Metal roofs are a great option if you’re looking for durability and sustainability. They last much longer than asphalt shingles, which can be prone to damage from hail and tornadoes. Sheet metal roofing is joined by standing seams and rolled joints. Metal roofs are expensive at first glance because of the cost of materials, time spent on installation, metal roofing pros, and cons, as well as potential costs associated with repairing or replacing a storm-damaged roof. With that said, installing a new steel roof is more expensive than a wood roof, but over the life of metal roofs will be cheaper when you consider how long they last and how little maintenance they need.
Types of Metal Roof
1) Copper Roofing
Copper roofing is one of the most expensive roofing materials you can buy. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want to protect their homes from harsh environmental conditions such as extreme heat and cold, as well as hail damage or storm-driven rain. Copper roofs are heavy, which adds significantly to the cost of installation. They also require maintenance upkeep like any metal roof.
Copper metal roofing is one of the most popular types of metal roofing that homeowners choose to install on their homes. Many people consider copper metal roofing investment in property value, leading to a return on investment.
Copper roofs come in many different styles and colors, making them so attractive to homeowners. Some copper metal roofing products are more durable than others and vary in price depending on the quality of finish you want for your home’s exterior.
2) Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing is typically the second most heavily coated metal roofing option and can be a good choice for homeowners who don’t want to spend as much money. Similar to copper, aluminum must also be maintained to avoid corrosion or discoloration of the surface material. Aluminum is usually less expensive than copper, but like other metals, it will eventually need replacement.
Aluminum roofing is a good option for homeowners who want to have their metal roof installed in sections instead of one large piece. This can be beneficial if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Aluminum is versatile and comes in many different colors, making it an attractive choice for the exterior of your home.
Aluminum is also one of the most common types of metal roofing that homeowners choose to install on their homes. Aluminum roofs come in many different styles and colors, making them so attractive to homeowners. Some aluminum metal roofing products are more durable than others and vary in price depending on the quality of finish you want for your home’s exterior.
3) Zinc Roofing
Zinc roofing is a great option if you are looking for an affordable metal roofing material. You can expect to pay less than $300 per square foot, which is significantly cheaper than copper and aluminum roofs.
Zinc is one of the most commonly installed types of metal roofing on residential homes in America today. One thing that makes zinc attractive to homeowners is that it is very durable and long-lasting roofing material.
Zinc metal roofs are typically coated in an epoxy coating, which helps them resist corrosion from rain or other extreme conditions like hail. Zinc roofs come at the lowest cost but will need to be replaced after 25 years of service.
4) Tin Roofing
Tin roofing is likely the least expensive metal roofing material that you can buy. It is also very lightweight and easy to work with if you are a DIY-er.
Tin roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting metal roofs that you can buy, making it an attractive choice for homeowners who want to save money on replacement costs in the future. Tin roofs are available in various styles with many different colors to choose from, so finding one that suits your home is not difficult.
Tin roofs are typically coated in an epoxy coating, which helps them to resist corrosion from rain or other extreme conditions like hail. Tin roofs come at the lowest cost but will need to be replaced after 25 years of service. It is one of the most commonly installed types of metal roofing on residential homes in America today. One thing that makes tin attractive to homeowners is how long-lasting and durable they are, leading to a reduced return on investment over time for many homeowners.
Advantages of Metal Roof
While metal roofs may be costly, their benefits weigh more than their cost:
Longevity
Metal roofs last for decades and can withstand extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes.
Maintenance-free
Metal roofs require little maintenance, which saves homeowners time and money in the long run. You can typically expect metal roofing products to last up to 50 years before they need any kind of replacement work done.
Durability
The durability of metal roofs is one of the main reasons homeowners choose it as a roofing material. Metal roofs can withstand extreme weather and conditions, which means they will last for years without any kind of damage or exposure to harsh elements.
Variety
Metal roofs come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your specific home design needs.
Environment-Friendly
Metal roofs are known as environment-friendly because they are made from recycled materials. This means that the metal from your roof will be reused to build more roofs or other products.
Safety
Metal roofs are not a fire hazard, making them an especially appealing choice for homeowners in areas prone to wildfires or other natural disasters. Metal roofing products also resist water corrosion and hail damage and can withstand extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornadoes without worrying about the safety risk.
Disadvantages of Metal Roof
This type of roofing, like many others, also has its own drawbacks:
Noisiness
Metal roofs are known for being noisy, which can be a problem in neighborhoods with strict noise ordinances or if you have young children.
Maintenance
While metal roofs require little maintenance once installed, there may need to be some replacement work done over the years depending on how much use it gets and what type of materials were used when it was first installed.
Price
Metal roofing is one of the more expensive roofing materials you can purchase. The initial cost may be worth it in the long run if your metal roof lasts 50 years without any need to replace or repair anything on it, but it will still take some time to recoup your investment. It can be difficult to find a budget-friendly option when shopping for metal roofing materials. They come with a higher upfront cost and typically need to be installed professionally.
However, this disadvantage can be mitigated if you find a high-quality product from one of the reputable manufacturers in the industry that offers warranty coverage and will stand behind their products for years to come. Some metal roofing material providers offer financing options to help homeowners with budgets get started off on the right foot as they transition over to metal roofs.
Suspended Ceilings
Metal roofs are not compatible with suspended ceilings, which is another thing you should consider before deciding on this type of roofing material for your home.
Color Match Inconsistency
Metal roofs come in many different colors, but the color of your metal roof may not match the trim or siding on your home. If a repair is required, you may have to repaint or replace the trim on your home.
Dampness
Some homeowners have reported that their metal roofs are prone to dampness and can cause mold issues when left untreated over time. This is another thing for you to consider before installing a metal roof on your home.
