Guide to Metal Roofing: Benefits, costs, and alternatives

There are a variety of roofing materials, all of which have different benefits and a few comparative disadvantages. When selecting the best roofing type for your home, it is always a good idea to weigh these differences to determine which one works best for the style of your home.

What is Metal Roofing?

When people used to think of metal roofing, their first thought might be the kind of roofs that go over industrial buildings or maybe even barns. However, metal roofing is also a popular residential roofing type. There are several materials used in metal roofing, including corrugated steel and aluminum, zinc, and silicon coated steel. Metal tiles or shingles are another common variety. Coatings are applied to accomplish things like waterproofing or combating rust.

Standing seamed roofing is a type of sheet metal. It’s made of flat metals sheets and is most often used for large, uniform roofs. Standing seam means that the material self-seals to reduce water intake. The seams are raised instead of laying flat against the roof. Other kinds have flatter or more flush-looking seams.

We at North Star Construction always want to make sure that our customers and area homeowners understand the products and materials we use when we do home construction work. When we install metal roofing, we want you to know what that means, how it is different from other roofing types, and how to best care for your roof after it is installed.— Russ Oja, President, North Star Construction

What Are the Advantages of Metal Roofing?

Every type of roofing has its benefits and its drawbacks. Deciding which type is best for your home and your lifestyle will take some research and weighing of the options before you come to a conclusion. Here are the benefits of having North Star Construction install a metal roof on your home.

• Lifespan: In general, metal roofs tend to last longer than traditional shingled roofs or other types of roofing materials. With proper maintenance, you are likely looking at a roof that could last you well over two decades.
• Keeps your home cooler: Metal roofs work extremely well if you would like to keep your home on the cooler side. This will work well in the summer months when you don’t want to have your air conditioner running 24/7. Metal reflects sunlight, so less heat will penetrate your roof into your house.
• Looks: If you’re going for a more modern look on your home, you can’t beat a metal roof. Traditional homes likely look best with more traditional roofs, but metal ones look sleek and potentially futuristic, giving your home a distinct style.
• Lightweight and easier to install: Metal roofs are significantly lighter than their non-metal counterparts, meaning it’s easier (and typically faster) to install this kind of roof than any other kind. For anyone who has ever been without a roof for a while do to repairs or replacements, this can be a big deal.

What Are the Disadvantages of Metal Roofing?

While using metal roofing is, in general, a smart way to go about putting a new roof on your home, there are indeed a few drawbacks to using this material over the more traditional shingle roofing. Keep these in mind when weighing your options for a roof replacement or new construction installation.

• Cost: Metal roofing can be much more expensive up front than other options. However, in the long run, it can be more cost effective when you consider how much longer this type of roof can last you over other, less durable kinds. It is certainly an investment, but so is any kind of roof replacement, so if you have the money available, consider this as an option.
• Maintenance: Scratches and dents are possible with metal roofing, so if any type of repair work needs to be done, you’ll need to be careful not to harm your metal roofing. It’s also worth noting that repairs may be more of a hassle because of how large the panels are. There are an abundance of options for sheet metal roofs, including colors and coatings, so it will be important to remember exactly what you have if you need to make repairs, or if you are expanding your home and need to add on to your roof.
• Better for roofs with a steeper incline: Metal roofing is not ideal for roofs that are on the flatter side. Keep in mind the angle of your home’s roof when you are deciding whether or not metal roofing is best for you. However, as an advantage, roofs with a steeper incline generally repel snow and rain build up as it slides right off.
• Noise: Hearing more noise during storms is a possibility with metal roofs. Rain or hail hitting metal will make a more metallic sound than it would hitting a traditional asphalt shingle roof. While this might not be an issue depending on what insulating materials are used, or depending on whether you are someone who is bothered by noise, it is something to keep in mind when deciding what kind of roofing material to have installed.

Roof Repairs and Installation

North Star Construction is always happy to help homeowners and customers who have chosen metal roofing for their houses. We work with only the highest quality materials to ensure that the roof you ask for will last your home for as long as possible. We know it can be stressful when you need to have a leak fixed or if it’s time to consider putting on a whole new roof. If it is time for that, consider choosing metal instead of traditional roofing materials.

Reach out to our team of roofing experts if you have any questions about metal roofing materials, standing seam roofs, or the brands and products we will use when installing your roof. Being well informed is a great step toward making your roof last as long as it possibly can, which is why when installing your metal roof, we will make sure to use the best of the best on the market.