Your roof is one of the biggest and most important investments you’ll make in your home, both in terms of literal size and expense. A good roof will shield you from the elements, obviously, but will also help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A well-maintained roof will add to the overall curb appeal of your home, making it look tidy and nicely kept. If you are replacing your roof, you might be under the impression that asphalt shingles are your only option. That is far from true. While there are other options altogether - tile is a popular one in my home state of Florida - metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular. Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, they can be a great fit for almost any home. What are the pros and cons of these roofs? Read on to find out.
Benefits of a Metal Roof
In terms of pros, metal roofing is extremely easy to install. Lightweight and able to be cut to the exact dimensions needed for your house, most contractors prefer a metal roof. Sometimes the roofing can be placed right over existing shingles, cutting down on install time as well. Metal roof are also a greener option than other types of roofing, containing anywhere from 25% to 95% of recycled materials and being 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Metal roofs are preferred if you are going to install solar panels, since the roof panels are lighter. And, lastly, because metal naturally radiates heat, your home will be naturally cooler with this kind of roof. And, speaking of the lifetime of metal roofs, know that they will last much longer than shingle roofs. While shingles are usually guaranteed for fifteen or twenty years, a metal roof can go for half a century, or even longer. Knowing that you’ll never again have to replace your roof in your lifetime can cause tremendous peace of mind.
Cons of a Metal Roof
There are some downsides to metal roofs, however. The biggest con is that they are more expensive upfront to install, costing about three times as much as other materials. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of installing asphalt shingles is $3,700, while metal roofing costs around $7,795 to install. Of course, the elimination of roof maintenance and the longer lifespan of the finished roof offsets the cost over time. Then there is the fact that metal roofs are noisy. You’ve heard all those romantic songs about rain on the tin roof, but actually experiencing the clatter every time it rains can be a hair-raising experience. It is possible to soundproof metal roofs, but that adds to the cost. Lastly, there is the fact that a metal roof stands out from the crowd - and that is not always a good thing. If you live in a neighborhood that has a HOA, you may be prohibited from breaking with the “look” of your neighbors and installing a metal roof. Make sure you do your research before getting too excited about this option.
If you have the money upfront and your neighborhood allows it, a metal roof can be a great, unique option for a long-lasting roof for your home. Of course, as a homeowner you owe it to yourself to do the research on different options and the individual pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. As stated earlier, your roof is a BIG part of your home - you want to make a choice you won’t regret.
