Within the past few years, more homeowners have toyed with the idea of replacing their current roofs with metal. What started as an idea for large businesses looking to stop constantly replacing or repairing their roofs has found its way into the mainstream.
Besides being an expert home contractor, Ferdinand Steyer, owner of Mountain Works LLC, is also an experienced roofer familiar with people’s new interest in metal roofs. Steyer says that you want to find out as much as possible about your metal options. Knowing what you are committing to will keep you from being woken up at night by the sound of rain hitting the metal roof and sending you into a panic over a possible lightening strike (metal roofing doesn’t make you any more susceptible).
Metal roofs are loved by some and disliked by others, says Steyer. Selecting this new roofing material for your home is a matter of finding which option best fits your needs.
Advantages: With more and more homeowners opting for metal roofs, there are bound to be advantages over the standard roofing materials. For one, metal roofs last a long time, and many manufacturers are offering warranties upwards of 20 years. The idea of paying for a one-time installation and then not having to worry about replacing the roof for many years to come has proven appealing. Additionally, metal is not subjected to the same type of damage that wood and shingles often are, particularly from mold, rot and termites. And as a bonus, metal roofs also come with their own grade of fire resistance, which means that if a neighboring home catches fire, it cannot spread to your home via the roof. It is important to note that the grade of resistance also depends on the material directly below the surface of the metal. So, if below the metal is a thick layer of wood, it will lower the grade. And, since metal is lightweight — about 100 to 150 pounds per square foot as opposed to concrete tile which is close to 900 pounds — the material can be moved around more easily. This makes for an installation time of just a few days.
Disadvantages: A metal roof comes with a higher price tag than more common types of roofing material, such as shingles. You must also take in to consideration your tolerance for the sound of rain hitting your roof since it can be much louder with a metal roof. For some, the sound may be peaceful and reminiscent of the outdoors, while others may lie awake in agony the same way as if a distant faucet was dripping for hours on end.
Furthermore, because the roof is metal, it will dent just like the side of your car. Because of this, Steyer recommends these types of roofs for those who live in warmer climates where hail and the weight of snow and ice are not an issue in the winter months.
The look: Some people automatically envision a barn or a small shed roof when they hear the term “metal roof.” They picture it dingy, tattered and unappealing. And while Steyer does admit that many metal roofs have a commercial look to them and are used more for businesses than homes, many companies are trying to combat the aesthetic issue. Since homeowners will be spending more for this type of roof, manufacturers have created ways to make them look more elegant and mirror the styles of Spanish tiles and typical shingles. After all, you would be less inclined to buy a BMW if it looked like a go kart.
Application: If you are certain that you want to add a metal roof to your home, Steyer strongly advises hiring a roofing company with experience in the trade as it requires certain knowledge and specific tools. And, because of metal’s natural disposition to expand and contract in the heat and cold, your roofer must properly stabilize the sheets of metal to compensate for the size change throughout the year.
With your income and the location of your home in mind, metal roofs are a great way to ensure that your home stands withstand many of the nuisances that plague wood roofs and shingles. Not having to worry about mold or rot on your roof may be worth the added expense.
