A metal roof is one of the best investments you can make in your home.
There’s a reason the demand for residential roofing is on the rise over the last few years — homeowners are finally realizing it’s a much better investment than other types of roofs.
Here are some of the best benefits of metal roofs. Learn more about how a metal roof can help you save money and improve the resale value of your home while being environmentally friendly!
Top 7 Benefits of a Metal Roof
There are many benefits to choosing a residential metal roof. As experienced metal roof installers, we know we’re a bit biased. However, we’re still here to present you with the best information possible!
- It Can Last 50+ Years (And Might Be the Last Roof You Buy!)
It Can Last 50+ Years (And Might Be the Last Roof You Buy!)
The longevity of a metal roof is only as good as the contractors who installed it. If your metal roof is installed by a Metal Roofing Alliance Member Contractor (like Shield Exteriors!), it can last 50+ years!
This is a HUGE benefit — an asphalt shingle roof usually needs to be replaced every 15-20 years. A metal roof can outlast the lives of 2-3 lower-quality roofs! It could be the last roof you’ll ever need to buy.
Work With a Member of the MRA
Members of the MRA are held to a high standard and are confirmed to have the training required to correctly install a metal roof.
Unlike an asphalt roof, metal roof installation requires a higher level of training and experience to get the job done right. Make sure you pick the best roofing contractors for the job!
- Metal Roofs Are Extremely Weather-resistant
Metal roofs are very weather-resistant. They can withstand high winds, heavy snow, extreme rainstorms, hurricanes, hail, and even wildfires.
A metal roof won’t shrink, crack, or erode like asphalt roofs do. They’re also great at shedding rainwater and snow, which means you’ll have less risk of leaks and water damage.
- They’re Cost-effective
While a metal roof is more expensive upfront, it pays off in the long run. Instead of replacing your asphalt roof every 15-20 years, a metal roof can last a solid 50+ years.
Even if a metal roof is twice the cost of the asphalt roof you received a quote on, you’ll have to buy two to three asphalt roofs by the time a metal roof needs to be replaced.
It could very well be the last roof you ever have to put on your home! Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
Here’s what makes a metal roof so cost-effective:
- Longevity – You won’t have to replace a metal roof nearly as often as an asphalt shingle roof.
- Save money on energy costs – Metal roofs reflect sunlight and heat, so you won’t have to pay as much to keep your home cool during the summer months. It’s also a great insulator during winter, helping your home retain its heat.
- Less maintenance than other types of roofs – Metal roofs don’t require much maintenance. You won’t have to replace eroded asphalt shingles, patch leaks, or replace damage like asphalt shingles. That said, we still recommend getting an annual inspection just to make sure everything’s safe and sound.
- It’s the Most Environmentally-friendly Roof
Metal roofs are the most sustainable roofing option available.
Here’s why: they’re 100% recyclable. Plus, depending on the metal panels you choose, they’re usually made with at least 25% recycled material.
Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are difficult to recycle and usually end up in landfills. Metal roofs aren’t replaced as often, meaning less waste in general, and can be recycled when the time comes.
- Energy Efficiency
Metal reflects sunlight and heat, meaning you’ll use less energy to keep your home cool during the summer. Plus, you’ll save on your electric bill!
Other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, hold onto heat, making it more difficult to cool down your home when it’s hot outside.
Cool-Metal Roofing
Cool-metal roofing is a special finish. It’s highly reflective and contains special cooling pigments, allowing the roof to reflect even more solar energy and keeping the surface temperature of the roof low.
- They’re Easy to Take Care Of
Another one of our favorite benefits of metal roofs is they require barely any maintenance, especially when compared to an asphalt shingle roof.
Not only is a metal roof able to withstand severe weather, but it’s also resistant to fungus and moss buildup. Instead of having to replace damaged or rotting shingles every year or two, you’ll only need annual inspections!
You’ll have peace of mind knowing your roof is one less thing about your home you have to worry about.
All that’s involved with metal roof maintenance is:
- Annual inspection
- Paint touch-ups
- Clearing any debris
- Boosts Your Home’s Resale Value
A home with a metal roof can be much more attractive to potential buyers than a home with an asphalt roof. According to the MRA, on average, houses with a metal roof see up to a 6% gain in resale value compared to homes with an asphalt roof.
Should you decide to sell your home, you’ll likely recoup 85-95% of the cost of the roof!
Drawbacks of a Metal Roof
Nothing is ever going to be perfect. While there are a few drawbacks to a metal roof, we believe the benefits far outweigh them.
Price
It’s true. Metal roofs are more expensive than their asphalt shingle counterparts. However, this depends on the type of metal roof we’re talking about.
For example, here’s how the pricing works:
- Ribbed metal roof – A ribbed metal roof is the most affordable type of metal roof. The price is usually about the same as asphalt shingles but lasts twice as long.
- Standing seam metal roof – A standing seam metal roof is a great option. It’s more expensive than a ribbed metal roof, however, it has a more modern look. A lot of customers prefer a standing seam over a ribbed metal roof.
- Metal shingle roof – This is the most expensive metal roof. However, it offers a more traditional “roof” look compared to the modern standing seam option.
Noise
As you might have guessed, a metal roof will be slightly noisier than other roofing materials. It won’t be anything too loud, but you’ll definitely notice it during a rainstorm.
That said, some people actually love the noise of rain on a metal roof!
Benefits of a Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles
These are the main differences between a metal roof and asphalt shingles. (For an in-depth explanation, check out our guide on metal roof vs. shingles.)
- Lower energy costs. You will have lower energy costs with a metal roof compared to asphalt shingles. Metal roofs reflect sunlight and heat, so you won’t need to use nearly as much energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside!
- Less maintenance. Asphalt shingles can be a bit high maintenance, especially if you have a lot of rain, snow, or live under trees that cause debris to build up on your roof. In comparison, metal roofs require barely any maintenance.
- Stronger durability. Metal roofs are much more durable than asphalt shingles. Whether it’s extreme weather, moss buildup, insects, or rot, a metal roof won’t be bothered by it. Plus, they last 50+ years compared to the 15-20 year life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof.
- More appealing. There are tons of colors and styles to choose from when it comes to metal roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs don’t have as many options.
Is a Metal Roof Worth It?
After learning about all of the benefits (and a few drawbacks) of a residential metal roof, do you think it’s worth it?
We definitely do. Plus, if you go with a ribbed metal roof, the price is very similar to an asphalt shingle roof. The amazing pros of a metal roof far outweigh the few cons! You’ll save money, might not ever have to buy another roof again, and it requires minimal maintenance.
Looking for Expert Residential Metal Roof Installation?
The experienced metal roof installation team here at Shield Exteriors services Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Southern Michigan. We pride ourselves on our close attention to deal and high quality of work.
We can also help you choose which type of metal roof is best for you depending on your specific needs and budget.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation roofing estimate!
Written by Shield Exteriors: Our team of experienced roofers has been in the business for decades. We want to help educate homeowners on everything they need to know about residential roofing, from how long certain types of roofs last to picking the roofing material best for your needs and budget. Learn more about us or contact us today if you’re looking for a roof estimate!