At West Coast Design Build Florida, we are committed to helping you to create beautiful kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor living spaces. But now and again, we like to talk about other home renovation projects that can boost your curb appeal, improve your home’s efficiency and even upgrade your market value! This article will examine the benefits and drawbacks of metal roofing and discuss how this popular trend may affect you as a Sarasota homeowner.
Keep in mind, metal roofing may also be an excellent choice for your lanai or outdoor living space.
Is Metal Roofing for You?
When it is time to replace your roof, there are many material options to choose from that will affect its cost, durability, and performance over time. Each has its own benefits and downsides. Metal roofs may not be as popular as asphalt shingles, but this material may suit you and your home.
Pros of a Metal Roof
- The most obvious benefit to metal roofing is its longevity. Because it is so solid and durable, a metal roof can last for up to 50 years–two times as long as many of the other common roofing materials like asphalt, fiber cement, wood shingles, etc. Slate and clay tile roofing can last for a similar length of time but do not have the same level of durability.
- Metal roofs weigh less than most other materials, at just 1-3 lbs/square foot. The exact weight varies depending on the type of metal and its thickness. In comparison, conventional shingles made of asphalt usually weigh between 2 – 3.5 lbs/square foot; shingles made from wood weigh 3.5 – 4.5 lbs/square foot, and clay tiles are heaviest at 5 – 10 lbs/square foot. Heavier roofing materials require stronger support beams underneath, so the metal’s lightweight makes it a great option for most houses regardless of their engineering. This can save you a fair amount of money when building new.
- In many cases, metal roofing can be laid directly over old roof material. Keeping the old shingles on gives you better sound insulation against rain and better heat insulation for the entire house, making it more energy-efficient and easier to cool. The reflective properties of a metal roof mean that it will reflect heat–a significant advantage against our Florida sun. You may save up to 40% on your energy costs by switching to an energy-efficient metal roof.
- Because metal doesn’t burn, metal roofs are highly rated as a fire-resistant option. Your home insurance provider will consider this and may offer a lower rate because of it.
- Finally, metal roofs can withstand wind speeds that would damage a roof made with shingles or tiles. Some types of metal roofing are able to resist winds up to 140 miles per hour, and their durability means they can take more of a beating from flying debris than traditional roofs can. During hurricane season, you may find that your metal roof saves you a lot of worries.
Cons of a Metal Roof
- Metal roofs are installed with large panels–much more prominent than asphalt or wood shingles. Because of this, they are more challenging to repair or replace since you have to remove a decent-sized portion of the roof.
- Metal roofing expands and contracts with heat. During hot days, your roof may look a bit wavy instead of flat. Though most fastening hardware these days is designed to accommodate this movement, it is possible that the expansion and contraction can loosen them and allow water to seep in.
- Many people worry about the noise of metal roofs, and yes, water does tend to sound louder as it hits this roofing material. However, proper sound-deadening insulation can dampen the noise to the level significantly, as will having an attic separating the roof from the rest of your house.
Heavy enough debris can dent some types of metal roofing. If you opt for the highest thickness of the material, it will be safe from almost any flying object; thinner materials that are less expensive may dent if hit hard enough, though.
West Coast Design Build Florida may not install metal roofing, but we are dedicated to improving your home by creating beautiful living spaces both indoors and out. For more information on bathroom or kitchen renovations or to update your outdoor living space, call us today.
