Many roofing contractors promote asphalt shingles because it fits within their comfort zone, but homeowners looking for long-term value and exceptional performance should consider metal roofing instead.
This popular type of roof typically lasts 2-4 times longer than their asphalt-shingled counterparts and can withstand severe weather conditions such as high winds and hailstorms, as well as resist wildfires more effectively – but let’s take a deeper dive.
Longevity
Metal roofs are known for their long lifespan and low maintenance needs, making them an attractive option for homeowners. Metal roofs have been shown to outlive traditional shingle roofs by up to 50 years without the need for replacement – more than three times longer! They can withstand extreme weather conditions better than other materials when exposed to strong winds or rainfall.
Maintenance can increase the longevity of a metal roof by keeping its surfaces clean and repainting as needed, which helps extend its durability while improving its aesthetic appeal. It’s wise to have your roof inspected at least annually in order to remove debris, clear away standing water and detect signs of wear-and-tear.
As part of general roof maintenance, it’s also wise to regularly check any exposed fasteners on your metallic roof. Loose screws may loosen over time and leak; their lifespan depends on climate – for instance areas receiving more snowfall or hail can have greater effects than others on these screws and paint on your roof.
Galvanized or galvalume screws are recommended when installing a metal roof because these are more resistant to corrosion than ordinary steel screws and less likely to rust, thus prolonging its life span. Still, however, regular inspection is recommended so as to make sure none are loose, crooked, or angled and extend its longevity.
Durability
Metal roofs are extremely durable, offering unparalleled protection from hailstorms, high winds, heavy rainfall, and snow accumulation. Their fireproof nature makes them an invaluable choice if your area is susceptible to wildfires.
Metal roofs have long-term durability due to their strength and ability to resist corrosion and weather damage. Their protective coating usually galvanized or composed of aluminum/zinc alloys, helps keep rust from forming over time and ensure steel doesn’t rust away even with prolonged exposure to weather elements.
If your metal roof uses exposed fastener systems, these screws must be periodically replaced as they’re more susceptible to degrading over time than concealed fasteners which tend to cost more but will last much longer than exposed fasteners.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofs are highly reflective, reflecting any heat they absorb back out into the sky rather than letting it sink into the home. As such, according to this site – metal roofs help cut energy use for cooling by up to 50% compared with traditional shingled roofs – making them both energy efficient and eco-friendly options.
Metal roofs initially may cost more upfront, but over time their advantages more than make up for themselves. Metal roofs can increase resale values up to 6 percent while saving hundreds or even thousands on energy costs annually.
Due to their durability and energy efficiency, durable roofs require little upkeep or maintenance. Many also feature high wind resistance ratings to help shield homes against damage from storms or hurricanes.
Metal roofs offer many advantages for both retrofitting and new construction roofing projects, including saving both cost and effort in removal efforts. When attached properly, metal roofing can keep out moisture while preventing leaks – an excellent solution when considering roof re-roofing projects or new builds.
Environmentally Friendly
Metal roofs are more sustainable roofing material than asphalt shingles in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. Most of the waste created from tear-offs of shingle roofs ends up in landfills; metal roofs last long while being highly recyclable with minimal maintenance costs and environmental impacts, further decreasing both their environmental footprint and their financial outlay.
Addition of a metal roof can significantly increase its value, particularly if your building is situated in an area prone to wildfires. Unlike shingles, metal can withstand intense heat and flames of fires while at the same time keeping out rainwater that would otherwise flood in and create mold growth – this prevents both damage and growth of mold in your building.
Metal roofs offer endless design possibilities and colors, making them the ideal roofing choice for any property. Their versatility means that metal roofs can fit seamlessly with any home’s aesthetic or become focal points that add visual interest. You have several coating options to protect it from the elements and prolong its life – the two most popular being polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and silicone-modified polyester (SMP), respectively.
Layout Tips
Laying out panels for a metal roof installation begins with planning. This involves aligning panel seams and considering penetrations such as skylights, chimneys and pipe runs as these features will dictate where panel seams land in relation to edges of roof and other features on it; for instance, you don’t want the first full width panel landing directly in front of an exposed pipe run which would result in an ugly bump along its seam line.
An experienced roofer can expertly lay out panel seams in order to create a uniform appearance across the roof. Their layout should take into account ridge caps that should rest evenly on both sides, along with any solid or vented closure strips necessary. In cases where venting occurs at the ridge, vented closure strips must also be installed at this time.
Screws are used to connect metal roofing panels to roof sheathing. There has been some discussion as to where best to use screws when fastening metal roofing panels, with proponents of screws-in-the-rib position contending that placing them on flat areas causes more potential points for leakage since water naturally flows towards these spots; supporters of screws-in-the-flat position counter that this method does not allow proper gasket compression since screws do not sit within ribs of panels.
Fastening Tips
Many well-meaning DIYers mistakenly assume that installing a metal roof will be an easy project to tackle, since fastening screws to fasten panels doesn’t look too difficult. Unfortunately, lacking proper training or experience in this field could cause more harm than good; overdriving or under driving screws could weaken panels and cause leakage problems.
Safety should always be at the forefront when installing a metal roof. Wear appropriate protective gear and install a ladder system anchored securely onto roof studs; ensure that any potential hazards such as electrical wires or low branches that could fall onto the roof during your work are removed from the work site before you commence with metal panel installation.
Once on the roof safely, it’s time to begin the actual installation process. Begin by installing underlayment that meets building codes – this will protect against water penetration while providing a stable platform for new panels.
After you have selected where and how the fasteners will be placed, the next step should be determining their placement. Some installers prefer screwing into ribs while others advocate placing fasteners directly onto flats; both approaches may lead to leaky roofs if installed incorrectly.
Avoiding these types of issues can be done easily by adhering to manufacturer instructions carefully and following them precisely, both to reduce leaks and protect your warranty.
Ventilation Tips
Proper ventilation is crucial to the lifespan of any roofing system, as entrapped moisture can accelerate its demise while undermining structural integrity in an attic. Proper roof ventilation not only prevents rust and decay but can save homeowners money on energy costs as well.
As is common with other forms of roofing, metal roofs typically rely on static ventilation rather than powered fans to move air around. Static ventilation relies on rising warm air accumulating attic levels to remove heat and humidity; cooling fresh air drawn in from vents at lower levels such as at the eave or around soffits completes this cycle.
When working on a roof, it’s advisable to work with an experienced roofing contractor who can provide safety goggles, gloves and harnesses. You must equip yourself with appropriate tools and materials – these may include basic implements common among homeowner tool kits as well as more specialized items required by experienced roofers.
Installing a gable vent into the eaves of the roof can also be an excellent way to promote effective ventilation. A gable vent allows both warm and cool air to escape the roof, helping lower energy costs while increasing home comfort.
If you want to increase ventilation in your roof, consult with a professional roofing contractor. If you’re in GEN 18’s service area (https://www.gen819.com/service-area), they can recommend how many vents should be installed and where. They’ll give you a customized plan so you can maximize the benefits of your new metal roof installation.
Finishing the Job
Once you have purchased roof materials, carefully measure and calculate the square footage of your roof by factoring in any vents, skylights or dormers as part of this calculation. Add this number to the total square footage of your home plus 10% as waste allowance to ensure you have enough material for covering it all.
At each step in the installation process, it is imperative that you follow manufacturer’s instructions and seal any seams properly using either butyl tape or caulking – butyl tape usually offers more flexible seal options which make it ideal for the type of joints used.
Next comes installing trim pieces. These should match the profile of your roof while providing additional weatherproofing benefits. They should be mounted at each A-frame and valley; silicone sealant can also be applied here to make sure edges and transition points are adequately protected.
Metal roofing systems can last decades and add 6 percent or more in resale value to some regions, making them an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. When installed by qualified roofers, these roofs provide greater weatherproofing protection than asphalt shingle roofs while providing greater shielding from elements.
