Choosing the roofing material for your house is an essential part of building and later maintaining a house. Over the years, many homeowners have turned to metal roofing in search of durability.
There are many good reasons why metal roofing is such a popular choice. However, there are also numerous reasons why metal roofing may not be the best choice for your home. Here’s all you need to know about metal roofing.
When Durability Overshadows All Else
Most homeowners are looking for durability and simplicity when they’re building or rebuilding a house. The same goes for roofing. One of the reasons why metal roofing is so popular these days is the bang for the buck you get for a fairly reasonable price.
Metal by itself is extremely durable and can weather many seasons of snow, rain, and scorching heat. Modern metal roofing comes in all kinds of flavors, which makes it even more attractive. However, there are several not so great aspects of installing a metal roof on your home.
Quality Matters
Not all metal roofing is created equal. One of the main disadvantages of a metal roof is the fact that lower quality metal roofing is difficult to install properly and is often prone to damage. Low quality, thin metal will also have trouble surviving a moderate hailstorm without becoming disfigured due to massive dents.
Granted, the dents caused by hail won’t necessarily destroy the metal tiles. They will, however, negatively impact the aesthetics of your home. Going with a high-quality metal roof tile can prevent most of these issues, but you’ll quickly find such roofing tiles costing a pretty penny.
Not Everyone Can Install a Metal Roof
The installation process for metal roofing is slightly different from your usual roofing jobs. Not everyone knows how to properly install metal roofing. Metal is susceptible to temperature, causing it to expand and contract over time.
Inexperienced roofing crews tend to install metal roofing in a way that leaves no room for the material to ‘work’ as seasons change. Naturally, this later leads to all kinds of issues. For one, improperly installed roofing will create spots on the roof where water accumulates after each rain or snowfall.
Pair this with low-quality metal tiles and you have a perfect recipe for disaster. Water damage to metal tiles can lead to water ingress and that opens a whole different can of worms. This is why asphalt tiling is usually the better solution if you’re on a budget.
There are Better Options Out There
Once you lay everything out on the table, metal roofing doesn’t look so great anymore. Sure, there are homeowners who will definitely benefit from this type of roof tile, but it’s far from the be-all, end-all solution many are making it to be.
The key to selecting the right material for your roof is making fairly accurate predictions for the future. Will you be redoing your roof in 5 years? If so, the increased durability of metal roofing may not be worth it. It’s highly recommended that you consult with a proven roofing specialist to find out what options will best work for your particular area.
