When it comes to roofing, quality is key. While quality is undoubtedly important in all aspects of home construction and repairs, it’s safe to say that the roof you choose is perhaps one of the most important features on the list. We expect a lot out of our roofing–not only should it stand strong for a long amount of time, but it’s our first line of defense against inclement weather, helps to regulate indoor temperatures, it should help to prevent energy loss, and contribute to the property’s curb appeal.
Because rooftops are so important, great strides have been made to improve the quality and durability of the materials used in roof construction and replacement. Today, several materials top the home remodeling industry’s list of popular roofing choices. From fiber cement to tile, wood, slate, and engineered wood options, homeowners have many more options to consider than in decades past. Another very popular option is metal roofing, which has been around for many decades. In the past, metal roofing was created for more industrial purposes, like factory construction or warehouses. Today, today’s metal roofing products have been redesigned, streamlined and optimized for performance and beauty in residential use, and have gained plenty of traction as one of the best choices available to homeowners today.
If you’re exploring your options for your home’s rooftop, take a look at this guide to metal roofs and learn why our team at Smart Exteriors considers them to be a fantastic choice for quality roof replacement in 2023.
Benefits of Metal Roofing
Before we can explore the popular reasons why metal rooftops are making a comeback in 2022, we need to investigate the benefits. The most valuable advantages for homeowners include:
Durability: Without exception, metal is one durable roofing material. Metal roofing is known to withstand the elements including high wind speeds. If it’s good enough for commercial properties, it’s good enough for your home.
Long lasting: On average, this roofing option lasts for a minimum of 50 years and comes with an equally long warranty on top of that. When you factor in an average life expectancy of 25 years for asphalt shingles, this additional lifespan becomes significant.
Environmentally friendly: Not only is this rooftop durable, but it’s also more sustainable than other roofing options. As a rule, the panels are made of at least 25% recycled materials. Plus, they are 100% recyclable. As such, for those who value being green-friendly, this is a solid option no matter how you slice things.
Interlocking panels: This goes in hand with its durability but deserves a category of its own. Unlike other options, metal roofing panels interlock, which creates a near-seamless look and function that is responsible for its unmatched wind resistance. Plus, it’s a really clean and streamlined look that offers superb curb appeal.
Fire resistance: Most roofing materials burn or are susceptible to fire. Metal roofing is one option that doesn’t tap out quickly if at all against fire. With more wildfires occurring throughout the country every year, this is one benefit that can’t be ignored.
Surprisingly low weight: When you think durable, you likely think of materials like slate or fiber cement. Those options are extremely heavy, which often requires reinforcing the roofing system. Metal rooftops don’t require such additional work.
Why the Surge in Popularity?
Benefits alone don’t account for the rise in popularity of metal rooftops. After all, other roofing options have their own benefits as well. So what are some reasons why metal rooftops have made a comeback? We did some research and have compiled a list of the most popular reasons, which include:
Design aesthetics: We mentioned curb appeal before, but metal’s sophisticated, polished, and highly modern appearance is likely the biggest reason why it’s become so popular in 2020. Contractors and manufacturers have worked hard to improve the aesthetics of metal roofing to offer nearly unmatched design choices. Did you know that metal roofs come in a comprehensive range of colors and styles? How about the fact they come in different finishes that mimic other materials such as clay tile or wood shakes? Metal is a beautiful, modern option that gives you a wealth of design opportunities that you can take advantage of without sacrificing durability..
Energy-efficiency: If there is one trend that’s not going away, it’s energy efficiency. Metal roofing is known to be one of the top performers in this category, which is why so many homeowners are making the transition to metal rooftops in 2022 and beyond.
Solar-ready: Solar panels are growing popularity as their costs go down and functionality improves. While they can be installed on any roof, it’s a very complex undertaking to do so. However, metal rooftops are an excellent option for solar panel installation thanks to their natural heat conduction and better structure compared to other options.
Long-term Value: Compared to decades past, most homeowners are staying in their current homes longer than ever. Now, most homes are owned by the same owner for at least 13 years. That makes up most of roof’s lifespan if it’s an asphalt or similarly short-lived material. Metal roofing, on the other hand, offers a chance to the homeowner to never have to face another roofing project in their lifetime.
Strength in Tough Weather Conditions: We touched on this earlier, but it can’t be ignored as a reason for its increase in popularity. A metal roof is built to withstand inclement weather. Period. Hurricanes? No problem. Wildfires? Bring ‘em on. Tornadoes? Better be an F4 or greater to do any real damage to a metal rooftop. Basically, if weather is a problem in your area, like in Kansas City and the rest of the Midwest, there are very few options that can compete with metal roofing, and none that actually beat it when it comes to durability. This may just be the greatest reason of them all for homeowners in the Midwest.
Making a Commitment
By now, you’re likely convinced that metal rooftops are worth the investment. However, that doesn’t mean it’s time to just jump in and buy the first metal roof you find. There are some considerations to keep in mind to ensure your investment is a good one.
For starters, you must work with a licensed contractor trained in metal roof installation. No matter how well a roof performs, it’s only as good as its installation. A contractor trained in its installation will know how to install the roof correctly the first time. Take the time to get multiple quotes and research each contractor before choosing one.
Second, you must consider the product itself. Like all home improvement products, there are many brands to choose from. Metal rooftops vary in construction and composition and can come in copper, steel, aluminum, and a range of other materials. For this reason, you’ll want to research the benefits of metal roof brands and their performance in your geographic location. For example, an unprotected steel roof will rust in coastal climates, and inferior quality, aluminum-based rooftops won’t hold up in a Kansas City storm.
Finally, it’s critical to consider both installation and manufacturer warranties. Even in the best of situations, things happen–and you want to make sure you are covered in case of a natural disaster or another unfortunate event. Don’t let your home be the one that’s unprotected.
For more information about metal roofing, siding, windows, or other exterior remodeling options for your home, don’t hesitate to give our experienced team a call at Smart Exteriors. With over 20 years in the industry, we understand what our Kansas City neighbors need to keep their homes safe, protected, and beautiful–and are eager to bring the smartest choices you can make to help you build a better home for your family. Give us a call now or fill out our online form to set up a free, no-obligation pricing estimate and consultation now.
