The Benefits of Metal Roofs

Your home’s roof is a critical structure that protects the interior and ensures the integrity of other building materials. If you are building a new home, you may be considering which roofing material is best for your area of the country and your needs. Maybe you need a roofing contractor to re-roof your present home and are considering a change to a different type of material. The wide variety of materials used in roofing can make this decision more difficult. Metal roofs have become a popular choice for homeowners for a number of reasons. Here is a closer look at the many benefits offered by metal roofs.

Metal is one of the longest lasting roof materials you can use. Asphalt tiles are considered the most popular roofing materials used, mostly because of its low cost. However, asphalt tile roofs will only last 15 to 30 years, which means you will have to factor replacing your roof into your family budget as the years pass. Wood shingles and shakes are an attractive choice for some areas of the country. This material will last for 30 to 50 years, but require significant maintenance to keep the roof looking attractive. Slate roof tiles have become popular for high-end residence. This material will last over 100 years. However, the high cost of slate roofing makes it unaffordable for many individuals. A metal roof offers the greatest benefit, with a lifespan of 30 to 50 years and other benefits for today’s homeowners.

Although you may not think a roof can make a significant difference in the look of your home, the fact is that the roofing material can elevate or detract from the appearance of your home. The roof encompasses a wide area of home’s surface. The material you choose for the roof can affect your home in many ways. The roof can help your home fit into the natural environment more effectively. It can match the aesthetic level of other homes in the neighborhood. It can provide a look of greater stability and reliability. A roof can even give a home a look of elegance. Metal roofs look good with a wide range of home styles and provide an appearance of simplicity and substance. These qualities make metal roofs a good choice for today’s homes.

A metal roof can also help your home to be more energy efficient. Part of the reason is how the metal panels are installed. Most systems use a type of batten/counterbatten installation that allows air to flow beneath the panels. This can help to reduce heat that flows into the home and can help to reduce your cooling costs. The gap of air helps to hold heat in the home during the winter and helps to keep out heat in the summer.

Metal roofs offer a measure of safety that cannot be beat. Even with fire retardant chemicals, asphalt and wood roof materials can catch fire. Metal roofs are not flammable and cut down on the spread of fire from one residence to another in a neighborhood. For this reason, metal is often the preferred material in areas of the country that experience occasional or seasonal wildfires. You may think a metal roof would attract lightning more than another material, but in fact, the electricity will spread out across a wider area , reducing its strength. And the metal will also not be prone to starting a fire.

Metal roofing is easy to maintain, which can save you significant amounts of time and money over the life of your roof. Unlike asphalt or other types of roofing, moss, mold and mildew will not collect on the surface, causing unsightly staining or undermining the building materials. Metal roofs only require simple washdown with a power washer and gentle detergent. Minor flaws in the surface can be easily repaired to preserve the integrity of your roof. Metal roofs are also resistant to damage from wildlife looking to set up new homes in roofing.

Metal is among the most sustainable of roofing material. Much of the material used in fabricating the panels for metal roofing is recycled metal. Depending on the composition of the material, metal roofs may contain from 25 to 95 percent recycled material. In addition, after the lifespan of the roof, the material can again be recycled for other products, making metal one of the most sustainable building materials on the market.

If you have questions about the benefits of metal roofs and whether they are a good choice for your home in Winston-Salem, NC and Greensboro, NC, our experienced roofing contractor team can provide the answers you need. Contact us at Crossover Roofing to schedule a free estimate and to learn about the many reasons metal roofing is a top choice for today’s homeowners.