The roof is the capstone of any house or building. They are necessary to keep you safe from the elements and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. There are a variety of materials that roofs are made of including asphalt, clay, and metal. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of choosing a metal roof and why you should get in touch with a metal roofing company today.

Longevity



Metal is one of the strongest and most durable materials out there. So, it's no surprise that one of the greatest advantages a metal roof has over other materials is its longevity. According to State Farm, metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 years to 70 years. That means if you purchase a home and install a new metal roof, you may not have to get a new one at all! With regular maintenance and proper weather, a metal roof can last much longer than any other roofing material out there.

When looking at other roofs' lifespan, metal outshines them by more than a decade. According to the Roofing Calculator, asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 15 years to 40 years. This type of material is generally more affected by weather than metal roofing. Additionally, only the premium type of shingles could last you 40 years — which is still at the lowest estimate of a metal roof's lifespan. Regular shingles only last 20-30 years. So you may have to replace your roof once or twice in a lifetime which is a huge expense to take on.

Clay is a unique roofing material that actually can last as long as metal, in the right conditions. In warmer climates, clay can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years! But, this material works best in areas that see very little snow and don't often freeze. This is because clay is susceptible to cracking and breaking when it freezes and thaws multiple times. So, if you live in a more temperate climate or even a colder climate, a metal roof is a far better choice than clay.

Safety

Because metal roofing is so durable, that means it can withstand a lot of extreme weather. With the right metal and installation, these roofs will stay standing even after facing gusts of up to 140 MPH. If you live close to the coast and have to worry about hurricanes, metal roofs can help you stay safe during emergencies. Shingled roofs can actually pose a threat during these types of natural disasters because the asphalt can blow off the roof and could damage another house or even harm someone else.

Metal is also fire retardant which makes it quite safe as a roofing material. This will allow you and your family to sleep better at night because you don't have to worry about your roof sparking and igniting your home. If asphalt moves too much from the wind, the shingles can scrape against each other and potentially spark. Also, a wooden roof is not fire-resistant, so it has a much higher chance of catching fire. Metal roofs are made from one of the safest materials to use for roofing.

The stability and sturdiness of a metal roof make it much safer to maintain. Regular maintenance is not needed with many metal roofs. As long as there is no leak from the roof or water damage, there really isn't a need to check on it yourself. It is a good idea to inspect the roof sparingly to check for a high amount of rust or other damages. But, the fact that you don't need to go on top of your roof a lot means you will be a lot safer.

Energy-Efficient

Different types of roofs will absorb heat from the sun which makes the whole home feel warmer. This will cause your air conditioner to work much harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. But, metal roofs actually reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. Different metals will reflect different amounts of sun. The fact that they reflect the sun can contribute to a 10-25% reduction in heating and cooling costs according to State Farm.

Asphalt absorbs a lot of heat from the sun. Living in warmer climates is almost impossible with asphalt because of its heat retention qualities. That's why people turn to clay and metal roofing. As discussed before, clay roofing works best in warm climates, but metal can be used in the same way. Because they can reflect the sunlight, your house will never get too hot during the hot months in any climate.

Especially with climate change, investing in an energy-efficient roof can not only save your pockets but can also combat one of the most prevalent issues of our time. Metal roofs are also a perfect place to put solar panels on. If you want to help fight climate change, think about investing in the most energy-efficient roofing material.

Environmentally-Friendly

As we stay on the topic of the environment, metal roofs are the most environmentally-friendly roofing material on the market. Most metal roofs are now made from recycled materials which are great for the environment. The amount of recycled material can be different depending on the type of metal roof you choose. Usually, metal roofs contain anywhere from 25% recycled materials to almost 95% recycled materials.

The beauty of metal roofing comes when you have to dispose of it. Other roofing materials can't be recycled. For example, asphalt shingles aren't recyclable and contribute to up to 20 billion pounds of building-related waste every year. This is detrimental to the environment and will continue to harm wildlife and plant life. As asphalt piles up at dumps, metal roofs don't contribute to that issue. In fact, metal roofs are 100% recyclable. That's right, a whole metal roof can be broken down and reused for similar purposes.

As awareness for environmentally-friendly alternatives continues to grow, more and more people will turn to metal roofs as their preferred roofing material. It's best to get ahead of this upcoming trend. The metal roofing market is still growing so you may be able to get a good deal on a new roof if you talk to multiple metal roofer companies. They could even provide you with information about which type of metal roof will contain the most recycled material so you can rest easy knowing you are making a difference in the fight against climate change. And, once the metal roof has run its course, then you can recycle it to continue the cycle of creating a healthier environment.

These are just four reasons why metal roofs are one of the best options when you need to install a new roof for your home. The durability and versatility of these roofs outshine the other materials. They will last much longer than any other roof in cold climates and can last as long as clay in warm climates. Metal roofs create a much safer environment inside your home as well as outside your home. And, metal roofs will help you save money on heating and cooling bills. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with your local metal roofers at Eicher's Pro Vinyl to learn more about your options now!