Considering most roof warranties can offer around 50 years of coverage, a handful of different metal roofs have been known to have lifespans of up to 100 years. There are lots of factors that affect the longevity of a metal roof, which also include the type of metal used. To address the different material types of metal roofing available these days, we’ve put together this helpful guide to better access which system would be best for your home project.
If you’re building a new house or replacing an old one, there are a variety of roofing materials to choose from. Metal roofs, however, can be an appealing choice regardless of your roof type due to their durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. When it comes to metal roofing, there is various type of metal to choose from. Metal roof materials include; Steel Roofs (galvanized steel, galvalume, or weathering), aluminum, copper, zinc roofs, and tin roofs are all options.
Vertical seam, pre-formed panels, and granular coated panels are examples of product forms. You can choose from shingles, slate, tile, shakes, or vertical panels as your style. It’s important to note that you should discuss your options with professional roofing contractors before you embark on your next residential roof project.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Metal Roofs
Modern Metal roofs offer many benefits, including:
Longevity.
Metal roofs are capable of having the best average lifespan of any roofing material. The life expectancy of traditional asphalt roofing materials is estimated to be 12-20 years. We will touch upon the details of how long you can expect a metal roof to last shortly.
Durability.
Any metal roofs, if built properly, can withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour (other environmental conditions), will not corrode or break, and may be impact-resistant (depending on which product you choose). Furthermore, unlike other roofing materials, metal roofs do not need the expensive maintenance that other roofing materials do.
They should, however, be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that no repairs are needed. You will also deal with fewer roof leaks due to this high level of durability. For this reason, metal roofs are great for those seeking minimal maintenance.
Safety.
During a wildfire or a lightning strike, metal roofs will not spark and erupt into flames. This holds a high level of resistance against high heat temperatures.
Energy Efficiency.
Is metal roofing energy efficient? That is one of the top questions we get. According to erieinsurance.com. Metal is one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials available, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance, which can save your home up to 40% in energy costs. There are a variety of finish options available that can provide additional energy savings. A plain, unpainted metal roof can reflect more sunlight than an asphalt roof, which absorbs and retains heat. Pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems, on the other hand, not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting much of the solar radiation (UV resistance) that is absorbed.
Environmentally friendly.
State Farm Insurance says, Metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their life span as a roof and contain 25-95 percent recycled content, depending on the material used. The majority of shingle tear-off waste, on the other hand, ends up in the building-related waste stream, which accounts for up to 20 billion pounds per year.
Disadvantages of metal roofs
Despite their many advantages, metal roofs have some potential drawbacks.
Affordability.
Metal roofs can cost up to two or three times as much as other types of roofing. While a metal roof has a much longer lifespan, you can only invest in one if you want to remain in your home long enough to reap the financial benefits.
Noisiness.
Depending on the type of decking used during construction, metal roofs can be noisier than other items during heavy rain or hailstorms (spaced or solid). This problem may often be solved by adding more attic insulation, but this can raise costs.
Contraction, Expansion, and fasteners.
As they warm and cool, metal roofing material assemblies attached as large panels are built to expand and contract. Exposed and hidden fasteners, on the other hand, have different lifespans. Neoprene washers and screws used during installation can degrade and become dislodged over time, depending on the environment.
Dents
Despite the fact that today’s metal roofs are built to withstand decades of abuse from severe weather conditions such as heavy snowfall and ice, which both slip right down the slippery metal slope rather than lingering and causing leakage, large hail or falling branches will dent the metal. You may not be able to walk on the metal shingles without scratching them, depending on the type of roof.
If these disadvantages sound like deal-breakers, rest assured that they can be avoided entirely by selecting the right shingle (preferably one that comes with a lifetime guarantee against denting!). Some metals are simply more durable than others. Aluminum and copper, for example, are both softer than steel and therefore more susceptible to this form of injury.
Inconsistency of color match.
It can be difficult to find an exact match to the original metal if a replacement is required or a home extension is added years later.
Performance.
Water can cause significant damage to a roof if it accumulates anywhere on it as a result of poor installation or repair. Low-grade metals are also likely to have a thinner gauge and be less robust.
Some metals rust more quickly in certain climates or dent more easily during hailstorms or installation than others.
How Long Does A Metal Roof Last?
When more homeowners learn about the advantages of metal roofing, their neighbors are starting to ask questions. One of the most frequently asked questions is how long a metal roof would last.
A properly constructed metal roof can, in general, last as long as the building, sealing out water, withstanding strong winds, and easily shedding snow. Metal is heat, mildew, bug, and rot-resistant.
As a result, a metal roof will outlast a roof made of asphalt shingles or wood shingles for many years.
Metal roofs will last for centuries since they can be repainted rather than replaced.
An asphalt roof, on the other hand, has a lifetime of just 12 to 20 years. Depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your city, even that can be reduced. The issue is that asphalt deteriorates as soon as it is exposed to normal weather and UV rays, while a metal roof will last for decades due to a higher level of UV resistance.
Other roofing materials, such as wood shingles, shake, and tile, are subject to varying degrees of weather-related failure. Roofs made of wood shingles and shakes are often replaced until they reach the age of twenty years. The freeze/thaw cycle in northern climates will cause concrete tile roofs to crack and warp.
The environmental stability of metal is critical to its long lifetime. It can endure strong winds and other extreme weather, which can rip an asphalt roof to shreds. In addition, it is fire-resistant. Since the electrical charge is scattered across the roof, such a direct lightning strike would not always result in a house fire.
Are there different styles of metal panels?
Metal alternatives are classified into two types: vertical panels and interlocking shingles. Both models come in a variety of colours to match the decor of your house. Metal roofs are available in over 100 shades, while regular shingles usually have 15-20 colour choices. Vertical panels have metal-standing seams, while metal-stamped panels are designed to look like conventional roof fabrics.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
Are metal roofs more expensive?
According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, the new roof would cost about two to three times as much as an asphalt shingle roof. Metal roofing construction is more costly than other types of roofing because it necessitates specialized preparation, experience, materials, and supplies. The complexity of the roof influences construction costs; factors such as slope and rooflines influence the total installation cost.
The metal you choose will also influence the price. Copper is usually the most expensive, but it’s frequently used for architectural details/accents – consider bay windows, porches, or low slope pieces – rather than a whole roof.
While the materials and construction of metal roofs are costly, there are advantages to the cost.
They usually have a longer warranty, ranging from 30 to 50 years, and need less frequent replacement.
They still help to keep your house cold.
Metal roofing installation is typically more than a traditional asphalt shingle roof, but it has many advantages. Metal roof costs for homeowners will range from $5 to $14 per square foot, depending on the type of metal roofing built, according to Modernize. Steel metal roof building is the most costly, with a $1,800 square foot home costing an average of $35,516.
What Types of Metal Roofing Material Should I choose?
Steel
Steel roofing comes in three forms: galvanized, galvalume, and weathering steel (corten). One of the most common metal roof materials is steel. The variety of colour choices, high strength, low weight, and long-term durability are some of the reasons for its success. This can be used to create a range of looks to match your house.
Aluminum
Aluminum is more costly than stainless steel, but it is still more resistant. Aluminum sheet metal is lightweight and simple for a manufacturer to mold and mount. Even though aluminum is a thinner material and lighter steel, it is still very tough and can imitate the strength of much thicker metals.
One of the most appealing aspects of an aluminum roof is that it does not develop red rust, and corrosion is usually slight as it ages. Aluminum has also been shown in studies to be effective in coastal areas with heavy runoff and seawater spray. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a lighter substance and is more resistant to denting.
Copper
Copper has been known to last up to 100 years. It’s really light, so it’s a quieter option; imagine a heavy rain downpour! Copper, on the other hand, is costly and develops a greenish patina over time. Some people prefer the transitioning colours, although others dislike them.
Halifax Metal Roofing Pros
Are you look for professional metal roofing in Halifax? Look no further than that team at Elite Roofing Halifax. Whether you’re in need of Metal roof installation or metal roof replacement, our roofing company can help you with your next project.
Recent Comments