Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Because metal is non-combustible, metal roofing has the highest fire rating (Class A). This high fire rating can be diminished by using more combustible materials in the underlayment, so that needs to be considered when having a metal roof installed.

As metal is not as prone to decay as wood, there are not the problems with mildew, insects and rot that may be found in wood shakes and asphalt tiles.

Because the metal roofing is considerably lighter weight than traditional roofing materials, money may be saved on new construction because the amount of supports may be reduced. Most metal roofs can also be installed on a roof with a gentle pitch without fear of leaking. There is a minimum pitch of 3 inches per foot.

Its light-weight properties allow the material to be installed over existing roofing. This can save time as there is not a need to deconstruct the existing layers of roofing.

Unlike asphalt tiles that absorb heat, metal roofing tends to reflect the heat. This can cut down on the heat gain that happens in the middle of the day. The roofs do tend to be low on insulation, so sometimes an air pocket is utilized to up the insulation factor.

Another benefit is the quick installation time of metal roofs. This does come with the down side that most installations and repairs need to be done by professionals, and therefore can be fairly costly. However, this cost is comparable to other high-end materials.

There are some items that you will need to be aware of if you plan on installing a metal roof. Some of the metals that are traditionally used for roofing tend to be soft and can be easily dented if they need to be walked on for home repair or in hail storms. If the metal is painted, sometimes the metal can flake off. Often warranties will cover that kind of damage.

Metal roofs do not dampen weather noise as well as traditional roofs. In a rain storm the din can be quite loud. Some people may find this charming, others it may be an issue.

Because metal does noticeably expand and contract with temperature differences, fasteners of the roof may loosen. There are systems out there that are built to account for this, so you may want to ask the installers about this.

If you are looking for a stylish roof that makes a statement and will last the life of your home, metal roofing is a great choice.