Interested in Metal Roofing? Start here.
You might associate metal roofs with barns, but there’s a reason the industry is growing so rapidly! In 2018, the market value was $4.21 billion, but experts predict it will increase to $20.39 billion by 2026. Metal roofing is more common on industrial and commercial properties, but that trend is changing.
Metal roofs on residential properties are growing in popularity, especially around Central Ohio!
But what is sparking this change?
What are the benefits of metal roofs? How much does a metal roof cost? How long do they last? Will they make home insurance cheaper? To discover the answers to these questions and more, keep on reading as we explore everything you need to know about metal roofs!
Better Protection
Metal roofs offer better protection from the elements. For example, steel roofs have a Class 4 resistance rating against hail and that is the highest rating within the housing industry. If hail damages your metal roofing, then it would have damaged your asphalt or wood roof as well.
Some other elements your metal roof offers better protection from include:
- Storms
- High temperatures
- Rapid temperature changes
- Ice dams
- Heavy snowfall
- Fire (including wildfire)
- Direct, beaming sunlight
- Hurricane weather
- High winds (up to 140 miles per hour)
If you live in an area prone to these types of weather conditions, having a high-quality metal roof will lower your home insurance costs. Central Ohio can be prone to extreme weather in mid to late spring. High wind speeds are particularly problematic for shingle roofing.
Metal roofs also offer protection against rot and insect damage. Overall, you will be less likely to need a roof repair or roof replacement. And when you do need storm restoration, it will be minimal and, therefore, cheaper.
Metal roofing material also allows customization for different conditions, such as vents to reduce moisture buildup.
Environmentally Friendly
Shingle roofing is a common choice for residential properties. But approximately 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste is generated every year in the United States. That’s the same weight as 7.3 million cars!
One of the obvious benefits of metal roofing is that 100% of the materials are recyclable. And 25% of steel roofing is made from recycled materials. Asphalt has many recyclable components but most of it ends up in landfills.
But metal roofs are also more energy-efficient than other materials. In hot weather, a metal roof (with the right coating, such as shiny or granular) will reduce solar heat gain by as much as 85%.
This stops your house from heating up in the sun and can reduce energy costs by 10-25%. In hotter climates, the annual energy savings can reach as high as 40%!
It’s also easier to fit solar panels to a metal roof than an asphalt one. If you’re thinking about taking more steps towards green energy in the future, this may be the best material for you.
Install Over Existing Asphalt Shingle Roof
Roof replacement can sound like a timely, costly venture. You would need to find a roofing company in Central Ohio that can dispose of the previous roofing material and replace it with the new one. Shingle removal takes a long time and can damage the structure of your home.Â
Luckily, metal roofs can save you some time and money.
You can install a metal roof over your existing roof without removing the previous material. If done incorrectly, this can lead to trapped vapor which increases the risk of mold and rot. But you can choose a roof design that includes ventilation.
Discuss this idea with a professional roofing company to better understand your options.
Avoid the Myths
Some common myths surrounding metal roofs are that they are incredibly noisy in rainy weather and can attract lightning strikes because of the material.
Neither of these rumors is true. Metal roofing isn’t noisier than any other roof type, especially if you’ve built it over your existing roof. The insulation in your home provides a sound barrier that reduces the sound of rain or hail hitting your roof.
And unless your house is the tallest building in the area, it won’t attract lightning any more than other roofing material options. Metal roofs are less combustible, meaning that, if lightning strikes your home, your roof won’t be susceptible to fire in the same way as asphalt or wood.
Plus, lightning is just as likely to damage the siding of your home as it is the roof!
More Cost-Effective
Metal roofs can save you money, especially in the long term. We’ve touched on some examples of this already, such as cheaper home insurance, lower energy bills, and the reduced likelihood of roof repair or roof replacement due to weather damage.
But how long do metal roofs last?
Estimates suggest that this roofing material will last between 40 and 70 years. By choosing the right material and having it installed by a professional and reliable roofing company, your roof could last 100 years or more.
Most people will move home or die before their metal roof needs to be replaced, which emphasizes just how durable and long-lasting this material is. Although the initial costs are more expensive, metal will last at least 2-3 times longer than asphalt.
How Much Do Metal Roofs Cost?
The cost of metal as a roofing material varies from one type to another. It also depends on additional costs, such as coatings. As well as the amount of material your roof needs.
There are four main options available:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Zinc
Each material has its benefits, but these usually come at a cost.
Steel
Steel is a standard roofing material and is the most affordable option. There are four common steel options available: Galvanized G-90 steel, galvanized G-60 steel, Galvalume steel, and stone-coated steel.
G-60 and G-90 galvanized steel are both dipped into molten zinc. Galvanization is a process that helps prevent rusting by creating a barrier between corrosive substances and the underlying metal (steel). G-60 is the thinner, cheaper option that is rarely used for residential roof replacement.
As the cheaper option, galvanized steel can be prone to rust, eventually. Houses near the sea would be advised to choose a higher quality material. This is due to salty water being a catalyst in the rusting process.
Galvalume steel goes through a similar galvanization process but is coated in zinc and aluminum. This increases the longevity of the metal.
Stone-coated steel is exactly what it sounds like. The metal is coated in a layer of stone to improve durability and longevity. The steel has often been galvanized before being coated in stones, making it the highest quality and most expensive steel option available.
Most steel roofing will also be pre-coated and pre-painted by the supplier to further reduce corrosion and damage.
The steel roofing material will cost between $350 to $450 per square (100 square feet).
Aluminum
When it comes to metal roofs in Central Ohio, aluminum is a popular choice. It’s longer-lasting than steel and its durability reduces the need for roof repair. And while it is more expensive than steel, it’s still drastically cheaper than either copper or zinc.
Unlike steel, aluminum offers fantastic protection from sea spray. Meaning that, if you live near the coast, you don’t need to worry about the saltwater rusting your roof.
Unlike steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc don’t need to be coated. However, to add an extra layer of protection, aluminum roofing will often be coated with a paint finish to increase longevity. But this is an optional step.
The price of aluminum is around $100 more per square than steel.
Copper and Zinc
Copper and zinc are expensive options. As such, metal roofs on residential properties are usually aluminum or steel. In Europe, however, 70% of all residential roofs incorporate zinc, in some form or another.
The life expectancy of these two options is over 100 years! Both are extremely resistant to rust and corrosion as well as general damage.
Zinc roofing can cost between $450 and $850 per square. While copper, as the most expensive option for metal roofs, costs between $960 and $1,650 per square. Most people prefer zinc because it carries the same properties while being drastically cheaper!
Roofing in Central Ohio
When it comes to choosing a roofing material, metal roofs offer some fantastic alternatives to asphalt. They can save money, offer better protection, and are environmentally friendly. You can choose between steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper.
Need a professional roofing company in Central Ohio? Click here to get a free estimate!
