Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

Posted: Nov 28, 2012
Author: Race City Roofing

Metal roofing on buildings has been a relatively common sight since the 1950s. As with any kind of roofing material, there are both positive and negative aspects to using metal roofing. Some of the main advantages and disadvantages to metal roofing are mentioned below:

Advantages

• Metal roofs are fairly light in comparison to other roofing types, especially asphalt shingles. As a result, this type of roof places less strain on the overall building structure.
• Another advantage to using metal roofing is that it is very durable. A metal roof should last two to three times as long as a roof made with asphalt shingles.
• Versatility is another reason for the popularity of metal roofs. They can be shaped to fit just about any roof structure and can be painted or otherwise coated in a variety of colors.
• Aside from the more conventional painted look, modern metal roofs are often coated with other materials, so that the finish looks like tiles or even wooden shakes.
• Due to the hardy materials used in its construction, a metal roof generally has very low maintenance requirements.
• Metal roofing can improve a home’s overall energy efficiency, as the metal has a tendency to reflect sunlight. This tendency can be further enhanced by applying special coatings that cause the roof to reflect almost all solar radiation, keeping the house cooler.
• Because they are usually installed in sheets, rather than one tile at a time, metal roofs are fairly quick to install, and involve a minimum of fuss and mess.
• Due to their smooth surface, metal roofs in cold areas help to reduce the build-up of snow and the extra weight and stress this adds to the building structure.
• Metal roofing has a high resistance to wind and fire damage.

Disadvantages

• The initial cost of a metal roof is greater than some other types of roofing material.
• Metal roofing is not easy for a general handyman to fit and modify. It must be professionally installed.
• Metal roofs can be noisy in rain or hailstorms – although the noise can often be reduced by proper fitting and insulation.
• If a metal roof has exposed fasteners, the fasteners will only last about 20 years. The standing seam metal type last forever with the fasteners or screws hidden under the panel.