Metal roofs are great if you’re looking for longevity, durability, and reduced energy costs. Take New Jersey for example—most areas have 25-30 thunderstorms yearly.

Even the best quality shingles take a beating, over time. At best, you’d only have to deal with a small leak. Worst case scenario? Getting full roof replacements.

Most metal roofs easily handle these summer storms, winter hails, and heavy snow loads. The question now is, should you go metal with a metal roof? We’re here to help you get an answer.

Should You Go With a Metal Roof?: Advantages and Drawbacks

Going with a metal roof has tons of benefits even for residential homeowners. But there are several factors to consider. Here’s a look at the key advantages and drawbacks of metal roofs:

Longevity

Metal roofs last a lifetime, well almost. With proper maintenance and upkeep (which you wouldn’t need much of), metal roofs can last between 40 to 70 years, and even longer.

Metal is great against rot, corrosion, cracking, and warping. Premium metal roofing materials like copper or zinc can even last over a century.

Durability

Most shingle roofs get heavily damaged after a big storm. If there’s a gaping hole in your roof, it’s one of the clearest signs you should replace your roof. That won’t be a problem for metal.

Most metal roofs can handle heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and accumulated snow. They’re resistant to impact damage from flying debris and are non-combustible.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs might be more expensive than shingles up front, but they save you energy costs in the long run. Studies show that metal’s reflective properties reduce cooling costs by up to 25%.

Some metal roofs also come with cool roof coatings. The most popular types of coating include acrylic, silicone, elastomeric, and ceramic.

Low Maintenance

Leftover debris often goes unnoticed. Debris causes clogging, leading to water pooling, and ultimately, a leak. The same goes for moss and algae growth, which causes shingle curling.

That’s why you should be cleaning your roof consistently. But, those issues don’t exist if you have a metal roof. Occasional inspections and cleaning gutters are typically all the maintenance you need to keep your roof in top condition.

Aesthetics

There’s a metal roof for every design aesthetic you could think of from the style, color, and finish. Metal roofs look more modern, chic, and add a lot of value to your home’s curb appeal.

You’ve got classic standing seam panels, modern metal shingles, and even metal roofing embedded with solar panels for that futuristic look.

Drawbacks of Using Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have all these amazing benefits, but the reality is, it’s not for everyone. So, before investing a large chunk of cash into a metal roof installation, consider the following:

Cost

Metal roofs have higher upfront costs than asphalt—that’s a given. But, you can still make up for it with low maintenance costs and energy savings.

On average, you get $10 to $25 per square foot for metal roofs. Shingles cost around $4 to $7. The factors that affect pricing include the type of metal. The most popular include steel, aluminum, and copper.

Noise

Metal roofs can get noisy when there’s rain or hail. It comes with the material. You can mitigate this through proper installation with the right insulation material.

For example, you can do attic insulation, install soundproofing underlayment, or use sound-dampening paint. Roof design is also a factor to think about. Standing seams are often quieter than corrugate or exposed fastener panels.

Expansion and Contraction

Metal expands and contracts as temperature changes. Professional roof contractors need to account for this to ensure the structural integrity of the metal roof.

If expansion and contraction aren’t accounted for, there’s a chance that the roof will cause buckling or leaking. Ensure contractors use the right fastening techniques and expansion joints.

Snow Shedding

Not having to deal with snow on your roof feels amazing. But, it can lead to large volumes of snow sliding off your roof all at once. The best solution for this is to use snow guards or snow retention systems.

Installation

It’s best to leave metal roof installation to vetted, licensed, and experienced professionals. Hiring qualified contractors means ensuring proper installation and valid warranties for the materials. Before making a deal with any company, verify their credentials, and insurance info, and look for testimonials or reviews.

Go for local roofers. They’ll likely know the local building codes and homeowner association (HOA) regulations for metal roof installations.

How to Know if You’re Home Can is Ideal For a Metal Roof?

You can’t know for sure if your home has the structural integrity to handle a metal roof installation. It’s not something you can do after a couple of DIY videos on YouTube. This is when you prioritize getting a roof inspection. Professional roofers have systems in place to check the:

  • Age and condition of your home’s existing structure
  • Roof framing if it can handle the weight of the metal panels and needed reinforcements
  • Roof pitch if it’s too low or too flat for draining
  • Building and labor codes in your local area

Things to Remember About Metal Roofing

Metal roofs have been growing in popularity for their durability, longevity, and aesthetics. But, they’re not the best fit for every home.

You need to take the time to do the research and have the professionals check your roof. To recap, here are five drawbacks to consider:

  • Metal roofs can be 2 to 3 times more expensive than regular shingles
  • Metal roofs are noisier during rain or hail if it isn’t installed with the right insulation
  • Expansion and contraction must be accounted for before installation
  • Snow can slide off the sides of a metal roof causing large volumes to fall at once
  • Professionals are needed for proper roof insulation and can’t be installed DIY

If you need a metal roof installed in the New Jersey area, look no further than All County Exteriors. Get a free quote from us today!