When it comes to putting the roof on a home, homeowners are offered a wide variety of different options. Of course, they want to get a roof that will last the home many years without necessary replacement and not cost a lot of money to install and repair over the years. Many homes today still choose to use metal as the primary roofing material because it provides a number of advantages for any home.
According to a number of roofing experts, the average shingle needs to be replaced every 17 years in the United States. The moment a shingle is installed, it immediately begins to deteriorate. As well, sunlight and various weather conditions, including heavy rain and winds, can cause further damage to shingles, which will cost homeowners a lot of money in repairs and replacement. Metal roofs can go much longer without ever being replaced as it will not flake, split, or dry out like shingles. In fact, a quality roof made of metal can last up to 60 years.
Metal roofs are more leak resistant than most traditional roofs. The metal can be stamped with a certain pattern used to control the flow of water. As well, most metal roofs are fire resistant. Metal roofs are considered noncombustible and therefore provided with a Class A fire rating, meaning the most resistant. However, keep in mind that if the metal roof is placed over wood shingles, for example, it can mean a lower rating.
For those who are environmentally conscious, metal roofs are a great green alternative. Most people are not aware that over 20 billion pounds of residential asphalt roofing material is thrown into landfills throughout the United States. Metal roofs not only last much longer than traditional roofs, but there is less material to remove and if the metal roof is removed, it can be recycled and reused on most occasions.
A big advantage of metal roofs is that it can reduce monthly energy bills. Metal tends to reflect the rays of the sun much better than roofs made of wood and shingles. The metal roof, therefore, protects the upper area of the home, like the attic, from the heat. This means that in the hotter months, the air conditioning unit in the home does not have to work quite as hard to cool the entire home. Once a metal roof is installed, homeowners can most definitely see a significant change in their energy bills throughout the warmer months.
Finally, metal roofs are extremely quick and easy to install. A majority of times, metal roofing materials are bundled in sheets or multi-shingle sections. An accomplished roofing contractor will be able to install the metal roof very quickly. Shortening the roof installation process is a critical advantage, especially in times when the roof is completely stripped off the home and a storm is heading in that direction. Shortening the roof installation process by a day or two can mean everything.
