6 Big Advantages of Choosing A Metal Roof From Your North Georgia Roofer

6 Big Advantages of Choosing A Metal Roof From Your North Georgia Roofer. When most people come to us interested in a roof replacement, they immediately think that their only choice will be about the color of the asphalt shingles or the durability of a certain manufacturer. Many of them are surprised that there’s an even more broad question to answer first: “Do you want to replace your shingles with the same material you had before, or would you like to upgrade to metal roofing?”

It’s an important question to consider, but one that the average person isn’t ready to answer. That’s why we thought we’d take some time today to answer some questions regarding metal roof installation and the materials we use. What are the advantages of a metal roof? Read on to find out why your roofing contractor might suggest you get one.

Metal Roofs Are More Durable

How are asphalt shingles similar to clothes? You see them falling apart all the time and probably don’t even realize it!

Much like the lint you find in a dryer’s lint trap is actually a sign of your clothing disintegrating, the small granules of shingles you find in your gutters and at the bottom of a downspout means that your shingles are falling apart. This is most apparent when the shingles are new and when they’re old, but they’re constantly losing their protective coating throughout their lifespan.

You don’t have to worry about that with metal roofs. Metal roofs are incredibly durable, and the average metal lasts (and is sometimes even guaranteed for) 50 years. They don’t deteriorate like asphalt roofs, and they hold up to hail just as well. And don’t worry, they’re not going to rust if properly installed.

Metal Roofs Reflect Heat

If you live in a state that spends a fair amount of the year with freezing temperatures and snow, having black shingles on a roof makes a lot of sense. They’ll absorb the heat from the sun and transfer it to the house, which reduces heating costs.

Which do you use more energy on, your heating or your cooling? Here in Georgia, the answer for most of us is on cooling. In most cases, we don’t necessarily want the heat from the sun to warm our homes, which makes a metal roof all the more attractive. Metal roofs are shinier, which means that they reflect the heat away from your house. This can be a great energy saver, meaning you’ll be saving money on your cooling bill when compared to a black asphalt roof.

There’s More Variety Than You Might Think

Quick, think of a metal roof! Did a red roof come to mind? Or perhaps the silver of raw steel? Those are two of the most common colors that people think of, but there are actually many more colors available in metal roofs. Since we’re in Georgia, you might want to choose a light color in order to reflect the light and heat. You might also choose a color that looks best with your house’s current paint job; just make sure that the color matches your HOA requirements!

The fact is, metal roofs can have just as much color variety as asphalt shingles, so don’t let that stop you from considering one.

Metal Roofs Weight Less

If you’ve ever tried to lift a bundle of shingles, you know how heavy they are. At 80 pounds a bundle, you can imagine how much weight an entire roof of them weighs.

You might think that a standing seam metal roof might be incredibly heavy, but in fact, it tends to be the lightest option when compared to shingles and tile roofs. But is lighter really better? In most circumstances, this isn’t a big deal. After all, it’s not like weight reduction improves the fuel efficiency of your house like it would in a car! But metal roofs are so light enough that they are sometimes simply added to the old roof and installed over the old shingles. This can offer additional protection for your home and shorten the amount of time the roofers have to be at your property.

Metal Roofs Are Very Recyclable

While asphalt shingles are relatively cheap and easier to install than most other types of roofing, there’s not much that can be done with them at the end of their usability. Nearly all shingles end up in the landfill, nearly 11 million tons of them every year.

Considering how long metal roofing lasts, you probably won’t be around to recycle them in 50+ years (and if you are, you may not be in the same house). But if you’re an environmentally conscious person who looks to the future and is interested in buying something now that can be easily recycled later, it’s hard to beat the materials you’ll find in an aluminum or steel roof.  

Metal Roofs Are Safer

A primary ingredient in asphalt shingles is, as you might have guessed, asphalt. Asphalt is made from petroleum, which is flammable. While asphalt shingles are treated with a certain amount of flame-retardant materials, they’ll still burn more readily than a metal roof or a tile roof.

If you’re in the middle of town, you probably aren’t worried about wildfires. So if you hear about a forest fire somewhere, you don’t have to worry about burning tree parts flying through the air and landing on your roof. Of course, you have to worry about your neighbor’s house catching on fire and parts of their house raining down on your shingles.

Conversely, if you’re out in the middle of the woods, you might not worry about the fire in your neighbor’s house if your nearest neighbor is a mile away. But if there’s a fire that’s burning through the trees, a firebreak isn’t going to help if the wind brings in burning detritus that lands on your asphalt roof.

The fact is, metal roofs are simply safer. They’re not going to catch fire, so you don’t have to worry nearly as much if there’s a fire nearby.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Metal Roofs?

With all of the advantages of metal roof installation, you’re probably curious to know if there are any disadvantages. If you go with high-quality materials and proper metal roof installation, most of the negatives such as heat expansion or water accumulation won’t be an issue. Noisiness during a hail storm or heavy rain could be problematic for some people, but leaving the old shingles on or adding insulation in the attic will usually alleviate this problem in all but the biggest storms. Finally, the price of a metal roof is more initially, but over the life of the roof, it will actually cost less.

Ready To Get A Metal Roof Installed?

If we’ve convinced you that a metal roof is right for you, we’d love to speak with you. Contact Roofing Resources of Georgia today to learn even more about metal roofs and if they’re the proper choice for your house.

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