Does a metal roof cost more than a typical roof?

Because metal roofing is a premium home product, you can expect your new roof to cost roughly two to three times what an asphalt shingle roof costs. However, a metal roof is comparable in price to tile roofing or cedar shake roofing. If you currently have a slate roof, you can expect your metal roof to cost less.

No matter what kind of metal roofing style you choose, you'll never have to worry about your roof again. Most come with a true 30 to 50 year warranty. Plus, your new metal roof will add to the resale value of your home, save you money on your energy bills, and give you peace of mind that you'll likely never have to re-roof again.

How much longer will a metal roof last compared to a common roofing material like asphalt shingles?

You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof. In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 30 to 50+ years since metal roofs can often be repainted versus replaced.

To put it in context, the average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years. That lifespan can be shorter depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your area. Made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather. A metal roof, however, will never decompose.

Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more northern climates.

All of the above roofing materials are well-outlasted by metal roofing, which retains its good looks and durability decade after decade after decade.

Is metal roofing noisier in bad weather compared to asphalt shingles?

There is little difference between metal and other materials when it comes to noise from rain or hail. Normal attic insulation also absorbs most of the sound.

Is metal roofing environmentally responsible?

Not only is metal roofing great for your home, it's great for the environment. The recycled content of the steel in a metal roof is about 28% and is completely recyclable at the end of it’s lifespan. This make metal roofing a green building material.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If you loaded those shingles into tractor trailers, then lined them up end-to-end, they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City again, then on to Chicago.

That's a lot of wasted asphalt. But because a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without tearing off what's already there, metal roofing helps to reduce this excessive shingle waste.

I’m concerned a metal roof won’t match my home or style of my neighborhood?

Today's residential metal roofing is made to look like common roofing material - such as asphalt shingle, cedar shake, clay tile or slate roofing - only stronger and more durable. There's certain to be a style and finish to match your home and neighborhood.

Would a metal roof be to heavy for certain types of homes, or for smaller structures like a detached garage or porch.

You'll be surprised to learn that a metal roof is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes and slate. With metal roofing weight on a structure is never an issue.

Is underlayment used under a metal roof?

Our roofs require solid decking. Whether the job is over old shingles or directly over wood decking, underlayment should be used. Underlayment is required by the International Building Code and it helps protect the backside of the metal from any rough surfaces below the roofing material. Generally, one layer of synthetic underlayment is used or one layer of 30-pound felt. In certain areas, as required by code, ice and water shield products or fire-retardant underlayments will be used.

Will dirt collect on a metal roof?

The PVDF coatings used on quality metal roofs consist of a very tight molecular bond that encourages dirt to wash off of the roof. In most environmental conditions, these roofs stay very clean over the long term.