If you recently had a roof inspection that revealed one too many leaks, you may be stressing out over trying to decide on a material for your replacement roof. If you’re in the market for a roof that is highly efficient and low-maintenance, you may find comfort beneath a sturdy metal roof.
Apart from the meditative sound of rain gentle pattering on tin or steel, metal roofing has many benefits that appeal to homeowners. Before you jump in, it’s important you understand both the pros and cons of this construction material before installation.
Ready to understand why metal roofing has captured the attention of so many people in need of a roof replacement? Your friends at Goodfriend Roofing provide a look at the pros and cons of metal roofing.
The Cons of Metal Roofing
We’ll throw the semi-bad news at you first, so we can leave you hanging on a good note. Your pals have nothing to hide here!
Metal Roofs are Pricey
This is undeniably the biggest con of metal roofing, especially if you are on a budget. Metal materials can run you anywhere from $120 to $900 per 100 square feet. While this range is proportional to the cost of other premium materials, the higher end of the scale for high-quality metals can run your credit card bill up almost 10 times higher than asphalt shingles.
The installation labor is also a significant chunk of change because it requires specialized training, knowledge, tools, and equipment. On the bright side, the durability of metal roofing is bound to last a lifetime, so you get what you pay for.
Lucky for you, our team at Goodfriend Roofing has all of the needs and know-how to source and install a shining new metal roof. If you’re ready for your roof replacement, call us at (813) 579-5789!
Metal Roofs Can Get Dented
Even though most metal roofs are built to hold up against decades of use and abuse from brutal weather such as heavy snow and ice, certain kinds of metal might be prone to dents from large chunks of hail or tree branches trying to get up in your business. Certain types of metal can be damaged just from walking on it, which means absolutely NO DIY inspections.
These obstacles might sound like dealbreakers, but they can certainly be avoided if you pick the right type of metal. Some metals, such as aluminum and copper, are just weaker than other kinds such as steel and therefore more susceptible to damage.
Metal Roofs Can Cause a Ruckus
Metal may be noisier than other roofing materials, but this can easily be viewed as a pro rather than a con if you like the soothing sound of rain. While this could be distracting during the daytime if you work from home, or anxiety-triggering to pets or young children, there are fortunately several work-arounds.
With extra layers of sheathing or insulation, your roofing company can drastically minimize obnoxious acoustics. However, just make sure to consider this as an addition to the overall cost of your roof!
Metal roofing may resonate loudly during heavy thunderstorms (which we get a lot of in Tampa), but with added insulation and sheathing, this nuisance can be avoided entirely!
The Pros of Metal Roofing
The cons of metal roofing shouldn’t scare you off because this material offers so many perks that make it well-worth the drawbacks. Here are some of the many benefits to owning a metal roof:
Metal Roofs are Highly Durable
One of the most appealing aspects of metal roofing is its strength to stand the test of time. The material’s log lifespan is a top reason why many homeowners transition to metal to protect their homes. If properly installed (which we can guarantee at Goodfriend Roofing!), your metal roof will last you around 40 to 70 years. As a comparison, traditional asphalt roofing only lasts 12 to 20 years.
Extra-buff metal can withstand the harsh elements, including gusts of wind up to 140 mph! A strong roof is a must-have in the stormy summers of Florida. No hurricane is going to bring you down!
Metal Roofs are Eco-Friendly
Another one of our favorite pros is that metal roofs are kind to our home planet! Traditional asphalt shingles are made of petroleum and therefore rely on fossil fuels. On top of that, they need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years, meaning 20 BILLION LBS of old asphalt are sent to U.S. landfills every single year. Yuck!
Nearly 20 billion pounds of old petroleum-based asphalt are annually dumped in U.S. landfills, while metal roofs are 100% recyclable and much kinder to the planet.
Meanwhile, metal roofs are a much more sustainable alternative. In general, they consist of around 25 percent recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable. Metal roofing also makes it possible to go even more green as a solid platform for solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
Metal is additionally much lighter than other roofing materials, so you can place it directly on top of asphalt shingles and avoid further-burdening landfills.
Metal Roofs Save Energy
While a metal roof may be a bigger financial burden upfront, you’re bound to make up for the cost through lowered utility bills. Thanks to its reflective properties, a metal roof can reduce your cooling costs by up to 25 percent. Some metal roofs are even coated with reflective pigments that reduce heat gain. In our blistering Florida heat, this sounds non-negotiable to us!
Metal Roofs are Timelessly Stylish
With so many subtypes to choose from, from tin and zinc to copper or galvanized steel, and countless options for shades and shapes, you can find the perfect metal to compliment your home. The variety of stylings vastly outperform the simple 15 or so selections of asphalt to choose from.
A Roof for a Lifetime from Friends for a Lifetime
The switch to a new roof doesn’t have to be stressful. You’ve probably heard the phrase “quality over quantity,” so choose a few metal sheets over hundreds or even thousands of asphalt shingles. From a financial perspective, you’ll reap the long-term benefits of an initially pricey down payment.
Your roof will keep you cool and safe from the storm while your house will dazzle with a confidence that says “I’m a friend of Mother Nature.” Trust your friends and take our advice- metal roofs are made to last!
Whether you’re ready for a metal roof or think you’ll opt for another option, Goodfriend Roofing will get the job done! Get your free estimate now!
