Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are common all across Arizona and are popular around the Phoenix area for homes and businesses. It’s important you have professionals for metal roofing repairs and installation for your business or residential metal roof, as the roofs will also need regular maintenance over time. This post explains the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofs.
Whether you’re buying a home with one or thinking of installing, here’s what to know.
You may be putting a roof on a new home, or your existing roof needs a total makeover, there are many materials widely available. It doesn’t matter what roof style you have, metal roofs can be a great option because of their longevity, they are maintained easily, and energy-efficient. And you can choose from tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel — just be sure your metal roofing material is tested and labeled by UL, FM Global, or similar, and that you get a hold of your local building department for any code requirements or permits you may need.
Advantages of Metal Roofs | Pros
Pro 1. Longevity
– Metal roofs usually last up to 40-70 years, depending on the material used. Traditional asphalt roofing material has an estimated life expectancy of about 12-20 years.
Pro 2. Durability
– Some metal roofs can endure wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not crack or corrode, and can be impact-resistant (depending on which material you choose). Additionally, metal roofs don’t require the costly periodic maintenance that other roofing materials often need. However, they should be inspected regularly to make sure no repairs are needed.
Pro 3. Safety
– Metal roofs won’t spark and catch on fire during a wildfire or lightning strike.
Pro 4. Energy efficiency
– Metal roofs reflect radiant heat, which can reduce your cooling costs by 10%-25%.
Pro 5. Environmentally friendly
– Metal roofs are not only made up of 25%-95% recycled content, depending on the material used, but they are also 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan as a roof. In comparison, most shingle tear-off waste ends up in landfills — up to 20 billion pounds a year.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofs | Cons
Despite their many advantages, metal roofs have some potential drawbacks.
Con 1. Affordability
– Metal roofs can cost as much as two to three times more expensive than other types of roofing materials. While the life expectancy of a metal roof is a lot longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to live in your home long enough to reap its cost benefits.
Con 2. Noisiness
– Metal roofs are known to be noisy, especially during a hailstorm or heavy rain. Adding additional insulation during its installation typically solves this problem, but usually increases the cost.
Con 3. Expansion and contraction
– Metal roofing materials that are attached as larger panels like to expand and contract. If they aren’t properly installed with fasteners that allow them to “breathe,” the panels can become loose and cause damage to them.
Con 4. Inconsistency of color match
– If a repair is needed or a room addition is added years later, it can be difficult to find an exact color match to the existing panels.
Con 5. Performance
– If water gathers anywhere on the roof because of insufficient installation or poor repairs, it can ultimately cause critical damage. Low-grade metals can also be less durable and thinner. Some metals rust in certain climates or dent a lot easier than others during hailstorms or even during installation.
Metal Roof Repair & Installation in Mesa by Right Way Roofing, Inc.
If you’re a homeowner or property manager that has a metal roof; taking care of a metal roof is easier than maintaining other types of roofs. The Right Way Roofing, Inc. team provides metal roof installation, maintenance and repair. We handle roofing jobs of all sizes from simple repairs to completely installing a new metal roof. Give us a call to get your roof repaired by calling 480-232-5458 (East Valley) or 602-299-8851 (West Valley). Learn more about metal roof installation cost in Phoenix.
