Metal roofing has now entered the mainstream and has become a viable option for nearly all homes, except those with very flat roof pitches. Nor do all metal roofs scream “metal.” There are now shingle-style metal roofing products that are almost indistinguishable from traditional asphalt shingle roofs. If you are wondering about the merits of metal roofing, here are 5 things to know.
Metal Roofing Can Be Installed Over Existing Roofs
Metal Roofs can be installed over your existing roof without tearing off shingles, provided local building codes allow it. While shingle removal is the preferred route, tear-off is messy and raises the cost of the job.
A potential problem with this type of installation is trapped water vapor. If trapped between the metal roofing and old roofing, moisture can build up and cause mold and rot. But roofers can install a vented metal roof that eliminates this potential problem. Or, installing the new metal roofing over furring strips (1 x 3s or similar) will raise the metal and provide a ventilating air pocket between layers.
Make sure to consult local buiding codes before having a metal roof installed directly over old shingles. Some jurisdictions may require full tear-off whenever a new roof is installed.
Metal Roofing Does Not Attract Lightning
The reason that metal roofs do not attract lighting is simple: lighting seeks a path to ground, which is why trees, telephone poles, and other such structures tend to attract lightning. Metal roofs are isolated structural components, with no direct path to ground inherent in their design. Hence, there is no scientific reason for lighting to strike a metal roof any more often than it strikes an asphalt shingle roof.
Metal Roofing Can Be More Cost-Effective
Although most metal roofing products carry warranties comparable to the very best asphalt shingles(about 30 years), in practice, metal roofs have been known to last 50 years or more. According to State Farm Insurance statistics, metal roofs routinely have a longevity of 40 to 70 years. It is therefore very rare for a homeowner to install more than one metal roof over the time he or she lives in the home. By contrast, a homeowner will likely replace an asphalt shingle roof two or even three or four times over a 50-year period. Overall, while the cost of a metal roof is more expensive than ashalt roofing (about double), it can actually save money over a long period.
Metal Roofs Are More Energy Efficient
Industry studies show that metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent. In climates where cooling costs are higher than heating costs, coating a metal roof with a shiny or granular coating can maximize the reflective capacity of the roof and improve energy savings.
Metal Roofs Are Recyclable
Although metal roofs are very long-lasting, when the time comes to replace one, the old metal is readily accepted at metal recycling outlets. Old asphalt roofing, on the other hand, is usually destined to take up space at a landfill.