by Metal roofs have been gaining popularity as a roofing material choice for both residential and commercial properties in recent decades. Made from materials like aluminum, steel, copper, and tin/terne, metal roofs offer benefits like durability, sustainability, and low maintenance requirements compared to traditional asphalt shingle roofs. In this article, we will take a closer look at metal sheeting and its advantages.
Durability of Metal sheeting
One of the biggest advantages of Metal Roofing sheeting is its incredible durability and longevity. While asphalt shingles typically last 15-25 years, metal roofs are built to withstand all weather elements for 50 years or more with little to no maintenance required. Metal does not warp, rot, or deteriorate like wood or break down from exposure like asphalt shingles. Instead, it stands up strong against sun exposure, high winds, heavy snow/ice loads, and other weather extremes. Properly installed metal roof panels are warrantied to last at least 50 years without any leaks or damage. Their longevity alone makes metal roofs a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking for a “do-it-and-forget-it” roofing material.
Sustainability of Metal Roofing
In addition to being extremely durable, metal sheeting is also a very sustainable roofing choice. Unlike asphalt shingles which end up in landfills after their short lifespan, metal sheeting is 100% recyclable at the end of its very long use. In fact, old metal roofs are often removed intact during renovations and reused on other structures rather than being trashed. Overall, metal roofs have among the lowest environmental impacts of all roofing materials. What’s more, many kinds of metal like aluminum and steel can be produced using recycled materials, making metal sheeting a dual win for sustainability.
Low Maintenance Requirements
The low maintenance requirements of Metal Roofing are another key benefit. While asphalt shingle roofs require periodic maintenance like cleaning, repairing, and eventual full replacements, metal sheeting is incredibly low-maintenance. Aside from occasional washings, metal roofs need virtually no upkeep or repair work for decades. There are no cracked, curling, or missing shingles to monitor and replace. This hands-off approach saves homeowners both time and money in maintenance costs over the lifetime of the roof. Homeowners also never have to worry about repairs in difficult-to-reach areas or after severe weather events.
Aesthetic and Design Options
Once only available in plain galvanized steel panels, modern metal sheeting comes in a wide range of aesthetic options. Homeowners have the choice of multiple metallic finishes like weathered copper, slate-gray steel, or deep terra cotta colors. In addition, pre-formed metal shingle and shake profiles mimic the look of traditional asphalt or wood roofing materials. This allows metal roofs to complement a variety of architectural styles from farmhouse to Craftsman. Design options even include embossed woodgrain textures. Special coating technologies also mean that bright white and light, neutral colors found in asphalt shingles can now be achieved with long-lasting metal sheeting as well. These expanded design options have made metal roofs into an aesthetically-pleasing choice, not just a pragmatic one.
Energy Efficiency and Cool Roof Technologies
Not only does metal sheeting stay looking good for decades, but it can also help reduce energy bills year after year. Many metal sheeting materials have a high solar reflectance, meaning they reflect sunrays and infrared heat instead of absorbing it. This lightweight, heat-reflective quality keeps attics and homes noticeably cooler than under conventional asphalt shingles. In hotter climates especially, metal roofs can lower AC costs by up to 10-25%. In addition, new “cool roof” technologies have been developed which incorporate special pigments and coatings into paints and finishes to maximize solar reflectance. With a cool metal roof, every day is a cooler, more energy efficient day inside the home.
Hail Resistance for Metal Roofing
No roofing material stands up better to hail than metal. While severe hail storms can damage or even completely destroy asphalt shingle or tile roofs, metal simply dents on impact without allowing water intrusion. The denting is usually only superficial and does not impact the watertight integrity. In hail-prone regions, metal sheeting offers total peace of mind during storm season that the roof overhead will remain protective. What’s more, it may prevent thousands of dollars in insurance claims and roof replacements down the road. Metal’s strength and flexibility make it highly hail resistant, important for homeowners in storm alley areas of the country.
Fire Safety with Metal sheeting
Though less commonly thought of than weather resistance, metal sheeting also outshines other materials when it comes to fire safety. Asphalt shingles and wood shake roofs can easily catch fire from wind-blown embers or flames. But metal, having no combustible components, will not ignite or spread flames. In wildfire-prone regions, FEMA has metal sheeting as its top recommendation for new construction or roof replacements. Metal’s non-flammability helps protect homes near or within fire zones. It’s an excellent choice for adding an extra line of defense against structure-destroying wildfires.
Cost Effectiveness of Metal Roofing
While the upfront material cost of metal sheeting is usually higher than asphalt shingles, metal roofs more than make up for this in their 50+ year lifespan with no future replacement costs. Homeowners get far more years of use from one premium metal roof than multiple lower-cost asphalt shingle reroofings over time. In fact, studies show the total lifetime cost of a metal roof including installation and continued maintenance is lower overall compared to asphalt shingles that need replacing every 15-25 years. Rebates and incentive programs are also sometimes available from utilities or government agencies to help offset the initial metal roof investment and further improve its long-term cost-effectiveness. For new construction or a major renovation, going with a single metal roof makes the most financial sense.
metal sheeting has become a very popular choice for its strength, longevity, aesthetics, sustainability, low maintenance requirements, and overall versatility as a roofing material. Homeowners are increasingly selecting premium metal for its unequaled combination of performance benefits making it a wise long-term investment. With metal sheeting, homes are protected inside and out for generations to come without burdensome upkeep costs or premature replacements.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
