Metal roofs have grown in popularity over the last decade. Especially in modern farmhomes. A metal roof comes with several advantages especially in a colder wet climate, like we see here in the Pacific Northwest.
Metal roofs also offer a style that draws the eye. It brings a bit of a change from the normal and feels a little more elevated than a shingle roof. But before you make the investment in a new metal roof, you want to weigh all the benefits and the drawbacks to see if it is right for your Arlington home.
Benefits of Metal Roofing
- Lifespan: a metal roof has a longer lifespan than other roofing materials. The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles which have an average lifespan between 20 and 25 years. A metal roof has an average lifespan of about 80 years.
- Durability: the metal materials used for roofing are strong. A metal roof is capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. They are very good in snow and can stand up to winds of 140 miles per hour. The majority of metal roofing materials come with a Class 4 impact rating. This amounts to standing up to hail about 2 inches in diameter.
- Curb Appeal: a metal roof when installed properly brings a high-end look to a home. This is one of the reasons they have grown in interest and popularity in the last few years.
- Sustainable: metal roofs are more earth-friendly than other options. Asphalt roofing needs to be thrown away and is unable to be used again. Metal roofing can be made from recycled materials. If you need to replace your metal roof in the future your roofing material can be put to other uses instead of dropped in a landfill.
- Extra Cooling: in the summer a metal roof helps to deflect heat from the home. This is a great bonus for Arlington homes which often don’t see high enough temperatures in the summer to warrant investing in a large air conditioner, but do see enough warm days that an extra cooling feature is welcomed.
Drawbacks
Cost: metal roofing materials are quite a bit more than a shingle roof. The average cost of a metal roof is about 1.5 times that of a shingle roof. The cost of a metal roof for your home will depend on many factors. These factors include the size of your home, the pitch of the roof if there are extra features on the roof, and the material and color you choose. It will cost significantly more than shingles but is still a more budget-friendly option than tiles.
Possible Denting and Scratching: there is a possibility that a metal roof could get scratched or take a dent with impact. Aluminum and copper roofs are more prone to dents than steel. The highest likelihood of a dent is an extremely heavy hail storm or a tree branch falling on the roof. Most often tree branches create scratches. The best plan is to read the included warranty with your roofing material choice before purchase.
Sound: a metal roof can create more noise inside the home when it is raining outside. However, some people tend to find the increased rain sound soothing. You can reduce the noise a metal roof creates with the use of a high-quality underlayment. Proper insulation in your roof line and attic space will also help to reduce the noise.
Rust Protection: metal does rust when exposed to water. This means that a metal roof on a home in Arlington is going to need rust protection. Many metal roofs come with protection or can add protection at installation. A homeowner wants to make sure they have the adequate rust protection they need for the climate and that they apply the proper protection with wear over time.
A metal roof could be a great upgrade for the longevity of your roof as well as a large boost in the curb appeal of your home. You want to make sure you hire a contractor with plenty of experience with metal roofing as the installation requires more skill.
If you are ready to make the switch to metal roofing on your Arlington home give us a call. We are roofing experts in Snohomish County. Let us help you get your roof in top shape now and for several years to come.