Metal roofing has become an increasingly popular option for homeowners in recent years. Once seen as strictly an industrial or commercial roofing material, metal roofs are now a top choice for residential homes as well.
Metal roofs have many benefits that make them a smart choice over other roofing materials like asphalt shingles. They are extremely durable, energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and add aesthetic appeal to a home.
If you’re considering a new metal roof for your home, there are some key things you should know first. Here are 12 important factors to understand about metal roofing before deciding if it’s right for you.
Durability of Metal Roofs
One of the biggest advantages of a metal roof is its incredible durability and longevity. Metal is one of the strongest and longest-lasting roofing materials available today.
On average, a properly installed metal roof will last 40-70 years with little to no maintenance required. Some even come with 50 year warranties or more. Compare this to an asphalt shingle roof that typically needs replacing every 15-20 years.
The long lifespan of metal roofs is thanks to the material’s high resistance. Metal is impervious to rot, decay, insects, fire, high winds and other elements that can damage roofing over time.
Metal won’t crack, warp or become brittle with age either. It can withstand heavy weather patterns year after year while still maintaining its structural integrity.
For homeowners looking for a “one and done” roofing solution, metal is a top choice that will provide protection for decades before needing replacement. The durability and longevity of metal roofs make them a smart long-term investment for your home.
Energy Efficiency of Metal
Another major benefit of metal roofs is excellent energy efficiency. The energy efficiency comes from a few different factors:
- Reflectivity – Metal has a high solar reflectance, meaning it reflects heat from sunlight rather than absorbing it into your attic and living spaces. This can lower cooling costs.
- Insulative Properties – Many metal roofing panels have insulation inside or underneath to better regulate temperature.
- Air Sealing – Metal roofs have fewer seams where air and moisture can penetrate compared to other materials. This improves insulation.
- Ventilation – Ventilation systems can be integrated with a metal roof to improve air circulation.
Studies by the U.S. Department of Energy found that homeowners with metal roofs could save between 7–25% on electric bills thanks to cooler attics and better insulation. Energy savings will vary based on climate conditions and electricity rates in your region.
If going green is a priority for you, a metal roof can help reduce your carbon footprint and energy consumption. Many types of metal paneling also qualify for LEED points and other green building incentives.
Metal Roof Styles & Colors
Homeowners sometimes shy away from metal roofs because they assume metal means an industrial look. However, modern metal roofs are available in a wide range of styles, colors and finishes to complement any home’s aesthetic.
Some popular styles of residential metal roofing include:
- Standing Seam – Vertical panels with raised seams. Available in many colors.
- Stone-Coated Steel – Shingles or shakes made from metal coated with stone granules. Mimics a wood shake look.
- Tile – Formed metal made to look like clay, concrete, or slate tiles.
- Shingles – Horizontal panels designed to resemble asphalt or other shingle types.
- Corrugated – Traditional galvanized wavy pattern. Often used on barns and sheds.
Metal roofs can be found in colors like gray, black, bronze, silver, brown, red, green and blue. Certain types can even be painted later to change the color when needed.
Textured finishes like stone coating and embossing provide even more options to get the exact look you want from a metal roof.
With all the choices available today, there is a metal roofing style to complement modern and traditional home architectures alike.
Lower Weight Than Tile & Slate
For homeowners replacing an existing roof, an important point to consider is the roof’s weight. Tile, slate and concrete roofs can be extremely heavy, often requiring additional roof decking and truss reinforcement.
The weight of common roofing materials:
- Asphalt Shingles – 210-370 lbs per square
- Concrete Tile – 675-1500 lbs per square
- Slate Shingle – 600-1000 lbs per square
- Metal Roofing – 50-150 lbs per square
As you can see, metal is by far the lightest roofing material available. The low weight of metal avoids the need for structural upgrades to support the load. This also allows metal roofs to be installed over existing roofing in many cases.
Homeowners with an aging tile or heavy slate roof can likely switch to metal without the time and expense of reinforcing the roof first. Contact a structural engineer to be sure if your current roofing exceeds these weights.
Noise Levels During Rain
Rainfall on a metal roof can sometimes create a “tin can” sound of raindrops hitting the hard surface. But technological advancements have helped make today’s metal roofs much more rainproof and quiet.
Here are some ways metal roof noise is reduced:
- Insulation – Inner insulation dampens external sounds from penetrating the roof’s interior.
- Rubber Buffer Strips – Placed under roofing panels to decrease contact noise.
- Thicker Gauge Material – Heavier metals like steel naturally make less noise than thinner aluminum.
- Underlayments – Felt or rubberized underlayments block rain noise from roof decking.
- Boxed-in Eaves – Enclosed roof eaves help deaden the noise of rain run-off.
- Interior Finishings – Drywall, insulation and other indoor materials absorb indoor sound.
With the right combination of materials, metal roof rainfall noise is comparable to traditional composite roofs. During heavy storms you may hear the patter of rain, but the noise won’t be excessive.
Installation Tips
Proper installation is key to getting the full benefits and longevity out of a metal roof. Here are some good things to know about the installation process:
- Hire an experienced metal roof contractor. Don’t try this DIY.
- Make sure the structure can handle the weight, including concentrated snow loads.
- Install over solid plywood decking for proper fastening and no dents.
- Use all recommended underlayments and protective barriers.
- Meticulously seal all flashing, edging, seams and openings.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
- Check for any loose panels or fasteners before finishing.
- Inspect and maintain semi-annually. Clear debris and check for damage.
Taking the time to ensure correct installation will give you a roof that will stand the test of time. Don’t cut corners or Rush the job.
Environmentally Friendly
For homeowners concerned about their environmental impact, metal roofing offers a much greener solution than other mainstream roofing products.
Reasons metal roofs are eco-friendly:
- Made from recycled material – Up to 95% recycled content.
- Fully recyclable – Metal can be recycled again after roof’s lifespan ends.
- Utilizes cool pigments – Reflects sunlight instead of absorbing heat.
- Energy efficient – Cuts energy costs over life of roof.
- Long lifespan – Avoid landfill waste from frequent roof replacements.
- Resists algae and moss – Won’t need environmentally harsh cleaners.
- Won’t degrade waterways – Doesn’t release oils or chemicals with runoff.
- Qualifies for green tax credits – State and federal incentives available.
For the eco-conscious homeowner, a new metal roof aligns environmental values with smart home improvement.
Fire Safety
Natural disasters like wildfires are growing concerns for many homeowners. One of the most fire-resistant roofing options available is metal.
Metal roofs are non-combustible and won’t fuel or spread exterior flames. The materials can withstand extreme heat without burning, melting or losing structural stability.
Even with burning embers and debris falling onto the roof, most metal panels are able to resist ignition. This added protection can literally save your home if wildfire strikes.
Areas with high fire risk often have code requirements regarding Class A fire rated roofing. Metal roofing is rated Class A, the highest fire rating for roofing materials. This makes it a smart choice for fire-prone regions.
For homeowners wanting to guard against one of nature’s most dangerous threats, metal roofing’s fire resistance provides peace of mind.
Hail & High Wind Resistance
Metal roofing is renowned for its ability to withstand hail, high winds and other extreme weather events. This makes metal a smart choice for regions prone to storms.
Unlike more brittle roofing like tile and slate, a metal roof resists damage from hailstones falling at high velocities. Hail can easily crack or chip many types of roofing, requiring expensive repairs.
During hurricanes, tornadoes and straight line winds, a metal roof’s superior strength helps it maintain integrity where other materials would become damaged or detached. Properly installed metal roofs can withstand wind gusts exceeding 140 mph.
For coastal regions and Tornado Alley, a resilient and rugged metal roof better protects against what Mother Nature dishes out. Homeowners benefit from less repairs and replacements that can rack up costs over the years.
Snow & Ice Release
In cold climates, preventing dangerous snow and ice accumulation is a key roofing consideration. Metal’s ultra-smooth surface gives it a slick advantage when it comes to releasing frozen precipitation.
Unlike rough roofing materials that allow snow and ice to stick and build up, snow tends to simply slide off a metal roof as it melts. This avoids heavy accumulation of snow stressing the roof structure.
Standing snow and ice dams can also work beneath shingles on many roof types, causing leaks, rot and mold. With metal panels, there are fewer places for moisture and ice to penetrate underneath.
For regions where heavy winter weather is the norm, a metal roof’s ability to efficiently shed snow and ice can prevent costly damage and safety hazards. Keeping a roof free of heavy frozen buildup is essential.
Low Maintenance
Another benefit that makes metal roofing a practical choice for homeowners is low maintenance needs. Once installed, metal roofs require very minimal upkeep over decades of service.
Aside from occasional debris cleanup and checks for any damage after extreme weather, metal roofs are nearly maintenance-free. They won’t deteriorate or degrade like other roofing, so no sealants, coatings or treatments are required over time.
With metal, there’s no need to worry about warped, missing or cracked shingles after storms. No concerns over repairing leaks from ice dams, damaged underlayment or loose fasteners like with other roof types.
The minimal maintenance metal roofing demands saves homeowners countless hours and expenses over the years. Set it and forget it — metal’s durability means upkeep is worry-free.
Return on Investment
Given metal roofing’s higher upfront cost over materials like asphalt shingles, many homeowners rightly wonder about the return on investment.
The good news is that the additional price is recouped over time thanks to:
- Energy Savings – Cutting cooling/heating bills by up to 25%. Savings that will rise with energy costs.
- Insurance Savings – Lower premiums thanks to metal’s wind/hail resistance and fire rating.
- Longevity – No recurring tear-off and roof replacements.
- Tax Credits – Many states and utilities offer metal roofing tax incentives.
- Resale Value – A new metal roof substantially boosts curb appeal and buyer perception of home quality.
When total long-term costs and savings are compared, metal roofing ultimately pays for itself over decades of service. Any added initial investment is returned multiple times over.
Finding Experienced Contractors
Hiring qualified metal roofing contractors you can trust is just as important as the roofing material itself. Always look for the following:
- Specialized metal roof experience – At least 5-10 years recommended.
- Trained installers – Manufacturer accredited and certified.
- Excellent references – Ask for multiple local examples to view and call.
- Established history – Look for long-time stable businesses, not “fly by night” operations.
- Detailed quote – Itemized estimate that outlines full scope of work.
- Manufacturer’s warranty – Make sure the roof work is covered and transferable.
- Competitive pricing – Get multiple bids to compare fairness.
Don’t sacrifice quality and experience just to save a few dollars on cheap contractors. Take the time to find metal roof installers truly qualified for the job.
Conclusion
Metal roofing has quickly become a top choice for homeowners wanting to install a durable, energy efficient and environmentally friendly new roof. While metal costs more upfront than materials like asphalt shingles, the long-term benefits and savings make it a sound investment in your home.
Before deciding on metal roofing, be sure to consider factors like your home’s climate, roof load capacity, environmental goals and overall style preferences. Search out experienced local contractors able to properly execute the work.
With all its advantages and technological improvements, high quality metal roofing achieves the perfect blend of performance, sustainability and aesthetic appeal today’s homeowners demand. For lasting protection of your most valuable asset, metal delivers exceptional ROI for decades to come.