Replacing your shingle roof with metal is a big decision and should be preceded by research into the options available and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
We have published many articles on our blog for home and building owners sharing our metal roofing experience and knowledge. Below is a list of key points about metal roofs to consider when replacing your roof with metal:
- Metal roofs save you money over time. Shingles cost less to purchase on the front end; however, when you consider replacement cost, energy savings, and maintenance, metal costs less over time. For the details, please read this in-depth article showing the superior return on investment of metal roofs compared to shingles.
- Many home and building owners can recover or retrofit their existing shingle roofs without tearing off the shingles.
- Metal roofing is more energy efficient than shingles, especially with the use of above sheathing ventilation (ASV) and reflective paint systems. Homeowners can save up to 20% on electricity bills.
- Metal roofing is sustainable and 100% recyclable. Shingles take 300 years to compost and fill up our landfills.
- Metal roofing is beautiful and is available in a wide variety of color and style options.
- Metal roofs are tough. Metal holds up to high wind and hail events much better than shingles. A metal roof is likely the last roof you will ever install.
- Metal roofing works great for solar applications.
- You can add metal wall panels to compliment your metal roof.
- The installation will take a few days longer than shingles. Metal roof installation also requires a different skill set than shingles, and it can be difficult to find installers in some areas. Check out our find a contractor tool to find someone in your area, or contact us.
- Installing a metal roof is not an easy DIY project, but it is possible.
- There are different levels of metal roofing product quality. We recommend using Galvalume substrate and Kynar 500 paint to minimize fade and chalk and keep your project looking new.
- A metal roof isn’t noisy when it rains.
- Metal roofing works better for low-sloped roofs (3:12 and below) than shingles.
- The appearance of oil canning can be troublesome to some owners. If oil canning is a concern, talk to your contractor about using narrower-width panels and a striated pan condition. In case you aren't familiar with the term, striations involve putting a very minor bend in the flat of the panel every few inches. These striations can help absorb thermal cycling and reduce the appearance of oil canning.
- There is a wide price variance from exposed fastened 3’ wide panels to 12-18” standing seam metal panels. Narrower panels cost more to purchase and install, but exposed fasteners may introduce maintenance at around the 20-year point.
Bonus: Metal roofs are cool, and your neighbors will all be impressed!
Learn everything you need to know about Residential Metal Roofing. Check out our metal roofing resources for inspiration and answers to your questions.
About McElroy Metal
Since 1963, McElroy Metal has served the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service. The employee-owned components manufacturer is headquartered in Bossier City, La., and has 14 manufacturing facilities across the United States. Quality, service and performance have been the cornerstone of McElroy Metal’s business philosophy and have contributed to the success of the company through the years. As a preferred service provider, these values will continue to be at the forefront of McElroy Metal’s model along with a strong focus on the customer.
Topics: Metal Roofing, Residential
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