7 Reasons To Consider Metal Roofing For Your Home

If you’re considering a new roof for your home, it may be worth thinking outside the asphalt. Metal roofing is surging in popularity, with increased demand in the residential market and year after year industry growth. Today’s metal roofs offer streamlined looks and increased energy efficiency, with a variety of options available so you can fit the style of your home’s exterior. So whether you’re building a new home from scratch or updating your existing roof, metal roofing might just be the way to go.

What Is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing is an alternative to traditional asphalt roofing that’s usually composed of large sheets, though varieties are available that mimic the look of standard asphalt shingles. Materials that may be used for metal roofing include zinc, tin, steel, copper, aluminum, and hybrid metal mixtures, all of which are finished with special coatings to reflect heat, prevent rust, and seal the material against moisture damage.

The growing market for metal roofing in the U.S. now stands at about $3.3 billion across both commercial and residential properties, with manufacturers offering buyers more options for getting the look and utility that they’re after. So if it’s time for a new roof, here are seven reasons that you might want to put metal roofing at the top of your list of considerations.

Metal Roofs are Cost-Effective

They’re Impact- and Fire-Resistant

They’re Environmentally Friendly

They’re Energy Efficient

They Boost Your Home Value

They Can Save You Money on Homeowners Insurance

You Might Not Need To Remove Your Existing Roof

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

As with any home improvement that you make, it’s important to know the drawbacks in addition to the benefits. With that in mind, here’s what you should know before deciding to go with a metal roof.

Metal roofs can get loud. A hard rain is going to sound much louder on a metal roof than an asphalt one. You can have insulation installed to quiet down the noise, but you won’t be able to rid yourself of it entirely. (Of course, some people like this noise, so it’s not necessarily a disadvantage.)

Metal roofs are expensive. While we’ve outlined the cost-efficiency of metal roofing above, there is still no denying that there are heavy upfront costs associated with this type of roof. Make sure to do a cost-benefit analysis, considering factors like how long you intend to stay in your home, what your potential energy savings are, and whether or not you can get a discount on your homeowners insurance.

They require professional installation. Metal roofing is not a job for DIYers. Any failures with the installation of a metal roof can lead to serious (and costly) problems later on, including expansion or contraction of the materials that can cause the metal sheets to loosen or allow moisture to get under the panels. Don’t cut corners when it comes to your installer, and work with someone who has a lot of knowledge and experience to back up the job.

There are plenty of good reasons to invest in a metal roof for your home. If you’ve decided to go that direction, take your time choosing a style and material, since some offer more benefits than others. Do plenty of research too when it comes to your installer. If you put in the time now, you’ll end up with a roof that you love for decades to come.