When planning any home improvement project, especially roofing, it is vital to look at the features and benefits of every option to determine which product is the best fit for your home.
When it comes to replacing your roof, many homeowners only understand asphalt roofing and are not awareof the many benefits of a metal roof. To see if metal roofing is the right fit for your home, let’s look at some of the many benefits metal provides.
Energy Efficiency
When homeowners are asked about their home’s energy efficiency, most homeowners focus on problem areas such as windows and doors, but did you know your attic is responsible for 45% of all energy transfer in your home? That’s why it is crucial to have an Energy Star Rated Roof. Metal Roofing uses infrared reflecting paint pigments to keep your home cooler in the summer and a variety of attic insulating options to keep it warmer in the winter.
According to the EPA, low-reflectance roof surfaces reach temperatures of 150 to 190°F during hot weather and contribute to increased cooling energy use and higher utility bills. In contrast, “cool metal roofs” with high reflectance and emissivity can stay up to 70 degrees cooler than traditional materials during peak summer weather.
Longevity
One of the main reasons homeowners choose metal roofing is because of its amazingly long lifespan. Metal roofing is designed to withstand the test of time with copper metal roofs and galvanized metal roofs still functioning on homes built over 100 years ago. If you ask of your neighbors they will tell you, you’re lucky if you get twenty years out of an asphalt roof. Metal roofing is designed to last 3-4 times longer than as long a typical asphalt roof, which equates to higher resale value, less headaches and more peace-of-mind.
Wind-Resistance
With the recent bouts of extreme weather, it is more important than ever to have a roof built to withstand the elements. Standing seam metal roofs are Miami-Dade County certified and able to withstand Category 4 hurricane winds, which can reach up to 160 mph! Unlike asphalt roofs, which can lose shingles in a mild to moderate wind storm, metal roofing panels interlock across the entire roof to prevent damage to any and all portions of the roof.
Curb Appeal
Many homeowners don’t consider their roof as an integral part of their home’s curb appeal, but they should. The truth is that all asphalt roofs stain and discolor, some in as little as five years, whereas metal roofing not only lasts a lifetime and many offer a long term paint finish and appearance warranty.
Metal roofing comes in a variety of different styles and color options to fit every home and design choice. For example, Metal Tile Roofs gives you the old world look of terracotta, Metal Slate Roofing replicates the elegant and timeless look of slate for less, and Standing Seam, with a rainbow of color choices, is perfect for Historic, Contemporary and Traditional homes alike.
Going Green
As if all these benefits weren’t enough, metal roofing is also ecologically and environmentally friendly. Metal roofing consists of 20-40% recycled content and at the end of its very, very long lifespan is 100% recyclable. Every year, 13 billion pounds of petroleum-based asphalt shingles are put into landfills. That number is steadily increasing.
Because metal roofing is five times lighter than asphalt, it can be installed over an existing layer of shingles, without adding an inordinate amount of weight and stress to your home’s structure. This not only helps save the environment but it also helps homeowners save time and money.
With all of these benefits, why choose any other type of roof?
