The Pros and Cons of Steel Roofs for Homes
There’s a reason why the metal roofing market is worth an estimated $2.1 billion. Thousands of people are discovering the benefits that can come with installing a steel roof over traditional roofing materials.
However, these benefits don’t come without their drawbacks. So, how can you be sure whether or not steel roofs are the right choice for your home? Simple: by reading this article.
In it, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the pros and cons of steel roofs. That way, you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to invest in them. Now, let’s get started!
What Are the Pros That Come With Having Steel Roofs?
Steel roofs come with plenty of benefits that aren’t present in traditional roofs. They should be viewed as an investment considering the number of perks that come with them. In this section, we’ll go over some of the advantages that come with installing them.
They Last a Long Time
Traditional roofs typically last between twelve and twenty years depending on certain conditions and factors. After that, you will need to spend a lot of money replacing them. However, the same isn’t true for metal roofs.
These types of roofs come with a much longer lifespan than the average roof. Generally, you can expect a steel roof to last between forty and seventy years before you need to replace it. So, depending on your age, it could last you for the rest of your life.
They’re Durable
If you live in areas with bad storm conditions, then you might want to consider steel roofs. These types of roofs are much more durable than other types. They can withstand winds that reach speeds of one hundred forty miles per hour.
Plus, they’re impact-resistant so they can survive trees falling on them. However, it’s important to note that if you want your steel roofs to be durable, then you will need to make sure that they’re installed correctly.
Otherwise, they’re liable to break during strenuous conditions.
They’re Safer Than Other Roof Materials
Steel roofs are generally safer than roofs made out of wood or similar materials. The main reason for this is the fireproof nature of the metal. Metal roofs cannot be ignited by sparks started during a wildfire, lightning, and other types of fire.
Wood roofs, on the other hand, light up quickly and can make exiting your house during a fire difficult. This makes them great for areas with frequent forest fires, like California or similar areas out west. However, they’re great for any family that cares about proper fire safety.
They’re Better For Energy Efficiency
Steel roofs make it more affordable to cool your house during the warm months. How? By reflecting the light from the sun. UV rays from the sun are responsible for heating your house when they’re absorbed by the material.
However, metal-like steel reflects a good portion of these rays away from the house. This can result in a 25% reduction in your cooling costs. This energy efficiency perk can even save you money.
Because it’s better for the environment, the federal government offers tax credits for installing them. So, if you install a metal roof, then you can save money and the environment.
They’re Safer For the Environment
Did you know that steel roofs are also better for the planet? This isn’t just because they save on energy costs. It’s also because most metal material is easily recyclable.
Depending on the type of metal, between 25% and 95% of the roof is likely composed of recyclable material. And, if you have a steel roof, then at the end of its lifespan 100% of the material is recyclable.
But recycling the metal material reduces the amount of strain that’s caused by mining operations. Plus, it doesn’t deplete wood sources that are an important part of the environment.
What Are the Cons That Come With Having Steel Roofs?
Sadly, like anything, steel roofs aren’t perfect. Many of the problems are related to financing issues and climates aren’t suited for them. In this section, we’ll go over these drawbacks so you can know if they aren’t a good fit for your home or budget.
They’re More Expensive
The first drawback that comes with steel roofs is their price. Metal represents a much more significant upfront cost than other types of roofing materials. In most cases, you can expect to pay between two to three times more when going with a steel roof.
However, it’s important to note that the rough will last longer. As such, you will make your money back if you stay at the home long enough. However, this is only true if you’re living in the home.
So, make sure you’ll be at your property for a long time before you invest in the roofs.
They Can Be Noisy
When it rains hard or hails, metal roofs can quickly become fairly noisy. For some people, this noise can get annoying. If it bothers you, and you still want a metal roof, then you can try insulating the area around your roof for sound.
This will make the job more expensive, but it will lessen the sound. However, keep in mind that this noise isn’t always a detriment. Indeed, some people love the sound of rain pattering on a metal roof. So, if you fall in this category, then you might want metal roofs specifically for this sound.
They Aren’t Great For Some Climates
Steel roofs aren’t great for areas with a climate that fluctuates between extreme hot and cold. Why? Because the metal is attached to panels that expand and contract when they heat up and cool off.
As such, if they’re frequently contracting and expanding, then it can cause components to break and become dislodged. This is especially common with washers and screws. As such, they aren’t the best choice for people living in these temperate environments.
They Can Be Difficult to Color Match
There will likely come a time in the life of your metal roof where you will need to replace or repair a section. Sadly, if this is done years after the initial installation, then it can be difficult to find steel that matches the other panels.
This is because the existing metal has been altered by the environment. As such, there will likely be sections of the roof that are different from others. While this might not bother some people, others might not appreciate the contrast in appearance between the two things.
They Can Rust
Unfortunately, steel is prone to rust, especially in wet climates. Rust not only changes the appearance, but it can also affect the structural integrity of the roof. As such, it’s not the best option for places that get a lot of rain weekly.
Poor Installation Can Ruin Them
It’s important to find a metal roof installer that knows what they’re doing. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending more money on a roof that breaks quickly.
One of the most common mistakes that installers make is creating sections of the roof where water can accumulate. This can cause serious damage that will eventually require you to replace that whole section of the roof. As such, make sure you screen installers so that you’re 100% sure you can trust them.
What Else Can You Use Steel For In Your Home?
It’s important to remember that roofs aren’t the only part of your home that can benefit from steel material. You can also install steel as an exterior wall material. Or you can use them internally as steel beams for residential construction.
Some people also like to use steel for kitchen counter space and other internal decorating purposes. As you can imagine, these different uses come with a lot of the same pros and cons as metal roofs.
So, if your home is the right fit for steel roofs, then you will likely also benefit from having it in other areas of your home. Just make sure that you speak to the contractor first to get a second opinion. That way, you’re confident that you made the right call.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn more about the pros and cons that come with steel roofs. As you can see, there’s a lot of things to like about a steel roof. Sadly, they aren’t a great fit for some environments and budgets.
If you still aren’t sure whether or not steel roofs are right for you, then we recommend contacting a professional. They can give you a better idea of if steel roofs are a viable option for your specific circumstances.
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