One of the biggest investments you will make for your home is certainly the roof. To repair or replace it is very costly. But, it is something that can’t be put off as it is the very thing that most protects us from the elements.
The problem is that most of them don’t last very long and need to be repaired or replaced at least a couple of times throughout the lifetime of the home. And when the roof is not in good repair when it comes time to sell it, the value of the hom is greatly diminished.
When it’s time for roof repair, you should consider replacing it with a metal roof rather than a shingle one. To understand if one is going to be right for you, you’ll need to understand the pros and cons.
In this article, I will go over several of the things to keep in mind before you decide on your next roof.
Pro: Metal roofs are long lasting
When installed correctly, a metal roof can last the lifetime of a modern house. That translates into around 70 years or so. They are more expensive than a traditional shingle roof, but the cost is offset by the fat that you won’t be replacing or repairing it after a few years.
They are able to resist cracking when you live in an area that is both extremely cold and then very hot in the summer. The roof is able to expand and contract without drying out and cracking as asphalt shingles do. Even hurricane strength winds can’t blow the roof off of the house.
Pro: They’re environmentally friendly
There are quite a few ways that metal roofs are eco friendly compared to shingle. Shingle is made out of asphalt, a petroleum based product. This means that they are dirty from the point of extraction to when they are thrown away. They can’t be recycled so billions of pounds are thrown away every year.
A metal roof can be made of up to 25% recycled metals so it comes to you in a sustainable way. And if you need to replace the roof, then it can be recycled again so it stays out of landfills.
Pro: Energy efficient
Heating and cooling your house will cost less and use less resources as it can reflect well. Any hot or cold air is sent back down into the house rather than seap out into the air.
In the summer, the outside of the roof will also reflect the heat of the sun so it keeps the roof cooler. Asphalt shingles absorb the heat so it is harder to keep the house cool in th summer.
Con: They’re noisy
One good thing about soft shingles is that they absorb the impact of rain or hail so you don’t really hear it. Metal roofs on the other hand can make a racket when it rains hard.
There is a type of insulation that can be installed under the roof to mitigate the sound, but this adds quite a bit to an already expensive installation.
