Your Northern Virginia roofing company may recommend a metal roof. It is increasingly popular because it lasts a long time compared to other materials, requires minimal maintenance, and helps save on energy.
Here's what to know before you decide to replace your roof, according to a leading Northern Virginia roofing contractor.
Pros
Let's consider the benefits of this type of roofing in Northern VA.
1 - Long-Lasting
A metal roof can last from 40 to 70 years, depending on the type of material. That's about double the longevity of typical asphalt shingle roofs. Plus, the material rarely needs to be fixed or maintained, so you can save on maintenance fees.
2 - Durable
Metal roofing isn't easily prone to corrosion, cracks, or damage from impact, and the material can withstand wind gusts as strong as 140 mph. Virginia can get pretty windy, making this an excellent choice for upgrading your roof in Northern VA.
3 - Safe
Metal roofs aren't flammable. They're an excellent choice for buildings in areas where wildfires and lightning strikes are common.
4 - Energy Efficient and Sustainability
Metal is used in place of other materials for roofs for its recyclability. Metal roofing is 100% recyclable, meaning that old panels, tear-offs, and leftover scraps can be appropriately repurposed after their lifespan as a roofing material. In fact, metal roofing is composed, on average, of 25 to 95% already recycled material.
Metal roofs also reflect the sun’s infrared light and UV rays that contribute to surface radiant heat, which can save up to 40% on energy costs and provide excellent insulation during winter!
Cons
Roofers in Northern Virginia advise that installation mistakes can have serious consequences when dealing with metal roofs. That's why working with an experienced Northern Virginia roofing company like A&M Roofing is essential.
1 - Expensive
The price of metal roofing is double to triple that of most other roofing materials. And, though the material will last longer than others, the initial investment is more significant.
2 - Noisy
Thin metal roofs can cause a lot of noise in the home during rain or hail. How much noise will depend on the type of installation and which material was used – ask your roofer for the best options.
3 - Short Fastener Longevity
Paneled metal roofs use fasteners between panels to allow expansion and contraction when the weather changes. The fastener screws and neoprene washers degrade under the sun and other climates and can become dislodged with time.
4 - Fading Colors Make Replacement Harder
Metal roofing comes in a variety of types and colors; finding the exact color can be difficult when replacing one section only.
While you may find a color that matches the color you chose when the roof was first constructed, remember that the weather can cause the roof to fade, and finding an exact match could be impossible. You may need to repaint the entire roof.
5 - Little Room for Installation Errors
There is little room for error when installing these roofs. Removing and reinstalling a metal roof is expensive and labor-intensive.
Conclusion
If you're considering a metal roof, choose good-quality materials to avoid expensive repairs and replacements sooner than necessary. And remember to inspect your roof periodically.
With experienced, local Northern Virginia roofing contractors on your side, this can be an excellent investment for your home. For more information or to request a free estimate, don’t hesitate to contact us.