Updating a home can be an exciting, but stressful project for any property owner. There’s lots of decisions to be made, like the color of a room or styles of kitchen cabinets. If your biggest concern is an old roof, consider a metal roof when making the final decision.
Metal roofs are known for withstanding years of wear and are lightweight compared to traditional asphalt roofing. They have a typical lifespan of 30-60 years and depending on the type of metal roof you choose, it can require minimal maintenance during that time. Some metal roofs available can have up to a 45-year limited warranty. Metal roofs can withstand 140 mph winds and can have minimal snow accumulation during the winter months as metal panels are patterned to be snow resistant and to have a firm, slippery surface.
Metal roofs reflect sunlight, keeping the inside of your home about 20% cooler. If you’re looking to cut utility costs, consider installing metal roofing with solar panels. Tesla recently released solar panel roofing that looks like typical tiles but has solar cells embedded throughout the material.
Metal roofs are a popular design attribution to any household. Colorful trendy metal roofs will make your home stand out from the neighbors and will give the property a fresh, new look. If your house gets too muggy in the summer, consider painting the roof a lighter shade as this will reflect the heat more effectively. For those who are more daring, a bright red or a deep blue could be the roof for you. Earthy tones like copper are also favored among homeowners. To make your house look more modern, consider a stainless steel finish. Consider the color of your home before choosing a bold look for the roof. Remember you will have the roof for many years before needing to replace it and something too bold and trendy now might not be in style in years to come.
When considering buying a metal roof or replacing the one you have now, ask yourself whether the cost of a metal roof is worth it. Metal roofs can, depending on design, cost you double compared to the traditional asphalt shingles. If this is a starter home and plan to sell in a few years, buying a metal roof might not be a financially responsible decision.
Another important factor to consider when installing a metal roof is the level of noise it will bring into your home. There is no reason why your home cannot be as quiet with a metal roof as with an asphalt roof. Consider insulation, fastening your roof, or a roof underlayment that will help keep the noise to a minimum. Also, consider an impact-resistant material when choosing the type of roof you like.
There are four basic types of metal roofing to choose from when deciding which one is the best alternative for you.
- Standard seam – The most common type, are panels covering the roof and is fastened between the panels.
- Metal slates – A great option for those who love the look of singles or tile roofing, as they are designed similarly.
- Metal tile – An ideal replacement for concrete, metal tiles are easier to handle and aren’t as easy to damage.
- Metal Shake – Wood shake roofs are desired by many people because of their rustic appeal, but the metal shake is a great alternative, with an authentic look that has the benefits of a steel roof.
Metal roofing offers plenty of options for the pickiest homeowners and even have room to brand out from the norm. No matter the style of roofing you choose, be sure to hire competent contractors who will help bring your vision to light.
LynAnne Vucovich is a journalist who studied at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She has a passion for culture, community and cats.
