The Pro’s and Con’s of Metal Roofing
Looking for metal roofing in Albuquerque, NM? K-Ram Roofing is a reliable metal roofing contractor in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. For more than 35 years, K-Ram Roofing has been proudly helping with metal roofs in Albuquerque the best for homeowners, stable and energy efficient solutions for their home. Our goal is to maintain 100% customer satisfaction.
There are many roofing materials to choose from today. While most homeowners are familiar with asphalt shingles and tile roofs, metal roofs can be an excellent option due to their longevity, beauty, and minimal maintenance requirements. Here are some good reasons to consider installing a metal roof when you replace your home’s roof.
BENEFITS OF METAL ROOFING
While not the ideal material for all situations, residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing areas of home improvement. Metal roofs offer several unique advantages:
- Longevity. Most roofs will only last for 10-30 years. Metal roofs, on the other hand, last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, depending on the type and quality of the metal.
- Durability. Many metal roofs can withstand high winds of up to 140 mph. A metal roof will not crack or corrode. Metal is also resistant to rot, insects, and mildew.
- Energy efficient. A metal roof will reflect solar heat, potentially reducing your cooling costs in the summer by up to 25%. This is an important benefit if you live in a sunny climate.
- Minimal Maintenance. Asphalt shingle roofs have high maintenance demands but metal roofs require very periodic and low-cost maintenance which usually involves an inspection for damage.
- Fire resistant. A metal roof will not ignite and catch fire from lightning.
- Eco-friendly. Most metal roofs are made with anywhere from 25-95% recycled content but the material is also 100% recyclable once its life as a roof is over. Most other roofing materials ends up in landfills.
- Beauty. There is nothing quite as beautiful as a stunning metal roof in the sunlight. Unlike other roofing materials that lose value and diminish in appearance as they age, metal roofs develop a beautiful patina over time.
- Lightweight. Clay tile roofs weight about 750 pounds per inch while a metal roof weighs just 50-150 pounds per square inch, far less than all other roofing materials. This can help preserve the structural integrity of the home.
- Easy installation. Metal roofs can be installed quickly by an experiencing roofing contractor or roofing company.
DOWNSIDES OF METAL ROOFS
As you can see, metal roofs offer many benefits over other roofing materials. Still, metal comes with drawbacks. One of the biggest downsides is the initial cost. A metal roof will cost anywhere from $150 to $600 per 100 square feet, although you may save more in the long-run due to its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements.
With a metal roof, you will also have a loud drumming effect inside the home when it rains or hails. Large hailstones can potentially dent the metal as well, although some types of metal will not dent. It’s also possible for painted metal finishes to scratch, fade, chip, or peel over time, although most are guaranteed for 30 years.