Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing

Although asphalt has long held the title of most popular roofing material for years, metal roofing is quickly catching up as another option homeowners are flocking to use. In fact, metal roofing reached double-digit market share growth in the last few years while asphalt roofing dropped a small amount.

People are coming around to the benefits of this top-tier roofing material. But, of course, there are considerations to keep in mind before you decide to install this type of roofing. Here are the pros and cons of metal roofing. 

Pros of Metal Roofing

There’s a reason metal roofing is rising in demand – well, more than just a single reason. This roofing material comes with a lot of perks that homeowners are sure to love. Let’s look at a handful of metal roofing pros. 

Durability 

Of all the accolades metal roofing receives, its durability and longevity are among the most prized. Most metal roofs can last around 40-70 years. Copper or zinc can even last over 100 years. Compare this with asphalt shingles that only last 15-20 years and you can see how remarkable the longevity of a metal roof truly is.

The reason metal roofing lasts so long is that they are incredibly tough and resilient to a slew of conditions. Heavy snow and hail storms are no match for a metal roof. They can withstand up to 140 miles per hour wind gusts.

This material is also animal-proof. Rodents, raccoons, and other pests can’t chew their way through metal roofing. This durable material can take just about anything you throw at it. 

Safety 

Metal roofing provides an extra layer of protection against wildfires and lightning strikes. Most high-end metal roofing is rated with Class A fire retardancy. That means you can rest assured that your home is protected if a spark lands on your roof. Keep in mind that metal roofing will not help prevent fires that happen inside your home. 

Since metal roofing offers protection against fire, you might see a reduction in your homeowner’s insurance premiums. Metal roofs are less risky due to their extraordinary durability, endurance, and fire-retardant properties.

Environmentally Friendly

Asphalt roofing is notoriously unsustainable. Not only are the shingles made from petroleum products but they also need to be replaced every 15-20 years. All that leftover material just ends up in the landfill, though we at 970 Services reuse recycled materials for our roofing projects.

Metal roofing on the other hand is a great alternative for the environmentally-conscious homeowner. They are typically crafted from at least 25% recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable. You can even install them directly on top of asphalt roofing to create less waste.

Great For Any Season 

Rain, sleet, or wind, a metal roofing system is ready to face a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. In the summer, they work to reflect UV and infrared rays. This actually helps to reduce your cooling costs. According to Metal Roofing Alliance, you can reduce your energy bill by 40% or more. 

When winter rolls around, you can expect your metal roof to serve you just as well. This type of roof naturally repels snow and ice. A special coating prevents it from sticking to its surface. Since ice and snowfall off of the roof, you are less likely to encounter any issues with damaging ice dams. Coloradans, this means it’s safer for you to walk outside your home.

Adaptable to Any Style 

Contrary to what you might assume, metal roofing can fit a range of styles and tastes. There are so many different materials to choose from. Zinc, aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and tin are just a handful. Each of these options comes in roughly 15 to 20 color choices, finishes, and shapes. 

Metal roofing can even mimic other popular materials. Higher-end metal roofing can resemble clay tiles, slate, wood shakes, and much, much more. Whatever your stylistic preference, there’s likely an option for you. 

Cons of Metal Roofing

Even with roofing as impressive as metal, there are still some cons to account for. This is not going to be a great fit for everyone. If you’re considering a metal roof, read through these potential issues you might encounter. 

Price Tag 

This is not a cheap roofing option, hence why you rarely see metal roofs. Asphalt captured the heart of middle-class America due to its unmatched affordability. Meanwhile, metal roofing can cost anywhere from $120 to $900 per 100 square feet. That’s about 10 times more expensive than asphalt. 

This isn’t even including labor fees. Metal roofing is finicky. It must be installed by a certified professional who has access to the proper knowledge, tools, and equipment. If you go with an amateur, your roof can be vulnerable to condensation and roof leaks. Since this is such a specialized process, the charges tend to be a little higher than other types of roofing. 

Not Completely Impervious 

While metal roofing is quite sturdy, it isn’t completely indestructible. Dents can occur under certain conditions. Extremely large hail and falling branches are capable of damaging a metal roof just like any other type of roofing. Dents can also occur if someone walks on top of them with a heavy foot. But the hope is that, since they’re so durable, people won’t have to climb onto metal roofs to check for damage as often.

There are certain types of metal roofs that are stronger than others. Copper and aluminum are on the softer side of the spectrum so they are more likely to experience this type of damage. Steel, on the other hand, is less prone to denting. 

Can Be Noisy

While some people love the melody of rain falling on a tin roof, this can be a major annoyance for others. It’s true. Metal roofs can be louder than other types of roofing. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can create a very noisy demonstration. Attic insulation and certain types of added layers can reduce the noise but that can add even more fees on top of an already expensive roof installation.

Can Be Hard to Repair

Another reason asphalt roofs are so popular is the ease of repair. If a segment of the roof is damaged, the contractor can simply pull up those shingles and replace them. Metal roofing isn’t usually as simple to repair. If there is damage to a small portion of the roof, you can’t just replace that area; the entire panel will need to come up. This can be a more expensive and complicated process. If many years have passed since the initial installation, it can even be difficult to match materials.