When most people think about metal roofing, it probably evokes nightmarish visions of bare metal surfaces, glinting in the sun while the residents of the home bake inside. Despite the connotations, however, metal roofing has plenty of advantages. It’s rapidly becoming one of the most popular types of roofing in both commercial and residential spaces in America.
If you don’t know much about metal roofing or are still in doubt about whether it is a wise investment, here are five fun facts to persuade you of its merits.
Metal Roofs are Resilient
Metal roofs are high-grade steel—a material which can withstand any number of adverse weather conditions for decades. If you live in a hailstorm-prone area, for example, you may think that your entire roof is destined to be one giant dent. Metal roofs are much more durable, though, and more resistant to hailstorm damage than traditional shingles and tiles.
It would take hailstones the size of golf balls to make a dent in a metal roof—and anything smaller will have little to no effect on a hardy metal roof.
Metal Roofs are Energy Efficient
It might seem as though metal roofs would let in plenty of heat in the summer, and make the house cold during winter, but nothing is further from the truth. Metal roofs reflect much of the sun’s heat, unlike dark asphalt shingles which absorb the heat. This characteristic means that your house will be protected from UV rays, and be noticeably cooler in summer, which in turn will reduce your electricity bill.
Metal Roofs Don’t Attract Lightning
While metal is a good conductor of electricity, scientifically, this doesn’t mean that it’s prone to attract lightning. Rarely will materials attract lightning, as it tends to strike higher objects first, regardless of which type. It may be safer during thunderstorms since, unlike wood and other roofing materials, metal roofs are both non-combustible and fire-resistant.
Metal Roofs are the Second-Most Popular Roofing Material in America
Metal roofs exhibit impressive energy efficiency, and they’ve become increasingly popular in building projects that are designed to be eco-friendly. By 2015, metal roofs became the second-most popular roofing material in the United States, with asphalt shingles retaining first place. As more people realize the money that they can save using metal roofs, they will likely become even more popular in the next few years.
Metal Roofs Last a Lifetime
Steel is a remarkably resilient material, and a properly installed metal roof can be expected to last you a long time. On top of its durability, a metal roof requires minimal maintenance, so even if you neglect the roof, it could serve your home for up to fifty years.
If you’re planning on living in your home for the rest of your life, the chances are high that a metal roof will be the last roof you install. By the time your metal roof needs replacing, it will be your descendants responsible for that replacement decision.