December 28, 2022
Metal roofing is one of the most popular roofing materials in Florida. Curious why? We’ll go over some of the pros and cons of metal roofs so you can weigh them carefully to determine if it’s the right fit for your property.
Advantages of metal roofing
- Durability: Metal is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials in the market. When properly installed, the metal roof can last between 40 to 70 years. Often, metal roofing manufacturers will provide a warranty of between 30 to 50 years, which is an indication of the material’s long lifespan. You can count on a metal roof to withstand the elements without corrosion or cracking for a long time.
- Environmentally friendly: Unlike most asphalt shingles, which are petroleum products, metal roofing is considered a more sustainable material. For a start, you don’t have to replace the metal roofing every 15 to 20 years (unlike asphalt shingles) which helps minimize the impact on the environment. Additionally, most metal roofing today is made with 25% recycled materials. The metal roofing itself is also recyclable. For instance, steel roofs can be recycled completely. The metal roof can also provide a platform to implement eco-conscious initiatives such as the installation of solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
- Energy-efficient metal roofing: With a metal roof, their reflective property ensures that you don’t spend much on heating and cooling costs. The roof reflects the radiant heat from the sun instead of absorbing it. This can really help to cut back the cost of cooling especially during the long summer months. Some manufacturers apply a special coating with reflective pigments on the roof, which helps to minimize heat gain and keep the home comfortable.
Disadvantages of metal roofing
- Can be noisy: Metal is often noisier than most types of roofing. When it rains heavily, the sound heard inside the property can be annoying. However, the roof can be installed with some extra layers of solid sheathing or installation underneath in order to minimize this noise. This often adds to the overall cost of the roof.
- Metal can be easily dented: Depending on the type, some metal roofing shingles can easily dent when there’s a hailstorm, falling branches or if someone steps on the roof. To avoid this, you have to choose the right type of shingle. Some manufacturers offer a warranty against damage like denting since their metal is stronger than others.
- Metal roofs can be costly: The long service life of a metal roof comes at a cost. You are likely to pay anywhere between $120 and $900 per square ft of metal roofing material. This range depends on the type of metal you choose since there are some high-end premium products that are more costly than the standard metal roofs. Metal roofing is typically up to 10 times more expensive than options like asphalt shingles. However, keep in mind that you may have to pay several times to replace an asphalt roof whereas a high-quality metal roof is likely to last for as long as the home.
