Many homeowners are considering installing a metal roof on their home, but have they considered the effects of doing so? Metal roofs can be an attractive and durable choice for your house, but there are many factors that you should consider before making this decision.
The first thing that you should consider is the material your house was built with. If it was not constructed of wood, then metal roofing can be an excellent option for you because they are highly resistant to fire and water. Metal roofs can also last 50 years or more depending on what type of metal has been used in constructing them, such as copper, zinc, or lead.
A metal roof is made of a thin sheet of steel, copper, or aluminum that has been punched with regular holes to allow water and airflow through it. At the same time, the top surface is coated in paint (or sealant) which helps protect it from corrosive substances such as salt and acid rain.
Advantages of Metal Roofs
1) Metal roofs are great for those who want to have a fire-resistant, durable roof. They can also last up to fifty years and will not be damaged by hail or strong winds.
2) The longevity of metal roofing is one of the many factors that make it so great. A 50-year lifespan means you will not have to replace your roof for a long time!
3) Metal roofs are lightweight, which is a huge advantage because they can be installed on your roof without the need for you to go onto your roof.
4) This type of roofing is energy-efficient because it does not absorb heat and can actually reflect the sun’s energy.
5) It can be easily maintained and will not need to be replaced or repaired often.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofs
1) Metal roofs are also expensive to install if you do not have a lot of experience installing them, which means that it is best for professionals to handle this type of job.
2) If your roof has been damaged by hail or high winds, you may have to replace your roof instead of just repairing it if the metal is the type of material.
3) Metal roofs are not aesthetically pleasing and may make some people uncomfortable. While there are colors available that will help cover up this issue, metal does have a tendency to rust, which can lead to discoloration.
4) The main disadvantage with metal roofs is their cost and the weight they can cause on your house’s walls.
5) Metal roofs are also more expensive to install than asphalt and clay tiles, so you should plan on spending a little more when purchasing your roof material if this is what you choose.
How Do Metal Roofs Make Your House Hotter?
If you’re looking for a roof that will be cooler, metal may not be the best option. Metal roofs can cause your house to be hotter for a variety of reasons, including an increased risk for mold growth and increased fire danger – both serious concerns that should not be overlooked. In addition, metal is very heavy in comparison with other roofing materials such as shingles or asphalt tiles; risks are significantly heightened with metal roofs because of their tendency to rust, which can cause leaks that lead to mold infestation.
Metal is also a good material for fires; it doesn’t make the flame go out as quickly and emits toxic fumes when burned. This could be bad news if you live in areas where fire risk is high, such as Southern California. They’re not conducive for high-temperature climates like Southern California because they will heat your house more quickly. The use of metal roofs in warmer temperatures also leads to higher energy bills, which is something you may want to consider before installing a roof that reflects heat or light back into your home. They tend to get hotter than other materials in the summer, so that you may need air conditioning units more often. Another way metal roofs make houses heat up more quickly by absorbing sunlight more readily than shingles do.
On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about your house being hotter just because of a roofing material choice. Metal roofs are made out of aluminum, and it has an insulating quality that helps keep heat in during the winter months and cool air inside during hot summer days. One reason metal roofs are a good choice for winter is that they keep heat in better than other materials. One of the benefits of aluminum is its reflective surface that helps reduce heat gain by up to 75%. On average, an aluminum roof will reflect much more sunlight than asphalt shingles and less so when compared with dark shingles.
The key to a cool house is insulation, and if you are looking for an inexpensive way to add better insulation with little work, then metal roofing might be your answer! If installed properly, aluminum should help protect the inside of your home from heat gain during hot summer months because it reflects sunlight rather than absorbing its energy like asphalt shingles.
Maintaining a Metal Roof
The maintenance for a metal roof is relatively easy as they are not surfaced with asphalt. Here are few tips on how to properly maintain your metal roof:
- Prevent potential problems with your residential metal roofing by getting rid of debris and dirt that could accumulate on the roof.
- Clean gutters and downspouts regularly so water doesn’t reach the metal panels.
- Prolong your metal roofing by applying a sealant every year or two. It is essential to apply sealant because it will protect the metal as well as keep it looking newer.
- Trim any branches nearby to avoid damage.
- Weed any plants that are near the panels as they can cause rusting onto it with their acidity.
- Install gutters on all sides if you have not already done so in order to avoid water build-up on the metal panels.
Metal roofs are an excellent option for homeowners who live in dry climates and need an affordable, durable roofing material that will not require frequent maintenance. While metal roofs may be less aesthetically pleasing than other types of roofing materials, their benefits outweigh the disadvantages when you consider how much time you could save when getting it installed.
