Your roof protects everything that is important to you. If you are about to replace your old roof or choose a new roof for your new home, there is a lot to consider, starting with roofing materials. Should you select a standard asphalt roof, a timeless slate roof, or a strong metal roof? Good reasons to invest in a metal roof include wind resistance, low-maintenance, and energy efficiency.
Lifespan
Standard roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, last from 15 to 30 years depending on the amount of annual rainfall, microclimate, and storm patterns the local region experiences. The typical lifespan of metal roofs is anywhere from 40 to 200 years.
Wind Resistant
Most metal roofs are composed of metal panels with some kind of interlocking system. This eliminates the gaps and cracks that can appear in asphalt roofs, making them susceptible to wind damage. Metal roofs can withstand hurricane wind speeds.
Fire Resistant
Metal is a non-combustible roofing material, making it for all intents and purposes fire resistant. If you live in an area prone to intense summer heat or forest fires, all it takes is a spark to ignite dry debris sitting in the gutters or collected in a roof valley.
Mold Resistant
When excess moisture remains on roofing shingles, mold can take hold. Because it is an organism that retains water, the longer mold remains on the surface of a roof, it can cause rot. Metal roofing will never have this problem.
Low Maintenance
Since a metal roof is very durable and long-lasting, it is less susceptible to general wear and tear. It is easy to maintain, and other than visually inspecting it with each seasonal change, a metal roof requires minimal cleaning and maintenance.
Because metal roofs, regardless of the type, are typically installed as interlocking panels, there are fewer places for leaks to form.
Some metals are softer than others. For roofs made of aluminum or copper, regularly trim trees that grow close by to prevent rubbing and scraping.
Energy Efficiency
Metal is a reflective material and does not absorb heat like some non-metal roofs. Heat that is reflected away from the roof prevents temperatures from rising inside the house. In summer, a metal roof can significantly reduce the cost of keeping the interior cool, while in winter it prevents warm air from escaping outside and cold air from coming in. Metal roofs tend to make a home energy-efficient (lower energy bills) year-round.
Earth Friendly
An asphalt roof is made from fossil fuels, needs to be repaired and maintained throughout its life, and when replaced, it ends up in the landfill. However, a metal roof lowers a household’s carbon footprint. Metal roofs will last a long time before they need to be replaced and when do reach the end of their lifespan, they are totally recyclable.
Many manufacturers use recycled materials to create their roofing products. In all aspects – resources, manufacturing, and product application (consumer use) – metal roofs have a low environmental impact.
Curb Appeal
High quality metal roofing can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. The variety of colours, styles, and textures (they can be made to look like clay tiles, slate tiles or cedar shingles) ensures a good match for the architectural style of your house.
