Why You Need to Ditch Your Current Roof For a Metal One
It’s an unfortunate aspect of being a homeowner but the truth is there is going to come a time when your roof is going to fail. Whether it’s old age, weather-related, or just poor installation the fact of the matter is you need to prepare (at some point) for a replacement.
This is where many homeowners – by no fault of their own – are ill-informed. Many assume that whatever type of roof they have installed now is what the replacement needs to be. They can change colors, textures, etc. but if you have asphalt shingles, your new roof has to be asphalt shingles. If you have a tile, the new roof needs to be tile, and so on.
The truth is you can definitely change the type of roof that is installed on your house. With metal roofing, this process is extremely easy because it can be applied directly overtop your current rooftop materials. Metal roofs aren’t a replacement at all – they’re an upgrade.
What Exactly Are “Metal” Roofs?
The material that composes a metal roof is most commonly either steel or aluminum. In some cases, there might be a composition of copper, zinc, or titanium, but most often steel and aluminum are the industry norm. Since steel is prone to oxidization, galvanized (or galvalume) coatings are applied to give metal roofs their longevity. Paint is also baked into the metal for aesthetic reasons and another surface layer of protection. Some panels even have small stone granules coated in for even more protection as well as added texture.
The Different Types and Styles of Metal Roofs
Metal roof styles in current times are some of the most elaborate and lavish styles that the roofing industry has ever seen. When many people think of a ‘metal’ roof, they envision long sheets of steel like you’d see on a barn. While that look is still available, some of the other appearances of metal roofs include:
- Standing Seam Panels – arguably the most popular type of metal roofing in the U.S are the vertical standing seam panels. These sheets come in sizes up to 24′ long making installation fly. The standing seams add aesthetic value and the attachment point of each sheet is covered by the adjacent panel providing a seamless look that also increases water protection.
- Metal Shingle Roofing – some homeowners do not like the somewhat modern look of a panel metal roof or their local historical or building codes do not allow it. You can still gain the energy efficiency and durability benefits of metal but in the looks of a standard shingle. These products can be manufactured to imitate the appearance of wood shakes, slate, shingle, or Spanish tile.
Sizes and metal gauge thickness will vary in both of these styles. In addition, the different types of actual standing seam vary in not only shapes, but also how they are fastened which may include clips, snap-lock, or nail hems.
Why Opt for a Metal Roof?
Roofers in Greenville SC state that they are starting to actually see more metal roofs than asphalt shingles, which used to own about 80% of the market. This trend is growing across the United States because metal roofs have simply so many benefits but with very few drawbacks. Some of the pros of installing a metal roof include:
- Longevity – some metal roofing manufacturers provide a warranty of 50 to 75 years to life on their product. This is a drastic contrast to asphalt shingles which may only be 15-20 but prorated from the day of installation. Steel and aluminum shingles resist mildew, mold, rot, and insects while also holding their ground against high winds and extreme rain. That longevity is also going to make you money when it’s time to sell your home as you won’t have $1,000s knocked off the sale price because a new roof is needed.
- Ease of Installation / Cost Benefits – metal roofs can be applied over your existing roof so you avoid the labor costs and disposal fees of an existing roof tear off. Panels that are up to 3′ X 24′ wide cut installation time into fractions of what it would be for shingles or tile. If you’re paying contractors by the hour, metal roof’s ease of installation could literally cut multiple days off the project.
- Cost in General – many homeowners assume that a metal roof is out of the question simply because the cost is going to be too high. What you’ve got to factor in though is that the longevity of metal is going to actually reduce the annual cost of your roof. Also, something like asphalt might seem less expensive, but it’s going to have added installation labor, tear off costs, and disposal factored into it. Plus it’s very likely you’re going to pay for one metal roof over the life of your home compared to up to three asphalt depending on how long you reside in the property.
- Energy Efficiency – another aspect that needs to be factored into total cost is the increased energy efficiency of a metal roof. Steel and aluminum reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it, meaning you’ll have lower AC bills in the Summer. Metal roof itself is low in R-value, but foam insulation can be laid underneath to increase efficiency in the Winter. Plus if you’re installing the metal over an existing roof, you’re retaining the same cold-weather insulation but just adding one more protective barrier.
With all these benefits in addition to the Earth-friendly fact that metal roofs can be recycled if they ever do need to be replaced it’s not hard to see the meteoric rise in popularity of this home improvement upgrade. Installing a metal roof is a project that pays you back now in lower energy efficiency costs, but also retains value when it’s time to sell because of its longevity, durability, and increased curb appeal.
If you have to replace your roof – remember that there are options. Doing an analysis beforehand can save you thousands in the long term!
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Author Bio:
Cornerstone Construction offers residential and commercial roofing in Greenville. We specialize in all things roofing, siding, gutters, and panels. We love to help our clients build the home of their dreams. Contact us today and let us build your dream home!
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