There are many pros and cons to metal roof installation. Though the benefits are numerous, there are also some drawbacks. We’ve done our best to provide an unbiased analysis on the pros and cons of metal roofing.
Pro: Long Life
When a metal roof is properly installed, it should last as long as fifty years and possibly more. In many cases, it lasts as long as the house.
Metal roof installation done right seals out water, prepares your roof to survive high winds, and easily will be able to shake off accumulating snow. Also resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot, there’s not much that can bring this material down.
Con: Initial Cost
When you first buy a metal roof, it’s going to cost more initially than traditional shingles. Typically costs can be as high as $600 per 100 square feet. This is in line with other premium materials.
Because of its high durability, metal roof panels tend to save you more in the long-run by eliminating the seasonal maintenance and occasional replacement that traditional shingles offer. If you plan on staying in your home for a decade or longer, going with a metal roof will actually help save on cost over the years.
Pro: Lightweight
Traditional tile is 750 pounds per 100 square feet, concrete tile is 900 pounds per 100 square feet, and metal roofing easily outdoes both of these numbers at anywhere between 50 and 150 pounds per 100 square feet depending on the variety purchased.
This means less stress on the structure of your home, and ultimately a roof that is able to withstand snow and ice longer and more effectively.
Pro: Easy Installation
Metal roofing materials come in multiple shingle sections that simply need to have their panels interlocked for the most part. Any accomplished contractor can install these quickly and easy.
Pro: Better Heat Conduction
Metal reflects the radiant heat from the sun. This minimizes heat gain, saving you energy in the summer on air conditioning. The dead-air space between metal and roof deck also increases energy efficiency by providing better ventilation.
Pro: Shed Rain and Snow Easy
Living in an area where there’s always the threat of a major snowstorm can wreck a roof over time. Metal roofing is near imperious to rain and snow due to the interlocking nature of the design. Because the surfaces are hard and slippery, any snow or ice will fall right off.
Con: Denting
Just like when a golf ball cracks into a car, any hail stones that fall from the sky may end up leaving dents. The sensitivity to denting varies depending on the exact metal product purchased so it is worth keeping in mind and even asking about to your manufacturer.
As evidenced, there are numerous pros and cons to metal roof installation to keep in mind when deciding on whether to choose metal as your roofing material. If the upfront cost is not a problem, metal is still among the most highly recommended roofing materials in Canada.