Metal roofs can be an excellent choice for residential re-roofing applications, particularly in comparison to the less-durable, temporary roof types such as asphalt shingles. Compared to the more traditional asphalt shingle, metal is a far more durable and longer-lasting option.
In fact, most homeowners who choose to install a metal roof on their home will never have to think about re-roofing again. Why not? Well, metal roofs are proven to last two to three times longer than asphalt, with 50 to 60 years lifespan for higher-end Kynar 500 coated metal roofs such as field-locked standing seam and aluminum shingles. A roof made of zinc or copper can last well over 100 years.
A metal roof can withstand the elements for far longer than an asphalt roof. Sun or rain, snow or ice, a metal roof will remain attractive and weatherproof for a very long time.
Unlike asphalt, metal roofing is 100% unaffected by the growth of mold and mildew, fungus and moss — all the common afflictions known to plague roofs made of asphalt or wood such as cedar shingles.
There are many reported cases of pests and wild animals breaking away the asphalt shingles, destroying plywood, and getting inside the homes to cause further damage. If you live in a heavily wooded area, where raccoons and rodents can get onto your roof from the tree branch, you can rest assured that they won’t be able to damage a metal roof to break into your attic.
Another benefit of a high-end metal roof is that metal is a fire-retardant material. Most high-end metal roofs come with Class A fire retardancy rating. This can be a particularly important benefit for homeowners who live in areas that are prone to wildfires.
Metal roofs can also be useful in locations that experience other types of extreme weather, such as hailstorms. A metal roof can withstand even some of the largest hailstones with minimal damage, and most properly-installed high-end metal roofs can normally withstand wind speeds of up to 110 to 120 miles per hour, with many systems actually rated for an even stronger wind uplift.
High-end residential metals roofs are rated to withstand wind, hail, and fire, and some home insurers will offer discounts of up to 30 percent to homeowners whose properties have Class 4 Hail impact-resistant metal roofs like stone coated steel shingles and tiles that are warrantied for hail impact damage.
Metal offers yet another important advantage over other materials; Metal roofs can stay much cooler than their asphalt counterparts on a hot sunny day, helping to regulate the temperature inside the building, while also reducing the demand for electricity and AC load.
Despite all the benefits, there is one important disadvantage to choosing a metal roof, and that is the higher initial upfront cost of investment.
Many homeowners may be cautious about buying a metal roof because the initial upfront cost will be higher than choosing a more conventional option such as asphalt shingles, sometimes doubling the price. This makes sense, if you are buying a roof for a house or building in which you only have short-term (5 years or less) plans of staying in.
However, if you have long plans of living at your house, then it is worth comparing the cost of a metal shingle roof to the cumulative total cost of all the asphalt roof replacements you will likely need to pay for during your residence at the property.
In addition to the above, there are other important benefits of having a metal roof including its unique attractive appearance that can help enhance the curb appeal of a house, coupled with metal’s ability to keep your home cooler in the summer.
A metal roof can also help reduce the cost of your homeowner’s insurance premiums thanks to its superior durability, longevity, and fire-retardant properties and ratings.
Some homeowner’s insurance companies can provide 30% to 35% discount on homeowner’s homeowner’s insurance policies for homes protected by a qualified metal roofing system.
Finally, your peace of mind with respect to the roof protecting your home and your family is hard to put a price tag on. Knowing that your roofing system is designed to provide a durable, long-lasting, and weatherproof protection for your home and your family is an important intangible, especially if you happen to live in a storm-prone and/or fire-prone area.
A metal roof will likely prove to be the most cost-effective roofing choice when viewed over a longer timeframe and through a lens of a long-term investment in the roof’s durability and longevity, improving the home’s overall curb appeal, and benefiting financially from the greatly improved energy efficiency of a metal roof.
