There are many factors to consider when choosing a roof for your home. Besides the cost, you must think about how long your roof will last, what kind of weather it will be exposed to daily, and how to maintain it. While tile and asphalt shingles are some obvious choices, metal is a great choice, too. Not many homeowners consider metal roofing for their homes, but it’s worth looking into. Here are some pros and cons of having a metal roof for your business or home.
Unlike roofs made out of wood or shingles, metal roofs can withstand a variety of extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, hail, or heavy snow. If you tend to experience extreme weather conditions, a metal roof can be a good choice. They can also last for roughly 40 to 70 years if maintained well. This is almost twice the length of traditional roofs, such as shingles. Choosing a metal roof means you can also have peace of mind that you will be protected against various weather extremes and infestations. Metal roofs won’t rot or have issues with mold either.
Once metal roofs have reached the end of their lifespan, they can be easily recycled, unlike asphalt shingles or tiles. In addition, they are typically manufactured in somewhat large sizes, called metal panels. This can help reduce the final waste. As metal roofs come in large sheets or panels, it is easier to install solar panels on their surface. Finally, some metal roofs can be designed to collect rainwater. This rainwater can be used for various purposes, such as watering lawns or washing clothes.
One of the unique features of metal roofs is their ability to help cool your home. These “cool roofs” have a special reflective coating that reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it. This creates more comfortable indoor temperatures. During hot weather – and especially heatwaves – you may not need as much air conditioning as a result. This feature is great if you’re looking for an energy-efficient roofing option. In fact, some “cool roofs” even feature cool roof ratings by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) so homeowners can determine how energy efficient their roof will be.
Metal roofs are non-combustible and, as a result, are resistant to fire. This makes them a great option if you live in an area that has a lot of wildfires. You won’t have to worry about them igniting or combusting. Metal roofs don’t attract lightning either, which makes them a safe alternative during storms.
Although there are many benefits to having a metal roof, there are some disadvantages you must think about before making a final choice.
Metal roofs have a high initial cost, and they are often a lot more expensive than installing asphalt shingles or tiles. They also need specialized installation skills which can help add to the final cost. If you are interested in having a special coating on your metal roof to reflect sunlight, this will cost extra. There is also the extra cost of adding extra insulation to increase the energy efficiency of your roof during the winter.
Because metal roofs come in large sheets, they may suffer more damage. If you have shingles and a few shingles are damaged, you can simply replace that section. With a metal roof, however, you have to replace entire sheets. Metal roofs can be damaged by hail or heavy objects, such as tree branches. You can also damage your roof by simply walking on it.
Although some people find the sound of rain falling on metal soothing, not everyone does. It can be loud and distracting, especially if you work from home or you need to make a voice recording without the interference of external noises. Hail falling on your roof can be particularly loud as well. In addition to weather noises, you may hear noises from animals, such as birds, raccoons, and squirrels. Metal roofs also contract and expand during extreme weather changes. This means you’ll hear creaking and popping sounds.
When you need a metal roof for your Central Florida home, Castle Builders And Roofing, LLC can help. We are a professional family-owned roofing contractor that offers a variety of roofing services to both homeowners and business owners. Besides installation services, we offer inspection, repair, and maintenance services for a variety of roofs. For commercial properties, we offer metal roofs, coatings, and flat roofs. Our team will give you impeccable craftsmanship and top-notch customer service. If you are unsure of how much it will cost, we offer free roof estimates. Contact us today if you have questions.
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