Many people think that asphalt shingles are the only option when replacing their homes roof. While is it more common to think of a metal roof being used for a commercial building, metal roofing can be used for residential roofs as well. There are many different advantages to choosing a metal roof over the “typical” asphalt shingle roof, even for your home.
Perhaps the biggest advantage to choosing metal over a shingled roof is the longevity of the roof itself. While most asphalt shingled roofs have a warranty of around 20-30 years. After the average warranty, the shingles will begin to wear down and you will start to notice signs such as curling or cupping. The outer layer will also start peeling off, which from the ground would look like distorted, wavy shingles. The singles begin to become brittle and are no longer able to protect your home from the elements and will begin to leak.
A metal roof will generally have a warranty of 50-75 years. However, a metal roof even after the more than doubled estimated warranty, will most likely still be protecting your home. Generally speaking, instead of the roof failing completely, the aging of the roof will start to show its age and you’ll notice the paint chipping away and rust forming. Even then, it may not need replacement! Repainting and sealing will help aesthetically speaking, and in most cases, it is the screws that begin to rust and only the screws will need replacing ang resealing, not necessarily the entire roof.
The higher estimates and labor costs for metal roofs will be recouped in many ways and will end up paying for itself. It will not be replaced 2-3 times as a shingled roof will during its lifespan, it will lower your heating and cooling costs, saving you on your utility bills. The are environmentally friendly. Shingled roofs need replacing more frequently and around 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year. Choosing a metal roof for your home, would help reduce that number.
While shingles do come in around 20 colors, they are limited in their choices. But in metal roofs, you can choose from tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel, in a dizzying array of colors, finishes, and even shapes!
As you can see, choosing a metal roof is not only for commercial buildings, but can be a beneficial option for residential homes as well!