Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

As metal roofing gains in popularity more and more homeowners are choosing a metal roof when it comes time to replace their shingle roofs. So, why are so many homeowners opting for a metal roof? Let’s break down the metal roofing pros and cons.

Pro: Aesthetically Pleasing

Gone are the days of dull, boring metal roofs. Modern metal roofs come in all types of styles and colors, and they offer outstanding curb appeal.

Like the look of slate or shake? There’s a metal roof for that. Spanish tiles more your thing? Metal roofs have you covered.

Take a look at some of these applications to get an idea of the versatility of metal roofing.

Pro: Long Service Life

Long service life compared to shingles is another big advantage for metal roofing.  No one expects a shingle roof to last longer than 15-20 years.  Yet a properly installed metal roof can last 50-60 years or more.  That's a big difference!  Want to learn more about this?  Give this a read.

The longevity of a metal roof is hard to beat, and when you pair a metal roof with a high-performing paint system like PVDF/Kynar 500® you have not only a long-lasting roof but also a great-looking roof for decades to come.

Pro: Lower Utility Expense

Metal roofing offers homeowners lower utility expenses, and that means money savings year over year.

To maximize utility savings, homeowners should choose a cool roof pigment and Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV).

Cool roofs have highly reflective pigments added to the coating, and metal roofing panels that use these paint systems are referred to as Cool Metal Roofing. Cool Metal Roofing is highly reflective and can help save homeowners as much as 20% in their cooling energy costs.

Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV) means adding a ventilated airspace between the metal roofing and the substrate below. The airspace enables energy to move and vent into the atmosphere rather than get absorbed into the building structure, which increases heating and cooling costs.  Not sure that's a big deal?  Check out these videos.

According to the Department of Energy, 35% of energy costs for an average building are spent on heating, cooling, and ventilation. Therefore, adding above sheathing ventilation and a cool roof pigment system to your metal roof is a wise decision.

Pro: Environmentally Friendly

Metal roofing is an environmentally friendly roofing option because it is not only made from a high percentage of recycled materials, but it can also be recycled when it is replaced.  And who doesn't want to leave this place a little better than we found it!

Pro: Fire, Hail, and High Wind Resistant

Metal roofing is naturally fire, hail, and wind resistant. For homeowners in areas that experience extreme weather, metal roofing is an excellent investment.

When installed correctly, metal roofing has higher uplift values than other types of roofing materials.  Making metal an ideal fit for hurricane-prone areas. Some parts of the country that experience hurricanes regularly are seeing a lot more metal roofs being installed.

Metal roofs are also more resistant to hail than shingles. It's not uncommon for hail to damage a shingle roof. In the most severe cases of hail, a metal roof might show some cosmetic dents but is typically still weather tight and continues to protect your home from mother natures fury.  

Con: Upfront Cost

Nothing in life is all good right?  Metal roofing is no different.  The single greatest con for metal roofing is that it often requires an upfront investment greater than asphalt shingles.

While there are numerous variables from the profile selected to the shape and size of your roof and even your regional area, this table is a quick guide to the difference in roofing materials and even includes some pricing information.  While this table is a great resource, keep in mind that it only includes a few of the different profile options available.  If you're interested in some of the advantages discussed earlier, it's always best to reach out to a local contractor to gain an estimate specific to your home.  And they are typically free.  Not sure where to start?  Click here to find a list of contractors and distributors we have in your area.

The upfront price of metal roofing might seem daunting, especially if you are comparing it to your basic 3-tab shingles, but with a life expectancy three times longer, greater resistance to mother natures fury, and the ability to reduce your energy costs, metal roofing is considered a "value" to many over the life of their roof.  

Shingles might look less expensive initially, but they end up costing more over time.

Want to learn more about the differences between metal roofing and shingles? Check out this article from our partner S-5!

Learn More

There are a lot of roofing options available to homeowners. Our eBook, Need a New Roof? How Building Owners Reduce Cost with a Metal Roof was written specifically to help building owners understand the options available to them. Follow the link below to download your copy of the Need a New Roof eBook and learn more about your roofing option.