Metal Roofs - Are They Right For You?

2008-01-13 Word Count: 456 Category: Home Improvement

Roofing is a critically important consideration for any new home, and a significant replacement expense for existing homes. When selecting a roof, take into consideration initial cost, lifetime cost, durability, life span of the roof, appearance, and the length of time you intend to live in the home. When all factors are considered, metal roofs are an attractive choice for many homeowners.

In both appearance and functionality, modern residential metal roofing has improved greatly from the days of their corrugated, "tin shed" appearance. Metal roofs now are more aesthetically pleasing, while retaining all the advantages of the material. Metal roofs are extremely durable, fire resistant, light weight, wind resistant, reflect heat well, and are easier to install. Drawbacks include initial cost, louder noise from rain or hail, poor insulation ability, and easier chipping and denting.

Since metal does not burn except at extreme temperatures, metal types of roofing receive the highest fire retardant rating, which may be an asset in resale value and homeowner's insurance rates as well as the obvious safety issue. Wind resistance is also excellent which has additional appeal in locations vulnerable to high wind exposure, such as hurricanes.

Metal roofs reflect the sun's heat and reduce the cooling burden in the summer as a result. While they have almost no insulation value of their own, this can easily be gotten around by using a dead space between the metal components and the underlying roof components or by the use of insulating materials. Use of sound deadening insulations also reduces the objection to possible noise related to weather. Heat can also cause contraction and expansion of metal, and some loosening of connectors.

The lightness of metal roofs can reduce construction costs decreasing the amount of support members needed for them. Low weight can also mean that metal roofing can be installed over an existing roof in need of replacement without having to tear it off, saving time and money. Since metal types often come in sheets covering a fairly larger area, installation takes less time. However, large sections may be harder to replace if that becomes necessary and may be hard to match if an addition is built.

The single reason that people decide against metal roofs is the cost. These types of roofs can be very expensive, but finding discount metal roofing is possible. Whether discounted or not, metal roofs are always an excellent value because of their long life. You can reasonably expect to get 20 to 50 years out of a metal roof. In fact, it is likely to last longer than the house it's on! If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, metal can be a great bargain for you.

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Residential metal roofing (www.durablemetalroofs.com/) has become more popular because it is lightweight, fire resistant, wind resistant, very long lasting and now even attractive. While metal roofs are still more expensive than most other types, they are more affordable than ever and discount metal roofing is available as well.