Whether you’re tired of paying for costly repairs on a traditional roof or want to try something more efficient and stylish, there are many good reasons to consider a metal roof for your home. Today’s metal roofs can be manufactured to look like nearly any traditional roofing material, and offer significant advantages over traditional roofing. However, there are some potential drawbacks to metal roofing, and it’s wise to consider both sides of the equation before embarking on a major home improvement project. So let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of installing metal roofing on your home.
Make It Metal? Yes or No.
Pro: Metal Roofs Are Built to Last
One of the biggest advantages of metal roofs is that they’re built to last, with durable materials and less potential for leaks than traditional roofs. While you may have to replace a traditional roof more than once over the lifespan of a home – and pay for repairs in between – the right metal roof can last for as long as you own your home. In addition to being sturdy, metal roofs are very efficient at whisking away the rain, ice, and snow that lead to leaks with traditional roofs.
Pro: Metal Roofing Is Environmentally Friendly
If you like your home improvement projects to have a limited impact on the environment, then metal roofing is more than worth a look. Asphalt shingles, the most common non-metal roofing material, are a petroleum product and need to be replaced relatively frequently compared to metal roofs. Your metal roof, on the other hand, won’t be heading to the landfill any time soon.
Con: Metal Roofs Are Costly to Install
When it comes to durability, look, efficiency, and environmental impact, it’s hard to argue with the advantages of metal roofing. However, those advantages come with a cost, and installing a metal roof can be considerably more expensive than a traditional roof, depending on the metal roofing that you choose.
Pro: Metal Roofs Are Energy-Efficient
Those increased costs will be evident up-front, but the efficiency and durability of metal roofing often make it more affordable in the long run. Metal roofing is very energy-efficient, minimizing heat gain and reflecting the sun rather than absorbing it, which can help lower cooling costs in your home.
Con: Some Metal Roofing Materials Can Dent
While metal roofing is much more durable than most traditional roofing materials overall, some types of metal roofs do have the potential to dent. Metal roofs made of softer materials, like copper or aluminum, are more likely to dent than steel roofs. If you want to avoid this drawback, choose a metal roofing material with a “no dent” guarantee.
Pro: Choose Any Look for Your Metal Roof
Today’s metal roofs are more stylish than ever, and you can choose nearly any look for your home. If you want to replicate the look of just about any type of traditional roofing material, you can find a metal shingle that will do the job. Metal shingles come in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials, to achieve the look that you crave.
While there are some potential drawbacks to installing a metal roof, the advantages are likely to outweigh those drawbacks for most homeowners. Metal roofs are durable, long-lasting, efficient, and attractive, so for many, the real question comes down to cost. A metal roof may be a more costly home improvement project more up front, but it can also save plenty of headaches (and repair bills!) in the long run.
