Metal roofing isn’t new. Builders have used it on modern buildings for decades, and its history goes back centuries, including copper roofs used in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Still, asphalt shingles became the preferred material in the mid-20th century and remain the most common form of roofing today.
However, a noticeable shift in preference is underway, with an increasing number of building owners learning about and selecting metal roofing. There are many reasons for this change, including metal roofs being more durable, energy-efficient, and fire-resistant than other types of roofs. They are also becoming more affordable, making them a viable option for a broader range of people.
This article details the many benefits of metal roofing and why more decision-makers are choosing it for their projects. It also explains how to move forward if you’re considering installing a metal roof.
THE MANY ADVANTAGES OF METAL ROOFS
There are many advantages to choosing metal roofing over other types of roofs. Here are just a few:
- Durability: Metal roofs are highly durable and can last decades, even in harsh weather conditions. They are resistant to wind, hail, snow, and fire, making them an excellent choice for building owners in areas prone to extreme weather.
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs reflect heat away from your home, which can help to keep your building cooler in the summer. This can lead to significant energy savings, especially in hot climates.
- Fire Resistance: Metal roofs are non-combustible, which means they will not burn in a fire. This characteristic can give you peace of mind and help to protect your building from fire damage.
- Low Maintenance: Metal roofs require very little maintenance. They do not need to be painted or sealed and can be easily cleaned.
- Long Lifespan: Metal roofs can last several decades, making them a cost-effective investment.
- Variety of Styles and Colors: Metal roofs come in various styles and colors, so you can find one that matches your building’s style.
- Environmentally Friendly: Metal roofs can be made from recycled materials and can be turned into other products at the end of their lifespan. As a result, the material doesn’t end up in landfills.
- Increased Curb Appeal: Metal roofs can give a building a modern, sophisticated look that is appealing to potential buyers.
People who have never considered a metal roof for their project and then learn about these benefits often revisit their selection of asphalt shingles or other materials before their project begins, and invariably, they are glad they did.
METAL ROOFS AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Some of the advantages of metal roofs listed above are readily apparent. It’s not hard to imagine a metal roof holding up well, even in the harshest of environments. Other benefits, like the availability of various styles and colors, might be surprising.
People tend to picture metal roofs in agricultural or industrial settings where building owners have, historically, been less concerned about appearance and more focused on performance. However, metal roofing available today — while still providing exceptional performance — comes in many varieties that enable designers to get creative and provide plans builders use to create beautiful structures.
SUSTAINABILITY: AN OFTEN-OVERLOOKED BENEFIT OF METAL ROOFS
Another characteristic of metal roofs that decision-makers may not have considered is their contribution to sustainability. As the world’s population grows and, with it, the number and size of landfills, people are increasingly thinking about the impact the “built environment” has on our planet.
Unlike asphalt shingles, which are typically hauled to the dump at the end of their useful life, metal roofing is completely recyclable. At the conclusion of its lifespan, a metal roof can be remade into other products that can also typically be recycled. Essentially, metal can move from one shape or form to another indefinitely.
That characteristic makes metal roofs greener, which is good for the environment and for commercial building owners. Meeting green building standards can help them financially through tax rebates and other incentives. What’s more, developing a reputation for being environmentally conscious can impress potential clients and customers, leading to new business opportunities.
CORRECTING MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT METAL ROOFS
The increase in people choosing metal roofs is also driven by education dispelling some long-held myths about them.
For example, some building owners believe that metal roofing is prohibitively expensive. While the initial cost may be higher than an asphalt shingle roof, the long-term cost may actually be lower due to a metal roof’s exceptional durability and longevity. As neighboring buildings are reroofed again and again, the owner of a structure with a metal roof can be happy not to be writing those checks!
Other misconceptions involve issues like rusting or denting. That’s understandable. Leave a typical piece of metal out in the elements, and it will likely rust and suffer impact damage from hailstones over time. However, metal roofing isn’t your typical metal. From their base materials to specialized coatings, metal roofing panels are engineered to resist corrosion, impacts, and other environmental assaults.
Another myth is that metal roofs become “frying pans” on hot summer days, significantly increasing the temperature inside a building, but the opposite is true. Metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays and heat much better than asphalt shingles, helping to keep buildings comfortable on the warmest days. Metal also cools faster than asphalt after the sun sets, letting your air conditioner throttle down sooner.
Other myths are equally unfounded, including that metal roofs are noisy (standard underlayment and insulation can make them quieter than other roofs), attract lightning (they don’t, and in fact, can handle a lightning strike better than a shingled roof), and leak around their fasteners (watertight seals from neoprene washers prevent that).
Ultimately, as these myths are busted, decision-makers find that there is a compelling case for installing a metal roof.
IS A METAL ROOF RIGHT FOR YOUR BUILDING?
Metal roofing is a wise choice for building owners who want a durable, energy-efficient, and fire-resistant roof. Nevertheless, if you are considering metal roofing for your project, it is essential to do your research.
The first aspect of your due diligence is to find a metal roofing supplier known for high-quality products and exceptional service. As an industry pioneer founded in 1887, Corrugated Metal Products has well over a century of leadership in formed metal products like roofing and siding. We’re a trusted supplier to the construction, original equipment, and defense industries in the U.S. and internationally.
It’s also critical to find the right contractor for your roofing work. Installing a metal roof isn’t difficult, but it requires knowledge that not all roofing contractors have. Ensure the professional you choose has experience with this type of project and can provide references. They should also be familiar with local building codes.
In addition, it’s advisable to get quotes from multiple qualified contractors. Be sure to review their proposals thoroughly and compare the services provided.
CHECK OUT OUR FEATURED PROJECTS
“Who knew metal products could be used in so many ways?” That’s a common reaction from people who visit our Feature Projects page.
Checking out the selection of engagements highlighted there — from athletic stadium roofing to vehicle siding to aircraft protective systems — leaves them informed and intrigued. Many subsequently inquire about metal panels for other projects they have in mind!
We’re glad those showcase projects whet their appetite, and we’re always open to discussing new ways to use our products. If you’ve got an innovative idea but aren’t sure if there is a formed metal material that meets the requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can explore the concept together and consider how to tackle it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s been said that what’s old is new again. That truism certainly applies to metal roofing. The material of choice in ancient times is experiencing a resurgence today, and for good reason. Strong, durable, and fire-resistant, it provides structures with exceptional protection. Fully recyclable at the end of its long lifespan, a metal roof contributes to a building’s sustainability. Available in a wide variety of materials, colors, and styles, metal roofing integrates into a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern and contemporary.
If you’re new to metal roofing, an excellent place to start is talking with CMI. Our experts are happy to discuss your project and explain how CMI’s products can help you meet your goals. That includes your functional requirements and your aesthetic preferences so that your new roof provides exceptional performance and the look you’re after.
Note that you don’t have to be ready to launch a project to contact us. Reaching out well in advance of your kickoff date gives you ample time to consider your options and choose the best material. Whether you’ll be getting underway in six months or haven’t yet set a start date, we can provide the information you need for budgeting and planning so that when the time comes, you can move forward without delay, confident that your metal roof will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.