It is no surprise that metal roofs have become more and more popular with both homeowners and builders. With superior longevity and a wide array of options from traditional tin to modern red, today’s metal roofing can transform the look of any style home. However, as with any building material, there are some drawbacks. Before you decide to invest in a new metal roof, learn about the pros and cons below.
Pros of Metal Roofs
- Durable: One of the longest-lasting roofing options, metal roofs can last over 50 years when properly installed and well maintained. You may be concerned about rust, but today’s metal roofing has a protective coating that fights oxidation that forms rust.
- Reflects Heat: While you may think of metal as conducting heat, metal roofing reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it. Working as a system with a correctly ventilated attic, this heat reflection can reduce temperature regulation costs inside the house.
- Good for the Environment: Many metal roofing materials are made from 25-95% recycled content, and they are 100% recyclable at the end of the roof’s life, unlike other roofing materials that contribute to landfill waste.
- Customizable: With many different colors to choose from, metal roofing can be a unique element, or can enhance the home’s aesthetic. With bright color options and traditional copper and tin looks, there are seemingly endless options that set metal roofing apart.
- Fire Resistant: Unlike other roofing materials, metal roofing will not catch fire from elements such as a wildfire or lightning strike.
- Sheds Rain and Snow: Because metal panels interlock and the roof surface is hard and slippery, rain and snow run down and off the roof more easily than other roofing materials as long as the roof is properly installed.
Even with all the positive attributes of metal roofing, there are some downsides to be aware of when deciding if a metal roof is right for your home. Weighing the pros above with the cons below is an important part of the decision process.
Cons of Metal Roofs
- Can be Expensive: With metal roofs costing, on average, 2 to 3 times more than traditional asphalt shingles, the price can be prohibitive for some homeowners. If the price of a full metal roof is too much for your budget, consider replacing parts of your roof with metal accents above a porch or window awning.
- Noisy: Metal roofs do not consist of the same layers as a traditional asphalt roof, which buffer sound throughout your home. The noise from heavy rain or a hailstorm can be particularly loud on a metal roof, but this can be significantly decreased if the attic is properly insulated.
- Unexperienced Installers: Metal roofing is quite easy to install if the contractor is experienced. Still, as with any roof replacement, if not correctly installed, metal roofing will fail and leak. Choose an established metal roofing company that has appropriate warranties and a service record you can trust.
- Dents & Dings: While metal roofs are durable, they are prone to denting if there is a particularly heavy hailstorm or branches that fall on the house. However, if the storm is heavy enough to cause damage to a metal roof, it would likely damage most roofing materials.
- Difficult to Repair: Because metal roofing is installed in large panels, the panels are more challenging to replace than single shingles. Additionally, getting matching patches to repair a colorful metal roof can be a challenge.
- Leaky Exposed Fasteners: Most exposed fastener systems are not engineered to the same standards as standing seam metal roofing. If you choose a metal roof with exposed fasteners, which many experienced roofers will not recommend, rainwater can seep through the screw holes.
It is clear that metal roofing makes a big statement, transforming a home’s exterior and lasting for multiple decades, but is it right for you? If you are considering installing a metal roof on your home, schedule a free consultation with one of Brothers’ roofing experts.
Our experienced metal roofing consultants will sit down with you to discuss your current roof. Then, they will thoroughly inspect every eave, peak, and valley of your existing roof. Once we have learned your needs for your new roof and your budget, the consultant will provide a detail proposal in writing explaining your options, what to expect, and available promotions and financing offers. Brothers has been reliably installing metal roofs for over 30 years in the Baltimore area, put us to work for you today!
