Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. No matter how well you maintain it, you’ll eventually need to replace it and that means spending thousands of dollars.
In fact, the average homeowner spends at least $6,800 for their new roof. The higher quality the materials are, the more expensive your roof replacement will be.
Though it’s expensive, high-quality materials are almost always worth the investment, and one of the best options out there is metal roofing. These are just a few benefits of metal roofing that you’ll experience once you get it installed.
1. It Lasts Longer Than Most Materials
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. This means it sees a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. Not only does the sun’s UV rays gradually cause the materials to degrade, but rain, snow, ice, and hail can speed up the process.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, this constant wear and tear means your roof will last for about 20 years with regular maintenance.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, can last for decades longer as long as you stay on top of repairs and maintenance. The metal roofing panels have a layer of protective paint that seals the metal and keeps it from getting damaged by the elements.
As long as the paint is in good shape, your roof won’t degrade or start to fail for many years to come. That said, you’ll still want to get your roof inspected once a year to make sure everything is in good condition.
Catching minor repair issues before they have a chance to cause serious problems is the best way to extend your roof’s life.
2. Metal Roofing Makes Your Home Energy-Efficient
Ordinary roofing materials like asphalt shingles and even clay roof tiles absorb heat throughout the day. This causes your attic space to heat up during the summer months.
All that warm air can dramatically change the way your home feels during the day. The hotter it is outside and the more heat your roof absorbs, the warmer your home will be.
This can take a serious toll on your home’s HVAC system. The warmer your space gets, the more your air conditioner has to work to keep your home comfortable and the higher your utility bills will be each month.
Metal roofs reflect the sun’s UV rays, cutting down on the amount of heat buildup in your attic. This allows your HVAC system to turn on less frequently, saving you money month after month. The less your unit runs, the less you’ll owe on your electric bill and the more energy-efficient your home will be.
3. It’s More Wind Resistant Than Other Options
Wind damage is a serious issue for homeowners across the country. In fact, it’s the most common cause of homeowners’ insurance claims every year.
In severe wind, most roofing materials can start to lift up. Once this happens, the wind can then rip the materials off altogether, leaving your roof with a bare patch that’s vulnerable to water, pests, and insects.
Though it’s possible to repair the damage, it’s expensive and time-consuming. Worse, your home is at an increased risk for water damage and leaks until you can get your roof repaired.
One of the key advantages of metal roofs is their wind resistance. When properly installed, the materials stay in place even when the wind kicks up for an extended period of time.
You’ll spare yourself the frustration of having to file homeowners’ insurance claims after severe weather. Even better, you might end up lowering your insurance premiums month after month.
Since metal roofs are less susceptible to damage, insurance companies may offer you lower prices for coverage as long as the roof is in good condition.
4. Metal Roofing Increases Your Property Value
Believe it or not, your roof is one of the most visible parts of your home’s exterior. If you decide to sell your home, prospective buyers will notice its condition anytime they visit your property.
Though other roofing materials are still good choices, they don’t always add value to your home. Since metal roofing is more durable than other options, it makes your property more attractive to buyers.
This makes it easier for you to get a higher asking price for your house even when other homes in the area get listed at lower prices. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to work with an experienced roofing contractor to keep your roof in good condition. A damaged metal roof will hurt your property’s value just as much as a damaged asphalt shingle roof.
5. They’re Resistant to Fires and Sparks
Fires can happen without warning and when they do, they can cause catastrophic damage to your home. They don’t even have to start on your property. A single spark from a neighbor’s house can catch the roof of your home on fire.
Metal roofing will keep your home safer at all times. Since the material can’t burn, it won’t ignite even if it’s struck by lightning.
The less likely it is for your roof to ignite, the safer your family and your possessions will be.
6. The Materials Are Recyclable and Eco-Friendly
All roofing materials will eventually fail, but some fail more gracefully than others. Once the roofing materials get replaced, most contractors have to toss them into the landfill.
Even recyclable asphalt shingles are difficult to dispose of properly. Most recycling facilities can’t process them and, instead, send them back to the landfill.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, is infinitely recyclable even at standard recycling facilities. As long as they can accept metal waste, they can process old metal roofing components.
Since metal recycling is so widely available, you’ll dramatically reduce your home’s carbon footprint by choosing metal roofing.
7. Metal Roofs Have Minimal Maintenance Requirements
Though you know that annual roof inspections are key to keeping your roof in good shape, how often do you really schedule them? If you’re like most homeowners, you rarely even think about your roof until there’s a noticeable leak or visible damage.
Unfortunately, neglecting routine maintenance puts your home at serious risk for damage and increases the likelihood of costly repairs. Worse, the most common roofing materials are easy to damage and require frequent maintenance if you want them to last for years at a time.
One of the best metal roofing benefits you’ll notice as soon as it’s installed is that it requires almost no maintenance. Those annual inspections are still a good idea, but you probably won’t have to schedule repairs in between those appointments.
Over the course of the year, this can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs alone.
8. The Materials Are Lightweight
The support structure of your roof is what makes the materials as durable as possible. The heaver the materials are, the more strain the support structure is under at any given time.
Over the lifespan of the roof, that weight can cause some of the supports to fail. Once they do, you’ll be in for serious structural repairs that can derail your home maintenance budget.
Metal roofs are much lighter than other options on the market. This means your roofing support structure and attic won’t have to deal with as much stress and strain over the years.
9. It Works on Almost Every Type of Roofline
One of the defining characteristics of your home is the pitch of your roof. This determines the way your exterior looks and how much of your roof is visible from the ground.
Unfortunately, not all roofing materials work on every roof pitch. For example, shingles work better on a steeply pitched roof and are not recommended for flat rooflines.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, is suitable for just about every pitch. The material itself naturally encourages water to run off the surface, making it ideal for low-slope roofs. Its light weight also makes it ideal for steep pitches.
10. They’re Just as Quiet as Shingles
One of the most common misconceptions about metal roofing is that it’s incredibly loud during rain and hailstorms. This used to be true, but modern roofing techniques use higher quality insulation which helps dampen the sound during severe weather.
When installed by an experienced roofing contractor, your metal roof shouldn’t be any louder than asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or clay tiles.
If you’re worried about noise contamination, let your roofer know prior to your roof replacement appointment. They’ll make sure there’s enough insulation in place to keep your home peaceful and comfortable no matter what the weather is like.
See the Benefits of Metal Roofing for Yourself
Ultimately, there are many benefits of metal roofing and these are just a few of the ones you can expect once you replace your roof. However, a metal roof isn’t for everyone.
If you’re interested in exploring your options and want to find out if a metal roof is right for you, speak with your roofer. They’ll be able to find the best materials for your budget and your home’s needs.
Looking for more insight into keeping your roof in good shape so you can keep your home safe year-round? Check out our most recent posts.