Replacing your roof is an eventual necessity many homeowners throughout Alabama face. However, the type of roof that’s best for you and your home may be a challenging decision to make. If you’re looking to save money on energy bills and maintenance costs, it would be best if you didn’t immediately rule out metal roofing. Metal roofs are roofing systems made up of metals such as copper, steel alloys, and zinc.
If curb appeal is a concern, worry no more and seriously reconsider metal. The roofing industry has come a long way in terms of maintaining the aesthetics homeowners crave with durable yet stylish new designs. Manufacturers like CertainTeed offer modern styles that can match the beauty of traditional roofing materials like tile or cedar. Pictured below is a metal roof from their product line that mimics the look of natural slate:
Metal roofing is increasingly popular among homeowners today because it is more durable than asphalt shingles. Many homeowners have assumed for years that metal roofing is only for commercial businesses, but that is not the truth at all. Metal roofing very much applies to residential use and may help save you money.
Here are some of the reasons metal roofing is the best choice for your home.
Metal Roofing is Durable
Metal is one of the toughest roofing materials as it can withstand potential hazards such as hail storms and tornadoes better. A metal roof is best to offer protection for you and your house because:
- The majority of metal roofing is Class A fire-related and nonflammable, making it the most resilient roofing material in a fire.
- Most metal roofing materials have a Class 4 UL 2218 score, which means metal doesn’t rupture or tear during a thunderstorm.
- Metal roofing companies place their roofing panels under additional tests to evaluate their performance, safety, and potential for water penetration.
- Metal roofs weigh less than concrete tiles and asphalt shingles. Therefore, the supporting structure of your roof is put under less stress.
All of these sums up one thing: A durable roof will do more than protect your home; it will protect everyone and everything on the inside.
Metal Roofs are Energy Efficient
Your roofing material is a vital factor when it comes to energy efficiency. This is because your roof is the most exposed part of your home to the sun. Metal roofing is energy efficient because:
- Emissivity – Metal roofs can radiate the sun’s heat up and away. Emissive properties of metal roofs will reduce your summer cooling expenses by up to 25%, or even more.
- Solar reflectivity – Metal can reflect the sun’s heat away from your home back to the direction it came from, unlike traditional asphalt shingles that absorb it and transmit it into your home.
- Thermal Resistance – This is the measure of the difference in temperature by which a material can resist heat flow. Metal roofs have increased thermal resistance compared to asphalt shingles.
Through these properties, metal roofs will save you up to 40% in energy costs.
Metal Roofing Is Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable
Metal roofs are one of the most Eco-friendly roofing options available because:
- Metal is 100 % recyclable, meaning tear-off panels, damaged parts, and leftover pieces are recycled for future use.
- Metal sheets and coils are made from previously recycled materials. This is especially true since metal roofs contain 40% recycled steel.
- Since metal can be reused and recycled, it rarely becomes waste in a junkyard, which hugely benefits the environment.
- Metal has a high Solar Reflectance Index, which makes metal panels absorb less heat.
Metal Roofs Have Higher Longevity
Metal roofs will last an average of 50 years compared to traditional asphalt roofs that last approximately 15 years. Metal roofs are more expensive in the short term as a one-time cost, but it is cost-effective in the end as you won’t think about replacing your roof for about 50 years or more.
Metal Roofs Have a More Vivid Color
Metal roofs are popular because they come in practically every color, including both bright and earth tones. Metal roofs also have specially designed paints that will last for decades. That’s why they usually have paint warranties.
Knowing whether metal roofing is the best roof for you can be easy or challenging for many homeowners. With this information, you can now decide what type of roof is best for you.