Are you thinking about putting a new roof on your house or commercial building? You may want to avoid traditional slating alternatives in favor of a metal roof. Metal roofing offers a plethora of advantages and usage, making it a popular roofing option for roofs of all sizes and forms.
Metal roofing systems can be made from various materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc alloys. Steel is the most often utilized material, but some are not in favor of its weight, making aluminum an option because it is lightweight but less durable. Aluminum metal roofing is a popular choice and better suited for residential use. On the other hand, copper, alloy, and stainless steel are more expensive materials that offer an exquisite visual quality that ensures long-lasting attractiveness.
Take a look at what you can learn from this article:
Table of Contents
The Advantages of a Metal Roofing System
Metal roofing can be an excellent choice for many structures, but what makes it stand out compared to other alternatives like asphalt shingles or concrete tile? Let’s take a look at a few of its advantages:
Effective in Resisting Weather Damage
Metal roofing, when correctly constructed and maintained, outperforms other materials. It can withstand storms, rain, strong wind, and snow. It has a protective coating that may assist in preventing corrosion from moisture. Most metals are resistant to bugs, fire, rot, and mildew, in addition to weather damage.
Visually Pleasant to Look at
Metal roofs have improved in quality throughout time, from pieces of corrugated tin on top of barns to contemporary, attractive panels. This material comes in hundreds of different color variations, giving you more design options than asphalt shingles. Aluminum and steel, in particular, can retain paint finishes well and are less prone to have cracked or faded paint.
Lightweight and Simple to Set up
Metal is lighter than other roofing materials, making it easier for contractors to transport it on-site. Metal roofs are more straightforward than asphalt roofs since they come in large panels and sections of numerous shingles. A contractor can put down one shingle at a time, making work more accessible.
Has a Long Lifespan
Metal roofing systems have an incredibly long lifespan, with some able to last twice the lifespan of conventional asphalt shingles. If you want to avoid replacing your roof for decades or perhaps pass it down to your children, a roof made of this material will preserve your investment. Most metal roofing materials also have a guarantee, so if it doesn’t last as long as anticipated, you may be able to get it replaced for free.
Can Save Money on Energy Costs
Instead of absorbing heat, this material reflects sunlight, keeping your home cool throughout the hot summer months. As a consequence, you won’t need to use your air conditioner as often. When it’s chilly outside, metal roofing may help insulate your house, keeping hot air from escaping and minimizing furnace wear and tear.
May Be Recycled without Losing Its Strength
Steel roofs are 100% recyclable, so installers may reuse these panels without sacrificing durability. Even though asphalt shingles may be recycled, the production process uses petroleum products. Therefore they depend on fossil fuels that are harmful to the environment. Furthermore, asphalt roofing has to be replaced every couple of decades, which would result in additional carbon emissions to produce a brand-new shingle set. You don’t need to purchase additional supplies since metal lasts a long time.
The Disadvantages of a Metal Roofing System
Can Get Loud During Rain or Hail
Raindrops on your metal roof may be heard tapping during severe storms. Some individuals find this soothing, while others find it irritating. You may order materials with structural barriers to reduce noise. Remember that this additional protection raises the cost of your roof’s installation, so make sure you budget for it appropriately.
Can be Expensive to Install
Because metal roofing is more difficult to install than other roofing materials, you may need to pay more to hire an expert metal roofing installer with specialized experience. However, keep in mind that you can save money on energy costs, homeowners insurance, maintenance, and replacement with this long-lasting material.
Tough to Access in Humid Regions
Cleaning and maintaining a metal roof may be difficult, if not dangerous if you live in a humid or wet environment. Because metal may become slippery after rain, stepping on the roof could be dangerous, mainly if moss or algae have grown over time.
Dents More Easily
While contemporary metal roofs can survive years of wear and tear from severe weather, falling branches and big hail pieces may damage some weaker types. Some metal roofs are so delicate that you can’t walk on them without harming them. When choosing this type of roof, make sure you invest in stronger materials and experienced installers.
Check out our article if you want to know more about the different types of metal roofs and steel panels.
The Costs Associated With Metal Roofing Systems
The maintenance and expenses of your new roof will be minimal due to the durable nature of metal and the strength of the roof components. Your roof will need very little maintenance and will be designed to look beautiful and perform well for decades, so you can be sure your investment is worth the price.
Indeed, a metal roof usually costs more than an asphalt shingle roof. However, it also lasts longer. Metal roofs typically cost between $5,300 and $14,700 depending on the location, metal material, and roof size. As a midpoint to this range, you can expect to pay about $10,000 on average.
Of course, the price of your roof will vary considerably based on factors such as your home’s square footage, the kind of material and fasteners you choose, and the slope of your roof. In general, a typical roofing project is divided into three components: materials, labor, and overhead. The labor required in building a roof should account for about one-third of the overall cost.
You can estimate labor for an ordinary roofing job to cost $3,000 if the roof is in a standard form with no severe slopes. Higher-end materials and one-of-a-kind roofs may lead labor costs to skyrocket to $10,000 or more.
The roof’s pitch, the design you want to have, and the kind of material you like—whether you want a standing seam or a shingled appearance—can further impact the cost. If you will have your roof coated or want the fasteners visible or hidden are all factors that may influence the total expense of installing a metal roof.
Last Thoughts
There are many roof materials available whether you are installing a new roof on a new house or if your current roof has to be replaced entirely. However, metal roofing may be an appealing choice regardless of your roof type due to its durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency.
If you are looking for a metal roofing contractor in Raleigh, North Carolina, Southern Premier Roofing can be your best option in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville NC, as well as Boise ID. We have an unmatched personalized service that best fits what you are looking for. Call us now at (910) 835-5914, so we can assist you!