Whether you’re buying a home, building a new home, or it’s time to replace your existing roof, studying up on the pros and cons of your roofing options can help you make a wise and informed decision. Metal roofs are prized for their versatility, durability, and energy efficiency, but they can be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles and composite roofing materials. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of metal roofs to help you decide if it’s worth the investment for your family.
Pros of Metal Roofs:
Metal Roofs Are Durable and Long-Lasting
Metal roofs have a lifespan of between 40 and 70 years depending on the material you choose! Compare that to the lifespan of the average asphalt shingle roof, which is 10-20 years and you can see why people get excited. The reason metal roofing is able to last so much longer than asphalt shingles is durability. Metal roofs (depending on the metal and finish you choose) can:
- Resist winds up to 140 miles per hour
- Resist corrosion and cracking
- Resist damage caused by impact
This durability means you don’t have to repair them as often which lowers your maintenance costs. You should still have them inspected annually to ensure that no minor repairs need to be made. Catching small issues can prevent major – and costly – repairs later on.
Metal Roofs Are Safe
Unlike traditional roofs, metal roofs will not spark and do not ignite or catch fire. This can protect your home from major damages from a stray bonfire spark, wildfire, or lightning strike. Since metal roofs have high tensile strength, they can also help protect you from major impacts like a large branch falling on your roof. Just make sure that your roof is tested and labeled by FM Global, UL, or another trusted quality control corporation.
Metal Roofs Are Environmentally Friendly
Metal roofs reflect light and absorb heat which means they can keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This can reduce your energy bills by up to 25%! That saves you money and lowers your carbon footprint. They are also made of recycled materials and are 100% recyclable when they are removed – unlike asphalt shingles which are a petroleum product.
Cons of Metal Roofs:
Metal Roofs Can Be Expensive
The cost of your metal roof will depend entirely on the material and finishes you choose for it. But generally speaking, metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt shingle roofing and other traditional choices – up to two or three times more expensive. The lifespan of your roof is much longer with a metal roof and you will spend less on repairs over the course of its lifetime. However, if you’re only going to be in your house for a few years, you may not be there long enough to recoup the expense of a high-quality roof. Although in this case, you should also consider how it increases the resale value of your home.
Metal Roofs Can Be Noisy
Metal roofs are (obviously) made of metal, which means that when objects strike the roof, the sound reverberates and echoes a little. There isn’t much noticeable decibel difference with a small object like a stick or an acorn, but raindrops and hail storms can cause quite a ruckus with a metal roof.
Some people love the sound of rain on a tin roof while they drift off to sleep, but if you are super sensitive to noise, it may irritate you. If you have a large attic or a second story, the noise won’t be as noticeable, but it’s something to take into consideration when you’re designing your roof.