By: Paul Kazlov | Executive Editor | Writer for Global Home Blog | PaulK@GlobalHomeInc.com
Once stereotyped as large, noisy and ugly roofing materials only necessary on commercial buildings, metal roofs are attracting homeowners due to the variety of benefits from a professional installation. Not only are they incredibly durable materials, but metal roofs also offer significant advantages when it comes to energy efficiency, making them an excellent choice for home renovation this summer.
1. Metal Roofs Last Longer Than Asphalt
No longtime homeowner is a stranger to finding a leak and knowing it’s time to have the roof re-shingled. This can be a costly, as well as inconvenient, expense. It’s also one made with the knowledge that, eventually, it will have to be done all over again.
Metal roofs are far more reliable when it comes to keeping water out of the house, and they greatly outlast typical asphalt and wood roofing materials. The concerns over the condition of the roof and whether or not it needs to be repaired virtually vanish after installing a metal roof. Any vital repairs are often much easier and even cheaper than what’s involved in repairing wood and asphalt roofs.
2. Metal Roofs Offer Excellent Structural Integrity to a Home
It’s common knowledge that roofs do more than just keep out the elements; they’re an important part of the structural integrity of a home. This can often make necessary repairs a little more than unnerving as they can cause concern over the strength of the house. Fortunately, metal roofs not only have to be repaired far less, but they also provide a stronger and more reliable material for a home.
Also, metal doesn’t burn—unlike wood and tar. This immediately makes a home much more safe and impervious to certain types of structural damage occurring from a fire or other type of disaster. Since metal is also resistant to rotting or cracking, older roofs aging poorly is much less of a concern.
3. The Variety of Colors and Finishes Available Makes Metal Roofs Versatile and Future Proof
New adoptees of metal roofs are often pleasantly surprised to learn about the variety of options available to them in terms of color, finishes and textures. These different finishes can also make a home more energy efficient as they come with special coatings reflecting more of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
Not only are metal roofs available in virtually any color imaginable, but they also can come in special textures replicating materials like wood or even stone. And while changing a texture is somewhat more involved, deciding on a new paintjob is simple since metal can be easily painted over.
4. Metal Roofs Can Help Maintain Temperature and Even Save Money On Energy Bills
Metal roofs fit with UV-resistant coatings have been reported to save homeowners as much as 30 percent on annual energy bills. When combined with the right type of color, metal roofs can allow homeowners more control in maintaining the temperature of their homes. Brutally hot or frigidly cold attic temperatures are more preventable due to the combination of the metal surface and the special topcoat finishes available.
5. Metal Roofs Are Better for the Environment
Another major appeal to metal roofing is its eco-friendly nature. Everyone wants to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint and live a greener lifestyle, and metal roofs can easily satisfy this.
For one, metal lacks any of the potentially toxic chemicals and materials found in asphalt shingles. This is especially effective for rainwater, which runs off and returns to the ground free of pollutants and able to contribute itself back to the local water cycle—it also opens up possibilities for rain collection, which can be useful in a variety of different ways.
As well, metal is recyclable, and many modern roof installations are comprised of recycled materials. This is very important as it significantly cuts down on the amount of waste typically seen in wood and asphalt roofing.
With these benefits, choosing to have a metal roof professionally installed is an excellent investment, offering the ability to save money in the long run with a variety of aesthetic options. It can even improve the overall condition of the house. Summer is a great time to schedule an installation as the benefits become more obvious during the hotter months, and the roof will also be ready in time for the winter season.
About the Author: Paul Kazlov is a “green” home remodeling enthusiast and an industry pioneer for innovation in home renovation. Paul writes for the Global Home Improvement blog and strives to educate people about “green” products such as metal roofing and solar. Follow him on Twitter @PaulKazlov
