Why is metal roofing the way to go in 2023?
Back in the day, the mention of metal roofing conjured images of corrugated tin on top of a barn. Today, roofing technology has completely flipped the scrip on topping homes and upscale commercial buildings with metal.
Modern metal roofs come in a variety of styles, colors and designs that can add aesthetic value to any structure. These roofs are made from panels or sheets that are either laid or fastened onto the structure atop the building. There are a variety of metal materials used in the industry now, including galvanized or stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
No longer a novelty, metal roofing is becoming more popular for both new construction and roof replacement projects. Statistics reveal the metal roofing industry is growing at about 3% per year, currently accounting for about 15% of new roof installations.
Why is this?
Longevity, energy efficiency, curb-appeal, environment friendly, and durability are among the advantages of choosing metal for your roof.
Long live the roof
A properly installed metal roof can last 50 to 70 years with little maintenance. That’s three or more times longer than traditional asphalt roofs, which typically need replacement every 15-20 years.
Many metal roofing products are offered with warranties of 30 or more years. Unlike asphalt roofs, metal roofs are resistant to cracking, shrinking, and eroding.
Metal roofs are a breeze to maintain. Aesthetically, they age well and clean easily. If after several decades the metal roof does begin to show its age, it can be repainted instead of replaced.
The cost of a metal roof can vary based on the type of material used and the structure. Generally, a metal roof will cost more than an asphalt shingle roof.
However, proponents are quick to point out a metal roofing significantly adds resale value to your home, saves money on energy bills, and eliminates the specter of having to re-roof again.
Saving on energy costs
Think about it. The roof of a structure is exposed to the sun more than any other part of the building. Metal is an energy efficient roofing material.
Put those two facts together and it’s easy to understand why experts say a high-quality metal roof can save homeowners 30 to 40% on energy costs.
Metal reflects energy from the sun up and away from the home. Conversely, asphalt shingles absorb the solar energy and transmit heat down into the home.
Also, metal roofs are easily adaptable for solar energy panels, which can easily be installed without penetrating the roof system.
Metal roofing is green – environmentally speaking
According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, the recycled content of the steel in a metal roof is about 28%. And the material in the roof is completely recyclable at the end of its long lifespan.
Metal roofs are pro-environment, industry experts say asphalt roofs are not. The National Association of Homebuilders Research Center says 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If you loaded those shingles into tractor trailers, then lined them up end-to-end, they would stretch from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City again, then on to Chicago.
A metal roof often can be installed over a current roof, without tearing off what’s already there. That means metal roofing helps to reduce the amount of discarded asphalt shingles.
Another environmental plus is tied to how metal roofs provide better insulation and help regulate your home’s indoor temperature. As a result, your HVAC doesn’t need to put as much energy into heating and cooling. If enough structures had metal roofs, there could be a significant reduction in the amount of mercury, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide generated by HVAC systems.
Looking and sounding good
Rusted tin is not the look of modern metal roofing. Metal roofs come in a wide array of colors and styles that can give your house a sleek, modern look or mimic a more traditional look. With an asphalt roof, you might get a dozen or so color choices. At Allied Xteriors, we offer metal roofs in a variety of different colors.
Regarding design, metal roofs can be fashioned with vertical ribbed panels or made to look like wood shakes, slate or clay tiles. Choosing metal roofing opens the door to countless design options.
Although it’s a common misconception that metal roofs are noisy when rain or hail falls on them, metal roofing is no noisier than any other type when properly installed.
The bottom line
Metal roofing should be viewed as an investment for your home. Studies indicate homeowners typically recoup 85.9% of their metal roof’s cost. On average, homes with a metal roof have higher resales values of up to 5% higher than those with traditional asphalt roofs.
Energy savings and curb appeal are important. But longevity and durability are the key factors homeowners consider when deciding on a roof. A metal roof may well be the last roof you’ll ever need. Allied Xteriors proudly provides expert metal roofing installations across the Gulf South. Our experienced team of Roof Geeks are here to answer any questions you may have to make the best roofing decision for your home.