Why Have Metal Roofs Grown in Popularity Among Homeowners?

Modern homeowners have more roofing options than ever before. Metal roofs are among the roofing materials growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional asphalt roofing. Previously, metal roofs were often a preserve of commercial projects, but homeowners increasingly choose metal roofs for the reasons below.

Design Versatile

Metal roofs come in limitless colors and styles to match any architecture. While homeowners might dismiss metal roofs due to their industrial exterior, modern metal roofs mimic wood shakes, asphalt, clay tile, and slate. You can even get stone-coated metal roofs that combine tile or slate's natural look.

Homeowners can choose between many different metals, like aluminum, steel, and copper, depending on their aesthetic goals. A roofer can also help you choose a coating system that enhances the roof's appearance.

Lightweight

Metal roofs are lighter than slate or concrete tiles and are easier to transport. While a new home can support a 40,000-pound roof, its structure weakens over time. If your aging home can shift under a heavy roof, you can expect more structural problems. Heavy roofs also require more framing materials and cost more in labor. In contrast, a metal roof does not need much framing, and it will not sag over time.

Roofers can fashion metal roofs to suit any building, thanks to their light weight. For instance, a metal roof can give a much lower slope than clay tiles and asphalt shingles. However, the weight of metal roofs does not compromise their strength.

Fire Resistant

The large numbers of wildfires in recent years have encouraged many homeowners to invest in fire-resistant roofing. Most metal roofs boast a class A fire rating, meaning that the covering and underlayment offer additional fire resistance. This standard makes metal roofs excellent fire-resistant options. However, while a metal roof does not combust in case of a fire, but it may melt if the fire is extremely hot.

In comparison, heavy roofs like tile could collapse as soon as a fire compromises a house's structure. So, homeowners in California and other wildfire-prone areas should consider metal roofs for their homes.

Durable

A metal roof outlasts an asphalt roof and many other roofing materials. A well-installed metal roof can last for decades with little maintenance. While metal roofs cost more upfront, they last longer and are more reliable.

Metal roofs also withstand severe weather, including humidity and earthquakes. If you live in a seaside neighborhood, corrosion is likely your top concern. Not to worry, however, as modern metal roofs often have special coatings and finishes to prevent rust.

Metal roofs do not require high maintenance, as is the case with other roofing materials. However, a roofer should inspect the roof periodically to ensure it works properly.

Energy-Efficient

Metal roofs reflect heat away from buildings and reduce energy costs when the weather is hot. Talk to your roofer about coated metal roofing materials that reflect most of the sun's radiation. During the cold season, metal roofs provide impressive insulation. Choose lighter metal colors for even better thermal resistance.

Environmental-Friendly

Most metal roofing manufacturers use recycled materials to make roofing sheets. If you want a sustainable roofing option, you will be glad to know that metal roofs are 100%recyclable, depending on the metal. You can talk to your roofer about the sustainability of various metal roofing materials.

At All American Roofing, we are always on the lookout for new roofing technologies. Contact us today to explore different roof types to get the best investment for your home. We look forward to helping you find the best roof for your home. Please let us know what questions or concerns you have.