Metal Roof Ratings
Metal roofs have grown in popularity over the past two decades. If you are considering upgrading to a metal roof, it’s important to know just how well metal roofs will perform compared to more traditional roofing materials like asphalt, wood, and tile. There are plenty of reasons metal roofs are rated so highly by professionals & roofing industry experts and it’s not hard to see why metal panels beat out conventional roofing materials on a number of different counts.
High Life Expectancy
When properly installed by a roofing professional, a metal roof will last for decades and more than two to three times longer than a shingle roof. A metal roofing system is designed with fewer seams and is better at sealing out water, surviving high winds, hail, and other potential storm damage. Metal roofing panels are also resistant to fire, mildew, rot, and bugs.
Lightweight
Tile roofs may be beautiful but they are extremely heavy, especially concrete tiles, and can cause structural issues if not properly supported. Tile roofs can weigh 750 to 900 pounds per 100 square feet. This turns roof replacements into a large task since your old roofing materials must all be removed and joists and support beams must be checked for proper weight proportions before a new roof can be installed.
Metal roofs on the other hand run from 50 to 150 pounds per 100 square feet. Most types of metal roofing can be applied directly over an existing roof without the need for removal and additional structural support. In many cases, a new house or new addition will require fewer roof support members which can save money and time.
Quick & Easy Roof Installation
Another reason metal roofs are rated highly compared to shingle roofs is installation considerations. Metal roofing panels are large and long and cover a large surface area at once. An experienced and skilled roofing contractor can install these panels quickly which can shorten overall installation time. This can be critical when your roof has been stripped off in a storm, leaving your home or business open to the elements. Shortening the installation process by a few days is a huge advantage and can prevent water or wind damage to your assets.
Energy Efficient
Metal roofs are the most energy efficient roofing materials on the market. Metal roofing panels reflect radiant heat from the sun which helps minimize midday heat gain during the hot summer months. Many metal roofs even come with “Cool Color Rating” which lower roof surface temperatures and absorb less infrared radiation. You’ll be able to run your air conditioner less and save more money on energy bills throughout the year.