Metal Roof or Traditional Roof?  5 Things to Consider When Purchasing.

Installing a new roof for your home is a sizeable undertaking.  No matter what kind of roof you choose, there will be substantial cost involved, and you won’t be able to easily swap out the finished product if you change your mind in favor of another style or material.  For these and other reasons, it’s a smart idea to do a little homework ahead of time to make sure what you end up with is exactly what you wanted and expected.

1. Lifespan of the roof

How long do you want your new roof to last?  A traditional asphalt shingle roof might perform for 10 to 15 years.  On the other end of the scale, metal roofing is known to perform for 40 or 50 or more years.  In deciding on your ideal roof lifespan, remember: you get what you pay for.

2. Resiliency

The lifespan of a roof is one thing; how well it holds up during seasons of wind, hail, rain and hot/cold temperatures is another.  A roof that isn’t strong and resilient can begin deteriorating after several years of harsh weather.  This means additional costs for repair and possibly partial replacement.  Metal roofs are the strongest, most resilient roofs available, maintaining their soundness season after season, decade after decade.  When shopping for a new roof, get details on how various materials hold up in severe weather.

3. Energy conservation

People normally don’t think of roofs in terms of energy efficiency, but they can be a major player in this area.  The roof covers your entire home and acts as a barrier between outside and inside temperatures.  Most roofing materials absorb heat and act as insulators.  Metal roofs, however, do just the opposite – they reflect the rays of the sun, keeping heat away from your home and allowing you to use less energy from your cooling system to keep it comfortable.

4. Fire safety

Most roofing materials come with some degree of fire-resistance built in.  But this level of protection can lessen as the roof ages and becomes weathered.  Additionally, heavier roofs can cause severe collateral damage as they come crashing down into sections of the home during a fire.  Safety in a fire situation is a big reason many homeowners are turning to metal roofs, which are significantly lighter than other roof styles and are extremely resistant to catching fire and spreading it.

5. Aesthetics

How a new roof will look is another important factor in choosing the right style.  Shingle and tile roofs have a distinctive look and maintain their beauty for a number of years.  What a lot of people don’t realize is that modern metal roofing is available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and styles, giving you many options when deciding how your roof will blend with your home’s exterior aesthetics.  Another great thing about metal roofs is that they maintain their original visual appeal far longer than the majority of other roof styles.

If it’s time for a new roof on your home, consider these points we talked about here, and then call Advanced Aluminum of Lakeland, Fla.  We build metal roofing products for top contractors throughout the region and can tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful and sturdy material.  Reach us at (863) 648-5787.