There are many advantages to today's metal roofs. Costs are variable and may be either cheaper or more expensive than traditional roofing materials, depending on the style you choose. But the durability of a metal roof makes it hard to beat for long term value.
Manufacturer's warranties range from 20 to 50 years. But many metal roofing materials are non corrosive and will not be affected by the elements. A new metal roof today may be the last roof your house will ever need.
The weight of metal roofing materials is less than half that of most other types. In most cases this is somewhat irrelevant. But if you live in a snow belt area, it could be vitally important to you.
But what if you're worried about fires instead of snow? You can rest easy with a metal roof over your head. Flying sparks from the nearby forest fire, your neighbors' fireworks, or that workman's cigarette are not going to faze it.
Although metal has very poor insulating qualities, it reflect tremendous amounts of direct sunlight, helping to reduce heat buildup on sunny days. Keep in mind that light colors reflect more than dark colors, if this issue is important to you.
Low pitched roofs are not excluded from the benefits of metal roofing. With the addition of butyl rubber tape, roofs pitched as low as 12 to 1 can be covered with standard styles in most areas. Check your local building code if you are interested. And special styles are available for even a flat roof.
The ease and speed of installation of a metal roof make it a great do-it-yourself project. Most manufacturers can provide the know how to install a sheet metal roof yourself. Metal roof installation instructions will include all the parts you wouldn't think of on your own. The money you save by doing your own installation will add to the value of your roof by reducing your costs.
Next let's discuss the possible disadvantages of a metal roof, along with how these disadvantages can be overcome. Some people think the patter of a soft rain on a metal roof is relaxing. But most of us can agree that a downpour can be near deafening. If you overlay your metal roof on top of existing shingles, this is a non issue. The old shingles absorb and deaden the sound so completely, you probably won't hear any difference. If you are laying a metal roof on plywood or on open rafters, insulation is a great addition for sound and heat reduction.
You don't need to worry about the expansion and contraction of metal roofing with most of today's installation systems. Loose fitting fastener systems allow plenty of room for your roof to 'breathe'.
Some people believe a metal roof will attract lightning. There is no positive proof of this, but if it worries you, you can install a grounding system to your metal roof.
The next three disadvantages we will consider don't have the easy remedies the previous ones do. But all of these can be disadvantages of any roofing material you may consider.
Denting or other marring of roof surfaces may require some sections to be removed and replaced, which is true of any roofing material.
If you modify your house and need a new section of roof, you may not be able to get a perfect match with the original either because of fading or unavailability of your original color. Again, this can be true of any roofing material.
All things considered, it is easy to see that a modern metal roof is far superior to other roofing materials. If looks matter enough to outweigh these advantages, take a look at what is available. Today's styles cover the looks of nearly all materials you could consider.
