Deciding what material to use for your new roof is no small task. The material you choose has a big impact on how durable your roof will be and how long it will last, not to mention the visual impact it will have on your property’s curb appeal. While there are plenty of roofing materials that Toledo roofing companies use that are considered of high quality, one type of roof that’s particularly effective in the Toledo, OH, area is the metal roof. However, just like every other type of roof, metal roofing has both its pros and cons. The following are some of the benefits and disadvantages of metal roofing to take into account to help you make your decision.
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The Pros of a Metal Roof
- Metal roofs last long – Compared to some roofing materials (such as asphalt shingles, which typically only last between 12 and 20 years), metal roofing is likely to last a long time. In fact, depending on the quality of the manufacturing and installation, a metal roof can last between 40 and 70 years.
- Metal roofs are durable – Being that they are made from metal, it should come as no surprise that metal roofs are more damage-resistant than other types of roofing materials. Higher quality metal roofs can withstand winds of up to 140 mph. Additionally, they will not crack or corrode and are often both fire-resistant and impact-resistant.
- Metal roofs are easy to maintain – Metal roofs rarely need the type of maintenance that other roofs need and are much easier to keep clean.
- Metal roofs are energy efficient – A metal roof will reflect solar heat during the summer. This means that it will be easier to keep your home cool, thereby reducing your cooling bills by as much as 10 to 25 percent.
- Metal roofs are environmentally-friendly – Besides being energy-efficient, many metal roofs are also made out of 25 to 95 percent recycled content. They also happen to be completely recyclable once they are replaced.
The Cons of a Metal Roof
- Metal roofs can be expensive – Considering the durability and resistance of a metal roof, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to find out that they can be quite expensive. In fact, they are often two to three times as expensive as other roofing materials.
- Metal roofs can produce noise – Heavy rain or hail hitting the metal roof can produce a lot of noise. However, this can usually be solved by installing proper insulation.
- Metal expands and contracts – If your metal roof isn’t properly installed, the panels could end up loosening due to the fact that metal expands and contracts based on the temperature it’s exposed to.
- Metal roofing materials can be difficult to match – If you need to replace some of your metal roofing or you build an extension to your home, you may find it difficult to install new metal roofing that matches the color of the old metal roofing.
- Low-quality metal roofing can perform poorly – Depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the metal, a metal roof could perform below expectations. For example, lower grade metals are often thinner and less durable and are more vulnerable to rust in certain climates.
- Metal roofs are heavy – You’ll need to make sure that your home’s structure can bear the weight of a metal roof.
These are some of the pros and cons of metal roofing that you should be sure to consider when comparing different types of roofing materials for your Toledo area home.