Advantages and Disadvantages Of Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing’s durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal make this material popular for both commercial and residential buildings. Maybe you associate them mostly with commercial ones, but more and more homeowners are choosing metal roofs. As experts in the field, we are here to present the pros and cons of metal roofing. After reading this blog, you’ll have a clear idea if this is the right solution for your home.

Metal roofing is a popular option for new roofs, especially because of its reputation for longevity and attractive curb appeal. It can last far longer than asphalt shingles, so it is an option that many Toms River roofing customers may wish to consider. 

However, there are some potential disadvantages to metal roofing that every homeowner should consider as well.

A consultation with your professional roofing contractor will help you decide which roofing material will be the best option for your home.

In the meantime, take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of this type of roofing system.

Advantages of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have grown in popularity in recent years as more people learn about their longevity, resistance to extreme weather, and energy efficiency. Their popularity has risen so much that they are getting very close to dethroning even asphalt shingles!

Despite the higher initial metal roof installation cost, homeowners recognize metal roofs as a very wise long-term investment. 

The benefits they can bring to your home are many, and they usually outweigh any drawbacks. Here are some of the main benefits and advantages of metal roofs you should know:

Weather and Fire Resistance

Metal roofing provides many advantages, including the ability to withstand nearly any type of weather condition while keeping the inside of your home cozy and dry.

Rain drains easily and quickly from a metal roof and snow can melt and slide off a roof very efficiently as well. This means that leaks are much less likely to develop on a metal roof system, reducing potential water damage to a minimum.

Aside from that, metal roofs are quite fire-resistant. Fire resistance is a significant benefit, because who doesn’t want maximum safety for their home? Metal roofs have the ability to withstand a hail storm without too much damage, too. Depending on the metal roofing material you choose, some roofs can endure wind gusts of up to 140 mph, which is far superior to many other roofing types.

These advantages make metal roofs an ideal solution for areas with all types of climates, including those that receive harsh weather and are at a higher risk of wildfires.

Variety of Styles and Colors 

Metal roofing comes in many different materials, styles, colors and finishes. They can even look like natural cedar shakes or stone! 

If we compare metal roofs vs. shingles in this aspect as well, metal will once again come out as a winner. It simply has more style options than the majority of other roofing materials, including shingles.

It is a very attractive roofing option for many homeowners as it can complement any architectural style and aesthetic preferences. Metal roofs will enhance the curb appeal of any home. 

High Durability and Longevity

While metal roofing may be a bit expensive, the durability and longevity it provides easily justify the additional metal roof cost.

These roofing systems are known to last anywhere from 40 to 75 years, sometimes even more if the climate is mild and the roof is regularly maintained. Properly installed metal roofs can outlive even the homeowner. 

Durability is a huge advantage of metal roofing and one of the main reasons people choose it. Metal is well known as a resilient material that performs well in harsh weather conditions. 

Metal roofs can sustain very strong gusts of wind and many of them are highly impact-resistant. 

Interlocking and interconnecting panels provide maximum wind resistance for a metal roof. 

Metal roofs won’t crack easily, mold, or let water seep in.

In addition to that, they require very little maintenance, and they will not require frequent repairs as other roofs do, which means that any future upkeep costs will be minimal.

So even if installing a metal roof may seem like a big investment at first, due to its long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements, you’ll actually save money in the long run.

Environmentally Friendly

These days everyone is finally working hard to reduce their carbon footprint. For you, that means also reducing your energy bills. Metal can be easily recycled or even reused. And afterward, they can last for another few decades. 

On the market, you can find many metal coatings that can extend your metal roof’s lifespan even more. Most of the coatings available are great when it comes to reflecting the sun, which minimizes the impact of UV rays on your property.

This can help keep your home cool in the summer without using too much energy. Metal roofs will not overheat, allowing you to decrease your cooling requirements, and your electricity bills too.

Depending on the product chosen, high-quality metal roofs will contain as much as 35-95% recycled material and they will also be 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

This means that there is basically no need for them to be disposed of in landfills, which, in turn, means less pollution.

Fast Installation

Metal roofs are faster to install compared to other types of roofs. Besides that, they can sometimes be installed on top of your current roof, which can eliminate the cost of tearing off an already-existing roof.

Most roofing materials are not suitable for winter installation, but when it comes to metal, that’s not the case. 

Since metal can come in panels, this can make the replacement process significantly faster and more efficient. This ensures that your home won’t be exposed to the harsh weather for too long, and the process will be minimally disruptive to your home life.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofs

We can start talking about the disadvantages of metal roofing by posing two main questions that homeowners usually ask themselves (and us):

How much does a metal roof cost, and how does one install it?

It is a common belief that metal roofs are too expensive and that their installation is too complicated. So, let’s start with these two issues. 

Metal Roofing Cost and Installation

Although the cost of metal roofing is balanced by its durability, it can be out of reach for some homeowners. 

For example, if we compare metal to asphalt roofs, the difference in price is more than obvious as metal roofs can be twice as expensive. 

However, it is important to take note of one important detail here. Metal roofs will last at least twice as long as asphalt shingles, usually even more.

So while the cost may be higher, you will not have to replace this roof for 50 years or more, minimizing or completely cutting your future roof replacement costs.

We already mentioned the installation process to be fast. But it will be fast only for professionals. Metal roofs are not your next DIY project. One of the main aspects that affect the high price is the difficult and, therefore, more expensive installation process precisely because of its complexity.

If not installed properly, metal roofs may fail at the seams, which is why it is important to hire a certified and experienced professional for your metal roof installation.

Noisiness  

Although metal roofing provides optimum weather protection in most situations, it can sometimes be noisy during a rainstorm or hailstorm. 

This issue can be resolved by installing a layer of soundproofing insulation along the roof. This may add to the overall cost, but apart from canceling out the noise, the insulation will also make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Metal roofs have an interesting characteristic. They expand and contract when exposed to different temperatures. When that happens, the metal may produce noise as it warms up during the day and cools down at night. 

Water Damage and Corrosion 

Another disadvantage of metal roofing is that it can trap rising moisture and water vapor, which will turn to liquid as the roof cools during the night. 

This can create damage and eventually cause the decking and trusses to become rotten and weak. 

Installing an adequate ventilation system will, however, take care of this issue. Also, today’s metal roofs mostly have an additional surface layer that protects them from damage.

Roof and attic ventilation are generally very important parts of any roof, including metal. They minimize an array of different damages, such as leaks, water damage, and ice dam formation during winter.

Final Verdict

Although there are some disadvantages to metal roofing, there are many important advantages that should be carefully considered as well.

Many of the potential issues can be addressed with professional installation and thoughtfully designed ventilation systems.

Generally, the advantages of metal roofs greatly outweigh the disadvantages.

Plenty of homeowners consider them a highly beneficial part of their homes.

Take the time to consult with your professional roofing contractor to determine which type of roofing material is the best choice for you.

This will help you make wise decisions for the future of your home.

The roofing contractors at Fortified Roofing of Toms River, NJ, can answer all of your questions about new metal roofs or skylights. Call for a free estimate now!