The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Published on Thursday July 2, 2020

Whenever you consider a large home upgrade such as a metal roof installation, it’s important to do your research first. Weighing the pros and cons of a project helps you avoid unnecessary investments, make the right decisions, prevent unwanted fees, and end up with what’s best for you and your home.

Here are some metal roof advantages and disadvantages to consider if you’re thinking about upgrading to a metal roof.

Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

Pro: Durability

While researching metal roof advantages and disadvantages, you can’t ignore this massive advantage: metal roofing is extraordinarily durable. When metal roofing is properly installed and well taken care of, it stands up against rain, wind, snow, hail, and other weather storms far better than other roofing options.

Metal roofing is resistant to fire, mildew, rot, and pest infestations. Plus, they’re noncombustible, earning a Class A fire rating — the highest fire resistance level. If you’re looking for the most durable roofing option that will last a lifetime, metal is your best bet.

Pro: Longevity

Comparing metal roofing to asphalt shingles is a great way to understand longevity. While traditional asphalt shingle roofing has a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years, metal roofing can last upwards of 70 years.

When weighing the pros and cons to metal roofing, this is huge. If you’re planning to live in the same home for any significant amount of time, you can fully expect your metal roof to last the duration of your stay.

Pro: Energy Savings

You read that right — metal roofs can offer significant savings on your energy bills. Since it reflects the sun’s heat rather than absorbing it, metal roofing can reduce your cooling costs up to 15 percent during the hottest months of the year.

During the winter months, metal roofing acts as a great insulator, preventing heated air from escaping your home. Whatever the season, your metal roof can help you save money over time.

Pro: Eco-Friendly

Metal roofs are 100 percent recyclable, as opposed to asphalt shingles which tend to end up in a landfill. This is important when considering the overall pros and cons to metal roofing since the material you select will affect not just your home, but your community and environment as well.

Metal roofing materials are typically made up anywhere from 25 percent to 95 percent recycled materials. While asphalt shingles tear off in the wind and contribute up to 20 billion pounds of building related waste every year, metal roofs are a safer alternative for the environment.

Con: Upfront Expense

When considering metal roofing pros and cons, this is perhaps metal roofing’s largest con: they are costly to install. The installation process for metal roofing is more complex than asphalt shingle roofing, therefore, it requires a skilled installer with specialized experience.

The price balances out well when you consider the durability of the material, cost savings on maintenance and energy, and the average lifespan of a metal roof, but it is a substantial initial investment.

Con: Difficult to Access

Metal roofs are typically harder to walk on, especially if the weather has been bad and there is moisture on the surface of the roof.

Additionally, if moss or algae has been given the chance to grow, metal roofs can become slick to walk on. This can make cleaning it difficult and even dangerous after storms. It’s always recommended to consult a qualified, trusted metal roofing professional when a roof inspection or repair is required since DIY maintenance can be riskier.

Do the Pros Outweigh the Cons?

Now you have a better understanding of the metal roofing pros and cons! When you see the big picture, the benefits of metal roofing are incredible. Interested in making the switch to metal roofing? Trust LONG for the job. Our metal roofs are more durable than wood, slate, and asphalt, and they’re algae, rust, and mold resistant.

You can count on your metal roof from Long Roofing to last a lifetime. Visit us online today to get a quote, schedule a free, in-home estimate or find answers to any of your roofing questions.