More and more homeowners are switching to a metal roofing system. If you haven’t seen them around, this may be surprising to you. After all, you may be used to seeing metal roofs on commercial properties or storage units. But a residential home?
If you’re skeptical, we hear you. But we also think that we can convince you to consider this fantastic roofing material for your home! We’ve gathered up the facts and are here to help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of a metal roof for your home. We’ll be answering questions such as:
- How long does a metal roof last?
- How much does a metal roof cost?
- What are the different styles of metal roofs?
If you want the answers to those questions and more, keep reading!
3 Metal Roof Styles
When it comes to choosing a metal roof, not all styles are created equal. It’s important to understand the difference between the main metal roof styles in order to ensure that you are choosing the right one for you. Here are 3 of the most popular options for homeowners.
1) Standing Seam Metal Roof
If you’ve seen a metal roof on commercial or residential buildings recently, chances are that it is a standing seam metal roof. Standing seam metal roofs are the most popular metal roofing option, as they provide all the benefits and durability of metal roofs while giving your home a sleek, modern, and finished look.
The standout feature of this roofing style is that the metal panels are attached to your roof with concealed fasteners. This helps your roof to achieve a smoother look that is more appealing to homeowners looking to boost their curb appeal.
2) Exposed Fastener Metal Panels
If you’re on a strict budget but prefer the durability and low maintenance of a metal roof, exposed fastener metal panels might be right for you. This roof style is slightly less beautiful than a standing seam metal roof, as the fasteners are visible. However, it is certainly more affordable!
This style has a couple of different names, including “corrugated metal roofing” and “screw-down metal roofing,” but it all means the same thing! If you choose this style, be prepared to schedule yearly inspections to make sure that your fasteners are still intact and keep out water.
3) Metal Shingles
Love the benefits of metal but aren’t ready to give up the look of a shingle roof that you’ve come to expect on a residential home? Luckily, these days, you can actually purchase metal shingles for your roof! This allows you to give your home a traditional look while improving its overall durability.
Metal Roof Pros and Cons
Let’s break it down. What exactly ARE the benefits and downsides of metal roofing? There is plenty to consider! Here are some of the biggest ones you need to know about.
✅ Pros
- Durability – Metal roofs are primarily known for their durability that can handle whatever extreme weather comes their way. Snow, hail, and severe winds often have little to no effect on the state of the roof. Additionally, metal is a fire-resistant material that is perfect for areas at risk of wildfires.
- Longevity – Compared to traditional asphalt shingles, which only last for 15-20 years, metal roofing is a great investment. It has a long life expectancy, meaning that it may be the last roof that you ever purchase for your home!
- Low Maintenance – Metal roofs are known for being exceptionally low maintenance. They don’t require power washing, sealants, or a protective coating to keep them going and are very easily cleaned.
- Versatile Look – Because of the many different forms of metal roofing panels available on the market, you can create a beautiful, custom look that suits your taste.
- Material Options – A metal roof comes with many different material options. From steel roofs to copper roofing, you can create a roof that is totally unique to your needs.
❌ Cons
- Cost – In the grand scheme of roofing materials, metal roofing is certainly one of the pricier options. You’ll want to get quotes from your contractor to make sure that a metal roof falls within your budget.
- Specialized Installation – Even if you are a handy DIYer, you’ll want to hire a professional to install your metal roof. Metal roofs require specialized installation skills and tools that the average homeowner does not have access to. Keep in mind that this may also cause your labor and installation costs to go up.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?
We’ve mentioned that one of the many benefits of a properly installed metal roof is its longevity. But just how long does a metal roof last?
Most metal roofs can last for up to 50 years before needing to be replaced! This means that for many homeowners, it is the only roof replacement that they ever have to make during their lifetime! Keep in mind, though, that longevity comes with a serious price tag. However, in our professional opinion, a metal roof pays for itself over time.
How Much Will My Metal Roof Cost?
So, let’s get down to that price tag, shall we?
Metal roofing materials can be expensive, costing between $10-$20 per square foot. Of course, the overall cost will depend largely on the size of your home, the type of metal roofing materials that you choose, and the availability of a metal roof specialist in your area.
That being said, the national average cost of a new metal roof is around $23,000.
Get a Professional Consultation
Wondering if a metal roof is right for you? Let Bondoc Roofing help! As your local metal roofing experts, we can help you choose a metal roof style and answer any questions you may have about the process. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started on your metal roofing journey!
