Why Metal Roofing Is A Good Choice Even Though It May Cost More Upfront

6 November 2015
 Categories: , Blog

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Metal is an excellent roofing material because it is lightweight and durable. It's available in different styles, so you can find a color and shape that fits the architecture of your home perfectly. Some metal roofs look like asphalt, wood, or tile, and they blend in well with other homes in the neighborhood. Here are a few things to consider when you're thinking about installing a new metal roof.

Cost Of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is more costly to install than asphalt shingles, but instead of looking at initial cost, you should look at the cost of the roofing material over its lifespan. Metal lasts a long time, from 40-80 years, so you may not have to install another roof on your home in your lifetime. However, you'd need to replace an asphalt roof at least every 20 years. If you live in a harsh climate, or don't keep up with roof maintenance, you may need to replace an asphalt roof more often than that.

Since metal needs very little maintenance, you won't have to spend much money to keep your roof in good shape. You won't have to contend with rotting wood shakes, cracked tiles, or deteriorating shingles. Since metal is strong, it stands up to weather extremes and strong wind, which reduces the need for partial roof replacement from storm damage.

Also, you might get a discount on your homeowner's insurance when you install a metal roof, since it offers fire protection for your home and it is less prone to developing leaks than an asphalt shingle roof. You could even see a decrease in your power bill since metal reflects the sun and your home will stay cooler in the summer. In addition, since metal is a superior roofing material, it could be a good selling point for your home, and even increase its value.

Appearance Of Metal Roofing

There are different types of metal roofing. However, steel and aluminum are the popular choices because they are affordable. Copper is also an excellent roofing material, but it is expensive to install. It might be a choice to consider if you have an upscale home in the historic district of your city. Otherwise, steel and aluminum are better choices because they cost less and they come in a variety of styles. You can choose metal sheets or tiles. Both options are available in several colors, and the colors are baked on at the factory so the paint won't flake or bubble.

Metal tiles are made to look like clay tiles, slate, asphalt shingles, and wood shake. Coatings are applied to the metal to give it color and texture so the metal resembles the other roofing materials. You may want to choose this option if you want the durability, low maintenance, and protection provided by metal, but you prefer the appearance of an asphalt, stone, or wood shake roof. Whether you choose standing seam roofing or tiles, a metal roof is suitable for all types of homes in any type of setting.

Plus, if environmental responsibility is important to you, you can feel good knowing your metal roof can be recycled when the time comes to demolish your home or replace the roof. So, while metal roofing costs more upfront than asphalt shingles, it may actually end up costing you less when you consider its benefits and maintenance costs over the years.

For more information, contact JD Metals or a similar company.