Quality Metal Roofing Has Four Advantages Over Asphalt
Aug 25, 2020
Whether you have an older home or one that sustained damage from a hurricane or hail storm, at some point it’s likely that you will need to replace your roof soon. If your home is in need of a roof replacement, we’d like to tell you about the roofing material choices available. Consider a metal roof as an option for its durability, long lifespan, energy-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal. Each of these factors provide quality metal roofing superiority over traditional shingle roofing. Xterior LLC has over 45 years’ combined experience in home improvements in North Carolina – focusing on roofing.
A Brief History of Metal Roofing
It is important to know the history as to where building materials and methods came from, before you can understand the advancements they have made today. While metal roofs are rising in popularity today, they have been around for centuries. The first documented metal roof panels were copper and used in Sri Lanka on the Lovamahapaya Temple in 2 B.C. Other historic buildings known for metal roofing include: The Pantheon, Hildesheim Cathedral, and Kronborg. A copper roof was the original metal roofing material. In the late 18th century, Robert Morris was the first to use sheet iron as a roofing material. England originally patented corrugating iron for roofing. Next advances in metal roofing included: galvanizing zinc, tin roofing, and terne plates. Currently, the most common metals used for roofing are aluminum, zinc, copper, and stainless steel. Some manufacturers blend metals for a different finish and durability. Two common blends are Galvalume® and Zincalume®. Where does the metal roofing industry stand today? At the beginning of 2020, Metal Architecture shared a study that metal roofing is rising in popularity among residential homes. In fact, in the home improvement field, they consider residential metal roofing as one of the fastest-growing trends.Metal Panels Versus Asphalt Shingles
When considering a roof replacement, it is important to consider all the options. There are two main types of roofing: metal and asphalt. While asphalt roofing has long been the common option for residential roofing, metal roofing is quickly becoming a popular choice. Why is metal often considered better than traditional shingle roofing? Metal roofing offers four major benefits:- Durability
- Long lifespan
- Eco-friendly
- Multiple color panel options
Durability
Unlike asphalt shingles, metal panels can withstand the harsher elements with superiority. This includes strong winds, fires, and hail. Manufacturers produce each metal roofing panel to tolerate strong wind gusts. In fact, many metal roof options can endure hurricane-force winds. We can discuss the various options when we meet you to show you the products that we offer. Whether a forest fire starts or lightning strikes, a metal roof will not ignite into flames the way an asphalt roof would in those situations. Hail is a common weather issue in North Carolina. In fact, the state was ranked in the ‘Top 10 States Ranked By Number of Hail Loss Claims’ for 2017 to 2019 by the Insurance Information Institute. Luckily, a metal roof is highly-resistant during hailstorms. Another durability aspect of metal roofing, when installed properly, is that it requires significantly less maintenance. At Xterior, we always use breathable closure strips for optimal prevention against moisture, wind, and insects.Long Lifespan
Due to the quality metal roofing materials available, a metal roof lasts decades and often more than 50 years. This is double, and sometimes, triple, the lifespan of an asphalt roof. Plus, as mentioned previously metal roofing is extremely low maintenance. Its long lifespan and low maintenance mean a metal roof is less expensive in the long run compared to an asphalt roof. An asphalt roof costs less upfront, but you need to replace them approximately every 15 to 20 years, depending on location and climate factors.Eco-Friendly
Metal roofs are a great way to help our ecosystem and reduce your environmental footprint. Homeowners love how eco-friendly metal roofing is, and its environmentally-friendly aspect means they save money on power bills. Steel, aluminum, and copper are common materials used for metal roofs. All three of these are among the most recyclable materials around. Therefore, metal roofing is a top ‘green’ building option. Additionally, metal roofs are 100% recyclable when the time finally comes for the roof’s removal. There is an important energy-efficient aspect to metal roofs. Metal panels, such as aluminum, release the absorbed heat from the sun quickly compared to an asphalt panel. In fact, the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of metal roof panels is higher than all other roofing materials. This means lower power bills in both the summer and winter.Multiple Panel Color Options
One of the wonderful features of metal roofs that homeowners love is their aesthetic appeal. Gone are the days of a bland grey metal roof. Today, there is a wide variety of color choices for metal roof panels. If you are considering a metal roof you might be wondering, which color metal roof is best? Of course, there is no right or wrong answer. It is entirely up to you and what you think matches your house and needs. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a metal roof color:- What colors are currently present on the exterior of your house? You will want to pick a roof color that complements your siding, trim, gutters, etc.
- Where are you located geographically? If you live in the mountains, then a shade of green is always a good choice. Whereas, if you live in a warmer area, expect to see more shades of blue.
- What is the architectural style of your house? Certain colors look better with a modern-style house versus a Spanish-style house. In the latter, it is common to see the red clay tile roofing.
- Are you part of a Home Owners Association? If yes, then it is possible they may have requirements for roof panel colors in your neighborhood.
- Do you live in a cooler or warmer climate? Darker colors tend to have a lower SRI so are a better choice for cold weather. But lighter colors have a higher SRI so are perfect for hot weather. However, all metal tends to reflect the sun better than an asphalt shingle.
- Is there a preference in the type of metal used? Some people prefer copper roofing, while some enjoy steel roofing better. Which you choose is really up to you, and what fits in your roof system budget.
- At Xterior, when we give homeowners our free estimate, we will also help guide you through all of your choices. Based on the location and style of your home, we can make recommendations.
Metal Roof System Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few commonly asked questions about quality metal roofing we hear regularly. If you have other questions not listed below, we would be happy to answer those. Just give us a call at 336-329-3667.What is the difference between standing seam metal roofing and corrugated metal roofing?
Two big differences between these two metal roofing designs: appearance and fastening system. A standing seam metal roof has interlocking panels that run from the ridge of the roof to the eave. In contrast, a corrugated metal roof has ridged and grooved panels. Furthermore, the fastening systems are vastly different. Standing seams are raised above the surface, but corrugated metal roofs are fastened directly onto the roof sheathing.How much does a metal roofing system cost?
The cost of a metal roof depends on two major factors: size and materials. We offer free estimates to give you a quote based on your needs. Your budget is the guide and we help you make decisions to get the best value for your investment. Remember, too, that a metal roof is in high demand, so your home will increase in value when the time comes to sell. Buyers like knowing that they may never have to replace the roof in their lifetime!What is the best way to clean a metal roof?
First, always keep safety in mind. Do not try to clean your roof alone and be sure you have a sturdy ladder. Next, you will need to remove all debris from the roof. As metal roofs are low maintenance it is no surprise it may only require two items to clean it: water and a mild detergent. The best choices of detergent are dish soaps or car washing soaps. Most manufacturers recommend an annual cleaning.What will my house look like with a certain color metal roof panel?
Metal Roofing Alliance has a tool to see what your house would look like with a certain type or color metal roof. Simply, use Google Street View to find your residence or upload a photo of your house.Is corrosion an issue with a metal roofing product?
You can easily avoid corrosion by selecting the proper material for your metal panel. Copper and aluminum are non-ferrous materials; therefore, they do not rust. It is important for steel roofing to have zinc content to keep rust away. Another way to avoid corrosion on your new roof is ensuring a proper installation. Any roof needs professional installers or you may void the warranty. Moreover, a shoddy installation without the proper techniques and tools can result in leaks that cause expensive damage to the structure of your home. You could say that the installation quality is just as important as the roofing material.Additional Metal Roofing Steps That Xterior Takes
At Xterior, we are committed to providing the best and latest materials and techniques in metal roofing. There are three additional steps that we take to help homeowners avoid roof leaks. We set ourselves apart from other contractors by using these on every metal roof installation.- Fasteners. We use the highest-quality larger screw-head size fasteners.
- Silicone Gaskets. Instead of using rubber, which dries out over time, causing leaks, we use silicone gaskets.
- Vent Boots. Vents can provide an opportunity for roof penetrations, but vent boots keep that from happening.
