The Benefits of Metal Roofing for Homeowners

June 12, 2023

The roof is integral to any home; it protects the interior from the elements, contributes to the building's structural integrity, and influences the property's overall aesthetic appeal.

Despite these important functions, homeowners often need to pay more attention to the roofing material during renovation projects.

The right roofing material can offer significant benefits, both in terms of practicality and cost-effectiveness.

Metal roofing stands out as an increasingly popular choice for residential homes. This article explores the myriad benefits of metal roofing for residential homes.

Exceptional Durability and Longevity

One of the most significant advantages of metal roofing is its exceptional durability.

Metal roofs are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including hailstorms, high winds, and heavy snowfall.

Unlike traditional roofing materials such as asphalt, metal roofs do not crack, warp, or corrode. This durability reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements, saving homeowners considerable time, effort, and money.

With proper installation and maintenance, a metal roof can last anywhere from 50 to 70 years compared to other roofing materials typically last 20 to 30 years.

This longevity ensures homeowners get the most out of their investment, making metal roofing a smart choice.

High Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs are renowned for their energy efficiency. They have high reflectivity, meaning they can reflect solar radiant heat instead of absorbing it. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, homeowners can save up to 25% in energy costs with a metal roof compared to traditional roofing materials. This efficiency not only helps homeowners save monthly energy bills but also contributes to reducing the environmental impact of their homes.

Enhanced Safety

In terms of safety, metal roofs are a superior choice. They are non-combustible, making them a safer option in areas prone to wildfires or during lightning storms.

Unlike other materials that can ignite and facilitate the spread of fire, metal roofs won't catch fire, offering an additional layer of protection to your home and family.

Safety Features of Metal Roof:

Fire Resistance: Metal roofs are noncombustible and typically have a Class A fire rating, the highest rating. This makes them a safer option in areas prone to wildfires or for buildings where fire safety is paramount.
Wind Resistance: Metal roofs can withstand high wind speeds better than many other roofing types, making them a safer choice in hurricane-prone regions.
Weight: Metal roofs are lighter than tile or concrete, reducing the structural load. This can be an important safety factor in areas prone to earthquakes or heavy snowfall.
Walking Safety: Walking on a metal roof, especially when it's wet, can be more slippery than other roof types. However, this primarily affects maintenance personnel, and proper safety equipment and training can mitigate this risk.
Lightning: A common myth is that metal roofs attract lightning, but studies from Metal Construction Association show that they're not more likely to be hit by lightning than other roof types. Even if a lightning strike does occur, the energy is dispersed throughout the roof, reducing the chance of damage or fire.
Snow Shedding: Metal roofs are excellent at shedding snow and ice, preventing build-up that could cause roof collapse. However, this can also be a hazard for anyone or anything below when large sheets of snow or ice slide off. Snow guards can be installed to control the descent of snow, increasing safety.

Metal Roof Characteristics for Homeowners

Aesthetic Versatility

Beyond their practical benefits, metal roofs can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.

They come in a wide array of colors, finishes, and designs, allowing homeowners to choose a style that complements their home's architectural design. Whether you own a modern, traditional, or rustic home, you can find a metal roof that will elevate its aesthetic charm.

Environmental Sustainability

Metal roofing is a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. Most metal roofs contain a significant amount of recycled material; at the end of their lifespan, they are 100% recyclable.

This attribute sets them apart from other roofing materials like asphalt shingles, which annually contribute millions of tons of waste to landfills.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Another compelling advantage of metal roofs is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike other roofing materials that need regular inspections for mold, mildew, and rot, metal roofs require minimal upkeep.

Regular cleaning and occasional repainting are typically all that's needed to keep a metal roof in good condition, freeing up homeowners' time for other activities.

Increased Home Value

Installing a metal roof can positively impact your home's resale value. Potential buyers will likely appreciate a metal roof's durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency.

A report by Remodeling Magazine suggests homeowners can recoup up to 94% of the metal roof's cost upon resale.

What if I Put Solar Panels On My New Roof?

One unique advantage of metal roofing is its excellent compatibility.

Solar panels can install on various types of roofs, and metal roofs are one of the excellent choices for solar panel installation.

Types of Metal Roofs Suitable for Solar Panels

Among metal roofs, standing seam metal roofs are considered one of the best to install solar panels on.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs are made of two metal layers joined at the seams, creating a strong and durable surface ideal for holding solar panels. They utilize clips and clamps that fasten together, making them easy to maintain. Installing solar panels on such roofs is straightforward and effortless compared to other roofing systems1.
Aluminum roofs are also an excellent option for solar panel installation. They are incredibly durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Moreover, they reflect heat from the sun, making them suitable for use in sunny climates. The main downside is that aluminum roofing can cost up to 20 percent more due to its high corrosion resistance capability.
Zinc roofs are another choice for solar panel installation due to their corrosion resistance. They also have a self-healing property where scratches can recover over time. However, it might be challenging to find materials that are purely zinc, and the more additives and die-casting, the more the corrosion effect of the product is compromised. Therefore, it's often best to go with steel.

Color Considerations

The color of the metal roof can also affect the efficiency of solar panels.

Light-colored roofs, such as gray or brown, are ideal as they reflect sunlight, helping to keep the solar panels cool and preventing them from overheating.

Light-colored roofs can also increase the efficiency of solar panels by reflecting more light onto them, leading to more significant savings on energy bills, especially with bifacial solar panels.

Chaparosa Roofing Gets Roof Done Right

Consider the age, damage, costs, energy efficiency, and local climate of your Southern California home before deciding on roof repair or replacement.

Trust in the half-century expertise of Chaparosa Roofing for a durable, high-performing roof that safeguards your investment and peace of mind.