Metal Roofing – A Roof You Will Never Have To Worry About Again
Asphalt can require re-roofing every 12 to 20 years, with the average age of roofing replaced in the U.S. being only 17 years. That is because asphalt roofing, being made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, begins to deteriorate as soon as you put it on your roof. Just normal weather and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays add to an asphalt roof’s deterioration. A metal roof, however, will not decompose and can withstand just about everything Mother Nature throws at it.
The Durability and Longevity of Metal Roofs
Roofing materials, such as wood shingles and tile, have varying degrees of weather related problems. Wood shingles dry out, cracking and curling over a relatively short time. Recent wood shingle and shake roofs have needed replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs have experienced problems with freeze/thaw cycles, especially in northern climates. Both of these products are outlasted by metal roofing that retains its good looks, whether that be shake, tile or vertical seam panels.
Long-Term Value of a Metal Roof
A metal roof is a premium roof system that adds value to your most important investment-your home. Initially, a metal roof will likely cost more than an asphalt roof, comparable to some other systems like tile or shake, and less than slate. While these premium roof systems look good initially, they breakdown over time and wind up needing to be replaced. Meanwhile, if you had installed a metal roof you would have avoided that hassle and would still be enjoying the protection it offers you and your home. A metal roof will save you money over time. In fact, most metal roofs come with a true 30 to 50 year warranty – consider what you will save in roof maintenance in that time. To make sure an asphalt roof lasts as long as possible, extra roof maintenance is essential. A metal roof, however, is just about maintenance-free, all you have to do is occasionally hose it down from the ground. Metal roofs not only save you money – they will save you time and worry too.
Save Money on Heating and Air Conditioning With a Metal Roof
With home heating costs doubling in the last year, you may be surprised to learn that metal roofs are excellent insulators. Not only will a metal roof keep your house comfortable, regardless of the weather outside, it can actually lower your air conditioning and heating bills.
Valuable Warranties Provide Added Protection For You and Your Home
When you install a metal roof on your home, you will receive a valuable long-term warranty from the product manufacturer plus a valuable workmanship warranty from the installer. Many of these warranties also transfer to future owners of your home. Warranties vary somewhat between manufacturers and products but the bottom line is that the security and value of your home will be enhanced by the warranted long-term protection of a metal roof. This protection affords you peace of- mind and security while you own your home and, often times, increased resale value when you sell your home. When you install a metal roof on your home, you will receive a warranty for up to 35 years. This means you’re covered in the event anything should go wrong with your roof – not likely, but it’s piece of mind you won’t get from warranties on most other roofing products.
One common question asked about metal roofing is “Will my roof make a lot of noise during a rain storm?” To answer this question it is helpful to consider noise in terms of its unit of measurement: decibels. Decibels range from zero, which is the softest sound that can be detected by the human ear, to the loudest sound, registered which exceeds 175 decibels.
Examples of Sounds and Decibels
How much noise your metal roof will make when rain hits it depends on various elements of the construction. If the metal roof is installed over open framing it will be louder than if it is installed over a solid roof deck. The underlayment that is installed under the metal roofing will further muffle the sound through absorption. The sound will be absorbed even more if the metal roof is installed over a layer or more of asphalt shingles. Attic air space and any insulation will also work to minimize the sound.
It is very common for people with metal roofs to say that they can hear the rain hitting their skylights but not their roof….in fact the difference in the sound level of a metal roof versus asphalt shingles is small enough as to not be considered significant.
Noise Decibels
- Soft Whisper 30
- Rain Hitting and Asphalt Shingle 46
- Rain Hitting a Metal Roof over a Solid Deck 52
- Normal Conversation 60
- Rain hitting a Metal Roof over open framing 61
Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?
Metal roofing is a premium home product and because of that, you can expect your new roof to cost roughly twice what an asphalt shingle roof costs. However, a metal roof is comparable in price to tile roofing or cedar shake roofing. If you currently have a slate roof, you can expect your metal roof to cost less. No matter what kind of metal roofing style you choose, you will never have to worry about your roof again. Plus, your new metal roof will add to the resale value of your home, save you money on your energy bills, and give you piece of mind that you’ll likely never have to re-roof again. An asphalt roof is primarily made of paper and slowly begins to deteriorate due to extreme weather and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. A light-colored metal roof, however, actually deflects UV radiation, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Minnesota Metal Roofing Contractor
When one of our crews come out to roof or re-roof your apartment complex, townhouse, condo or single family home, you can be assured that you are dealing with an expert crew. We specialize in your roof, regardless of the style and type.