Once used primarily for commercial projects, metal is now one of the fastest-growing materials used for residential roofing. The Metal Roofing Alliance estimated that 750,000 metal roofs were installed in 2015 and it’s only increased since then.
Many people across the country, including right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, are making the decision to invest in metal roofing. It’s easy to see why! Metal roofs are durable, reliable, beautiful, and they will likely last the rest of your life.
Savings
Your metal roof starts saving you money right away by cutting your utility bills significantly. Due to the inherent qualities of metal, it reflects and re-emits nearly 0% of solar radiation rather than absorbing it, like asphalt shingles will. Some homeowners claim to save up to 40% on their energy bills simply by switching to a metal roof. Because of the increased protection you gain from installing a metal roof, your homeowner’s insurance may decrease.
If you’re planning to sell your home soon, a metal roof may pay for itself. Homes with a metal roof see, on average, up to 6% resale value gain over homes roofed with asphalt. Nationwide, homeowners who install metal roofing are usually able to recoup 85% or more of the costs upon resale.
Longevity
Typically, a traditional asphalt shingle roof will last between 10-20 years. A metal roof will last at least three times that long, easily over 50 years. This makes it a great choice for a home you’re planning to own for a long time. It also has great resale value, so whether you’re planning to stay in your home forever or sell soon – it still makes a valuable investment.
Eco – Friendly
If you’re looking for a more “green” roofing material, metal roofs fit the bill. They are manufactured with 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year. Alternatively, metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their life.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which means that heat is not absorbed into your home, and your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool. This can reduce cooling costs by 10-25% and oftentimes even more.
Fire and Wind Resistance
Metal roofs are fire-resistant. They will not spark or ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike, both of which are possibilities with asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are a great choice for high wind areas or areas where wind damage is common. While asphalt shingles can blow off piece by piece, leaving the roof susceptible to more damage, metal roofs stay in one piece and are excellent at protecting against wind. Even in wind uplift tests, metal roofs earn the highest marks at a 140 MPH wind rating, sometimes up to 180 MPH gusts without budging.
Durability & Weight
Metal is one of the most lightweight materials you can put on a roof, which protects the structural integrity of the building. Tile weighs in at 750 pounds per square (an area equal to 100 square feet) or concrete can run up to 900 pounds per square. Metal roofing runs only 50 to 150 pounds per square.
Maximum Shedding of Rain and Snow
If you live in an area with significant rain or snow, a metal roof is a perfect solution because they are practically impervious. Because of the way the panels interlock, and because the surface is smooth and slippery, snow slides right off without any trouble. There is a little bit more of a difference between metal and other materials when it comes to noise from rain or hail. However, with proper attic insulation, the extra noise is easily avoided, as the insulation absorbs most of the sound.
