A roof is a key consideration in new construction and often a significant replacement expense in existing housing. Selecting the most desirable of the available roofing options should take into consideration cost, durability, appearance and even how long you intend to live in this same dwelling. Metal roofs may be an attractive option for many consumers.
Some individuals are resistant at first to the idea of residential metal roofing. The picture that immediately comes to their mind when they hear "metal roofs" is the corrugated tin shed of the past. This type of roofing has maintained its desirable sturdy construction while evolving into a more up-to-date, attractive look. In addition, metal roofs are durable, fire and wind resistant, heat reflecting, lightweight, and easy to install. The downsides to metal roofs are price, insulation, noisy rainstorms, and the possibility of dents or chips to your roof.
Since metal does not burn except at extreme temperatures, metal types of roofing receive the highest fire retardant rating, which may be an asset in resale value and homeowner's insurance rates as well as the obvious safety issue. Wind resistance is also excellent which has additional appeal in locations vulnerable to high wind exposure, such as hurricanes.
Because they are reflective of the sun's radiation, they keep your house cool in the summer and reduce utility costs of air conditioning. Metal has virtually no inherent insulation to keep in heat, but if you add insulation materials or construct your roof so that there is a "dead space" between the metal and the underlying components, this is not a significant problem at all. If you're concerned about noise from your metal roof during rain or hail, consider using sound deadening insulations. Note that heat can make metal contract and expand, so connectors may loosen over time.
Metal roofs are lighter, require less support from underneath, and as such can reduce construction costs. The lighter weight also makes it possible to install a metal roof over the top of an existing roof, saving the time and expense of having to remove the original roof. Installation of metal roofing typically takes less time too, as the metal sheets cover a large area. On the other side of that coin, replacing a larger section, should it become necessary, may be more difficult. Metal roofing sections may also prove more difficult to match if a replacement is needed, or an addition is built.
The greatest barrier to the use of metal roofs is the expense, since the cost definitely falls into the premium price range. However, discount metal roofing is available, and in any case the very long lifespan may make metal effective cheaper than roofs that seem to be a bargain. For metal, a lifespan of 20 to 50 years is the normal expectation. Metal may well outlive the rest of the house. The longer you plan to stay in a home, the greater bargain metal becomes.
