Metal Roofing Pros and Cons you need to know about
Deciding on a good and stable roofing set-up for your home isn’t entirely the easiest of decisions to make. It requires a great amount of research, trial error, and some comparison between the pros and cons of a metal roof before you make the right choice.
A lot of housing experts vouch for the durability of a metal roof, while some others also bring to notice the disadvantages of metal roofs for houses.
Well, it only takes one some exploration to find out why metal roofing is a good pick for houses.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of metal roof advantages and disadvantages, to help you get a better perspective on which roofing material would work best for your home.
Read ahead to find out!
What are the advantages of a metal roof?
Metal roofs are durable and long-lasting :
One of the key benefits of metal roofing is that it makes for one of the most dependable and stable materials to build a strong roofing build. It’s a great pick to help last not just against thunderstorms and cyclones, but also to ward off that excess snow during harsh winters.
How long do metal roofs last?
A properly installed good-quality metal roof should last anywhere between 40-50 years. It’s also essential to note here that before one decides on the durability of the material, they should make sure that they hire the right technician for the job – one who’s actually experienced with how to put a metal roof on a house.
Metal is energy efficient :
The basic installation costs of installing metal roofing on the house may be high, but the same can be made up for by the amount that the buyer saves each month through reduced energy costs. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, these kinds of roofs can reduce cooling costs by as much as 25% – which makes them not just energy, but also cost-efficient.
Secondly, some metal roof variants come with specialized pigments – which minimize heat gain. This would definitely lead the occupant to save a little extra on those cranked-up air conditioner costs!
Metal roofs are sustainable :
As compared to its contemporaries, one of the key benefits of a metal roof is that it’s a far more environmentally-friendly alternative. These roofs contain at least 25% of recyclable materials and are 100% recyclable themselves.
Metal roofs can also help homeowners embark on several eco-conscious pursuits, like installing solar panels, building terrace gardens, and contributing overall to a much more sustainable way of living.
Moreover, not only are metal roofs an eco-friendly option, they’re also lighter.
Are metal roofs better than their alternatives?
Yes. According to a report – In contrast to asphalt roofs, which are made using 100s of gallons of crude oil and need to be replaced every 12-20 years, metal roofs are definitely a much better option.
These kinds of roofs are heat resistant :
Are metal roofs good for all seasons?
The straight answer to this is yes – they are.
Metal roofs do not make the house hotter, like other kinds of roofing materials. This is because metal has a low thermal mass, which means that they reflect heat and light rather than absorbing it. This is a stark contrast to asphalt, which absorbs heat and leads to raised temperatures for indoor settings.
Having said that, what also needs to be kept in mind is that a lot of this depends on the installation and type of metal used for the roofing set-up. Once the buyer is sure of his pick, the metal roof is sure to show results.
Not just with the cooler temperatures, but also with the higher energy efficiency.
Installation of metal roofs is a time-effective process :
When compared to its alternatives, metal roofs come with a much more time-effective installation process.
This happens because of two main reasons – metals are durable, and they’re also a more lightweight option.
This helps the installers in not just transporting the material easily, but also fastens the overall set-up process of the roof – given it’s done by an expert who knows what installing a metal roof on a house works like.
So, now if you’re asked whether metal roofs are good for the house or not – you know the answer.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
Metal comes with a high installation cost :
Like every coin has its flip side, there are certain problems with metal roofing too. The basic installation process of metal roofs for homes can be expensive, since it requires a lot of attention to be given to detail, and just as much precision.
Still, it’s worthwhile to note that metal roofing is still a more cost-effective method on the long-term front. This is because, unlike asphalt shingles, a metal roof only incurs a high first-time installation cost. In the case of asphalt, the roofing needs repeated maintenance. Metal roofs also outlast it’s contemporaries in terms of longevity since these metal roofs are durable for at least 50 years, which is not the case with asphalt shingles.
If not installed properly, metal roofing can cause leakage and other issues :
Houses with metal roof need to be built with a proper team of installation experts – otherwise it can lead to major problems with condensation and even leaking. This is why a lot of manufacturers emphasise on the fact that the roofs are installed by a team of factory-trained contractors who come with the required experience in the sphere of how to put a metal roof on a house. It’s worth a note to look up some metal roof ideas before one goes ahead with the installation process.
Metal roofs can dent :
Even though today’s metals are far sturdier than they used to be, an unprecedented amount of rain, storm, or harsh weather can cause the metal roofing to suffer some denting. Having said that, a lot of these after-effects definitely depend on the type of metal used in the case, and also the efficacy of the installation process.
For instance, softer metals like aluminum, copper would be more prone to such kind of damage than steel. Which is why it’s crucial to buy metal roofing (Roof Company) that can hold its ground during severe weather conditions, and the buyer shouldn’t hold back from doing his research on metal roof pros and cons during the pre-installation stage itself – to avoid these issues from arising.
Further, like any other roofing material, metal can get noisy too during rains, or stormy weather in general. This shouldn’t be much of an issue though, since it’s only a natural consequence of any type of roofing material and not just metal roofs.