When you are building a home from the ground up, or you have bought a new home that is in desperate need of a new roof, your mind may jump to the traditional, shingled option, as it is more accessible and affordable.
Interestingly, over the last 15 years, there has been a rise in the number of properties being built with metal roofs, which add a unique look to any property and offer some intriguing qualities that may not be found with other roofing materials.
Types of Metal Roofing
Much like clay and stone shingles on a standard roof, metal roofing comes in a range of different metals.
The most common ones used are steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and tin, and if you want a particular type of metal for your property, you will need to hire a metal roofer who has experience fitting that kind of roof.
Irrespective of the base metal, all roofs made from this material should have protective coatings to add to the durability and to protect against corrosion.
So, why should you opt for a metal roof over a traditional tiled one?
Longevity
A shingle-tiled roof will have a lifespan of between 20 and 30 years. However, a steel roof will last upwards of 40 years. Why? They are more durable when it comes to extreme weather; they don’t have shingles that can fall off, and as mentioned earlier, they come with a protective coating, which adds to their longevity.
Maintenance
A shingled roof requires quite a lot of maintenance, which many homeowners undertake twice a year. This can involve removing moss from under the tiles, refitting loose or missing tiles, and even general roof cleaning.
A metal roof requires minimal maintenance. You will need to conduct inspections regularly, as well as check that the fasteners are in place and that there are no dents in the metal. Other than that, there is no cleaning needed or removal of moss, and you won’t have to think about the cost of replacing loose tiles.
Energy Efficiency
If there is an issue with your roof, you may be losing 60% of your home’s heat through it.
As odd as it may sound, a metal roof can help you to keep heat out of your home, reducing cooling costs in the summer, and of course, it can help to keep in heat during the winter. Asphalt shingles on standard roofs absorb heat and the cold, whereas metal bounces these off, keeping the internal temperature of your home more stable, helping you to keep your energy efficiency up.
Recyclable
Last but not least, a metal roof is recyclable. So, when the time comes for it to be partially repaired or replaced, all of the materials can be recycled, reducing waste. Of course, the recycling role will usually fall to the contractors who are refitting or repairing the roof, but still, it is ideal if you are someone who wants to reduce your CO2 footprint.
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