Blame it on the modern farmhouse design craze or the trend toward more environmentally friendly homes. Or the fact that new home buyers want their homes to be as safe and energy-efficient as possible.
For all of those reasons and more, metal roofs have become one of the fastest-growing segments of residential roofing products. According to Classic Metal Roofing Systems in Ohio, the demand for metal roofs has quadrupled in the last 10 years.
If you are on the fence about an energy efficient metal roof for your new home, here are some things to consider.
Long-Lasting Beauty
Today’s standing seam metal roofs deliver an aesthetic unlike any other roofing product. Sure, they are the perfect topper to a modern farmhouse design, but their application doesn’t stop there. “Thanks to technological leaps, metal roofing is now available in an array of colors, textures and profiles to complement any architectural style,” says Central Texas-based Starr Roofing in a recent blog post. “They can also mimic the look of slate, asphalt shingles and cedar shakes.”
And that beauty is one that stands the test of time and the elements. “Other roofing materials begin a deterioration process from the first moment of installation that affects their looks over time,” notes the Classic Metal Roofing team. “Metal roofing, on the other hand, can keep a very fresh “new roof” look into the future.” Metal roofs can maintain their beautiful appearance for up to 50 years with little maintenance.
Environmentally and Energy-Efficient
Homeowners looking to reduce their environmental footprint and save energy costs will reap those benefits with a metal roof. By reflecting the sun’s energy, these “cool roofs” help maintain a balanced temperature between the roof deck and the home, and that means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association estimates that a metal roof can be about 100 degrees cooler on the surface than traditional asphalt roofs, potentially reducing summer cooling costs by a significant amount.
On top of the energy efficiency they offer, metal roofs are made with 35 to 95 percent recycled content. When it eventually needs replacement, your roof should be 100% recyclable — keeping it out of the landfill unlike other roofing products.
Stands Up to the Elements
Metal roofs are not just beautiful. They also are tough competitors to harsh weather conditions. Their toughness comes not only from the strong panels themselves, but also from the way in which metal roofs are installed. Unlike composition shingles that overlap, metal panels interlock or interconnect with minimal seaming. That structure delivers a roof that is resistant to rain, hail, snow, ice and sun.
In hurricane and high-wind prone regions, metal roofs also deliver impressive wind resistance. Roof ventilation expert Todd Miller has tested various roofing materials in high-wind simulations. His assessment: “A quality installation of a quality wind resistance can make a difference during horrific hurricanes and tropical storms.”
Particularly in fire-prone areas, a metal roof can add valuable fire protection from airborne sparks and embers.
Bottom line: Their combination of classic beauty complementing any design aesthetic, durability against Mother Nature and energy-savings potential are making metal roofs a cool roof option for new homes. Ready to start shopping? Head over to NewHomeSource for current home listings!
Freelance writer and marketer Sue Durio has been writing about construction, design and related products for more than 18 years.
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