If you have spent any time at all driving through residential neighborhoods you have probably noticed that many new houses are being built with metal roofs instead of shingles. In addition to the obvious beauty of modern metal roofing, it also offers a number of other major advantages for the home-builder and remodeler:
1 – Metal roofs are more durable than shingles. Today’s metal roofing materials are several times stronger than composites. Layers of metallic and polymer coatings help resist rust and corrosion while the inherent strength of steel provides enhanced protection against wind, hail and other damaging natural phenomena.
2 – Metal roofing materials tend to reflect light and heat which can result in a cooler home in the summer and a warmer one in the winter.
3 – Although it seems counter-intuitive, metal roofs are considerably lighter than their shingled counterparts – as much as 75 % lighter in fact. This reduced weight means the load-bearing trusses holding up your roof will be able to better withstand the weight of heavy snowfalls during rough winters.
4 – Since a metal roof is extremely fire resistant it will actually make your home safer to live in. And in most cases homes with metal roofs cost less to insure.
5 – Even with all of these incredible advantages, the total cost of installing a metal roof is very close to the cost of installing shingles since the lower labor costs typically offset the slightly higher cost of the metal roofing materials. And if you decide to install the metal roof over an existing shingle roof, the labor savings can be huge.
As you can see, there are several important advantages to choosing a metal roof over shingles, even if your home is already topped with shingles. The enhanced durability, safety, energy savings and competitive costs of installing a steel roof makethe decision a no-brainer.
About the author: Gene Halliday is a home-builder who has built and repaired hundreds of homes during his 18 year career.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Novagard Solutions.