In recent years, the home improvement industry has witnessed a growing appreciation for alternative solutions to your standard shingle or asphalt roof, and many have started to turn to and consider metal roofs. While proponents of asphalt roofs can continue to chime about the beauty and economic advantages of asphalt shingles, consumers are no longer deceived by the superficial sales pitch. Some are asking questions such as: what is a metal roof? What are the real life benefits of a metal roof? Interestingly enough, many homeowners are dispelling the myths and choosing metal roofs for its longevity, superior weather performance, eco-benefits, aesthetic appeals, and cost-effective investment. So, just why should an average homeowner consider switching to a metal roof?

1) Metal Roofing Outperforms Shingle Roofing in Longevity

Depending on your geographic location and climate condition, a typical lifespan of an asphalt roof is around 12 to 25 years. However, the durable materials found in metal roofs can generously extend the lifespan of your roof to 60 years and beyond. So, even if you find metal roofs to be slightly more costly in its upfront installment, you are practically making a purchase that will last for life.

2) Metal Roofing Demonstrates Superior Climate and Weather Performance

Along with lasting two to three times longer than traditional asphalt roofs, metal roofs also boast the ability to withstand heavy rain, hurricanes, hailstorms, flying debris, and high winds that travel up to 140 miles per hour. Best of all, metal roofs are fire retardant. In areas where wildfires are frequent, metal roofs can effectively protect homes from flammable debris.

3) Metal Roofing Offers Major Eco-Benefits

The short lifecycle of asphalt shingles requires not only frequent maintenance but also replacement. Removing old asphalt roofing shingles in place of new ones creates a large amount of landfill waste that estimates to over 6.8 million tons annually. Metal roofs eliminate the need for landfill disposal of old roofing. As noted by Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofs contain a minimum of 25% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. The low embodied energy and virtually zero out-gassing advantages found in metal roofs make them a sustainable roofing choice for both residential and commercial buildings.

4) Metal Roofing Makes a Great Option for All House Types/Styles

Gone are the days of ugly, metallic roofs. Today, metal roofs are widely-coveted for their great customization flexibility. With so many colors, styles, and textures to choose from, homeowners can find creative means to satisfy any architectural style in any neighborhood.

5) Metal Roofing is a Smart, Long-Term Investment

Homeowners with a metal roof over their head reap lasting benefits from their smart investment. In addition to minimizing your maintenance cost, metal roofs can increase the value of your home by 1 to 6 percent when compared with an asphalt-shingled home. Even if you plan to live in that house for life, metal roofs’ ability to effectively reflect ultra-violet radiation and heat energy from the sun will enable you to enjoy regular energy cost reduction by up to 40%.

Metal Roofs are Thriving

Metal roofs are considered the most durable roofs on the market today and can save you lots of money on upkeep and maintenance. Reduce your energy expenditure and live more comfortably today by making a one-time investment in the durable metal roofs.