Metal roofs have an interesting history and it’s amazing to many that it took so long before it was accepted as an option for residential applications. Now a popular roofing material used on millions of homes, metal offers plenty of advantages, some of which are:
Appearance
When corrugated galvanized steel roofs first came out, they were only available in a plain silvery color. There weren’t many choices at all when it came to style, either. However, thanks to modern technological and manufacturing advancements, metal roofs now come in a wide variety of designs and colors.
Durability
Rust and steel can often be found in the same sentence, but when it comes to modern metal roofs, rusting can be considered history. Today, metal roofs are coated with substances that prevent oxidation, so it would be difficult to find one with any rust at all – yes, even in junk yards. Metal roofs can also withstand extreme punishment from snow, storms, and hail. The material dries quickly and easily because it is resistant to water and moisture. Furthermore, unlike other roofs that need to be replaced every decade or so, metal roofs can last for over 50 years, if given proper care and maintenance.
Lightness
Compared to other roofing materials such as concrete or clay shingles, metal roofs are much lighter. In fact, a square foot of metal roofing is 10 times lighter than shingles. This makes for easier installation and much less weight and strain on your home’s foundation.
Fire resistance
In the past, people thought that if lightning were to strike a metal roof, it would catch fire. Over the years, it has been proven that this isn’t true. In fact, metal roofs are actually fire-resistant and won’t do anything to worsen the fire – the material could, in fact, slow down the spread of flames.
Easy maintenance
Metal roofs are easy to clean and easy to inspect for damage. Unlike concrete roofs that can hide a leak, any damage to a metal roof will stick out like a sore thumb.
With so many advantages, you should consider metal roofing, especially if you are on a tight budget. Not only do they cost significantly less than other materials, they can last much longer as well. However, as strong as they are, metal roofs also need to be cared for. In Part III, we’ll discuss the proper maintenance procedures for a metal roof.
