According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, a roofing trade organization, metal roofs are becoming more popular. This is especially true in areas prone to turbulent weather like hurricanes (Florida) and wildfires (California). Following are some benefits of metal roofing.
- Lightweight: Metal roofing is light compared to other popular roofing options. How much lighter? It weighs approximately 33 percent less than asphalt shingles and about 20 percent less than clay or tiles.
- Fire Resistant: For homeowners who live in areas prone to wildfires, this makes metal an attractive roofing option.
- Versatile: Metal roofing is also versatile. It can give off the look of heavier materials, but without the need for extra support. This is why many homeowners choose it when building a home addition, for example.
- Hail Resistant and Hurricane Sturdy: Metal roofs are extremely popular in the southwest, which is prone to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes and hail. Many counties in these areas have strict codes that metal roofs must adhere to and they perform well under these stringent regulations.
- Long-lasting: Metal roofs last longer than other popular roofing options. Many have guarantees of up to 50 years.
Types of Metal Roofs
There are many types of metal roofs. Following are three popular options.
- Aluminum Roof: This is probably the most popular metal roofing option; it’s rust-proof, can be painted and is very lightweight.
- Steel Roof: This is a versatile metal roofing option; for, it can give off the appearance of slate or tile. It’s also heavier, hence sturdier, than an aluminum roof.
- Copper Roof: Like aluminum, cooper roofs are rust resistant. It’s is a soft metal, making it easy to work with and install. Copper roofs are pricey compared to other metal roofing options.
Your local roofing contractor can help you decide on which option is best for your home, taking into consideration factors such as the environment you live in and installation requirements.
