Metal Roofing El Paso TX: Everything You Need To Know About Metal Roofing Benefits 2022

Is metal roofing right for your home? This expert guide reveals the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing and compares metal roofing to other roofing materials to help you make an informed decision.

If you are in the market for a new roof, the roofing material you choose will make a huge difference in the cost, appearance, performance, maintenance and durability of your new roof. Asphalt shingles, wood tremors, composite shingles, concrete shingles, metal roofs… all of these options vary widely.

Here are the pros and cons of metal roofs, comparing them to other materials. Then, after discussing the benefits and drawbacks, we'll dig deeper into whether a metal roof is right for your home.

Metal beats traditional roofing materials in several ways:

Metal roofs last a long time

A properly installed high-quality metal roof should last 40 to 50 years, be waterproof, survive high winds, and shed snow easily. Metal is fire-resistant, mildew-resistant, insect-resistant, and rot-resistant, which brings longevity benefits.

For comparison, the following list shows a study by the National Association of Home Builders ( NAHB ). Be aware that harsh climatic conditions, poor workmanship and damage from inclement weather can shorten the life expectancy of any roof.

Asphalt shingles - 20 years
Fiber cement tiles - 25 years
Modified Asphalt Roofing - 20 Years
Shingles and Shakers - 30 Years
Tar and Gravel (Flat Roof) - 20-25 years old

How long will a metal roof last?

Metal roofs can last up to 50 years, depending on climatic conditions, workmanship or unforeseen damage. Roughly with:

Analog slate - 50 years
True Slate - 50+ years
Clay/Concrete Tile Roofs - 50+ Years

Most major metal roof manufacturers support their products for 20 to 50 years. Paint-finished products typically have a 30-year limited warranty. Materials with an extremely durable resin-based polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coating have a 50-year warranty (Kynar® is a trade name for a very popular PVDF coating.)

Metal roofing is lightweight

Metal roofs weigh 1 to 3 pounds per square foot depending on the thickness and profile of the material. It is one of the lightest of all roofing materials. For comparison, here are typical weights for other roofing materials:

Regular Asphalt Shingles - 2 to 3.5 pounds per square foot
Textured (Architectural) Asphalt Shingles - from 3.5 to 5 pounds per square foot
Shingles and Shakes - from 3.5 to 4.5 pounds per square foot
Clay or concrete tiles - 5.5 to 10 pounds per square foot

Since metal roofs are lightweight, engineering and construction of supporting structures can be saved. In fact, if you're building a new home or a new addition, you can often downsize or reduce the number of roof support members because of the light weight of a metal roof.

Can a metal roof cover existing tiles?

Metal roofing can usually be applied on top of a layer of old asphalt shingles as long as the existing roof surface and the covering below are sound, flat and free of rot. Check local codes and manufacturer's specifications before doing so.

Of course, ripping off the old roof so you can start off with a flat, sound jacket of course gives you a cleaner starting point. But there are also benefits to keeping the old roof. For example, it:

Reduce labor and transportation costs to remove old roofs
Leaving an additional insulating barrier, increasing energy efficiency
Minimize debris and disruption to your home and yard during the project
Adds extra soundproofing rain and snow

Metal roofs install quickly

Metal roofing materials are sold as large "standing seam" sheets or multi-tile sheets 12 to 36 inches wide. Standing seams are typically 3 feet wide and 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 feet long. You can also customize the size.

A successful contractor can install these quickly. If your roof is removed and a storm is coming, shortening the installation process by a day or two can be a key advantage. Obviously, if you can simplify and shorten the duration of the roof installation, you can also save a lot of money.

Metal roofs don't catch fire

Since metal roofing materials are non-combustible, they usually have a Class 1 fire rating (the most fire rated). Flying sparks and embers won't set them on fire.

Just be aware that part of the overall classification of a roof depends on the material beneath the surface, which can also ignite intense heat. Most metal roofs are applied on combustible materials such as wood shingles, which are lower, and a Class C rating for this. (See note under "Cons of Metal Roofs," the problem in house fires.)

Metal surfaces reflect heat

Metal reflects radiant heat from sunlight, minimizing midday heat gain. This reflective property refers to the energy required for air conditioning during the day. In fact, federal rebates are offered for metal roofs, with properly tinted coatings, that meet energy requirements. You can get a 10% tax credit up to $500 (excluding labor costs).

Regarding the insulation value of metal roofs for heat and cold: Although the material itself drops in insulation R-value, metal roofs can be applied to foam insulation with very high R-values. Additionally, many systems utilize hemostatic spaces between metal surfaces and roof decks to minimize heat transfer and increase energy efficiency.

Sheet metal can be placed on low roofs

Most metal roofing materials can be installed on gently pitched roofs without leaking. The minimum roof spacing for metal tiles is usually 3 inches - 12 - which means the roof rises 3 inches for each level foot. Some standing roofs are available for roof spacings of 21 inches, or in some cases, even as low as 1 in-12.

By contrast, most asphalt or roof tiles cannot be used on roofs below 3/12 (4/12 in some cases), while materials such as shingles require a 4/12 or steeper slope.

Metal is great in the rain on the sled

Due to the way the panels interlock, the metal roof is practically protected from rain and snow, as the surface is difficult to slide down. Additionally, the dark tones of the metal roof quickly warm to the sun, encouraging snow to melt.

Steel roofs are environmentally friendly

The manufacture of asphalt uses petroleum and fossil fuels. In addition, asphalt roofs are required to be replaced every 15 to 20 years, so according to this, nearly £20 billion of old asphalt shingles are dumped every year in US landfills by the EPA .

Metal roof stands in tornado and hurricane

"Many metal roof systems have been tested and proven to withstand winds in excess of 140 mph, the equivalent of an F2 tornado, and protect against impact damage from debris," said Todd Miller, vice chairman of the company. Miller) said the Metal Roofing Alliance .

According to the Palm Beach Post , metal roofs have proven to be the most hurricane-resistant. "If the roofer uses the right connection method, whether it's screws or clips, it will be very difficult for wind to get under the metal roof sheets."

Disadvantages and Myths of Metal Roofs

While metal roofs have many advantages, there are also some disadvantages worth mentioning. To a large extent, metal roof manufacturers have improved their products to address or address many of these issues, so it's important to separate myths from real drawbacks.

Are metal roofs noisy?

Yes, it can be noisier than living under a thick slate or tile roof in torrential rain or hail. But the idea that noise is a problem may be more myth than reality. It depends on the construction.

Metal should not be noisier than thinner materials like asphalt or shingles. The truth is that rain and hail can hit any film.

However, by using quality materials with structural barriers, noise can be controlled by applying metal to soundproof insulation and solid plywood sheathing, as well as having roofs and attics between rooms where possible.

Can Metal Roofs Attract Lightning?

It's a myth. Many believe that because metal conducts electricity, it also attracts it. This is not actually the case, and many instances have been recorded where lightning strikes trees or other high-electricity materials located near a metal roof rather than the roof itself. It's the same, metal roofs should be grounded by Raiden.

If a metal roof does get struck by lightning, it scatters energy and is far less likely to burn than a wood roof.

High initial cost - yes, but...

Well, you've discovered the biggest downside of metal roofs: the initial cost. Metal roofs cost about the same as other high-quality materials, ranging from $150 to $600 per square meter (100 square feet).

For comparison, here is a list of typical price ranges for metal roofs and other common roofing materials for an average-sized home:

Metal Roof (Steel) - $5000 to $13,000
Metal Roof (Copper) - $10,000 to $25,000+
Asphalt fiberglass shingles - $4,000 to $7,000
Shingles and Shakers - $10,000 to $20,000
Concrete tiles - $8000 to $23,000
Clay Bricks - $12,000 to $30,000+
Synthetic Slate - $12,000 to $30,000
Natural Slate - $18,000 to $60,000+

Because of the material's long-term durability, the trick is that if you stay at home for extended periods of time and save on seasonal maintenance, you can end up saving the difference (or even more) in the end. Then again, if you're planning to move within a few years, chances are you won't get a reasonable return on your investment unless your future buyer recognizes the roof's long-term value.

Add up all the materials and labor, and divide by the expected age of the roof to get an estimate of the annual cost of your roof.

Metal can cause dents

OK, if the golf ball hits your car, it leaves a dent. If you live in Texas or somewhere in a golf ball the size of a hailstone, the hailstone can dent a metal roof, especially if the roof is made of soft metal like copper or aluminum.

If you think heavy hail will be a possibility in your area, choose a roofing material that is guaranteed not to sag. Or choose metal roof tiles, metal roof shakes, or the roof has a pattern or rib structure to make it rigid. Always, choose 24 or 26 gauge steel for maximum durability.

You should avoid walking on metal roofs

While you shouldn't be walking on a watertight roof, there may be situations where a plumber needs a serpentine exhaust, or a chimney cleaner needs access to a chimney flue. When walking on most metal roofs, you have to be very careful - both to avoid damaging or denting the roof, and to prevent slipping.

You can walk on some metal roofs, but not all metal roofs. Whether or not they will sag from foot traffic depends on how the particular product is made and the type of construction that supports it. As you might imagine, metal can be very slippery when wet.

Some painted metal roof finishes may peel, peel, fade, scratch or chalk, although almost all premium products come with a minimum 30-year warranty. Walking on certain types of machines, especially those with granular stone surfaces, may cause surface wear. The installer must be careful not to scratch or dent the roof during installation and must handle the panels with care. Unlike traditional roofs, some metal tile systems are installed from the top down and do not require walking on them.

Modifying panels can be difficult

Metal roofing materials installed on large panels are more difficult to replace if damaged than individual tiles. Also, if you're redecorating or adding to your home in 10 or 20 years, it can be difficult to match materials.

Installation is not foolproof

Installing a metal roof should be done by an experienced person. Unlike asphalt shingle roofs, shingle roofs—or most other roofing materials—metal roofs are a material that few people have been trained and practiced to install.

The metal roof must be installed correctly. If this is not the case, you may have big problems with condensation and/or leaks underneath.

Some manufacturers or distributors require their products to be installed by professional metal roofing contractors who are certified by taking some factory-taught courses.

Roof panels with exposed fasteners are particularly vulnerable to improper installation. If the screws go through a flat surface (rather than a raised ridge), rainwater will run down the roof and seep into the screw holes. Therefore, a special elastic washer must be used to seal around the screw head. If this type of roof is installed, make sure to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions.

To find a good metal roofing contractor, ask friends and neighbors who have similar roof installations (though they may be hard to find since metal roofs are relatively rare). You can search Yelp online, home counselor or the web . Be sure to check out photos of work done and view photos.

Metal expansion and contraction

Metal expands and contracts as it warms and cools. This can cause the roof to have a wavy effect on hot days, or over time, fasteners to pull loose. To solve this problem, most new metal roofing products have fastening systems that accommodate movement.

firefighters

While metal roofs do well to guard fires approaching from outside the house, they stand out from flying sparks and embers, which are not ideal for fires that start inside the house. With a severe house fire, firefighters may need to cut the roof to set it on fire. If the house is covered with a metal roof, the job may be more difficult and take longer.

Our brief advice

The roofs of most homes today are asphalt fiberglass shingles. In fact , four out of five U.S. roofs are roofs, according to the Asphalt Roof Manufacturers Association (ARMA). As mentioned above, bitumen-fiberglass has become the dominant US roofing material for a number of reasons.

If your budget can cover the initial cost of a metal roof and you plan on staying in your home for a long time, metal can prove to be a very solid investment. This is especially true if you live in an area prone to storms or wildfires and your home is built to fit a metal roof. Bottom line: Metal roofs are a very durable, effective, lightweight option that is relatively quick to professionally install.

What would a metal roof look like on your house?

Seriously considering a metal roof for your home is what it looks like.

Walk through the photos that metal roof manufacturers provide on their website to view homes similar to yours to see how a metal roof will look on your home.

Metal Roofing El Paso TX

Sunday 9 October 2022

Everything You Need To Know About Metal Roofing Benefits 2022