Metal roofing used to be reserved for commercial buildings and industrial properties, but today, it’s a rising trend for residential homes across the United States.
If you’re considering replacing your current roofing system with a metal roof—you’re making a great decision! However, you may still have some questions about the durability, longevity, and appearance of metal roofing before committing to this investment. Read the following facts about metal roofing to discover the most popular benefits and common misconceptions about this trendy roofing material.
What Every Kansas City Homeowner Should Know About Metal Roofing
1. Metal roofing offers long-term value.
Metal roofing lasts two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, like asphalt roofing shingles and wood shakes, making it one of the longest-lasting materials on the market.
Although you’ll pay more for your metal roofing upfront, because of its longevity, you’ll pay significantly less in replacement costs. Metal roofing will also improve your home’s curb appeal, reduce your energy bills, and may make your home eligible for insurance discounts, so when all is said and done, your metal roofing system will save you thousands of dollars!
2. Metal is an energy-efficient roofing material.
Metal roofing is highly efficient and can save homeowners up to 40% in energy costs!
While many roofing materials absorb heat, metal reflects the sun’s harmful rays, keeping your home at a cool, comfortable temperature year-round. Since your home stays at a consistent temperature, your heater and A/C unit won’t need to be constantly running, which saves you hundreds in utility bills each year.
3. Metal roofing can stand up to the elements.
Metal is arguably the most durable roofing material available for your home. If you still aren’t convinced—see for yourself how metal roofing can stand up to the elements:
- Hail—It’s true some types of metal roofing, like aluminum and copper, can experience damage from large hailstones. However, most modern metal roofing systems are made from materials that can withstand the impact of a two-inch hailstone without any damage. For reference, that’s the size of a chicken egg!
- Wind—Many roofing materials are prone to cracking, splitting, or blowing away in windstorms, but not metal roofing. Metal roofing stays firmly in place, and many brands can withstand wind speeds up to 120 mph.
- Fire—Metal is noncombustible and, therefore, one of the most fire-resistant roofing materials on the market. And contrary to popular belief—metal roofing does not attract lightning. It is no more likely to conduct lighting than an asphalt shingle roofing system.
- Snow—Snow slides right off metal roofing, so you’ll never have to worry about ice dams developing during the winter. Plus, metal is completely moisture-resistant, so water will never leak through your roofing system.
- Moisture—When it rains, metal roofing won’t develop mold, mildew, or rot and won’t corrode when faced with humidity.
- Insects—Woodpeckers, termites, carpenter bees, and other frustrating pests won’t be interested in eating, nesting, or burrowing into your metal roofing system.
4. Metal is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and recyclable.
Metal lasts much longer than traditional roofing materials—making it a more sustainable option than roofing materials with a shorter lifespan, like asphalt roofing shingles. However, the sustainability of metal roofing doesn’t stop there!
Metal roofing isn’t made from petroleum-based products but is often made from recycled metal, so it’s better for the environment. Plus, metal roofing can be recycled at the end of its (very long) lifespan, so you can feel good about minimizing your carbon footprint.
5. Stone-coated metal roofing is slightly different from traditional metal roofing.
Despite its spectacular benefits, many homeowners disqualify metal roofing before giving it a chance because they think it has an industrial appearance—but that’s not necessarily true!
DECRA stone-coated metal roofing bridges the gap between the industrial durability of metal roofing and the beautiful curb appeal homeowners desire for their property. DECRA stone-coated metal roofing can mimic roofing shingles, tiles, or shakes while still offering the durability, longevity, and efficiency of metal roofing.
6. Metal roofing isn’t noisy.
Contrary to popular belief—metal roofing isn’t loud or noisy. Metal roofing is installed over a solid surface, and your attic provides a sound barrier between your roof and living spaces.
You should never hear the “pitter-patter” of rain on your roofing system—unless your roofing system is installed incorrectly. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a local professional contractor, like Safe Harbor Exteriors, who you can count on to install your metal roofing system the right way.
7. Metal roofing can be applied to a low-slope roof.
Homeowners often think if they don’t have a roof with an extremely steep slope, they won’t be able to install metal roofing. However, this is a common misconception. Standing seam metal roofing, for example, can be installed on low-slope homes if there is enough slope for water, snow, and ice to run off.
8. Metal is lightweight.
Metal is more lightweight than all other roofing materials—including tile, natural stone, and asphalt shingles. When you install a metal roofing system, you won’t need to invest in extra reinforcement to support the weight of your roof. Plus, since metal is lightweight, it’s easier and quicker to install, so you’ll save on labor costs.
Enjoy the Benefits of a Metal Roofing System on Your Kansas City Home from Safe Harbor Exterior
Metal roofing offers tons of benefits—it’s durable, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly—but it’s also extremely versatile!
Whether you’d like to install a reliable standing seam metal roofing system or mimic the appearance of cedar, slate, or asphalt shingles with stone-coated steel roofing, our expert team at Safe Harbor Exteriors has the perfect metal roofing material for you.
Learn more about our expert metal roofing services, and when you’re ready to get started on your replacement, contact us for a free estimate!
