Whether you like it or not, as a Texas homeowner, you will most likely have to replace your roof at least once. When you have to replace your roof, you have a lot of choices to make. Roofs can be made of tile, asphalt shingles, slate, rubber, and concrete shingles. However, if you are living in San Antonio and you need a new roof, you may want to opt for a metal roof. Here is some information about metal roofs and why they may be the best choice for your Texas home.
What Are Metal Roofs?
Metal roofs are made from different types of metal, such as aluminum, copper, steel (including stainless steel), and zinc. The most common metal roofing materials are aluminum or galvanized steel. To make a metal roof, metal coils are rolled flat and shaped using rollers and heat. The flat rolls are then shaped into sections of metal and cut to fit onto a roof.
How Long Can a Metal Roof Last?
Traditional asphalt shingle roofs usually last from 15 to 20 years. If you use laminate shingles on a roof, you may be able to make your roof last up to 30 years. However, metal roofs, when done correctly, can last up to 60 years or longer. That means you may never have to replace your metal roof on your home.
Do Metal Roofs Cost a Lot of Money?
In general, metal roofs are more expensive. For example, for every 10 x 10 section of your roof–also called a square– the cost of an asphalt shingle roof is between $100 and $200 a square. Metal roofs can cost from around $150 up to $900 per square. However, there is an advantage to metal roofs because they last up to twice as long as traditional asphalt roofs, which means your year-to-year cost will be less. Also, having a metal roof may up the resale value of your home as well. Metal roofs also require far less maintenance than asphalt roofs, which is especially important in storm-prone Texas.
What About Leaking with Metal Roofs?
You may have read many Southern Gothic novels about metal roofs leaking in the old days. However, researchers have found that if a metal roof is installed properly, they leak less often than other roof types. Metal roofs can handle intense weather conditions, such as hail and ice, without leaking.
Can a Metal Roof Save Me Money on My Energy Bills in San Antonio?
You may not think of a metal roof as a great energy saver, but research shows that metal roofs can provide up to 40% savings on your energy bills. Metal roofs have high reflectivity, which means they reflect the sunlight well, which saves you money. Metal roofs also help keep your attic cooler, which helps to keep your overall cooling costs down.
Also, metal roofs are considered “greener” or better for the environment than traditional asphalt shingle roofs. They not only reflect the sunlight but they also can be recycled and made into new metal products once they wear out on your roof. You can even find metal roofs made from previously-recycled materials. If you are concerned about the environment, metal roofs are a great choice.
Can Metal Roofing Save Me Money on My Homeowner’s Insurance?
San Antonio, like many areas of Texas, is prone to thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms can drop hail on roofs in Texas throughout much of the year. Asphalt roofs are susceptible to roof damage even if the hail is small. However, metal roofs hold up much better than asphalt roofs, even during a severe thunderstorm. In fact, many homeowner’s insurance policies offer a discount for homes with metal roofs. Getting a metal roof adds up to extensive insurance savings over the life of the roof.
What Are Some Other Advantages of Metal Roofs?
There are several advantages to having a metal roof installed in a home. First, if you choose to have a metal roof installed, the contractor doesn’t have to waste time taking your existing roof shingles down. Instead, your new metal roof can be installed immediately over your existing roof.
Also, if you own an older home or you love the farmhouse aesthetic, you may fall in love with a metal roof. Metal roofs can help you take your rustic dreams to the next level. Many people want a metal roof to complete their turn-of-the-century home look because they look amazing on 19th and early 20th-century homes, as well as modern farmhouse homes or industrial homes.
Are There Disadvantages to Metal Roofs?
There are some disadvantages to metal roofs. If you want to have a metal roof installed, you will pay more for a metal roof than with an asphalt roof. However, the cost is offset by the extended life of a metal roof as opposed to an asphalt shingle roof.
Also, if you want to have a metal roof installed, you will need to make sure you find a qualified, reputable contractor with experience in installing metal roofs. That’s because installing a metal roof is different from installing an asphalt shingle roof. Inexperienced contractors may cause your metal roof to leak or become easily damaged. You also need an experienced contractor to help you maintain your metal roof to prolong its life.
Conclusion
Metal roofs are a great choice for many homeowners, especially if they are looking to install one roof during the lifetime of their homes. Metal roofs are an environmentally sound choice, they last a long time, and they help with cooling costs in the San Antonio heat. They are also architecturally pleasing and match with several types of homes, from vintage homes to farmhouse modern homes. However, you don’t want to have your roof installed by a roofing contractor with no experience installing metal roofs. If you live in the San Antonio area, and you want a metal roof, you need to contact Roof Fix. Roof Fix has been operating in San Antonio for years and has a stellar reputation in the community. Why not contact Roof Fix today to set up a consultation?
