What are the Advantages of Steel and Metal Roofing?
If you’re in the process of building a new home or considering replacing your old roof, then the multiple options for roofing materials might have you overwhelmed. Each roofing material has several pros and cons and making the right choice for your needs can get difficult. Advances in roofing technology have made steel and metal roofing a popular choice. Read on to learn why a metal roof should be at the top your list of considerations for roof replacement.
- Longevity
Traditional asphalt shingled roofs have a lifespan of about 20 years. Heavy winds and hailstones can also damage asphalt shingles leading to cracks and leaks. Metal roofs are a far more durable option and have a much longer lifespan. A professionally installed metal roof can last up to 50 years. High-end metal roofs made up of standing seam or aluminum shingles can last even longer. Some copper and zinc roofs have predicted lifespans of well over 100 years. Think about it, a metal roof means you’ll have one less thing to worry about as a homeowner.
What about rust you ask? Galvanized coatings of zinc or aluminum help steel roofs avoid rusting. Specially developed paints also help protect metal roofs, so much so that some roof manufacturers offer 50-year warranties!
- Price
A huge deterrent for a lot of people when it comes to installing is the price. Metal roofs tend to cost more than traditional asphalt. However, to really factor in the costs, one needs to look at the roof from a long-term perspective. Metal roofs are less likely to incur damage, and therefore, less likely to need repairs or replacement over their lifetime. So, while the upfront costs may be higher, the metal roof itself will cost less over its lifetime than other roofing materials.
- Lightweight
The weight of your roof puts pressure on the structure of your building. Metal roofs are lighter than most other roofing materials. Aluminum standing seams weigh about 70 pounds per 100 square feet, steel standing seams weigh about 85 – 120 pounds per 100 square feet of roof area while asphalt shingles weigh a whopping 275 – 425 pounds per 100 square feet. That’s nearly double or four times the weight of metal.
Lower roof weight means less stress on the building, making the structure safer during seismic activity or in case of a fire.
Lighter roofs are also easier to install.
- Weather and Pest Resistant
Unlike other roofing materials that rely on gravity or simply overlap to stay in place, metal roof parts are designed to interlock which means they hold together better when high winds strike. Metal roofs can resist winds of up to 140 miles an hour. Since metal is slippery by nature, snow finds it hard to settle on your roof reducing the danger of ice dams building up. Unlike traditional shingles that may crack or warp in extreme heat or cold, metal remains stable and resilient.
Metal is also resistant to problems arising from dampness like mold, mildew, and fungus. They also prevent pests like mice from entering your home by chewing through roofing materials.
- Fireproof
Wildfires are a threat that are increasing year-on-year. Metal roofs are resistant to fire as metal doesn’t burn. This increases the safety of the property when disaster strikes.
- Energy Efficiency
Steel roof panels are more energy efficient than asphalt. Asphalt shingles absorb heat from the outside during summers. This means that your HVAC system has to work hard to keep your home cool. Steel on the other hand, reflects sunlight reducing heat absorption and keeping your home cooler during hot summers. Steel’s heat reflecting properties also come in handy during winters as heat from your heating system is bounced back indoors keeping your home warmer, lowering your energy bills.
- Eco-Friendly
Metal is a material that can be recycled infinitely without losing any of its properties. This means that your metal roof can be made up of recycled materials, increasing the sustainability of your property. Additionally, the same metal roof that you install can be recycled again when it comes to the end of its life many decades later.
Maison Exteriors are building envelope experts who understand what it takes to enhance the protection and appearance of your home or commercial property.
If you are in the process of building a new home or are looking to replace an old roof, call today for a free appraisal.