Are Metal Roofs The Right Choice For Your Home?

Metal roofs are rapidly gaining popularity and although they have many advantages, they cost almost 30% more than regular asphalt or shingle roofs. Whether metal roofs are the right choice for your home or not depends on various situations and conditions. To better understand this point, it is important to learn about various features of metal roofs so that you can determine how beneficial these features are for your home.

1. Energy Efficient
One of the most commonly miss-understood features of metal roofs is its energy efficiency. Metal roofs due to their reflective nature reflect most of the sun’s UV rays and thus help to keep your home cool during hot days of the summer. Therefore, it is important to note that homes located in hot regions benefit most from this thermal efficiency as it can significantly lower electricity bill by allowing homeowners not to run their air conditioning at all times. Homeowners living in cooler regions may not benefit as much from this thermal efficiency
Metal roofs do not have any R-Value (According to Wikipedia: "R-Value is a measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry. The bigger the number, the better the building insulation's effectiveness"). Another words R-Value is the indication of how much insulation is provided. A good insulation is important as it can keep your home warm during cold winter days. Even though metal roofs do not have any R-Value, insulation can be added to metal roofs so that your home does not loose heat during winter times.

2. Light Weight
One of the advantages of using metal roofs is that most forms of metal roofs are light weight, and therefore easily transportable

3. Fire Resistant
Most insurance companies are happy to hear homeowners use metal roofs (in some cases insurance companies may also lower your premium) due to the fact that metal roofs are known to be fire retardant.

4. Withstand Strong Winds
Metal roofs may also be ideal in areas where there are strong winds or tropical storms. If properly installed metal roofs can withstand the high winds of tropical storms and are not blown away.

5. Installed Over Existing Roof
Another advantage of using metal roofs is that it can be installed on top of the existing roof, and thus it is labor efficient. However, it is important to note that metal roofs need to be painted and polished which may out due some of the said cost savings.

6. Durability
Metal roofs are known for their durability. Where most roofs can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, metal roof are said to last any where from 50 to 100 years if proper maintenance is carried out. Metal roofs unlike other types of roofs do not rot and are not impacted by termites.

Based on your climate conditions and how long you intend to live in your home, you may benefit from using metal roofs. Before deciding on any type of roofing system, it is wise to check with your local municipality, insurance companies, and tax office to learn about their recommendations as well as to find out if there is any incentives, rebates, grants, etc for using any particular roofing systems. Some municipalities and insurance companies may lower your taxes and insurance should you decide to use metal roofs.