What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing?

Metal roofs have evolved significantly in recent decades. Many modern metal roofing systems offer some significant advantages for homeowners and businesses. Learning the positives and negatives of metal roofing can help you decide if installing a metal residential roof Is right for your home or business.

What Are the Most Common Types of Metal Roofs?

Steel Roofs

Galvanized steel and galvalume steel are different options that are used for modern steel roofs. Galvanized steel has an outer layer of zinc that shields it against corrosion, while galvalume has an aluminum/zinc coating to protect it. Steel is generally the most affordable choice of metal roofing materials.

Aluminum Roofs

Aluminum roofing is usually a bit pricier than steel roofing. Aluminum is resistant to corrosion, so it is ideal for coastal regions. Aluminum is more likely to contract and expand due to extreme temperature variations.

Copper Roofs

Copper is one of the more expensive options homeowners can choose for their roof, but it is strong and lasts longer than many of the alternatives. Copper is also a softer metal, so it has an increased risk of being dented by hail or other falling objects.

What Are the Advantages of Metal Roofing?

Longevity

Most metal roofs easily outlast asphalt roofs. Asphalt roofs typically last two or three decades and often require repairs along the way. Properly installed and maintained metal roofs usually last at least that long and could last as long as the house itself.

Energy Efficient

Many homeowners with metal roofing notice a decrease in their electric bills during the warmer months. Metal reflects heat rather than absorbing it like asphalt roofs. Houses with metal roofs may feel naturally cooler, lessening temperature control energy expenditures.

Environmentally Friendly

Steel, aluminum and other metal roofing materials are often made from recycled metal. They’re also one of the more easily recyclable roofing materials. The long lifespan also means these roofs use less metal over time, unlike asphalt shingles which regularly end up in landfills.

What Are the Negatives of Metal Roofs?

Cost

Costs of metal roofs are largely dependent on factors like your choice of metal and your roof’s size. Metal roofs can cost much more than some alternative roofing materials. The initial price is steep, but homeowners may save money in the long run thanks to a reduced need for repairs or roof replacement.

Metal Can Bend

Metal will withstand a lot, but uncontrollable factors can damage it. For example, your roof could become dented if a tree limb or large hail falls on it. Another concern is warpage, which can occur if the roof expands or contracts in response to extreme temperatures.  

Discoloration

Metal roofs allow a lot of customization, but age and exposure can have a significant effect on a metal roof’s color and overall appearance. If a section of a metal roof becomes damaged and must be replaced, it is often difficult to match the newly replaced sections with discolored segments of the old metal roofing material. 

 

Can I Install or Repair My Own Metal Roof?

Metal roofing tends to be harder to install and repair than asphalt shingle roofing. Correct installation of metal roofing is vital for homeowners to enjoy optimal roofing results. A botched installation could end up negating all of the advantages that a metal roof offers.  

Schedule Your Metal Roofing Installation or Repair in Atlanta

Are you thinking about installing a new roof on your home in the greater Atlanta area? If so, Total Roof Solutions’ team of professionals is here to help. We can also provide all types of roofing repairs.



At Total Roof Solutions, we care about client satisfaction, so you can expect excellence from our team whether we are installing or repairing a metal roof, an asphalt shingle roof or any of our other alternative roofing materials. Please contact us by calling 678-752-8668 today.

Feel free to visit our website for samples of our work and to receive a free estimate for your project.