Eastwood Roofing
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The Pros and Cons of Metal Roof
Metal roofs are a common sight these days, seen on everything from garages and porches to commercial buildings and even residential homes. However, many people wonder if metal roofs have their advantages and disadvantages. The truth is that there are pros and cons to every roofing type, so it is important for you to decide what your priorities are before choosing the material that best fits your needs. This article will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of metal roofing systems and hopefully, help you make an informed decision.
Pros
Durability
Metal roofs are highly durable, which is why they are ideal for applications that require long-term stability and durability. Some metal roofs will last up to 150 years, are impact-resistant, and do not require the yearly expensive maintenance that other roofing surfaces often require.
Stability
Aside from their durability, metal roofs are also highly stable, which is why they make perfect choices for installation on high-traffic commercial buildings. Metal roofs provide excellent structural support during installation and after, as their high-density structure offers increased stability for longer periods of time. One of the best advantages of this structural support is that it reduces the risk of collapse due to the stress from high winds. Another advantage of structural support is that it does not require the use of nails underground, which decreases the amount of dust, debris, and mould build-up during installation and extends the life of the roof. Finally, metal roofs do not deteriorate with exposure to sunlight, rain, or snow, and they can be installed in virtually any climate condition.
Longer Lifespan
A properly installed metal roof typically will last as long as the house, with an expected lifespan of 40 to 70 years and, often, a 30- to 50-year manufacturer’s warranty to boot. (Traditional asphalt roofing typically lasts 12 to 20 years.) Thanks to the material’s unique durability, you can count on it to withstand the elements—including gusts of wind up to 140 miles per hour—and not corrode nor crack thanks to rust-proof coatings.
Environmentally Friendly
Traditional asphalt shingles are a petroleum product and, as such, increase dependency on fossil fuels. Plus, they require replacement every 15 to 20 years, which means that nearly 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are considered a more sustainable alternative for a number of reasons. For starters, they consist of at least 25 per cent recycled materials and are 100 per cent recyclable themselves. Steel roofing can be recycled repeatedly without loss of strength.
Cons
Expensive
Metal roofs are typically more expensive than asphalt roofs and wood shakes, but there are some ways to get around this expense. One way is to have the metal roof professionally installed at the same time the asphalt roof is installed. Professional installation can be as costly as three to four times the cost of having the roof installed properly. You can avoid this additional expense by carefully choosing the roofer you use for your project. Ask for a list of references, and inquire about their experience in installing these roofs, as well as their cost estimates.
Metal roofs can be dented
Although today’s metal roofs are designed to withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather—including heavy snow and ice, both of which slide right down the slick metal slope rather than linger and cause leakage—some metal can still be dented by large hail or falling branches. Depending on the type of roof, you may not even be able to walk on the metal shingles without damaging them. If these drawbacks sound more like dealbreakers, rest assured that they can be sidestepped altogether if you choose the right shingle (preferably one that comes with a guarantee to never dent!). Some types of metal are just stronger than others. Aluminium and copper, for example, are both softer and therefore more prone to this type of damage than, say, steel.
Although metal roofs are extremely durable and waterproof, they do require some special care during installation and during their initial use. Because of this, you should hire a professional roofer for the job. Metal materials are very delicate and need to be handled with extreme care to avoid any breakage or damage during their use. You can reduce the risk of breakage by avoiding mounting the panels too high, placing the panels on different sides of your house, securing the materials with screws or nails, and using the right type of tools to install the metal roofs. A roofer will be able to identify any potential problems and make necessary adjustments before beginning work.
Ready for your new roof? Visit Flores Construction now!
If you live in Baltimore, Maryland or surrounding areas and looking for top-notch roofing services, look no further than Flores Construction! We specialize in a wide range of commercial and residential Roofing Baltimore projects that you can always rely on. We have the highest quality of service and the best guarantee in the roofing business and have a long history of being recognized for it. Our team of experts ensure to provide exceptional results by delivering high quality, reliable, professional and affordable services. At Flores Construction, our experts are in daily use and offer exceptional workmanship for all kinds of roof services.