Is a Metal Roof Right for Your Home?

Years ago, it wasn't unusual to see metal roofs installed on barns, commercial buildings, and, of course, on houses. The "Standing Seam" type of metal roof was commonly used. This type of roof was comprised of metal sheets that were joined together. Each sheet had a lip on one edge and an upside down "U" on the opposite edge. The lip and the "U" were overlapped to form a durable, waterproof seal.

As the years passed, shingles and other materials became more popular on roofs than using sheets of metal. They were easier to install, plus, shingles were available in a wider variety of colors and styles.

Trends come and go, and metal roofs are making their way back on the American home scene.
Metal sheets have caught up with shingles. They are now available in many colors and styles too. In fact, if you prefer the look of shingles on your house, you can buy metal roofing that looks just like shingles or shakes!

The metal roofing of today has caught up with shingles in looks, but it has actually surpassed the former in the "durability" category. A metal roof can last up to fifty years or more. Metal roofs of today have weatherproof screws with plastic washers under the heads. These weatherproof screws have replaced the nails that were once used.

Since a metal roof can last for five decades or more, you could realistically install only one roof on your home! Compare that to a shingle roof which lasts about twenty years on the average.

Besides being more durable, a metal roof is virtually maintenance free. This type of covering resists wind, rain, snow, hail, and ice. Snow and ice will slide right off without building up! Besides not having the weight of snow and ice stressing your roof, you won't have to worry about snow and ice sliding off of it too, and maybe hitting someone below! Also, snow and ice won't slide off your metal roof and build up around the foundation of your house. Once they melt, they can leak into your basement or crawl space and cause you problems.

Metal also is one hundred percent fireproof. Having a metal roof may lower your house insurance premiums for this reason. There is no documented proof that metal roofs attract lightning strikes, so that's not a factor to worry about either. A metal roof won't rot, split or warp like a shingled roof either.

What about price comparison? Shingles are almost always less expensive than metal roofing material. The most common materials used for metal roofs are aluminum and steel. The reason is that these are more affordable than copper and stainless steel. The latter two are more durable, but they are quite a bit more expensive.

Even though a metal roof is more costly than a shingled one to install, there are other costs to consider. For example, shingles, no matter if they are made from asbestos or fiberglass, both absorb the heat of the sun. A metal roof, on the other hand, actually reflects the sun's rays. Therefore, depending on the climate you live in, a metal roof can save you high energy bills in the warm months when you cool your home.

If you're looking for a roof to have installed on your home that requires virtually no maintenance and it lasts for decades, then a metal roof might be the answer for you. There are a variety of shapes, textures, colors, and finishes that will make your house look great!

Check with your local building supply stores to see what metal roofing materials are available for your house.