When the time comes for you to upgrade the roof in your house, or if you are building a new one, you know there are many interesting roofing options available. You may drive around to see what’s on your neighbor’s roofs and discover that many have asphalt shingles, while others have tiles, cedar shakes, or metal roofs. You may find the idea of installing a new metal roof Indianapolis intriguing but may be unsure whether this is something worth considering or if the extra cost should have you looking at some less expensive options.
Having some information about the advantages and benefits of installing a metal roof may help you make a more solid decision, despite the extra cost. Let’s find out.
What advantages do metal roofs offer?
There are many benefits to installing a metal roof, including:
Longevity
While it is common for asphalt roofs to last between 12 and 20 years, depending on how regularly they are maintained, you can expect a metal roof to last up to 70 years or longer, depending on the material. This means that once you install a metal roof, it will be there for the rest of your life.
Durability
When metal roofs are installed correctly, you can expect them to be able to withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. If you live in an area prone to high winds, tornados, or hurricanes, a metal roof can give you some peace of mind.
Little or No Maintenance Needed
Metal roofs do not require the regular upkeep that asphalt shingles call for, which can be a costly item in your budget. All they call for is periodic inspections to make sure everything looks fine, and no repairs are needed.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofs are great at reflecting the UV and infrared rays of the sun that cause the roof to heat up. Metal roofs can thus reduce energy consumption by up to 25% in cooling costs.
Safety
Metal roofs do not spark or ignite into flames when lightning strikes or wildfires are nearby. This results in greater safety for those living within the property.
Environmentally Friendly
Metal roofs can be recycled in up to 95% of their content, depending on the material used. This is in contrast to shingled roofs in which the waste ends up being a part of the ever-increasing building-related waste stream.
Other Advantages
Metal roofs will not corrode or crack and, depending on which product you select, may also be impact-resistant.
Are there different types of metal roofs available?
If you are in the market for a metal roof, take the time to become familiar with the different options available so that you can make the best selection when it comes to your taste and the architectural style of the home. Among the most common metal roofing types you may find:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Corrugated metal
- Metal tiles
- Metal slate roofs
- Standing seam
- Steel
- Tin
- Zinc
How are metal roofs kept clean?
The upkeep of metal roofs is easy: simply use soap and water. You may use a pressure washer but should avoid using any abrasive tools such as steel wool or wire brushes since these can easily scratch up your metal roof. Should your roof get scratched accidentally either while cleaning, due to weather, or because of a nearby tree limb scraping against it, the scratches can be fixed with mineral spirits. If needed, some matching paint can be applied using a paintbrush. Enhance the long life of your metal roof by practicing preventive maintenance.
Will a metal roof increase the value of your home?
Metal roofs have increased dramatically in popularity in recent years. Some of the main reasons are because these resilient materials deliver long-term value, offer protection and performance. It has been estimated that a metal roof will directly impact the value of any home where it is installed.
If you believe in the value offered by a metal roof, talk to an experienced roofing contractor about the different roofing materials available and decide which one would be the most appropriate one for your home.