Once used almost exclusively for commercial buildings and industrial warehouses, metal roofs are becoming increasingly more popular for residential projects. From multi-story apartment complexes to single-family homes, metal roofs are all the rage. Several home-improvement shows brought attention to this new roofing trend and the construction industry was quick to follow as a response to the increase in demand.
So, what is all the hype about?
Benefits of Metal Roofs
Aside from the fact that many homeowners find metal roofs visually appealing, many of the new roofing trends come about as a result of an increasingly popular desire to become eco-friendly and energy efficient.
Traditional asphalt roofs are a petroleum product, increasing dependency on fossil fuels. They also require replacement every 15 to 20 years which results in nearly 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles sent to U.S. landfills every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are considerably more sustainable. They consist of at least 25 percent recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable themselves.
As opposed to basic asphalt, one of the most traditional roofing materials, which simply absorbs heat, metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays resulting in what some refer to as a “cool” roof. This saves the homeowners energy and subsequently money because power consumption is greatly reduced due to substantially less AC usage.
Reservations?
Although, the initial cost of installing a metal roof can be pricey, they are a sound financial investment for homeowners. Not only are they extremely durable and offer great protection but, they are designed to last 50 years. Subsequently, they may even serve to increase a property’s value tremendously.
Much criticism stems from concerns regarding the materials durability and ability to absorb noise. However, metal roofs are designed to endure all kinds of weather conditions and despite what many think, are not any louder than traditional asphalt roofs. Extra layers of solid sheathing and/or insulation are installed beneath the metal to minimize the sound heard inside.
Make a Statement
One of the ways homeowners are getting creative with metal roofs is by selecting a colored metal to make a bold statement. As opposed to asphalt, which might offer 15 to 20 different colors, metal roofing comes in more than 100 different colors. From bright reds, vibrant whites, and deep blues, we’ve seen it all! In years past, the tendency has been selecting neutral colors and earthy tones that simply blend in. Today, we see just the opposite and the result is quite beautiful! For homeowners not quite as daring, some metal roofs can be coated with granular texture to mimic the look of traditional asphalt shingles. Either way, there is a style, color, and texture perfect for everyone!
So, when the time comes to re-evaluate your roofing needs, don’t be too quick to rule out metal roofs. In addition to their stylish quality and modern aesthetic, they help reduce energy consumption and were designed with longevity in mind.