If your asphalt roof didn't last as long as you expected, you may be looking for a more durable type of roofing when you have your next roof installed. Metal is a good choice in residential roofing since it comes in different colors and styles and blends in with a variety of architectural styles. Here are a few things to know if you're thinking about a metal roof for your home.
Metal Roofs Blend In With Most Neighborhoods
If you live in an HOA community, you might not have any choice when it comes to the type of roofing you have put on your home. Metal might not be allowed if you're required to have clay tile or asphalt shingles. If you don't live in an HOA community, you probably still want your roof to blend in with the neighborhood so your home has a good resale potential.
Metal roofs can be fabricated to look like clay tiles, slate, or wood. They come in different colors, such as brown, green, and red. You'll find a metal roof that looks good on your home and that also blends in with the mix of roofs in your neighborhood.
A Metal Roof Lasts A Long Time
Metal roofs are made from different types of metal. Aluminum and steel are popular choices. You might also consider copper, stainless steel, or alloy if your budget allows as these are expensive options. Both aluminum and steel roofs can last for several decades, but they have different qualities.
Aluminum is softer, so it can dent more easily. If you live in an area that gets hail frequently, your aluminum roof might show signs of damage over time. A steel roof is coated to slow down the rusting process, but rust may eventually develop, especially if the topcoat is scratched.
Both types of roofing usually outlast asphalt roofs, so a metal roof might be the last roof you need to buy. Metal reflects the sun and resists UV and water damage. Plus, it offers protection from fire. These qualities make metal residential roofing a good choice when durability and long life are important considerations.
Metal Roofs Come In Panels And Strips
Corrugated metal roofing might come to mind when you think of a metal roof, but corrugated metal roofing is for applications like barns and sheds. It's not suitable for residential roofing because of the way it's made and attached to the roof. Instead, you can choose panels or strips. The strips are fabricated to look like individual shingles and are applied in a similar manner as three-tab asphalt shingles. This makes your roof look more like an asphalt shingle roof even though it's made of metal.
Metal panels have different appearances. You might opt for standing seam panels or panels shaped to look like tiles. Even though the roofing may look like it's made up of individual tiles, it's actually applied in big panels.
Your roofing contractor can help you decide on the right type of metal roof for your home. An important consideration is the architectural style of your house since a metal roof for a log cabin might look different from a metal roof put on a mid-century ranch home.
If you have more questions regarding residential roofing, contact your local professional.
