Benefits and Drawbacks of Metal Roofing

Whether you want to install new roof or want to give your existing roof a makeover, you will get ample options of roofing materials to select. Choosing the right type of roof depends upon the type of weather and your requirements.

Doesn’t matter what type of roof style you prefer, having metal roofs can be a good option because of their longevity, minimal maintenance, durability and eco-friendliness. Moreover, you can choose from zinc, tin, aluminum, copper or galvanized steel- but make sure metal roofing material is tested and of good quality.

Before you make the final decision, here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of metal roofs you must be aware of:

Benefits

Life Span: A properly installed metal roof lasts long as far as it is sealing out water, surviving strong winds and easily shedding snow. It is resistant to fire, mildew, insects and rot. Renowned companies providing residential roofers in Austin usually back their products with a warranty of 50 years. Though, paint finishes have a limited warranty of around 30 years.

Weight: Metals roofs are light-weighted. Most varieties will weigh around 50 to 150 pounds per square as compared to concrete tiles that weigh around 900 pounds per square. As these materials are light-weighed, you can save on engineering and building the supporting structure.

Eco-Friendly: An old metal roof can be recycled. Steel is the best metal for roofing as it doesn’t utilizes chemicals. So, if you want to go green in your home, metal roofing is the right choice.

Speedy Installation: To make the installation easy for roofing contractors, these roofing materials come in multiple shingle sections or in 12-36 inch wide panels.

Lower Utility Bills: Metal roofs rather than absorbing the heat, reflect it. This helps you keep your home cooler up to 40% in summers, and you spend less money and energy keeping your home comfortable.

Drawbacks

Cost: The biggest drawback of a metal roof is its cost. It is expensive as compared to other types of roofs. However, in most cases, you will recoup between 70-80% of these costs on lower insurance, no maintenance and lower energy bills.

Noise: A metal roof can be noisy during rainstorm or hailstorm. But noise can be reduced by using materials having structural barriers to minimize the drumming effect or by applying them over noise reducing insulation.

Dents: a metal roof can dent when heavy hail stones hit it. As aluminum and copper are softer than steel, they are more prone to denting. Some companies providing residential roofers in Austin guarantee that their products won’t dent.

Expansion and Contraction: As metals expand on heating and contracts when cooled, these roofs are equipped with fasteners to account for this movement; otherwise, fasteners that secure roofing tends to become loose.

Summing Up

Benefits of metal roofing slightly overpower its drawbacks. Cost can be an issue but if we look at the durability and longevity of metal roofs, then the cost sounds reasonable.

David is a renowned roofing contractor. He always suggests people to hire a good company, providing Austin Roofers to get the metal roofs installed properly.