Homeowners: Should You Consider a Metal Roof?

Whether you’re new to the East Coast or have spent your whole life in the area, you’ve likely become accustomed to the quirky, variable weather patterns the region experiences. With warm, sunny summers and damp, snowy winters, it’s important to be prepared for anything.

In the same way, your home must be prepared for all the conditions Mother Nature can throw at it. For this reason, many homeowners in the city prefer to use traditional, sturdy materials to maximize weather resistance and energy efficiency. However, while choosing between brick or economical vinyl siding is often an easy decision, some homeowners fail to consider one of the best roofing materials on the market – metal.

Why Should You Consider a Metal Roof?

Whether you’re undertaking a brand new build in the area or your home is simply in need of a replacement roof, metal may be the ideal material for you. Metal offers many benefits over traditional, asphalt shingled roofs, both short- and long-term. Here is a list of the top reasons many homeowners are choosing metal.

Longevity

Longevity is one of the most often cited advantages of metal roofs. However, many homeowners express surprise upon learning just how much of an edge metal roofs have over other types of roofing in the longevity department. The reason is a simple matter of comparison.

Traditional, asphalt shingles have a lifespan of anywhere from 12 to 30 years, depending on the price point and construction. On average, however, most mid- to high-end brands of shingles last about 20 years. Similarly, a quality wood shake roof will last approximately 25 to 30 years.

Metal roofs, by contrast, last an average of 50 years when constructed of the most popular metals like aluminum and steel, more than doubling the lifespan of most types of asphalt shingles. Higher-end metals like copper and zinc average 100 year lifespans. If well cared for, all types of metal roofs can last well beyond this average life expectancy.

Durability

A long-lasting roof is certainly important. However, what good is a roof if it can’t withstand the ever-changing weather the area often experiences? Rest assured that a quality metal roof can handle anything Mother Nature has to offer.

Unlike wood shakes or asphalt shingles, a metal roof will not warp, crack, split, or chip in the hot sun, underneath snow and ice, or during times of severe weather. In fact, many metal roofs are tested to withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour. When you combine wind resistance with industry-best levels of water resistance, it’s easy to see how metal roofs can outlast even the most potent Nor’easter.

Safety

Another weather-related event that concerns many residents is the likelihood of lightning strikes, particularly during the summer months. Contrary to popular belief, metal roofs are not more prone to lightning strikes than any other roofing materials. In fact, occupants of structures with a metal roof are likely more safe during a lightning storm than occupants of other buildings.

Metal roofs have a superior ability to conduct electrical charge, minimizing the resistance non-conductive materials possess that often results in roof damage due to lightning strike. In addition, metal roofs cannot spark or catch fire in the event of a lightning strike, wildfire, or other fire-related event. For this reason, insurance premiums for homes with metal roofing systems are often lower than for homes with traditional, combustible roofs.

Sustainability

Due to the longevity of metal roofing materials, homeowners in the area need to replace their roofing materials far less often, resulting in lessened impact on the environment due to the need for new materials. When a metal roof does eventually require replacing, the metal materials are 100% recyclable, further reducing environmental impact. Similarly, new metal roofing materials are commonly made with at least 25% recycled materials, ensuring the cycle of sustainability continues.

By comparison, asphalt and wood shake roofs require replacing every 20 years, on average. Although these materials can be recycled to some extent, the sheer frequency of their replacement and the need for new materials places a strain on the environment. Overall, metal is the more sustainable choice.

Energy Efficiency

After a new metal roof is on your home, you can begin to enjoy the other end of the environmentally-friendly spectrum – the energy efficiency benefits offered by metal. Metal roof systems include a multi-layered construction, including a layer of air between the roof and the decking. This allows for superior insulation, keeping your HVAC’s comfortable air inside, and the environmental temperature extremes outside.

In addition, metal roofs absorb a great deal less solar radiation than asphalt roofs. The metal reflects excessive radiation back into the surrounding air. Since your home will retain less unwanted heat in the summer, your HVAC unit will be able to cool the air with much less effort, lowering your energy bills.

Home Appreciation

All the above advantages of metal roofs make them extremely attractive to homebuyers and insurance companies alike. In particular, the longevity of a metal roof is appealing to buyers, who may not need to replace the roof for the duration of their stay in the home. Durability attracts buyers as well, with the prospect of not needing to undertake expensive repairs after severe weather events.

Overall, a metal roof can add anywhere from 1% to 6% to your home’s resale value, making the expense that comes with installation worth the investment. In fact, Remodeling Magazine estimates you’ll recoup as much as 58.3% of the cost of your new roof when it comes time to sell. Add that to manufacturers’ lifetime, limited, transferable warranty, and you can pass the savings along to future owners of your home as well.

Is Metal the Solution For You?

The many benefits of owning a metal roof become apparent the longer you experience the durable, low-maintenance comfort of metal. In fact, this is why more and more residents are choosing metal over traditional asphalt shingles. When you consider the wide variety of style options available, from corrugated metal to standing-seam to metal tiles and shakes – all of which are available in a range of colors to suit your preference – it’s clear there is a metal roof option for everyone.