The Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofs

An ideal roofing system should offer weather-tight protection to any structure against all-weather elements. Until recently, the key determinant in deciding which type of material to use was the cost and the roof’s performance. However, aesthetic appeal is increasingly becoming essential when choosing preferred materials.
Corrugated metal’s flexibility and adaptability make it an attractive material for many homeowners, metal roof contractors, and architects. Depending on the intended theme, you can customize corrugated metal exterior roof panels to meet a modern or classic look. Corrugated roof sheeting prices range from three to four dollars per square foot.

‘Can you put a metal roof over existing shingles?’ is a popular question from homeowners who want to save money and time by avoiding the added cost and inconvenience of shingle tear-off. Fortunately, the lightweight metal feature allows the installation of a metal roof over an existing shingle roof.
Due to its affordability, steel is also a common material in home and commercial applications. For those considering using it for their structure and wondering how much does steel roofing cost per square foot, the answer is six to twelve dollars per square foot.

Understanding the factors that influence the cost of metal roofing service will assist you in determining which type or style of roof is appropriate for you. Whether you are building a new structure, upgrading, or repairing an existing one, roofing is a cost-intensive task mainly influenced by the material you choose.
Corrugated roof sheeting prices are around three to five dollars per square foot. The cheapest standing seam metal roofing ranges from four to five dollars per square foot, with the average homeowner paying around ten dollars per square foot for combined materials and labor.

When comparing the cost of a metal roof versus shingles, it is essential to factor in the prices of each material. The average cost of metal roofing is six to twelve dollars per square foot installed, compared to three to seven dollars per square foot for an asphalt shingle roof.
Apart from the prices, another common question for homeowners who want to upgrade their shingle roof to a metal roof is, ‘can you put a metal roof over existing shingles?’ Fortunately, metal roofs are lightweight, making them ideal for installing directly on top of an existing shingle roof. A metal roofer can help.

Rockingham roofing

Whether in a new building or an improvement or repair of an old one, the roof is a cost intensive project where the material you choose will have long lasting effects on the building and your bank account. Metal is a less common choice that is offered by both residential and commercial roofing companies, and can be of many different types, such as tin, aluminum and copper. Like most choices you will make in life, though, there are advantages and disadvantages to this one, which will be examined here.

Advantages

  • Longevity: Metal roofs are proven to last at least 30 years and require little maintenance from the owner.
  • Safety: Metal roofs are not in danger during a storm from lightnight or during a wildfire. No chance of these bursting into flame due to a spark!
  • Durability: Metal roofing is highly wind resistant, and some metals are even impact resistant. In other homes, the roof must be inspected once or twice a year, and often will require costly roofing repairs. Metal only needs to be checked occaisionally for damage.
  • Environmentally Friendly: As more individuals become aware of the negative impact people are having on the planet, this choice becomes more important. Metal roofing is completely recyclable, and that after being in use for decades! Furthermore, they often include about 25% of recycled materials from the start.
  • Energy efficient: A metal roof can reduce the cost of cooling the interior of the house by 20% and also can reduce peak cooling demand by approximately 15%.

Disadvantages

  • Initial Expense: Metal roofs do tend to be more expensive than other roofing options. It more than makes up for the cost with its longevity, as well as the lower energy bills and savings from maintenance, but those will only be seen by owners that plan to be in their homes for a long time.
  • Noisy: Metal roofs can be rather loud, especially during rain or hail. Extra insulation will usually eliminate the problem, but that can be more expensive.
  • Expansion and Contraction: Metal will expand and contract over time, and if they are not installed correctly, metal roofs will shift. This is one of the many reasons you should always call well rated residential or commercial roofing companies.
  • Color Matching: In the unlikely event that a section needs to be replaced, or if you make an addition to your home, it can be hard to find an exact match to the existing color of the roof.

Metal roofs can be an attractive, long-lasting option for any home or business. To find out about using this option, call your local residential or commercial roofing company. They will be happy to discuss their various options for you to choose.

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