Installing Metal Roofing on Your Home: Is It Worth It?

When it comes to home improvement, many people are unsure of what renovations will give them the best return on investment. In some cases, it’s obvious – a new kitchen or bathroom will add value to your home – but in other cases, it’s not so clear-cut. One such example is metal roofing installation. So, is installing a metal roof on your home worth it? The answer may surprise you.

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The benefits of metal roofing 

1. Weatherproofing 

One of the most obvious benefits of metal roofing is that it’s incredibly weather resistant. A metal roof will last much longer than other options, even in extreme weather conditions. They are resistant to ice and hail damage, which can seriously reduce the lifespan of a traditional shingle or tile roof. 

2. Fire resistance  

Fire can be one of the biggest problems for homeowners – not only is there a serious financial loss with fire damage, but your home could also be put at risk if you have to evacuate safely while firefighters try to subdue the blaze. Metal roofs are generally very fire-resistant, making them an excellent choice if you live in an area that has recently experienced wildfires or if you’re particularly concerned about the safety of your property. 

3. Energy efficiency  

Metal roofs are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional, non-metal options like wood shake, tile, and asphalt shingles. This will save you money on your utilities and reduce your carbon footprint – a win for both the environment and your wallet! 

The costs of metal roofing 

While there is no denying that metal roofs offer some pretty big benefits compared to other materials, the better question is: do these benefits outweigh the costs? Metal roof installation isn’t cheap – but then again, neither is replacing a traditional shingle or tile roof after it has suffered significant damage due to weather conditions such as hail or ice storms. 

Ultimately whether the cost is worth it is subjective to your budget and personal needs, but generally speaking the minimized cost of repairs and maintenance makes this investment worth it to many.  

What to consider before installing a metal roof 

1. The climate in your area 

One of the most important factors to consider before installing a metal roof is the climate in your area. Metal roofs are suited for nearly every climate – they are great for extreme heat, rain, snow, cold temperature, and high winds from hurricanes and tornados. However, if you live in an area with frequent heavy rainfall, you may need to deal with the sound of it falling loudly on your roof.  

Some installation experts claim that you can soundproof a metal roof, however many still complain that they can get noisy in a storm.  

2. Your budget 

Of course, another important factor to consider is your budget. Installing a metal roof can be expensive, so make sure you have accounted for all of the associated costs before making a decision. Keep in mind, metal roofs may require much less maintenance than shingle or tile roofs, which can decrease the cost over the years.  

3. How long you plan on living in your home 

Another thing to consider is how long you plan on living in your home. If you don’t plan on living in one place for more than 10-15 years, it may not be worth it to install a metal roof – the upfront costs will likely outweigh the benefits, unless you factor in the value a metal roof can add to your home.  

How long will it last, and how do I maintain it? 

Metal roofs typically last anywhere from 30-50 years, but this can vary depending on the quality of the installation, the climate in your area, and how well you maintain it. It’s important to have a professional install your metal roof, as improper installation can seriously reduce its lifespan. 

The best way to maintain your metal roof is to periodically inspect it for damage, including rust. If you do detect any problems, make sure to call a roofing professional to take care of the problem ASAP. While it’s true that metal roofs are much harder to climb onto for inspection, some roofing companies like Mighty Dog Roofing in West Houston use drones to inspect roofing, saving time and improving safety measures while completing a thorough inspection.  

Myths about Metal Roofing  

While metal roofing does have a lot of benefits compared to other materials, there are still some myths out there about it.  

Myth #1 is that metal roofs don’t look good on modern homes – the only thing this statement is true for is outdated metal roofs. The reality is that many manufacturers offer streamlined, contemporary designs that will give your house a sleek new look. Additionally, innovations in roofing technology now allow many companies to use AI to envision how your home will look with a new roof. If aesthetic appeal is at the forefront of your concerns when considering a metal roof, many companies are equipped with technology to show you how it might look. 

Myth #2 is that metal roofing isn’t safe in fire zones – metal roofs have excellent fire resistance, which can help your home avoid catching fire from debris that lands on your roof. However, if your home catches fire from the inside, it can be difficult for firefighters to control the blaze by directing water to the roof, as they often do in house fires. Your best bet is to have an evacuation plan for this type of emergency. 

Myth #3 is that metal roofs cost a lot more than shingle or tile roofs – this isn’t necessarily true, considering you will likely save money with this type of material because it requires less maintenance and lasts longer than traditional options. 

Conclusion

In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether the benefits of metal roofing are worth the cost. Speak with a qualified roofing contractor to get a better idea of what your specific installation would entail and how much it would cost, or take a look at more design ideas on our blog. With the right information from a professional, you can make an informed decision about whether metal roofing is right for your home. 

Metal roofs offer many benefits, including weatherproofing, fire resistance, and energy efficiency – but these benefits may not outweigh the costs in every situation.

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