Why Choose a Metal Roof Over a Standard Asphalt Roof?

Durability

• A metal roof actually has the ability to last twice as long as a standard asphalt roof because it is more durable. Roof leaks are less likely to occur on a metal roof, and water and snow flow off of this type of roof easily, thus preventing the buildup of destructive ice dams at the eaves and also keeping the roof intact. In addition, a metal roof is not as susceptible to fire as an asphalt roof is, so this type of roof is a solid choice in an area where wildfires run rampant.

  A metal roof's resistance to cracking and rotting also make it superior to standard asphalt roofing. In addition, although this type of roof is made of metal, it does not rust. It can stand up against winds that blow as fast as 120 miles per hour, which is equal to the winds of an F2 tornado.

Appearance and Noise Reduction

• Because a metal roof is aesthetically pleasing and stands out more than a standard asphalt roof, it increases your house's value, thus paying for the cost of the roof in the long run. In addition, metal roofs sometimes actually quiet noise created during hailstorms and rainstorms even better than asphalt roofs do.

Convenience

• Metal roofs are convenient as far as installation is concerned. You have the option of placing a metal roof over your traditional asphalt roof, saving you the time and energy of removing the old roof, which is possible because some metal roofs are just a third of the weight of asphalt roofs.

Green Benefits

• A huge benefit of a metal roof is that you can easily install solar panels on the roof, which capture the sun's energy. The solar system's photovoltaic cells then transform this solar energy into electricity your residence uses, thus saving you on almost half of your traditional energy costs. Because metal roofs are considered green products that reflect heat, the Energy Savers program of the U.S. Department of Energy offers tax credits for homeowners who have metal roofs that decrease the amount of heat entering their homes (see Resources). Metal roofs additionally are recyclable.