Metal roofing is a roofing material that has gained popularity for its numerous advantages, yet it also comes with its fair share of disadvantages. When considering metal roofing for your home, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
On one hand, metal roofing offers exceptional durability, longevity, and energy efficiency, making it an attractive choice for many homeowners. On the other hand, concerns such as cost, noise during heavy rain, and potential maintenance issues should be taken into account.
Let’s explore both the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right roofing solution for your needs.
Advantages of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for many homeowners. Here’s a list of some of the key advantages of metal roofing.
Long-Lasting Coverage
A survey by McGraw-Hill found that 26 percent of people chose a metal roof for its longevity. You can expect a well-installed metal roof to last the life of the house. It can hold up against harsh weather like wind gusts up to 140 mph. By comparison, a traditional shingled roof will last between 12 and 20 years.
Durability
Metal roofs are known for their durability and are able to withstand an onslaught of what Mother Nature throws at them, whether it be rain, snow, wind, or even fire. They’re also not as susceptible to damage like pests, rot, and mildew.
Low Maintenance
Metal roofs require minimal maintenance over their lifespan. They don’t typically need regular cleaning or repairs, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Environmentally Friendly
Asphalt shingles are made from materials like petroleum. Add that to the fact that almost 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are sent to landfills each year, and you have a recipe for environmental disaster. Metal roofs are more sustainable and even recyclable. They are also lightweight, meaning you can simply install the sheets over your existing shingles.
Energy Efficient
You might think that choosing a metal option will skyrocket your heating and air bill because metal retains heat. Surprisingly, this isn’t the case, as this roofing option efficiently reflects the solar heat. This means you can reduce your cooling costs by up to 25% in the summer.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has several advantages, but it also comes with its share of disadvantages. Here are some of the disadvantages of metal roofing.
Noise
Rain, hail, and other environmental factors can make metal roofing quite noisy during heavy precipitation or storms. While some homeowners don’t mind the sound, others find it disruptive.
Limited Style Options
Metal roofing comes in various styles, but it may not offer the same variety and aesthetic options as traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles or clay tiles.
Scalability
If you plan to make changes to your home’s structure, such as adding dormers or skylights, modifying a metal roof can be more challenging and costly compared to other roofing materials.
Installation Complexity
Installing metal roofing requires specialized skills and tools. Improper installation can lead to issues like leaks, so it’s essential to hire experienced professionals, which can add to the overall cost.
High Cost
Installing a metal roof tends to be more expensive upfront compared to composite shingles and other roofing materials. This high initial cost can be a barrier for some homeowners who are on a tight budget. However, with the right metal roofing loan, you could get the financing you need to invest in the metal roof of your dreams.
Ready to Raise the Roof?
Are you ready to replace your old roof with a new and improved metal roofing option? Let HFS Financial find you the right roof loan to cover all your roofing repair and replacement projects. Just take 60 seconds to apply for your dream project, with no effect on your credit score for inquiry. Then we’ll do the rest! Finding the best roofing option for your home has never been easier than with HFS Financial. “You Dream It, We Finance It.”