If you?re in the market for a new roof, you?re probably already considering a lot of different types. Here are some of the pros and cons of having metal roofing installed:
Pros
There are several reasons that steel roofing or other metal commercial roofs might be better than more conventional options. Here are a few of them:
- Life Expectancy: Metal roofing lasts a long time with minimal maintenance. Some steel roofing has a lifespan of up to 100 years! Even less expensive metal roofing can often last more than 50 years if maintained properly. All told, you can expect your metal roof to last you from three to seven times longer than an asphalt shingle roof.
- Weight: A tile roof can weigh 750 pounds per square inch. Metal roofing weighs from 50 to 150 pounds, depending on the type you get. This may allow you to replace your roof without having to add any structural support; and you may even be able to downsize the roof support you already have. Their light weight also means metal roofs can be pitched higher, making it less likely you?ll get a leak.
- Speed: Steel roofing comes in either vertical panels or interlocking shingles, and both types can be laid on very quickly. A good roofing company or metal roof contractor can likely install your new roof a couple days quicker than traditional roofing.
- Cost: Steel roofing or aluminum roofing reflect heat from the sun, meaning less need for the air conditioning. Estimates suggest that a metal roof could result in as much as a 25% savings on your energy bill.
Cons
There are also some downsides to metal roofing. Read on for some of those:
- Cost: The biggest drawback is probably the cost of steel roofing, which is significantly more expensive than traditional roofing. If you?re planning on moving soon, it might not be worth it to go with metal. But if you plan to stay for a while, you will save the difference and more in the long run.
- Care: This only applies to some metal roofing. Some painted metals can look pretty rough over time, while others will continue to look great for decades. Inquire about this with a metal roof company to find out more.
- Noise: This is a very personal thing. Some people love the sound of rain drumming on a metal roof. Others find it awful. If you know you hate this sound, you can either avoid steel roofing entirely or install insulation to deaden the sound. If you love sound of rain on the roof, you?ll be heaven with a metal roof.
There are a lot of good reasons to consider metal roofing, but also reasons to go with traditional shingle or tile roofing instead. If you?re not sure, contact a commercial roofing company to find out what your options are.
