For many, metal is the perfect material for your new roof. They come in tons of shapes and styles, they’re durable and energy-efficient, but they are also expensive and noisy. So what’s suitable for your home? If it’s time to consider a metal roof, here are some pros and cons that might help make the decision a bit easier.
The most popular type of residential roofing material is asphalt, which lasts anywhere from 12 to 20 years. On the other hand, metal roofs have a lifespan of 40 to 70 years, meaning that a metal roof is going to last as long as your home does.
Since metal roofs last so long and since they can often be reused when they are done, metal roofs are extremely environmentally friendly. Especially when compared to petroleum-based asphalt or wood shingles, which last half as long and produce a lot of waste. Not to mention that metal roofs are also the perfect platform for solar panels.
Since metal roofs reflect light instead of absorbing it, they are very energy efficient, especially in the summer when you do not need to crack up the air conditioning because your roof is already keeping you cool.
Metal roofs come in just about any color and style you can imagine. They can look like traditional slate, clay half-round, and even cedar shingles. Whether it’s copper, steel, or aluminum, there are 100 colors to choose from and just about any style you can dream up.
Unlike cedar and asphalt, metal roofs are utterly unaffected by moss and fungus. It may not look great growing on your roof, but you will not have to worry about it affecting the integrity of your home. Also, much like the moss and fungus, it is not a great look for your roof to have animals on it, but if there are, none of them will be able to burrow or peck into your roof. Both of these factors are just another reason why metal roofs last as long as they do.
Metal roofs are perfect for areas that are prone to wildfire because they are extremely fire resistant. In fact, metal roofs are considered class A when it comes to fire retardancy, meaning they are one of the most fireproof roofs money can buy.
All the pros of metal roofs come at a serious cost which is why they are some of the more expensive roofs money can buy. Since the material you choose for your metal roof varies greatly in price, a wide range of costs is available. Copper is going to be on the more expensive side, while aluminum will be cheaper, and steel falls somewhere in between. Regardless, on average, a homeowner can expect to pay anywhere from $5.00 to $9.00 per square foot.
Unfortunately, there is no roof out there that is impenetrable. Although metal is one of the most durable roofing types out there, significant hail is known to dent metal roofs. While it’s rare for hail to penetrate the roof, it will not look as good if your roof is covered in dents, and there is no real way to fix them without replacing sections of the roof.
If it’s time to consider a metal roof, we’re here to help. Our roofing specialists at IBEX Roof can help you install a great metal roof for your home or building. We know that changing up your roofing type is a big decision. If you have questions or concerns about what type of roof is best for you, give us a call today. We’ll be here to guide you through the entire process so that you can feel confident with the roof that goes over your head. When you partner with IBEX Roof, you can trust that we’ll be on top of it!
