Pros and Cons of a Metal Roof for Your Home

When it comes time for a roof replacement, you have a number of different roofing options to choose from. Among your many options include asphalt shingles, slate, tiles, and of course, a metal roof.

Metal roofing has become very popular in recent years, so understandably you may be considering it as an option for your own roof. Some of the key advantages include longer expected lifespan, less maintenance and high energy efficiency.

To help in your decision making process, here are some of the pros and cons of having a metal roof for your home.

Metal Roofing Advantages

There are a number of pros to consider with metal roofs. Among the advantages of metal roofs include:

Highly Durable

Metal roofing is among the sturdiest material that can be used for a roof. Even in severe weather, the roof is not easily damaged from wind and hail. Unlike asphalt shingles roofs, metal roofs are much less prone to sustaining damage from natural elements. This means less repairs and maintenance as a homeowner.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs are also among the highest rated in energy efficiency and can save up to 40% in energy savings on average. The reason they are so energy efficient is that they provide very good insulation in winter months. During warmer months, the roof reflects more of the suns rays, helping keep your home cooler. In turn, this helps your AC and heating units reduce the amount of energy they exert throughout the seasons.

Long Lasting

Compared to other roof types, metal roofs can last significantly longer than traditional asphalt shingles. Whereas an asphalt shingle roof is expected to last around 20 years, a metal roof can easily last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance and conditions.

Improved Safey

Metal roofs are not susceptible to fire damage. Whereas other roof types could catch fire from a lightning strike as an example, metal roofs do not. In geographic locations where wildfires or severe weather is more common, having a metal roof can make your home much safer from fire damage.

Friendly to the Environment

When a metal roof has reached the end of its lifespan, the roof can be completely recycled – eliminating waste and the need to use more natural resources. In fact, many new metal roofs are made from recycled material. On the alternative, shingle roofs are not reusable and and generally discarded as waste product.

Metal Roofing Disadvantages

While the advantages generally outweigh the negatives for metal roofs, there are a few cons to consider.

Cost

Probably the biggest drawback to metal roofs is the cost. Compared to other types of roofing material, metal roofs rank near the bottom in terms of affordability. However, because of the durability and expected lifespan, you may actually end up saving more in the long run by investing in a metal roof because of reduced maintenance and repair costs.

Susceptible to Rust

Like most types of metal, metal roofs can take on damage by means of rusting from water. There are special coatings that can be applied to a metal roof that can make it less likely to rust or as much. So you’ll want to be sure that if you decide on a metal roof that this special coating is applied.

Metal Roofs Expand and Contract

During warmer months, metal roofs tend to expand with heat. Alternatively, metal roofs tend to contract when the weather is colder. The reason this can be problematic is that over time this movement can cause panels to become loose, potentially causing other types of damage to your roof. While new metal roofing systems are designed to combat this contraction and expansion, it is a factor to consider as part of the vulnerabilities of a metal roof.

Considering a Metal Roof for Your Home?

Have more questions about metal roofing or are considering having one installed on your home? We can help. At Norwest Roofing in San Antonio, we offer a number of different metal roofing system options to meet your needs.

We also offer free estimates and offer a 10-year workmanship warranty on all roof replacements. Contact us today.