Choosing the Right Roofing Material

As one of the most pertinent parts of your home’s anatomy, finding the right roof type and proper material is extremely valuable. Every roof type and material have their pros and cons, simply because no roof is infallible. By nature, some types and materials will be better suited for your home, the climate you live in, and the overall architecture of your building. However, most people who don’t have any extended knowledge of the roofing industry won’t be able to discern why x type is better than y type.

Here at Born Again Roofing & Remodeling, we believe in providing our clients with the entire picture of a product. We prioritize transparent communication to ensure our clients intimately know what product they’re investing in. We’re always motivated to bring your visions to life, but we also feel it is our duty to bring notice to the unrealistic and unattainable. As a people-first business, we want you to know exactly what you’re investing in, and how you can expect the results to unfold.

Given that metal roofing is a popular option that we have endorsed for several clients previously, we want to give a bit of insight into the material, how it works and why it works. Here you will find introductory information on metal roofing. Nevertheless, we will be simply scratching the tip of the iceberg with what is presented here. Any expert member of our Born Again will paint you the complete picture of what it means to use x,y,z type, and material.

The Basics of Metal Roofing

Before we can provide any sort of meaningful recommendation, let’s first discuss the basics of metal roofing. What is metal roofing and who does it benefit? In its most basic form, a metal roof is a roofing system that’s comprised of metal pieces or tiles. Generally, it is known for its high resistance, significant lifespan, and durability. Not to mention, metal roofing gives plenty of versatility when it comes to appearances. There’s a lot of value in metal roofing, and most of it stems from its impenetrability. If you genuinely want an option that repels erosion and prolongs the negatives of wear and tear, metal gets you as close to perfect as possible.

Metal roofs are characteristically strong and built to endure. For that reason alone, they make a good choice for a lot of homeowners. Metal roofing has been around in one capacity or another for almost two centuries. Incidentally, it just so happens to be on the rise yet again.

The Cost of Business

No matter how you parse it out, compared to asphalt shingles, metal roofing is more expensive. Although, you could argue that metal roofing recoups its value given that its lifespan is over double that of a well-loved and maintained asphalt roof. On average, in the right environment and proper installation, your metal roof could run you anywhere from 40 to 70 solid years of protection. Here are the typical options in terms of the actual material you can use for your metal roof.

⦁ Steel- The strongest, most popular, and typically least expensive. Steel is typically dipped in molten zinc in order to galvanize it. Dipped steel can be left in a silver state, although it is generally painted to maximize longevity. Avg. lifespan is 30 to 50 years.

⦁ Aluminum- Lighter and softer than steel, but also pricier, aluminum comes in many of the same embossed styles. Aluminum is almost always painted, and nearly indiscernible from steel when completed. It’s a good choice for environments with acid rain or salty air as it does not rust. Avg. lifespan 30 to 50 years.

⦁ Copper- Old, reliable, and the most expensive regarding metal roofing, copper is a workhorse. It can last an astonishing 200 years with the proper upkeep and installation.

⦁ Zinc- Similarly to copper, zinc is naturally weather-resistant, making the usage of paint superfluous. Zinc is incredibly malleable, making it ideal for customization. It can last from 80 to 100 years.

⦁ Terne- Terne was heavily used in 18th century Europe. Today we benefit from a lead-free version that’s able to withstand the harshest of conditions. It never needs paint and eventually settles to a uniform matte gray. It can last more than 100 years.

Price will vary depending on what specific material you use. Moreover, there are painting options and other protectants that could potentially raise the cost. As far as labor is concerned, it’s always preferable to have a reputable team like Born Again conduct your installation.

However, with higher-grade materials that are more expensive and difficult to install, you are doing yourself a grave disservice by not having them installed by a seasoned contractor. You will end up losing years off of your roof’s life if you choose to have it haphazardly installed. If you’re going to invest in the money to purchase a metal roof, don’t squander that investment at the last moment just to save a bit on installation.

The Cons of Metal Roofing

The biggest con of all is the affordability factor. To reap the full benefits of metal roofing you will simply have to put forth the money. With that said, you pay for what you receive, and that means most of the issues that metal roofs accrue are largely due to the installation. If installed properly, you will find genuinely little wrong with metal roofing. Metal roofs can be more noisy, susceptible to expansion, and inconsistent in color matching. However, most of these issues piggyback off of improper installation.

The Verdict?

Many places across the United States are subject to intense weather patterns. Here in Jackson, Mississippi, and Rankin County, we are fortunate to escape the intense colds of the north. Nevertheless, we do experience a lot of sun and a formidable amount of rain as a humid subtropical region. We are subject to periods of drought and flood, both of which can have an impact on roofing.

When all is said and done in most scenarios if a client has the means, metal roofing is a fantastic option. With Born Again Roofers & Remodeling, you won’t have to question the professionalism and craftsmanship surrounding the install. With hundreds of successful metal replacements, repairs, and installs in our repertoire, we know everything there is to know about giving you the best bang for your buck.

Considering a metal roof? Let’s get you started today with a conversation surrounding your upcoming roofing project. We’ll quickly help you determine if metal roofing is a good choice for you.