A metal roof can add beauty, protection, and energy savings to your home. If you are worried about it looking like a barn, never fear, there are plenty of color and style options for today’s metal roofs. Read on to learn the ten reasons we love our metal roof.
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In 2012, a year after purchasing our dream home, we decided to have a metal roof installed. Back then it was a hard decision to make, but one that I am so grateful we carefully weighed, researched, and invested in.
We love our metal roof! Let me tell you all of the reasons why.
1. Metal Roofs Save You Money in the Long Run
Your metal roof will cost you more upfront, but it will be worth it if you plan on staying in the home long-term. A metal roof will cost 2-3 times more than what a traditional, asphalt shingle roof costs. However, the metal roof will end up paying for itself because it doesn’t have to be replaced!
We decided to go with a metal roof on our forever home in our mid-twenties, and it will end up saving us tens of thousands of dollars if we live here into our seventies. We took out a home-equity loan from our credit union and paid it back early with no penalties- a win/win!
2. Metal Roofs are Energy Saving
Putting a metal roof on your house can potentially reduce both your heating and cooling costs. We went with painted aluminum for our metal roof, which is highly effective at reflecting the sun’s rays. By not letting the summer sun in, and keeping heat from escaping in the winter, your roof can help make your home more energy efficient.
3. Metal Roofs Have Better Warranties
I’m not here to sell you anything or to support a particular company, but it is worth your time to look into warranties on metal roofs. The company that we went with offers a lifetime warranty on both the materials and craftsmanship. They stand behind their product and have been around for more than 22 years, I would choose them again given the chance.
4. Metal Roofs Don’t Discolor
Our metal roof was installed almost 12 years ago, and it still looks as good as new! Thanks to the high-quality Kynar paint used on the aluminum, it won’t begin to fade for 30 years and does so at such a slow rate that it isn’t even noticeable.
Traditional shingles fade, darken, curl, and loose their texture over time, which results in a less than appealing roof. If you want a roof that looks good, and stays looking good for decades, with no maintenance, then get a metal roof!
5. Metal Roofs Sound Amazing in the Rain
What sounds better than rain on a metal roof? We would argue, nothing!
The soothing sounds of the rain can be heard throughout the house, but it is not too loud. The house is insulated, so it doesn’t echo or pound like what you experience in a barn during a rainstorm.
6. Metal Roofs are Fire Resistant
Having a metal roof may lower your home owner’s insurance premiums. This is because aluminum, steel, and other metal alloys are more fire resistant than traditional roofing materials.
7. Metal Roofs are Beautiful
I love how our metal roof looks! We chose painted, aluminum panels stamped to resemble traditional shingles. You might not even notice our roof is metal, unless you really inspect it.
There are lots of colors, textures, and designs to choose from, so there is something for every style and taste.
8. Metal Roofs are Durable
I already mentioned that metal roofs don’t need to be replaced and that they are fire resistant, but did you know that they are the roofing material least likely to be damaged by high winds or hail?
9. Metal Roofs Increase the Equity in Your Home
Installing a metal roof is an investment that has the potential to increase the value of your home. If you end up putting your house on the market, the metal roof can help increase your asking price and attract prospective buyers.
10. Metal Roofs are More Environmentally Friendly
When a traditional shingle roof is replaced with more shingles, there is considerable waste created. According to Recycle Nation (2012), in the U.S. millions of tons of shingles end up in landfills every year.
Switching to metal roofing is the more sustainable and environmentally-friendly choice. Contractors can get involved and go a step further than creating less trash for landfills, because there are options for recycling. Recycled asphalt shingles can be used as paving materials for roads!
Drawbacks of Metal Roofs
The only thing I don’t like about having a metal roof is that the snow comes off it in big chunks. When it does, it makes a loud noise and creates a huge pile around the house and in front of the doors.
The good news is that there is a product available to deal with this problem called a snow guard. If you have snow guards installed the snow will be diverted from doorways and broken up before it comes off the roof, so it will be less noisy and dangerous.
Overall, I feel that a metal roof is the way to go! If you have any questions about our experience with our metal roof, feel free to drop them in the comments below.
References:
Recycle Nation. (2012). The Staggering Impact of Roofing Waste (and a Recycling Solution). Retrieved from https://recyclenation.com/2012/12/staggering-impact-roofing-waste-recycling-solution/
Mother, farmer, author, and teacher by trade… She loves tending to things and watching them grow!