Further Reading

Roofing is a critically important consideration for any new home, and a significant replacement expense for existing homes. When selecting a roof, take into consideration initial cost, lifetime cost, durability, life span of the roof, appearance, and the length of time you intend to live in the home. When all factors are considered, metal roofs are an attractive choice for many homeowners.

Most people associated metal roofs with cheap corrugated tin in previous years. However, modern residential metal roofing is much more aesthetically attractive and functional, with all of the advantages that current technology can provide. They are extremely durable, highly resistant to fire and high winds, lightweight, easy to install, and good at reflecting heat away. On the other hand, they tend to be expensive, don't provide good insulation, can dent or chip, and make noise in rain and hail storms.

Since metal does not burn except at extreme temperatures, metal types of roofing receive the highest fire retardant rating, which may be an asset in resale value and homeowner's insurance rates as well as the obvious safety issue. Wind resistance is also excellent which has additional appeal in locations vulnerable to high wind exposure, such as hurricanes.

Since metal roofs reflect the heat of the sun, they will reduce the energy required to cool your house during the summer. They have little inherent insulation, but by inserting open space between the metal and the underlying roof, you can get the same effect as you would by adding insulation. Weather-related noise can be reduced by added sound deadening insulating material. Be aware that heat can cause metal to expand and connectors to become loose.

The lightness of metal roofs can reduce construction costs decreasing the amount of support members needed for them. Low weight can also mean that metal roofing can be installed over an existing roof in need of replacement without having to tear it off, saving time and money. Since metal types often come in sheets covering a fairly larger area, installation takes less time. However, large sections may be harder to replace if that becomes necessary and may be hard to match if an addition is built.

The often greater initial expense of premium metal roofing can make the option less attractive. However, discount metal roofing is available. Metal roofs enjoy a 20 to 50 year life span, and may outlive the rest of the house. Therefore, the total cost of ownership can be much less in the long run, particularly for those people who are planning to stay in their home for a good portion of the metal roof's life span.

Most people associated metal roofs with cheap corrugated tin in previous years. However, modern residential metal roofing is much more aesthetically attractive and functional, with all of the advantages that current technology can provide. They are extremely durable, highly resistant to fire and high winds, lightweight, easy to install, and good at reflecting heat away. Furthermore discount metal roofing is available, and in any case the very long lifespan may make metal effective cheaper. A lifespan of 20 to 50 years is the normal expectation. Metal may well outlive the rest of the house. The longer you plan to stay in a home, the greater the bargain.