Metal roofing has traditionally been used for mostly commercial, industrial and farm buildings. In fact, over 70 percent of North American homes are roofed with tar composition shingles (cellulose fibres or fibreglass coated with asphalt on both sides and topped with a protective mineral aggregate). The use of energy efficient metal roofing for residential and cottage applications, however, is growing rapidly and it is easy to understand why. Here are just a few of the benefits that metal roofing offers.
Increased Durability and Longevity
Metal roofs are made from galvanized aluminum, steel or copper, will never decompose and will last at least two to three times longer than a traditional asphalt roof – well over 50 or more years. They resist mildew, rot, and plant and animal intrusion. They won’t cup, curl, crack, tear, shrink, erode or go missing like asphalt shingles, and can withstand extremely high winds. Metal roofing will not burn and is resistant to punctures from flying debris and falling branches. A metal roof can be the only roof your home or cottage will ever need.
Reduced Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC) Expense
Metal roofs are energy efficient in that they reflect away the sun’s UV radiation and emit any absorbed energy back into the air far better than asphalt roofs. The better the reflection, the lower the absorption of heat. The better the emission, the lower the retention of that heat. This higher reflectivity and emissivity translates into lower household temperatures when your roof is subjected to UV radiation and in particular the hot summer months when your HVAC expense is high. The amount you save will depend on a variety of factors including what type of metal roof you choose, how extreme the weather is, what kind of HVAC system your home uses, and what household temperature is comfortable for you – to name just a few. Using your HVAC unit less results in longer HVAC unit life and fewer repairs.
Increased Environmental Friendliness
Most metal is almost 100% recyclable, which makes it very environmentally friendly, and metal roofing is made with partly recycled metal. Asphalt shingles contribute approximately 1.25 million tonnes of roofing waste to Canadian landfills every year. Energy efficient metal roofing requires less energy generation to keep your home at the comfortable temperature you want. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants into the environment and reduces human contribution to environmental change.
Reduced Roof Weight
Metal roofing weighs less than half as much as asphalt roofing. And since metal doesn’t absorb moisture, it’s weight stays the same in both dry and wet weather. It also has a smooth, clean surface that allows accumulated snow to slide off easily. This helps prevent the buildup of snow on your roof, which can put unnecessary stress and strain on the roof’s components, and help keeps your roof structurally sound.
Reduced Mould and Mildew Risks
Metal roofing does not absorb moisture so there is very little risk of mildew, moss or hazardous mould from ever developing and posing a health risk for your family.
Increased Fire Protection
Metal roofing is non-combustible and Class A fire rated which means it can withstand what’s called “severe exposure to fire” originating from sources outside your home. This helps protect your home from heat, flame and flaming debris emitted from your fireplace chimney and from any nearby burning structure or natural growth. It can also help prevent fire from spreading among buildings.
Reduced Roof Maintenance
Metal roofing requires little or no maintenance depending on the location and setting of your home. Roofing surfaces may be easily cleaned periodically with water spray from your garden hose to remove natural contamination such as soot spots from your fireplace chimney, natural gum droplets from trees, imprints from fallen leaves, any light debris and more.
Increased Home Beauty
Metal roofing comes in a variety of styles or profiles, in panels, shingles and tiles, and in more vibrant and durable colours than you might think. Many architects, designers and contractors are now incorporating metal roofing in their plans and sometimes in innovative ways, to create homes with beautiful and unique appearances. Metal roofing will give your home or cottage the look you want and the curb appeal buyers look for …… and last a lifetime.
As you may see, using metal roofing for your home offers a variety of benefits.
Let us help you select the roofing that benefits you the most. Contact us now.
