Perhaps you’ve been considering a metal roof. You may have heard that metal roofing is a more durable solution that requires less maintenance than a shingle roof. Or perhaps you just like the signature look and appeal of a metal roof. But still, you may have some questions.
Metal roofing is fast becoming the top residential roofing material for roof replacement projects, but not everyone is aware of its many benefits.
Choosing the right roof installation or roof replacement is a significant investment, and it pays to do some research ahead of time. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about metal roofing, along with some helpful answers for you to consider.
1. Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?
Because metal roofing is a premium lifetime product, you can expect the initial cost of your new steel roof to be roughly two to three times what an asphalt or fiberglass shingle roof costs. However, a metal roof will last you seven to nine times longer than an asphalt or fiberglass shingle making it a much more cost-effective solution.
No matter what kind of metal roofing style you choose, you’ll never have to worry about your roof again. Most come with a true fifty-year warranty. Plus, your new metal roof will add to the resale value of your home, save you money on your energy bills, and give you peace of mind that you’ll likely never have to re-roof again.
2. How much longer will a metal roof last than common roofing like asphalt or wood shingle?
You can expect a metal roof to last at least two to three times longer than a regular roof. In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 50+ years.
To put it in context, the average lifespan of an asphalt roof is twelve to twenty years. That lifespan can be shorter depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your area. Made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather. A metal roof, however, will never decompose.
Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake, and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to a breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more northern climates.
3. How will a metal roof stand up to extreme weather?
A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hail storms, and even wildfires. Our metal roofing has a 200kms wind warranty, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 200kms per hour. In locations that see heavy snow, metal roofing has been the choice of homeowners for years. It sheds snow fast, which protects the structural integrity of the roof.
4. Would a metal roof be too heavy for certain types of homes, or for smaller structures like a detached garage or porch?
You’ll be surprised to learn that a metal roof is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes and slate. With metal roofing, weight on a structure is never an issue.
5. Will my metal roof rust?
Not likely, metal roofs are specially designed with a metallic coating composed of aluminum, and zinc hot dipped over carbon steel, pure aluminum, zinc or copper, to prevent rust from forming. In addition, paint is factory applied over steel or aluminum to maintain a clean, healthy sheen for many years.