The Pros Outweigh the Cons When it Comes to Metal Roofing

By McElroy Metal.

While the upfront cost of a metal roof may seem steep, the benefits of a metal roof are numerous.

Metal roofing continues to gain popularity as more homeowners are choosing to replace their shingle roofs with metal roofs. Why are homeowners making this shift to metal roofing though?  Let’s explore the pros and cons of using metal.

Pro: Aesthetically Pleasing

Gone are the days of dull, boring metal roofs. Modern metal roofs come in all types of styles and colors, and they look great from the curb.

If your customers like the look of slate or shake, there’s a metal roof for that. Are Spanish tiles more their style? Metal roofs have them covered.

Share these applications with your customers so they can get an idea of the versatility of metal roofing.

Pro: Long Service Life

Another big advantage for metal roofing is its long service life. No one expects a shingle roof to last longer than 15-20 years. Yet a properly installed metal roof can last 50-60 years or more. That's a big difference! If your customers want to learn more about this, have them read this industry study showcasing the long-term performance of Galvalume steel substrates..

The longevity of a metal roof is hard to beat, and when a Galvalume substrate metal roof is paired with a high-performing paint system like PVDF/Kynar 500®, homeowners will not only have a long-lasting roof, but also a good-looking roof for decades to come.

Pro: Lower Utility Expense

Metal roofing offers homeowners lower utility expenses, which means money savings year over year.

To maximize utility savings, homeowners should choose a cool roof pigment and Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV).

Cool roof pigments have had reflective pigments added to the coating, and metal roofing panels that use these paint systems are referred to as Cool Metal Roofing. Cool Metal Roofing is highly reflective and reflects much of the sun’s energyhas high thermal emittance. Metal roofing panels with high reflectivity  Together these properties can help save homeowners as much as 20% in their cooling energy costs.

Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV) means adding a ventilated airspace between the metal roofing and the substrate below. The airspace enables energy to move and vent into the atmosphere rather than get absorbed into the building structure, which increases heating and cooling costs.  If your customers don’t think that’s a concern, have them watch these videos.

According to the Department of Energy, 35% of energy costs for an average building are spent on heating, cooling and ventilation. Therefore, adding above sheathing ventilation and a cool roof pigment system to your customers’ metal roof is a wise decision.

Pro: Environmentally Friendly

Metal roofing is an environmentally friendly roofing option because it is not only made from a high percentage of recycled materials, but it can also be recycled when it is replaced. And who doesn't want to leave this place a little better than we found it!

Pro: Fire, Hail, and High Wind Resistant

Metal roofing is naturally fire, hail and wind resistant. For homeowners in areas that experience extreme weather, metal roofing is an excellent investment.

When installed correctly, metal roofing has higher uplift values than other types of roofing materials, making metal an ideal fit for hurricane-prone areas. Some parts of the country that experience hurricanes regularly are seeing a large growth with residential metal roofing.even moving to require metal roofing for new builds.

Metal roofs are also more resistant to hail than shingles. It's not uncommon for hail to damage a shingle roof so badly that it needs replacement. rain begins to enter the home until the necessary repairs can be completed.  In the most severe cases (think golf ball size), a metal roof might show some cosmetic dents after the hail but is typically still weather tight and will continue to protect your customers’ home from Mother Nature's fury.  

Con: Upfront Cost

Nothing in life is all good right?  Metal roofing is no different.  The single greatest con for metal roofing is that it often requires an upfront investment greater than other roofing materials.

While there are numerous variables from the profile selected to the shape and size of your customers’ roof and even their regional area, this table is a quick guide to the difference in roofing materials and even includes some pricing information.  This table is a great resource for homeowners, however, it only includes a few of the different profile options available.  If your customers are interested in some of the advantages discussed earlier, remind them that it's always best to reach out to a local contractor to gain an estimate specific to their home.  And they are typically free.  If they’re not sure where to start, share this link with them so they can find a list of contractors and distributors we have in their area.

The upfront price of metal roofing might seem daunting, especially when comparing it to basic 3-tab shingles, but with a life expectancy three times longer, greater resistance to Mother Nature’s fury, and the ability to reduce energy costs, metal roofing is considered a "value" to many over the life of their roof.  

Shingles might look less expensive initially, but they end up costing more over time.

For homeowners who want to learn more about the differences between metal roofing and shingles, share this article from our partner S-5!

Learn More

There are a lot of roofing options available to homeowners. Our eBook, Need a New Roof? How Building Owners Reduce Cost with a Metal Roof was written specifically to help building owners understand the options available to them. Share the link below with your customers so they can download a copy of the Need a New Roof eBook and learn more about their roofing options.

Your customers can learn everything they need to know about residential metal roofing here.  They can also check out our metal roofing resources for inspiration and answers to their questions.

Learn more about McElroy Metal on the RCS Directory.

Original article source: McElroy Metal

About McElroy Metal

Since 1963, McElroy Metal has served the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service. The family-owned components manufacturer is headquartered in Bossier City, La., and has 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States. Quality, service and performance have been the cornerstone of McElroy Metal’s business philosophy and have contributed to the success of the company through the years. As a preferred service provider, these values will continue to be at the forefront of McElroy Metal’s model along with a strong focus on the customer.