For many of the homeowners I spoke to, the term “metal roof” conjures up images of rusting sheets of tin clinging dangerously to a decaying barn. Not surprisingly, they can’t imagine why I would recommend a metal roof or why any homeowner would seriously consider it.

Of course, the truth about modern metal roofing is quite different. First of all, while sheet metal can make great barn roofing, it’s not a good choice for homes. The residential metal roof that I install is actually made up of concrete encased steel panels or shingles. They come in a variety of styles and colors, many of which are indistinguishable from more common types of roofing, such as asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and even slate.

But that’s where the similarities end. Metal roofs have many advantages over other materials.

One roof, two jobs

Every roof has two critical functions: one is to keep the weather out, and most roofing products do a good job while they last, as long as they’re installed correctly to begin with. Another job, and one that is becoming more important as energy costs rise, is conserving energy in a home.

It’s the hot summer months that really set one roofing material apart from another. Many conventional roofing materials lie flat on a roof, conducting heat from the sun directly to the siding below and eventually to the attic, where it can dramatically raise the temperature inside the home, putting central air conditioning to work. more to keep the home clean. comfortable.

Most metal shingles are shaped to provide an insulating space between the roofing material and the sheathing below. The difference in terms of your comfort and your utility bill is significant. It is the same principle as the insulation of the air space inside a double pane window. By creating a barrier between the outdoors and the indoors, the impact that hot and cold weather have on the indoor climate is greatly reduced.

Green roof materials

Another important advantage that a metal roof has over more traditional materials is that it is less harmful to the environment. The most common roofing material, asphalt shingles, are petroleum-based. So the production of these tiles contributes to the negative environmental impact of oil recovery and processing. Then, at the end of their useful life (about 17 years, on average) they end up in the landfill along with millions of tons of other worn-out asphalt shingles, where they can take decades to biodegrade.

A steel roof, on the other hand, is likely to be the last roof your home will need, so it doesn’t contribute to landfill problems. And in the event that a steel roof needs to be removed, the steel can often be recycled.

cost vs. Worth

You’ve probably already guessed that metal roofing costs more than other popular roofing materials. That is, they cost more until the original investment is divided by the useful life of the product. Remember, spending 17 years with an asphalt shingle roof is a pretty good result. On the other hand, a metal roof can easily last up to 50 years. That’s a nearly three-to-one advantage for metal. So what costs more, one steel roof or three asphalt roofs? Advantage: metal roofs.

Of course, there is also the question of durability. Asphalt shingles are relatively susceptible to damage from wind and hail. Steel roofs, on the other hand, can be rated for winds of up to 130 mph. Additionally, the brand of metal roofing we install has received the highest impact resistance rating available from Underwriter’s Laboratory.

In general, there are many advantages, and very few disadvantages, to installing metal roofing on a home you plan to stay in for a while. Your roof is truly your first line of defense against the elements and exorbitant utility bills. So why settle for less than the best protection and performance money can buy?