Metal Roofs – The Practical, Cost-effective and Durable Choice to Cover Your Home

When it comes to home maintenance, most of us are happy keeping things simple. We want our homes to be safe, secure, and energy efficient. We want them to be easy to clean and maintain with minimal effort and cost. With so many demands on our time, money and attention, we don’t need anything extraneous that simply adds expense or difficulty to life. And yet a metal roof is not exactly the most accessible or affordable option for a home. After all, who thinks about roofs until there’s a leak? It goes without saying that the pros and cons of metal roofs must be weighed carefully before making an informed decision.

The Pros of Metal Roofing

There are many benefits to going with a metal roof for your home, some of which we’ll touch on below. For starters, metal roofs are extremely durable. The damage caused by hailstorms and tornadoes – which can wreak havoc on even the toughest of materials – is negligible for metal roofs. Most metal roofs come with a 50-year warranty, which means that you are likely to see very little damage from the elements throughout the life of the roof itself. All-metal roofs last anywhere from 80-120 years. This makes them one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. This durability has a few other benefits that are worth mentioning as well: – A metal roof will reduce your energy bills by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Hotter summers and colder winters will increase your energy costs. A metal roof will reflect the sun and reduce the heat buildup in your home by up to 30%. – A metal roof will last considerably longer than a roof made with other materials and less frequent roof replacements will lead to a decrease in your overall maintenance costs.

The Cons of Metal Roofing

There are some drawbacks to going with a metal roof though. Roofers will quickly tell you that a metal roof will cost more upfront than a shingled roof. In fact, a metal roof can cost twice as much as concrete or asphalt shingles, so if your budget is tight, that’s something to keep in mind. A metal roof can also weigh more than other materials, and therefore, the weight of the roof itself can affect the integrity and longevity of your home’s structure, especially if your home is on the older side. However, if you’re building a new home, this could be a non-issue. As mentioned, metal roofs are more expensive than shingles. There are ways to offset the added cost of a metal roof though. You can elect to go with a shorter, less decorative metal roof. This will help to keep the cost down by avoiding the need for additional materials such as support rails.

Metal Roofing and Its Benefits

A metal roof may cost more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run because it is far more durable than other materials. The average lifespan of a metal roof is 30-50 years. A shingle roof lasts between 15-25 years; and a tile roof lasts up to 50 years. This makes a metal roof a practical and cost-effective choice. Another advantage of a metal roof is that it will add significant value to your home. This is especially true if you go with a high-end, designer metal roof. In fact, some estimates suggest that a metal roof can add $5,000 or more to a home’s value.

How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

It’s hard to give an exact number because the cost of a metal roof will depend on the size and type of roof, the materials used, the contractor you hire, and other factors. – Roof Size: The size of the roof is one of the biggest factors that determine the cost of a metal roof. You’ll find that the average cost of a roof increases as the roof size increases because more materials are required. An average roof size for a single-family home is about 1500 square feet. This roof will cost about $1000 to $1200. – Roof Type: There are 3 basic roof types – standing seam, architectural standing seam, and corrugated. The type of roof you choose will affect the cost of your roof. The architectural standing seam roof is the most popular type of metal roof. It’s the most decorative type of metal roof and will cost between $20 and $40 a square foot. – Roof Location: Where you live will affect the cost of your metal roof. Roofers in some states, like Florida, charge more than those in other parts of the country. The same goes for roofers in large cities versus those working in smaller towns.

Expected Lifespan of a Metal Roof

As we mentioned above, the average lifespan of a metal roof is between 30-50 years. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to replace your roof in one go. You can do smaller repairs and maintenance work to extend the life of the roof. The key is to be proactive. If you notice any damage or wear and tear on your roof, don’t ignore it. However, as with any home improvement project, you need to be careful. Roofers will often “screw the pooch” and take short cuts that could end up costing you in the long run. Be sure to hire a reputable contractor who can provide you with references and guarantees.

What to Look for When Hiring a Contractor?

When hiring a contractor, it’s important to be sure that they are licensed and insured. Make sure they have a good track record, lots of experience, and positive reviews. And keep in mind that just because a roofer is cheaper, it doesn’t mean they’re a better choice. Roofs are not a place to skimp on cost. It’s not something you can do yourself, and it’s not something you want to take a chance with either. It’s best to hire a contractor with proven experience, who can install a quality roof that will last for years to come.

Conclusion

A metal roof is an excellent choice for your home. It is durable, energy efficient, and cost-effective. While it may cost more upfront than other roofing materials, it will save you money in the long run by extending the life of your roof. If you’re considering a metal roof, be sure to hire a reputable contractor to ensure that your roof is installed properly to ensure that it lasts for many years to come. If you are interested in getting an estimate for a metal roof, contact Agave Roofing today.