The Pros and Cons of a Metal Roof

Because of its remarkable strength and modern appeal, the metal roof is one of the most practical roofing options available on the market today. Suppose you’re considering this type of roofing system for your home. In that case, however, it’s crucially important to weigh the pros and cons of metal roofing against other popular roofing materials like asphalt shingles or slate tiles. Below are some of the benefits and disadvantages of metal roofing you should know to help you make an informed decision.

The Advantage Side

Longer Service Life

Once properly installed, a metal roof is expected to last somewhere between 30 and 50 years, though warranties may vary widely according to the manufacturer. However, as a building owner, you are expected to carry out regular roof maintenance practices to help your roof survive strong winds, heavy downpour, and snow build-up. Unlike other conventional roofing materials, metal roofing is resistant to mildew growth, fire, and surface decay. 

Roof Pitch Requirement And Shedding Capacity

The minimum roof pitch for a metal roof is set at 3-in-12, which is slightly elevated but doesn’t create leaks. Also, metal roofing is seemingly impenetrable to heavy snow or rain since the surface finish is generally slippery. Because the panels are interlocked or overlapped with one another, it becomes difficult for water to penetrate the seams. Apart from this, if you install dark-colored panels, they can warm quickly in the sun, helping your roof shed off the snow. 

Lightweight 

A metal roof is generally lightweight, weighing somewhere between 50 and 150 pounds for every 100 square feet of coverage, depending on thickness and material gauge. By comparison, concrete tiles, for instance, weigh around 800 to 900 pounds for every 100 square feet of coverage, excluding necessary underlayment materials. Since metal roofing isn’t that heavy, you can definitely save on building additional supports for it. In some instances, you may install a new metal roof over an existing roof without the need to build additional supporting members.

Easy Installation

Metal roofing is available in various shingle profiles, or you may opt to use 36-inch wide sheets. Labor cost is also minimal compared to other traditional roofing styles since experienced roofers can complete the work within a few days. 

Better Resistance Against Fire

Metal roofing is highly resistant against fire, provided that there are no highly combustible materials present underneath the roof surface. To make it more effective, it’s recommended to install metal framing systems with fire-resistant insulation to support the roof. 

Lower Heat Absorption

The majority of metal roofs are made resistant to UV rays, deflecting radiant heat from sunlight, thus significantly reducing heat gain throughout the day. Some roofing contractors build dead air areas between the roof deck and metal roof to minimize heat transfer, so you don’t need to turn up your air conditioning systems that often to make interior spaces cooler. 

The Disadvantage Side

Though metal roofing significantly offers a lot of benefits, you still need to become aware of the drawbacks when you install this roofing system, such as the following:

High Upfront Cost

The initial cost is one of the numerous disadvantages of metal roofing, ranging from $150 to $700 for every 100 square feet of coverage. It may not worth investing in if you don’t have any plans to stay in your house for a long while. 

Loud Noise

Metal roofing produces loud drumming effects during heavy rainfall or hailstorm. However, you can minimize noise by installing solid plywood sheathing or any sound-reducing insulation to the structural frames. 

Bending

Metal roofing is susceptible to bending, especially aluminum and copper roofing compared to galvanized steel. Expect your roof to bend if someone steps on it or if a hailstorm falls over it, though some metal roofs are guaranteed to withstand concentrated load or foot traffic. But this will depend on how the roofing material is made or what type of supporting members are carrying the roof. 

Availability

When it’s about time to replace your metal roof, it can be difficult to do so, particularly if you install large panels rather than individual shingles. You might also find it challenging to look for the same material for your metal roof if you renovate your house, say 10 years or 15 years from now. 

Metal roofing is a lightweight roofing option that is more durable and easier to install by professionals, for instance, roofing contractors NYC. Now, if metal roofing sounds great in your ears, you may contact one of the trusted experts from TCI Manhattan Roofing NYC to assist you with your roofing concerns.