If you’re looking for a reliable roof that will literally last you a lifetime, you should be thinking about metal roofs. As far as residential roofs go, metal roofing is one of the best choices out there. Though it can be more expensive than asphalt roofing, it’s worth every penny, and still less expensive than a tile or slate roof. They can last up to 50 or more years with the right kind of upkeep, are environmentally friendly, and have an array of colors and styles to choose from. If you live in an area that suffers from extreme weather (heavy snow, high winds, fire, etc.,) choosing metal for residential roofs can also add a safety component that other types of roofs can’t offer. Contact your local roofing company to learn more and see if they specialize in metal roof installation.
Selling Points of Installing a Metal Roof
As mentioned previously, metal roofs last a long time. If there’s an aluminum-zinc alloy coating on a steel roof, the roof can last as long as 100 years! This probably means that you won’t have to even think about replacing your roof again in your lifetime — and may even be able to guarantee the next homeowners a solid roof for years to come. Indeed, it’s estimated that the average metal roof will last anywhere between three to seven times longer than a roof made of asphalt shingles!
If you install a metal roof, you’re bound to save money. Pricier metals like copper, zinc, and stainless steel will still run you about 30% less than even a cheap slate or tile roof. Your savings doesn’t stop there though — it can help save you a quarter of your yearly energy bill for your home. You may also be eligible for a tax break if you use an Energy Star certified metal roof that’s designed to cut down on heat gain.
Safety is the name of the gain with metal roofs. If you live in a fire zone, your roof isn’t likely to catch fire from stray sparks. Metal roofs have a wind rating of 140 miles per hour, which will generally keep your home from suffering any serious damage. A well designed metal roof can also withstand heavy snow loads, so if you frequently get wet, heavy snow during the winter months, choosing metal for residential roofs is a smart idea.
Metal roofs are also quite environmentally friendly, considering that they usually are made up of about 30-60% recycled content and are 100% recyclable when they’ve lived out their use as a roof.
Furthermore, though the most common types of metal for metal roofs are steel and aluminum, there’s a wide variety of colors that homeowners can choose from. Modern metal roofs have over 100 colors (including standard, premium, and customized colors), which is much greater than the color options available for asphalt shingle roofs (usually between 15-20 standard colors).
How Do I Go About Hiring Metal Roofing Installers?
Make sure that you’re hiring a contractor with plenty of experience. Since metal roofs were previously not as common a roofing choice, you want to find someone who really knows what they’re doing, just like with any roofing job. If you can find a roofing company that offers a lifetime warranty, so much the better!
You should get in touch with several contractors with any questions you have and to get an estimate. Be wary of any contractor who gives you an estimate without making a visit and inspecting your home and yard first. If you reach out initially via e-mail, consider calling or having an in person meeting before the estimate as well. Check out their website and reviews — and ask family or friends for opinions or referrals as well. Remember that the lowest bid isn’t always necessarily the best — you want someone to do a high quality job on your new roof.
When looking at your options for residential roofs, consider choosing a metal roof, to enjoy all of its benefits and advantages.
