If you’re considering a new roof installation, you have a plethora of roofing materials to choose from. This can make it tricky to find the ideal material for your needs as a homeowner in Omaha.
That said, for a broad range of needs, metal roofing can be an ideal choice. There are many perks to gain from choosing metal for your new roof, and multiple varieties of metal are available to suit your unique preferences.
More and more homeowners are opting for metal roofing. In fact, alongside asphalt shingle roofing, it’s one of the most popular residential roofing materials around.
If you’re curious as to why so many homeowners in Omaha and around the country are opting for metal roofing, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find the main advantages and disadvantages of choosing metal for your home’s roof.
Pros of Metal Roofing
Durability
One of the most attractive benefits of metal roofing is its durability. Metal roofing often comes with a material warranty of 50 years or more. This is because the lifespan of metal roofing surpasses many other roof material options by far. If you have a metal roof installed for your home, you can trust it to stay in good condition for 40 to 70 years. The exact lifespan will depend on the type of metal that you choose, as well as how often you keep up with roof maintenance.
In addition to its extended lifespan, metal roofing is highly fire-resistant, wind-resistant, and impact-resistant. This strength will spare you from costly roof repair expenses after storms here in Omaha.
Maintenance
Speaking of roof maintenance, metal roofing requires less extensive care than other types of roofing materials. Since metal is less likely to get discolored or break over time, you won’t have to schedule regular roofing repairs as often as you would with, say, an asphalt shingle roof. Less maintenance makes for less money spent on roof upkeep (and more money in your pocket!).
Appearance
Metal roofing now comes in a variety of color and design options. It can even be made to mimic other, high-end roofing materials like tile, wood shake, and slate. With visual details, sleek finishes, and eye-catching shapes, metal roofing has something to offer for every homeowners’ aesthetic.
Gentle On The Planet
Metal roofing is both sustainable and energy-saving. With advanced roof coatings that can create a cool metal roof, your home will effectively block out heat from the sun so that your A/C system uses less energy during the hot summer months. Also, metal roofing can be made with some recycled materials, and when the roof reaches its lifespan, it can itself be recycled. This minimizes the volume of roofing materials ending up in a landfill.
Cons of Metal Roofing
Expense
Upfront, metal roofing is more costly than some other types of roofing materials. In particular, metal roofing isn’t as affordable as asphalt shingle roofing. That said, metal roofing lasts longer than asphalt shingle roofing, so you won’t have to invest in a roof replacement as often as you would with an asphalt roof.
Sound
In a storm, a metal roof will make significantly more noise than other roofing materials. This is especially true in a rain or hailstorm. Insulation can help offset this issue.
Installment Process
Metal roofing takes longer to install than asphalt roofing. This contributes to the higher upfront cost of installing a metal roof. It’s worth noting, however, that the time required to install a metal roof is roughly comparable to that of a slate or wood shake roof.
Color Discrepancies
It can be tricky to match the exact color of metal roofing. If a portion of your metal roof needs to be replaced at some point down the line, your roofing contractor may struggle to find the replacement material that perfectly matches the existing metal on your roof.
Metal Expands and Contracts.
Unfortunately, simply due to the nature of metal, it notably expands and contracts depending on the temperature. This can lead to damage over time. Specifically, the metal panels may start to detach and become less secure, potentially leading to a leak.
All roofing materials have drawbacks. Despite its shortcomings, metal roofing is a great material choice for Omaha homeowners. For more information, contact AGR Roofing and Construction today.
