When choosing a new roofing style there are many things to consider, such as style, safety, and stability. Luckily, with this guide to the many advantages of metal roofing, your decision process will be easier than ever.
Long-lasting
One of the most well-known advantages of metal roofing is the fact that it is much more long-lasting than other roofing materials. Other roofing materials such as asphalt, wood, or tile shingles only last 13 – 20 years and may require additional maintenance during that time. A quality metal roof, on the other hand, can last 50 years or more and requires little or no maintenance. The long lifespan, coupled with an equally long-lasting, non-prorated warranty, makes metal roofing a worthwhile investment that will last a lifetime.
Durable
One of the major strengths of metal roofing is its ability to withstand a wide variety of extreme weather conditions, including strong winds, severe rain, snow, and hail. Over time, other roofing materials such as asphalt, wood, and tile begin to break down from the hot-cold and wet-dry weather conditions, causing them to break down and weaken its ability to protect your home. Metal roofing is impervious to weather changes and will not weaken over time. Lastly, the interlocking structure of metal roofs eliminates the risk of shingles curling or lifting away from the roof.
Low maintenance
As we’ve stated, metal roofs require little maintenance during their long lifespan. This is due to the fact that metal is a much more durable building material than asphalt, tile, or wooden shingles. Quality metal roofs use a PVDF coating which consists of a very tight molecular bond that enables dirt to easily wash off the roof when it rains. In most environmental conditions, metal roofs will remain clean over the long term. The resin-based finish is also resistant to chalking, fading, staining and streaking, creating an additional level of durability.
Eco-friendly
Metal roofing not only protects your family and home, but it can also help protect the environment. Metal roofing is made from up to 95% recycled materials and are completely recyclable at the end of their life. Because they are so long-lasting, however, it will be many years before a metal roof even needs to be replaced. During this time an asphalt roof may need to be replaced several times, creating additional waste in a landfill each time its replaced. Metal roofs, however, are 100% recyclable and can be repurposed multiple times, effectively reducing the amount of waste created.
Energy efficient
Another eco-friendly benefit of metal roofing is the fact that they are much more energy-efficient than other roofing materials. Metal roof coatings can reflect sunlight and minimize heat gain in your home. In addition, metal roofs dissipate heat rapidly when the sun goes down, making the roof cool to the touch, eliminating any heat from radiating into your attic area. In the peak of summer, have you ever walked across an asphalt parking lot after the sun goes down? If you have, you will continue to feel the heat coming up from the asphalt. That is because asphalt collects the heat and continues to radiate heat long after the sun goes down. When asphalt is on your roof, that heat will continue to radiate into your home, causing your air conditioner to work harder. Because a metal roof dissipates heat rapidly, less heat will enter your home, reducing the stress on your cooling system and helping you cut down on your utility bill significantly.
Safety
Unlike other roofing materials, metal shingles and panels are noncombustible. Whereas other roofing materials may ignite when faced with extreme heat, metal roofs typical receive a Class A fire rating, the highest first safety rating awarded. Metal roofs will not ignite even when met with flying sparks and embers, providing added security for your residents of the home. Though tile roofs are also fire-resistant, they pose a much greater risk of caving in during a fire than metal roofs do.
Lightweight
It may be surprising, but metal roofing is actually a rather lightweight building material. When compared to cement tile or slate roofing, which weigh roughly 700 – 900 pounds per square (an area equal to 100 square feet), or asphalt, which can weigh 300 – 350 pounds per square, metal roofing only weight about 50 – 150 pounds per square. As such, the risk of a roof caving in or sagging under a vast amount of weight is greatly reduced when building with lightweight metal roofing. Although lightweight, metal roofing has superior strength to withstand heavy winds, severe storms, and hail, and can be walked on without damaging the roof.
Weather-resistant
As we’ve stated, the weight of metal roofing makes it quite resistant to high winds and poses a low risk of lifting away from the home. For this reason, metal roofing is a good option for homes located in areas where hurricanes or tornadoes may be common, as well as other kinds of extreme weather. Metal roofing is also resistant to less extreme weather conditions. It is not easily damaged by snow, rain, or even hail and can withstand both hot and cold temperatures with ease.
Easily sheds water and snow
Metal roofing with a PVDF coating will easily shed water and snow with greater ease than roofs with asphalt, tile, or wood shingles. Asphalt or stone coated metal roofs have stone granules that slowly prevent water and snow from easily shedding off the roof surface. In areas where there is heavy snowfall, having the snow easily come off your roof is a significant benefit, reducing the weight on your home.
Style
In addition to being practical, metal roofs can also be quite stylish. Far from the corrugated metal of old barn roofs, modern metal roofing is available in a variety of styles such as cedar, shake, tile, slate, and standing seam, the wide array of colors and finishes also allows each homeowner to customize their roof according to their own personal style. With a wide range of metal roofing styles and colors, you never have to choose between durability and design, promising you both long-term protection and a timeless appearance you can be proud of.
For more information regarding metal roofing or if you’re interested in installing metal roofing in Pennsylvania or the surrounding area, contact our team at Distinctive Metal Roofing.
