Pros and Cons of Steel Roofing for Your Home

Many homeowners are looking for ways to increase the sustainability of their homes and reduce their environmental impact. More than ever before, people are becoming aware of their carbon footprint and trying to find ways to keep it small. For this reason, the demand for steel roofing has increased dramatically over the past decade.

While steel roofing is a great eco-friendly alternative for your home, it has many other benefits. For those that are building a home, adding a steel roof can increase the value of your home and provide you with a durable roofing option that can last the lifetime of your house.

Reputable contractors like City Seamless Roofing encourage their customers to choose quality products for their homes. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of steel roofing.

Advantages of Steel Roofing

Durability

One of the reasons that steel roofs are able to last for such a long time is because they are made out of durable material. Steel roofing is the top choice for homeowners that are located in areas that receive a lot of hail and severe thunderstorms. They are also highly resistant to wind damage, making them the perfect roofing material for homes that are located in the path of hurricanes. The strength of steel roofing is partly due to the thickness measurement. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker steel, so it’s important to note what gauge your roofing is for maximum strength.

Longevity

Asphalt shingles on homes have been the norm for decades. While asphalt can provide your home with a good barrier to weather, they are only guaranteed for up to 25 years. This means that sometime in the ownership of your home, you will be forced to do a full roof replacement. Steel roofing can last up to 100 years when properly maintained. The rust-proofing aluminum and zinc coating keep your roof looking new for generations. Specialized paint is used to seal the steel roofing panels so that your color stays vibrant for years. As it fades over time, it has the advantage of being able to be recoated for a brand new look.

Energy Efficient

Steel roofing is one of the most energy-efficient choices for your home. It is able to reflect the sun’s rays to help keep your home cooler in the hot summer months. Steel roofing also creates a radiant heat block that helps to trap your heated air inside your home in the winter. This incredible barrier helps to reduce the cost of your energy bills since your HVAC system doesn’t need to work so hard to keep up with your heating and cooling demands.

Environmentally Friendly

While classic asphalt shingles are made of toxic materials and add to our already overcrowded landfills, steel roofing is the responsible and environmental choice. Steel roofing is made from 100% recycled materials and is also recyclable when it is done, acting as a roof. Using more recycled materials in your home’s construction can help you reduce your overall carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of your home.

Disadvantages of Steel Roofing

Cost

Your steel roof could potentially cost up to three times that of a shingled roof installation. For many people, that upfront cost may seem hard to swallow. Roofing is a big investment regardless of the material, so some people find it hard to budget when it comes to steel roofing. The long-term savings need to be considered as a steel roof can last the lifetime of your home, while shingles will eventually have to be replaced. If you can afford the initial cost, then steel roofings will be worth the investment in the long run.

Styles

The one disadvantage with steel roofs is that what you see is what you get. There are very few style options to choose from. While steel can be shaped and cut to match any roofline, there are few options when it comes to texture and appearance. Asphalt shingles come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors to easily match any house style. You can get shingles to look like slate or wood shingles, making it easier and more affordable to get the look of alternative roofing.

Colors

While some manufacturers may offer a range of colors for their roofing, the options are still fairly limited, and may not blend well with your home. On the other hand, asphalt shingles or ceramic roofing tiles are available in an endless array of colors. They also often come in blended colors that will highlight your house features or enable them to mimic other materials like wood or slate.

Noise

You may not give the noise your roof produces in bad weather unless you have steel roofing. In heavy rain or a hail storm, a steel roof can be deafeningly loud. While you may think that the sound of rain on the tin roof sound is charming, when the hail starts to fly, you won’t be able to hear yourself think. Many owners complain that the noise from a steel roof can be excessive without extra insulation.

Installation

While installing shingles is fairly easy and can be done by most homeowners without the help of a contractor, steel roofing can be very difficult to install on your own without the right tools and knowledge. You have to have the perfect conditions when installing steel roofing to ensure your safety. It’s best to have professionals perform the installation, which will increase your overall replacement costs.

As steel roofing becomes more popular, many homeowners begin weighing the pros and cons of installing this type of roofing material. Steel roofing has some great benefits, including its longevity, durability, eco-friendliness, and energy efficiency, which are great for those that want a more sustainable choice. However, steel roofing has some disadvantages, including increased noise, contracted installation, limited style choices, and higher initial investment. If you are looking for a new roof, consider both sides before you make your choice.