When the time comes to replace your existing roof or when you are building a new home, you know you will have a tough decision ahead when choosing the type of roof you want. That is because there are so many attractive roofing options available. However, you may have heard much about the new metal roofs and may be considering one for your home. If so, Indiana metal roofing contractors – Jackson Contracting wants you to think carefully before making the final decision since a new roof will be with you for decades. To make an informed decision, read on to find out about the advantages and disadvantages of installing a new metal roof.
What Metals Are Used for Metal Roofs?
These days, you can find metal roofs made of galvanized steel, aluminum, zinc, tin, or copper. Since metal is so versatile, you may find metal roofs that look like vertical panels, tile, shakes, or slate and will have a wide variety of colors to choose from. However, before deciding solely on looks, make sure your new metal roof is tested and listed with a solid testing organization such as UL, Intertek, or FL Approvals to be confident that it can withstand fire, wind, and debris.
Advantages of Metal Roofs
The many benefits that a metal roof will offer you include the following:
- Longevity – You can expect a metal roof to last between 40 and 70 years, depending on the metal you select. By comparison, traditional asphalt shingles are expected to last between 12 and 20 years.
- Durability – A metal roof that is correctly installed should be able to withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. Depending on the material installed, your roof should also be impact-resistant.
- No maintenance needed – However, you may want to have periodic inspections just to confirm everything as it should be.
- Energy efficiency – By installing a metal roof, the UV and infrared rays of the sun will be reflected off the roof. The result can be a significant reduction in your energy bill.
- Recyclable – Compared to other roofing materials, metals can be recycled up to 95%.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofs
Unfortunately, despite their long list of benefits, metal roofs also have some disadvantages. Here are some of them:
- Affordability – You can expect to pay 2 or 3 times as much for a metal roof than for one made from traditional shingles. Consider a metal roof if you plan on staying in the home for many years to enjoy the cost benefits.
- Noisiness – Metal roofs will be noisier during a hailstorm or heavy rain. Your roofer can help with this issue by installing the proper decking and adding additional attic insulation.
- Performance – If water is allowed to accumulate anywhere on your metal roof because it was poorly installed or sloppily repaired, it can give way to leaks that can cause serious damage. Going for a lower-grade metal also means you will have a thinner roof that will not last as long. If you live in an area with high humidity, ask your roofer to recommend a metal that will do well under those conditions. Also, some metals could get damaged during installation or when a hailstorm hits.
- Color Inconsistencies – Should your metal roof require a repair in the future, you may find it hard to get the same color roofing material. You may want to avoid this problem by purchasing extra pieces at the time of installation, provided you have a safe place to keep them.
It’s great that you mentioned how you could expect a metal roof to last between 40 and 70 years, depending on the metal you select. Our current roof is already on its way out, so we need to replace it now. We want it to last longer, so we are thinking of asking for metal roofing.