When it comes to choosing a roofing material for your home, you might be tempted to simply purchase whatever you had before. If, for instance, you had asphalt shingles and had not notable problems with them, you might feel that the best course of action is to purchase asphalt shingles again. In fact, many homeowners throughout the Carolinas and around the United States do this without issue.
However, it can pay to research other options before you commit to the same roofing material you’ve always had. In this day and age, there are a number of different options available to American homeowners, and you just might find that you prefer something new for your upcoming remodeling job. Here, you will discover some pros and cons of choosing metal roofing over conventional asphalt shingles.
In recent years, metal has been consistently growing in popularity for residential projects when it was once used primarily for commercial and agricultural purposes.
Metal shingles
Benefits:
- Durability – Metal roofing has an incredibly long life compared to traditional shingles. Whereas conventional asphalt shingles typically last about 25 years, metal panels often have 50 to 80-year lifespans.
- Energy costs – Over time, metal roof panels can actually pay for themselves, even though they cost more than asphalt shingles. Since metal reflects heat, the material can reduce utility costs by anywhere from 10% to 25%. This is a significant savings, particularly on the higher end.
- Environmentally conscious – Metal is an environmentally-friendly material that generally consists of anywhere from 25% to 95% recycled material. If having metal that is nearly all made from recycled goods is a priority for you, make sure you talk to your roofing installer before any materials are purchased.
Drawbacks:
- Material cost – Although metal is certainly not the most expensive roofing product on the market – both ceramic and slate tiles cost much more – it is pricier than asphalt shingles. If, therefore, you are on a tight budget, it may not be a viable option for your project.
- Can be loud – Because the American Southeast tends to get quite a bit of precipitation throughout the year, Carolina homeowners should bear in mind that metal roofing can be loud when it gets wet. A number of songs even reference “rain on tin roofs” because of the distinct noise. Some people enjoy this sound, but others find it difficult to live with on a regular basis.
- Can expand and contract – If you live in an area of North Carolina or South Carolina where the weather is noticeably colder in the winter than the summer, metal expansion and contraction is something to keep in mind. Although there is a way to install panels so they “breathe” and don’t expand or contract, even a slight error in the installation process can cause major issues.
If you are considering a new metal roof in the near future, contact the Hatch Homes team today to learn more about our services and pricing. We look forward to scheduling a no-obligation quote for you at your earliest convenience.