Metal Roofs Compared to Other Roofing Materials

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Dana

Throughout history there have been many options available for roofs, including straw, wood, tile, concrete, asphalt shingles, fiberglass shingles, asbestos, plastic, fabric, and last but not least, metal. Metal roofing has maintained a popular as an alternative to other roofing material because it has so many benefits. To name a few, metal roofing is affordable, durable and variety in the designs available.

Cheaper roofing materials, such as wood shake shingles or straw thatching end up costing the same if not more in the long run due to the high maintenance requirements of these materials. These types of roofs end up needing repairs on a very regular basis, which means you will end up spending a good deal of money to maintain these types of roofs to make them last. These types of roofs are also made of materials that do not hold up well against poor weather.

Concrete and tile roofs are the traditional type of roofs one typically sees. However, these types of roofs are fairly expensive as these materials are relatively heavy, which means that the building being roofed has to be reinforced to hold the extra weight these materials bring.

Asbestos works well as a roofing material as it is lightweight and fireproof. However, asbestos has been proven to negatively impact people’s health and, as such, is no longer in use. Synthetic plastics can be used for roofing, but this material does not last as long as metal roofing, and also requires more maintenance to make it last.

The most common roofing material currently used in residences in the United States are shingles made out of asphalt and fiberglass. This material is typically used because the cost to install is low and does not need a lot of maintenance. A major disadvantage to asphalt and fiberglass shingles is the fact that they have a limited lifespan and can be damaged quite easily when exposed to high wind or hail.

Although every type of roofing material on the market today offers something to the consumer, metal roofing is becoming more and more desirable because there are so many benefits that come from using this material.

First, using a metal roof is more cost efficient. Although the initial outlay of money for these roofs may be higher than other roofing materials, because metal roofs have such a long life span they end up being less expensive in the long run.

Second, metal roofs a very easy to install as compared to other types of roofing. This is because metal roofing materials are not very heavy, and thus, can be carried around and transported with ease.

Third, metal roofs are incredibly easy to maintain. Unless your metal roof is installed improperly, it will rarely if ever spring a leak, and in that event, repairs are quite easy to make. As such, maintenance of a metal roof is a breeze.

Fourth, metal roofs are quite durable, with most having a lifespan of at least 70 years. This is because metal roofs are fire-resistant and can tolerant high winds and seismic activity.

Metal roofs also come in many different shapes, sizes and colors, and can be used from a good number of different types of metals. Metal roofs are also eco-friendly because most the of roofing materials used are recyclable, which means that when it comes time to replace your roof with a new one, your old roof will not end up in a landfill.

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