When choosing a roofing material, most people opt for traditional asphalt shingles. There’s nothing wrong with that; shingles are attractive and relatively inexpensive. However, more homeowners are weighing their options and finding that a metal roof is more their speed. These, too, look great atop a home: They can be customized with a variety of colors and styles. And, though typically more expensive upfront, metal roofs may be able to help homeowners cut costs in the long run.
Here’s how:
1. Metal roofs are incredibly long-lasting
No roof will last forever. But with a metal roof, it might just seem that way. The typical metal roof will stay strong for between 40 and 70 years, according to State Farm’s Simple Insights.
Compared to the average lifespan of an asphalt roof – between a dozen years and two decades – a metal roof is very low-maintenance. Homeowners who choose metal roofs likely won’t have to invest in repairs or replacements anytime soon.
2. Metal roofs stand up to harsh weather
Behind longevity, strength/protection was the No. 2 reason homeowners invested in metal roofs, according to a study by Dodge Data & Analytics.
When put up against other roofing materials like asphalt, slate, and tile, metal takes the top spot for staying strong in hail, rain, fire, and wind, according to Bob Vila. In hot, dry and fire-prone areas, this is a much-appreciated safety feature; a metal roof won’t ignite as other roofing materials will.
Depending on the type of material you choose, a metal roof can be impact resistant, avoiding damage costs following a hail storm, State Farm pointed out. And, they can stay secure even in winds up to 140 miles per hour – that’s an F2 tornado!
By resisting damage during inclement weather, homeowners may find they don’t have to invest in repairs or file insurance claims as much as people who don’t have metal roofs.
3. Metal keeps your home cool
When you think of a metal roof, you might imagine one that’s hot to the touch and unbearable to be around on a hot summer day. While it’s true that the metal roof will heat up on a sunny day, the home beneath will stay nice and cool.
The shiny metal will reflect the sun’s rays away from your home, unlike a darker material that will absorb it. This can reduce cooling costs by as much as 25 percent, State Farm noted.
4. Insurance companies prefer tougher roofs
Your home insurance premium depends on a plethora of factors, some of your control and others outside it.
One thing many insurance companies want to know is what material your roof is made of. If it’s something that’s easily damaged or prone to catching fire, your rates are sure to climb – that’s the insurance company betting you’ll make a claim for roof damage.
Homeowners seeking a roofing material to lower insurance costs often opt for metal roofing – this is the material that generally offers the largest discount, Family Handyman reported.
Given its many benefits, it’s no wonder more people are making the switch to metal roofing. Industry experts predict metal roofing product sales to grow 62 percent in 2017, according to Roofing Contractor’s 2017 State of the Industry Report.
To learn more about how your home can benefit from a metal roof, contact us today.