Why Metal? Why Not?

The true cost of a metal roof vs. a traditional asphalt shingle roof is determined by not only comparing the retail cost of materials and installation, but by also factoring in such things as Life-Cycle Costs, Energy Savings, Insurance Costs and Effects on Home Resale Value.

Life Cycle Costs

Planning a roofing project for the coming season? How would you feel about having to do it all over again in 5,10, or 15 years from now? With metal roofing, you need not worry. Longevity is one of the top reasons consumers report choosing metal roofing for their homes. When configured and installed properly, metal roofing can last as long as fifty years or more, requiring very little maintenance and looking beautiful all the while. But it isn’t just the dependability that people love about long-living metal roofing; it’s the low life cycle cost. Metal roofing can actually cost as little or less than asphalt roofing. Since asphalt roofing needs to be replaced 2 – 4 times as often as metal roofing, you really need to multiply not only the initial cost of asphalt roofing materials but also the cost of asphalt roof repairs and re-installation man hours to compare to the typical “once-a-lifetime” metal roofing installation.

Energy Savings with Cool Metal Roofing

More and more, homeowners are seeking out energy-saving building materials for their renovations and new homes, products that not only secure and improve structures but also provide long-term cost-cutting on energy bills while promoting environmental and economic sustainability in the greater community.

Among the array of possible upgrades, “cool metal roofing” easily answers this consumer demand offering a solid, attractive roofing solution available in multiple colors and profiles, for steep-slope and low-slope applications, that can save your household up to 40% of its annual energy costs.

The Benefits of Energy Efficient Metal Roofing

As reported by the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, installation of reflective metal roofing can save your home up to 40% in summer cooling energy costs while highly emissive metal roofs can reduce urban air temperatures by as much as 12°F.

The secret to metal roofing’s energy savings is in its variety of finishes. As shown above, the basic, unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by an asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting most of what solar radi-ation is absorbed. Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated metal roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation.

Additionally, most metal roofing, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick instal-lation as well as decades of environmentally-sound, maintenance-free strength and beauty. Did you know white-painted metal roofing has the highest solar reflectance value of any roofing product available and can save you up to 40% of your annual energy bills?

Lower Your Insurance with Weather-Resistant Metal Roofing

If you live in Texas where extreme weather can happen- be it hail, heavy wind or fire, you should be aware of the availability of impact-resistant UL Standard 2218 tested metal roofing (classes 1 through 4) and fire-resistant Class A, B and C metal roofing. While important for the safety and security reasons alone, these quality metal roofing products may also earn you discounts on your homeowner’s insurance!

UL 2218 Discounts Available:

The Oakland, California firestorm of 1991 serves as an important example of the devastating damage fire can do to a neighborhood. Burning embers destroyed all of the homes in the neighborhood, except the masonry home that was roofed with Steel Roofing. While all of the neighbors fought (without success) to save their homes by watering down their asphalt roofs, burning embers could not ignite the steel roof. This house with the steel roof survived while all others around it were destroyed. Be sure to contact your insurance agency request information on available discounts. On average you can save from 10-35%.<

When examining all factors, the purchase of a metal roof is your smartest and most cost-effective decision.