesthetic you’re looking to complement, chances are you can find metal roofing that works for your needs.
Metal Roofing Pro: Low Maintenance Requirements
All roofs require routine maintenance, but some roofing materials require far less than others. Metal is one of those materials. Generally speaking, a metal roof will need periodic cleaning and inspections, but because metal is naturally slippery, it facilitates snow and water drainage much better than other types of roofing.
This feature alone can go a long way toward preventing minor roof damage that necessitates the more intensive maintenance that many other roofing materials need. Aside from cleanings and inspections, a metal roof may also require periodic screw and washer replacement if these components experience weather-related deterioration.
Metal Roofing Pro: Energy Efficiency
A metal roof can make your home or building much more energy efficient than it would be with other types of roofing because metal is naturally reflective. This quality allows a metal roof to reflect the sun’s rays back into the atmosphere, which helps keep indoor temperatures steady.
Not surprisingly, some studies have found that home and building owners who install metal roofs end up saving about 40% on their annual energy costs.
Metal Roofing Pro: Environmentally Friendly
Metal roofing is fully recyclable, so when it comes time to replace your roof, the material can be melted down and repurposed. What’s more, many metal roofing products currently on the market are partially or fully created from recycled materials.
If you’re concerned about the health of the planet and want to do your part, opting for a metal roof is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. As a bonus, you may even be able to claim a credit on your taxes depending on the type of metal roof you select.
Metal Roofing Con: Cost
The primary drawback of choosing a metal roof is the cost of materials and installation. But while the up-front investment will be greater than that of other roofing materials like asphalt, a metal roof may actually be easier on your wallet in the long run.
Because metal roofing lasts decades longer than most other roofing materials, requires less maintenance, and has a lower risk of damage, it may end up being a more cost-effective choice over time. Since you likely won’t need to replace the roof after 20–30 years as you would with a less durable material, comparatively, you’ll avoid that major expense at least once over the average lifespan of a metal roof.
Metal Roofing Con: Susceptibility to Denting
Metal roofing is highly durable, but it’s not necessarily impervious to damage. When flying objects (namely hail and storm debris) collide with a metal roof, it may suffer denting, depending on the size and speed of the object and the type of metal in question. That said, it’s quite difficult to dent a metal roof, so something large and considerably heavy would have to hit the structure to leave behind a mark.
Get a Metal Roofing Quote in Southern Vermont
Are you considering a metal roof for your residential or commercial property in Southern Vermont? Let our team at Total Roofing & Service Inc. help you determine whether metal is the best choice for your building! To discuss your upcoming project and get a quote, feel free to call us today at 802-236-9432 or contact us online, and we’ll get in touch with additional information.