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Benefits & Disadvatages of Metal Roofing for Your Homes

Irvin Cramer

By Irvin Cramer

Last Updated on March, 2025

A metal roof will not only enhance the stability of your house but also add a touch of elegance and beauty.

Whether you are looking for a replacement or choosing roofing for your new home, you can go right with metal roofs. They are an efficient choice for your home where you plan on spending years of your life. 

Metal roofing is not just a trend anymore. It’s an evolution of roofs. From residential to commercial, metal roofing is becoming the norm. Its recent popularity is a testament to the benefits so many homeowners are experiencing. 

So, let’s dive into metal roofing and explore its benefits.

Quick Summary

  • Metal roofing offers a longer lifespan and superior durability compared to traditional asphalt shingles, making it a smart and sustainable choice for both homes and commercial buildings.
  • Metal roofing is energy efficient and can reduce cooling costs by reflecting UV and infrared rays.
  • While there are some cons to metal roofing, such as higher upfront costs and the need for professional installation, it is ultimately a better choice than asphalt shingles due to its durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of Metal Roofing: Busting Myths

a professional roofer installing metal roof

One thing you can trust in metal roofs is their durability. These cost-effective, best-type roofs on the market have been around long enough to gather reviews. 

Many people get tangled in the myths about metal roofs. We strongly encourage clients to conduct complete research on their own.

By understanding all the benefits of metal roofing materials used for metal roofs, you can choose the best option for your home rather than simply dismissing it as a ‘tin roof’ and sticking with a traditional asphalt shingle roof.

But we’re here to help you understand the benefits of a metal roof and to bust some myths you may have encountered. From durability to energy efficiency, there’s a lot to discover.

Advantages of a Metal Roof

Recently, homeowners are increasingly recognising the value of their homes by investing in metal roofing.

These roofs not only enhance the house’s longevity but also add a touch of style unique to metal roofs. Before you decide anything for your home, Let’s look at the benefits one by one:

Durability

Metal roofs have the best roofing material out of all the different types. Whether steel or aluminium, it will withstand extreme weather, solar heat, or a humid environment. If your existing roof gives you trouble, you must consider this environmentally friendly option. 

Steel roofs can tolerate wind speeds up to 140 miles per hour when installed properly. Residential metal roofing is highly advised for wildfire-prone areas. Its proven performance of more than 50 years increases the longevity of your home. 

Once you leave traditional roofing materials and choose metal shingles to give a modern touch to the conventional style, your house’s life will increase from 12-20 years to 70+ years. 

Energy Efficiency

a roofer installing metal roofs sheets

The traditional asphalt roof is typically inefficient. It leads to hotter homes in summer and colder homes in winter. Adding effective insulation to your metal roof is much simpler, too.

Metal roofs are very energy efficient. Adding metal roofing to your home will boost your energy savings. Metal roofs reflect UV and infrared rays responsible for the radiant heat. This feature allows a 10-25% drop in your energy bills. 

When you can decrease cooling costs by reducing solar radiant heat, metal roofs become worthy instantly. Traditional asphalt shingles trap heat; ultimately, the air-conditioning costs are much higher. 

Sustainability

If you must go through roof replacement for a new roof once, ensure that you won’t have to again by using other roofing materials like rust-resistant steel roofing. 

A properly installed metal roof is heat—and fire-resistant. Even heavy snow and rain will effortlessly slide off metal roofs. According to research by Metal Roofing Alliances, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles fill up landfills yearly. 

Unlike the construction material used for traditional roofing, metal roofing uses recycled materials. Installing a metal roof is so convenient that builders can put it on top of your house’s current roof. Metal roofs increase curb appeal and allow solar panels too. 

Fire Resistance

Today’s metal roofs are fire resistant, keeping the house from getting sparked and ignited into flames. This feature also saves the house from wildfires. Even if lightning strikes, the metal roof will not budge. 

Easy Maintenance

Imagine not worrying about cracking, splitting, or corroding your roof. There is no chance of mould, and metal roofs don’t need any high maintenance for the longevity they assure. 

Easy maintenance is one of the best metal roofing pros. Properly manufactured metal roofs will be made with galvanized steel or zinc that resists corrosion. Installed correctly, such metal roofs offer long life spans. 

Disadvantages of a Metal Roof

a roofer installing a metal roof for a house

It’s best to consider both metal roofing pros and cons before you decide to do so. After all, metal roofs may be better than shingle roofs and wood shakes, but there are still disadvantages of metal. Here are some cons of metal that make metal roofs less attractive to most people. 

HOA Rules

Homeowner Associations have their own rules for houses in their community. If you live in a community built to a certain standard, it can be challenging to install a metal roof even though the paint finishes and a standing seam give your house a modern vibe. 

Sometimes, you can request a meeting with the leaders of the association. You can discuss the benefits of metal roofs because some people only know the cons of metal roofs. 

Installation

Since metal roofs are not mainstream, find a professional team well-equipped to install a metal roof. Otherwise, in heavy rain, metal roofs leak. It might also fall apart if you get a cheap contractor with less experience to avoid the higher upfront cost. 

Choose someone with appropriate licensing and ensure you have insurance coverage for installation. 

Up-Front Costs

Although a tin roof proves to be much better than traditional shingles, the higher initial cost scares most people. Upfront costs usually increase because the total price is the sum of the cost per square foot of the roof. 

You can call ahead and get a quote for your house accordingly, but even if you get a higher cost, remember that metal roofs are longer lasting than any clay tiles in the market. 

If you choose expensive materials like clay tile or synthetic wood shakes, the cost will be much higher than that of a metal roof. 

Myths About Metal Roofing

Despite having some disadvantages, metal roofs don’t get enough credit because of some myths. 

  • Metal roofs attract lightning: This is the most common opinion you will hear from people. The truth is metal roofs are no more susceptible to lightning than asphalt shingles. 
  • They rust easily in humid climates: A special coating prevents metals from rusting, and any builder can add that to your metal roof. 
  • Metal roofs are ugly: Contrary to popular belief, standing seam panels have concealed fasteners that allow a sleeker, smoother look to your roof. 
  • They interrupt cell phone reception: Another misconception that makes people prefer asphalt shingles over metal roofs. If your house has reception issues, the issue cannot be caused by a different roof. 

What Makes Metal Roofing Better Than Asphalt Shingles?

a picture of a modern house with metal roofs

Though asphalt shingle roofs have been in the market for longer and are popular, they lack some features that metal roofing has. Unlike other kinds of roofs, metal roofs can be coated with special reflective pigments that ensure less heat gain. 

Some people have shown interest in the soothing sounds of rain hitting the tin roofs, often in white noise machines. Metal roofing will be your best bet if you’re after that aesthetic to add to your home. Last but not least, metal roofs have a longer lifespan than asphalt shingle roofs.

Useful guides:

Why Choose The Bristol Roofers?

The best choice for you would be the local roofers in your area. We guarantee you straightforward costs and the option of regular maintenance with our team. You can rely on us for prompt service, whether for roof replacement or minor repairs. 

We have more than sixty technicians with all the appropriate licenses to tend to your roofs. We promise to provide premium services so our team is regularly updated with new techniques and practices that improve their skills. You can call us anytime for a transparent service quote. 

FAQ’s

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that if you invest in a metal roof, you must also invest in the best professional for the installation. You must do the research and check out our customer reviews before you hire so you can have peace of mind, too. 

The increased value of your home will benefit you and your family while giving your home a modern, sleek look. 

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