Pros and Cons of a Metal Roof

If a metal roof system is an option you’re considering for your home’s roof, you should look at the pros and cons of metal roofing against other common roof materials (shingles and tile).

Below is a closer look at some of the benefits of metal roofing systems as well as the drawbacks you may encounter when considering a metal roof for your home.

1.) Metal is Lightweight

Metal roofing, depending on its gauge, can weigh anywhere from .7 to 1.3 pounds per square foot. Other common roofing materials like asphalt shingles can weigh 2 to 2 ½ pounds per square foot, and tile can weigh as much as 10 pounds per square foot.

2.) Longevity

When considering to replace the roof on your home, longevity is a huge factor in your choice of roof material. You want something that will stand the test of time and last. Metal roofs have been found to last up to 70 years. This is much longer than traditional asphalt roofing which usually lasts from 10 to 20 years, and in the Florida sun can be much less.

3.) Fire Resistant

Metal Roof systems are given a Class A fire rating (which is the most resistant). Metal roofs are noncombustible, and thus are given the great rating.

4.) Energy Efficient

Metal Roof systems can save you a lot of money annually on energy costs. A metal roof reflects the hot Florida sun’s energy and blocks heat transmission from the roof to building members and living space. This will immensely cut back on your homes cooling costs.

5.) Additional Re-Sale Value

Installing metal roofing on your home can help in the long-term if you plan to sell your home. According to Metal Roofing Alliance, homeowners who replace their roofing systems with standing-seam metal show a rate of 85.9% cost recouped in the national average with up to 95.5% for homes in the Eastern states. This is a full 1 and 6% resale value gain over homes roofed with asphalt shingles.

CONS of Metal Roof Systems

1.) Cost

Easily the biggest drawback, and one of the only drawbacks to metal roofing, the cost of a metal roof initially is higher than other roofing systems. The trick though is if you plan to live in your home for a long time, the durability of a metal roof will keep you good for many years to come. In the lifetime of your metal roof you may replace a shingle roof 2-3 times. You will also save on seasonal maintenance.

Metal roofs offer many advantages over almost every other type of roofing material. Metal Roofing Systems are much more durable and long-lasting than asphalt shingles. They are easier to install and actually cheaper than heavier clay and slate tiles. Metal roofing stands up to almost any weather condition you can think of including heavy rain, beating sun, high winds, snow, hail, and even earthquakes. Metal is resistant to fire and is impervious to collapse if the house does end up catching fire, increasing the likelihood that a homes occupants can escape in time safely.

Whether you choose a Metal Roofing system or another material, Contact Florida Southern Roofing and SheetMetal, Inc – your trusted metal roofing contractor in Sarasota, FL.