If you are thinking about getting a new roof, you need to consider several options for roofing. One option that may come to mind is metal roofing. Metal roofs have several advantages–but they also come with drawbacks. Here is some information on metal roofing and what factors can help you make the best decision possible for your new roof.
Types of Roofs Available in San Antonio
Many people who live in San Antonio have asphalt shingles for their roofs. This is the most common type of roofing all over the United States–about 80% of all housing in America has asphalt shingles. You may also find your house has a tile roof, which is common with many Western-themed homes that use adobe, for example. Metal roofs are also another option for homes in the San Antonio area.
What Kinds of Metal Are Used for Roofing?
There are several kinds of metal used in roofing. Your contractor may tell you about copper roofs. Cooper is a beautiful material that lasts a long time, but it is soft and is not a good choice for an area where temperatures can be high. Aluminum is also long-lasting, and is a good material to use if you live by the ocean, as salt does not corrode it. Zinc is a great choice because it is extremely durable as well, but it may be too soft for your needs. Tin is the oldest roof choice, but it can become thin and brittle over time. Steel is an excellent choice, but it may be too heavy to use on your home. You will need to ask a roofing contractor which metal would be great for you to use on your roof.
Pro: Metal Roofs Are Durable
One of the best reasons to get a metal roof is because they are extremely durable. The San Antonio area gets a lot of hailstorms, so a metal roof is a great idea. Also, metal roofs last far longer on average than asphalt shingles. Roofs with asphalt shingles usually last between 15 years and 20 years. However, metal roofs have been known to last for more than 100 years.
Con: Metal Roofs Are Expensive
Metal roofs are very durable, but they also cost more than an asphalt or tile roof. Depending on the size of your roof, it could cost up to three times the cost of an asphalt roof. However, if you consider the longevity of a metal roof, you will be saving money over time when compared to the asphalt roof.
Pro: Metal Roofs Are Versatile
If you are a decorator, having a metal roof gives you a lot of options with regard to painting or staining. Many people love metal roofs if they favor industrial or farmhouse homes, but you can make your metal roof look like whatever design you want. With the right paint and tools, your metal roof can be a simple green roof on a farmhouse-designed home, or it can be painted to look like other materials, such as clay tiles or wood shingles. Metal roofs can be used on any type of home from modern to rustic.
Con: Metal Roofs Can Be Noisy
There is something about the sound of rain on a roof that makes so many people happy they own a metal roof. If you are one of those people who love the sound of rain on a metal roof–then metal roofs are perfect for you. However, if you want a home that is as quiet as possible, a metal roof may not be the right choice for you.
Pro: Metal Roofs Have the Fastest Installation
While tile, wooden shingles, and asphalt shingles take time to install because they have to be installed piece by piece, metal roofs are made using very few pieces. They take far less time to install than other roofs.
Con: Metal Roofs Dent More Easily
Because San Antonio is prone to hail, you need to know that metal roofs can be dented by hail, especially large hail. However, if your roof is sloped, the hail has a far less chance of denting your metal roof than if your roof is flat or slightly sloped.
Pro: Metal Roofs Are Friendly to the Environment
Metal roofs are the “greenest” of all the roof choices because all of the materials used in your metal roof are 100% recyclable. When you are ready to replace a metal roof, there are companies that will melt the metal down and reuse it. You cannot reuse items from asphalt or tile roofs. Many people want to find greener roofs that align with their commitment to the environment, so metal roofs are a great choice.
Con: Metal Roofs Can Cause Problems if They Aren’t Installed Properly
Because metal roofs are in fact made of metal, they expand and contract with the temperatures far more than other roofing types. If your metal roof has not been installed correctly, the expansion and contraction of the metal during summer or winter can create holes or spaces on your roof for water to get in, which can cause a lot of damage. If you opt for a metal roof, be sure you have a roofing contractor who is an expert in metal roofs.
Pro: Metal Roofs Conserve Energy
There is no question that San Antonio experiences some extreme heat during the summer months. Temperatures can soar into the triple digits for much of the summer, so anywhere you can save money on cooling bills, you should. Metal roofs reflect the energy of the sun rather than absorbing the sun the way asphalt-shingled roofs do. This means your roof and your attic will stay cooler, which leads to lower heating bills.
Con: Metal Roofs Need to Use the Best Roofing Metal
Metal roofs are not the area where you want to cut corners. That means you need to make sure that the metal you select for your roof is durable and high-quality. If a contractor makes your roof of less-than-quality metal, it can lead to leaks, corrosion, and rust, especially if the metal is thin. The thicker the metal used for roofing, the more durable it is. Be sure you get the most money out of your roof investment, and opt for the most durable metal roof possible. If you aren’t sure, ask your prospective contractor to bring samples of roofing materials. That way, you’ll be able to determine for yourself which material is best for your roofing needs.
How to Find a Great Metal Roofing Contractor?
It isn’t easy to find a roofing contractor to suit your needs. First, ask your family and your friends for recommendations for a good metal roofer. It is better if you ask people who already use metal roofing for their recommendations because they have experience with metal roofs and contractors. That way, you should get a good list of contractors to interview.
What if you don’t have time to interview? No worries. You can always go with Roof Fix. Roof Fix has been doing business in the San Antonio area for years, and we specialize in metal roofing repairs and installations. Why not give us a call today, and make an appointment for a quote for a new metal roof?
