Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing Materials

When choosing the right roofing material for their home, most Venice or Sarasota homeowners think their only choices are clay tile or asphalt shingle.

Although not used as often, there is another option which is actually well-suited for our local weather and aesthetic. Metal roofing materials are increasingly popular and for good reason. Here are the real benefits of installing a metal roof – and one or two “cons” to keep in mind.

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Durability: One of the best attributes of metal roofing materials is their durability and resilience. A metal roof can last 50 years or more, making it a smart choice for the homeowner who wants to install a roof and never worry about it again. Metal roofing can withstand strong winds, driving rains and persistent sunlight.  A metal roof can also be coated with a rust preventative to keep it from eroding or deteriorating.  Bonus: Along with its long lifespan, metal roofing also tends to have an equally extensive warranty, lasting for many decades as well.

Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing is excellent for reflecting light, keeping the interior of the home cooler. This makes metal roofing materials especially attractive for homes in full sunlight and along the water, such as by the beach.

Green-Friendly: Asphalt shingle roofing materials are petroleum-based, and must be replace every 20 years or so. Metal roofing materials, on the other hand, are typically made from 25% recycled metal materials – and are 100% recyclable should you decide to replace the roof at some point. The metal reflects sunlight and thus makes it easier to keep the home cool, saving energy month to month. Another real benefit of metal roofing which people don’t often think about? It is very lightweight, meaning that it can usually be installed over an existing asphalt shingle roof without having to remove the petroleum based shingles – keeping them out of the landfill and giving you an extra layer of protection.

Ease of Maintenance: Metal roofing, especially when treated with rust-preventative coating, requires less maintenance overall than many other roofing options.

Cons to Choosing Metal

There is no denying that metal roofing is a beautiful, low maintenance and durable choice for your home. But there are some considerations to contemplate:

Affordability: Metal roofing can be quite a bit more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. Not only is the material more costly, but installation of a metal roof is typically more labor-intensive as well. If you are working with a strict budget, metal roofing may be out of range. However, the old adage “you get what you pay for” applies here. Your new metal roof can last at least three times as long as a standard asphalt shingle roof, and may require less maintenance while saving on energy costs.

Denting: Some metal roofing materials may be susceptible to being dented by tree limbs or flying debris. The shingles may even dent if they are walked on. There are various metals which can be utilized for a metal roof, and some are more resilient than others – so be sure to speak with your roofing contractor about your options. Overall, however, dents will not cause a vulnerability to your roof structure.

Noise: Some homeowners may actually put this into the “pro” column, but rain on a metal roof does produce a unique sound. If you love the idea of metal but don’t want to listen to the serenade every afternoon, additional layers of insulation will muffle the sound.

Metal roofing materials can make your home look modern and stylish for decades to come. To find out more, call Kingdom Roofing Kingdom Roofing Kingdom Roofing of Venice.