Homeowners today experience trepidation when selecting which material is best for their roof. With several great options available, deciding which material you prefer presents a unique challenge. In order to minimize the stress of this decision-making process, we will be taking an in-depth look over the next several weeks at different material options and their pros and cons. Today, our experts review the pros and cons of selecting a metal roof. To check out popular roofing material around Colorado Springs read more here.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and long lasting roofing material | More expensive initial investment than other materials |
| Environmentally friendly and easily recyclable | Can be dented and more costly to repair |
| Energy-efficiency comes standard | Noisier than other materials without extra insulation |
| Stylish options to improve curb appeal |
Metal Roofing Pros
- 1.) Durable and Long-lasting
A metal roof's life spans 40-70 years. What's more impressive, many manufacturers warranty these roofs for 30-50 of these years. According to a McGraw-Hill survey, many homeowners believe that a properly installed and maintained steel roof with last as long as the rest of the home still stands. Metal roofing offers homeowners minimal maintenance with outstanding strength and resistance to Colorado's extreme climates. - 2.) Environmentally Friendly
While the strength of steel makes it a great option to begin with, it's environmentally friendly nature further cements it as a top roofing material. Steel is the only roofing material that does not lose any of its original strength when it is recycled and reformed into new products. This means that nearly all of the steel in production today is recycled making it one of the most environmentally friendly roofing options. The EPA estimates that nearly 11 million tons of old asphalt shingles are sent to local landfills throughout the United States each year. - 3.) Energy Efficiency
Metal roofing reduces energy costs by deflecting radiant heat from the sun instead of absorbing it. This deflection of radiant heat reduces energy bills by as much as 25 percent during the warmer months of the year. - 4.) Stylish with Great Curb Appeal
Manufacturers shape metal to match many styles and colors and can even be custom colored. This versatility makes metal a great option for home and business owners alike who are looking to stand out from the crowd. Whether you like the look of shingles, tile, shake, or vertical panels metal roofing manufacturers and your favorite neighborhood roofer have you covered. Check out some great options HERE.
Metal Roofing Cons
- 1.) Initial Investment Cost.
Metal roofing material can cost between $120 and $900 per square (100 sq ft). This can be as much as 10 times more expensive than asphalt shingles for premium metal roofs. In addition to the cost of the material, metal roof installation traditionally costs more in labor as well. The specialized tools, training, and equipment required for metal roofing necessitate a higher installation cost. - 2.) Metal Roofs Can Be Dented and Repairs Are More Costly
Although steel roofs are perhaps the most durable roofs available to homeowners, they are not invincible. Large hail and large broken tree limbs still cause damage in some instances. Although the likelihood of your metal roof being damaged by impact is slim, the cost of repair is still greater for metal roofs and should be taken into account. - 3.) Noisy During Heavy Rain, Hail, or Thunderstorm
While metal roofs offer incredible protection, the level of noise during inclement weather can deter some buyers. We recommend additional sheathing and insulation for your metal roof to help mitigate this additional noise.
What Type of Metal is Most Common for Roofing?
Steel is the most common metal within metal roofing. Whether it is galvanized, weathering steel, or galvalume steel homeowners can still expect a great roof that will protect their home.