Whether you’re building a new home or putting a new roof on your current home, you’ll be considering what type of roofing material you want to use. EMA Construction offers a variety of options, but in this article we’re going to give you a closer look at the benefits of metal roofing.
Longevity and Durability
Longevity and durability are key factors for many homeowners and understandably so. With an investment of this size, you want something that will be long-lasting and attractive. When installed properly, a metal roof should last 40 to 70 years depending on the material. Metal roofs seal out water, endure high winds (some up to 140 mph), and are resistant to snow, mildew, insects, and rot. They are also noncombustible, which is why they have been given a Class A fire rating (the most resistant) compared to wood shingles which are Class C. Metal roofs do not corrode, crack, and depending on the metal, are resistant to impact. Additionally, they require very little maintenance after the initial installation.
Style
When selecting a roof, you’ll want to consider the style of your neighborhood and the climate in your region of the country. Many customers and installers alike are surprised when they discover that metal roofs can be made to match or imitate a wide variety of styles including cedar shake, slate, tile, shingle, and standing seam vertical panels. Since metal roofing offers lots of options, can match different architectures, and can be painted to blend with almost any style of home, it is a great choice regardless of the style of your home.
Weight and Ease of Installation
It may not come as a surprise that metal roofing can be significantly lighter than other materials. If you were to compare with tile, which weighs in 750 pounds per square, or concrete tile at 900 pounds per square, metal roofing is considerably lighter ranging from 50 to 150 pounds per square.
Metal roofs can also be simple to install and not just because of the lightweight material. Some types of metal roofing materials can be installed over the existing roof without a messy tear-off or additional structural support. In some cases, homeowners can reduce the amount of support for the roof. Many contractors enjoy the speed and ease of roofing installation. The materials are light and generally easy to work with. Homeowners might also appreciate an expedited installation if your existing roof is damaged in a storm and you find yourself in a hurry to protect your home from the elements.
Environmentally friendly
For many shoppers, environmentally friendly is important for two reasons. First, for customers who are concerned with waste. Second, for customers who want energy-efficient homes. Metal roofing offers benefits for both.
Metal roofs typically have 25% to 95% recycled content, depending on the material used. They are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life. In contrast, many shingle tear-off waste ends up as waste. According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. In constrast, the recycled material of steel in a metal roof is about 56% from production to installation to reuse – far superior to asphalt. And, as mentioned before, a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without creating unnecessary waste of what is already there.
For energy efficiency, metal roofs make excellent insulators. They keep your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and as a result have the potential to save customers a lot of money.