Generally speaking, when people picture metal roofs, they picture the old-school corrugated metal roofing used in agricultural and industrial spaces. But today’s metal roofs are a much more sophisticated proposition. In fact, residential metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing segments in the home improvement industry. Their popularity has more than quadrupled over the past decade!

The many benefits that metal roofs provide have allowed homeowners to upgrade the look and value of their home – without breaking the bank! Let’s take a look at the qualities that make metal roofing such a good investment.

Metal Roofs Are Long-Lasting

While a well-maintained traditional shingle roof can last up to 30 years, the average roof lasts around 10-12 years. Metal roofs last much longer – up to 70 years when they are properly cared for and maintained! In fact, most of the homeowners who choose to make the switch to a metal roof do so because they are so durable and reliable. Along with their increased lifespan, many metal roofs also come with a 30-50 year manufacturer’s warranty, making it an even more attractive option.

Metal is a very durable material and it easily withstands the abuse of the elements – including wind speeds of up to 140 mph! Worried about rusting? All of our metal roofs come with rust-proof coatings to ensure they stay functional and attractive throughout their lifespan.

Metal Roofs are Environmentally Friendly

Asphalt shingles are made with petroleum, which increases our dependence on fossil fuels. They also have to be replaced every ten to twenty years, which results in about 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles being dumped in landfills across the country.

Metal roofs are a much more sustainable option for several reasons. First, they usually consist of at least 25% recycled material and they are, themselves, 100% recyclable! If you choose a steel roof, it can be recycled over and over without losing any strength or durability.

Metal roofing is also the perfect surface for other eco-friendly ventures like solar panels and rainwater collection. The surface can reflect light, absorb warmth, and it’s easy to install parts on it. And because it reflects light, it can result in a cooler house which lowers your energy bill and your carbon footprint!

Metal Roofs Are Stylish

Corrugated tin roofs are a thing of the past! Now, metal roofs come in a dizzying array of finishes, colors, and styles. You can choose from:

• Aluminum
• Zinc
• Copper
• Tin
• Galvanized steel

And while asphalt shingles may come in around 20 color choices, metal roofing comes in over 100 different colors – you can even have a custom color mixed for your home! Steel and aluminum roofs (the most popular metal choices) are designed to hold paint and finishes very well, so there’s no limit to what you can do with your roof.

There are also several different styles of metal roofing from which to choose. Most people end up settling on the vertical ribbed “standing seam” style. But you can also choose metal shingles designed to give the appearance of traditional asphalt, wooden shakes, or slate or clay tiles. If you prefer a traditional look, but love the durability and efficiency of a metal roof, this is an excellent option.

Metal Roofs Have a Better ROI

Metal roofs are more expensive than traditional asphalt roofs. Depending on the metal finish, and size of your roof, metal roofs can cost around $120-$900 per 100 square feet. And installation of metal roofing requires special equipment and training. However, before the price makes you balk, consider how you’ll recoup your expenses. 

You won’t have to replace the roof again for the lifetime of the house because it lasts for 50 years on average and is usually covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for the duration. You can cut your energy bills by as much as 25% with the right conditions and finishes, which can result in huge savings. And the increased strength and durability of a metal roof means less maintenance and fewer repairs which will save you plenty of money.

So weigh the costs carefully and look at the big picture rather than just the initial installation fees when you’re considering which roofing material is right for you.