PROS AND CONS OF METAL ROOFING
It’s quite amazing that a television series filmed abroad can give us a good impression of popular roofing materials and how they tend to differ so much from country to country.
For instance, many homes in America and Canada use asphalt bitumen ‘shingles*’ (what we would call roofing tiles) that only last a decade or so and create plenty of environmental waste. Europeans, particularly in the mediterranean, are well-known for their terracotta roofs, some of which have lasted for centuries.
Here in Australia, one of the most popular roofing materials is metal, although slate is particularly prominent on heritage homes in Victoria, NSW, and elsewhere as well. What are the pros and cons of metal roofing?
*Fun fact: the American English word shingles (not the disease) is likely a corruption of the German word schindel, or ‘slate tile.’
PROs of Metal Roofing
- Longevity: a well-made metal roof is more than simply metal. Finishes such as COLORBOND and zinc/aluminium coatings protect the raw metal underneath from the elements and can greatly extend the lifespan of your metal roof. The average metal roof can last upwards of 50 years, perhaps 100 if it’s extremely well-maintained.
- Environmentally-friendly: metal roofs made in Australia are quite often made from completely recyclable metals, which in itself is far better for the environment than using fresh new metal. In case you were wondering, recycled metal is chemically the exact same as new metal since recycled scrap metal is completely reforged.
- Energy-efficient: metal roofs are an excellent choice for homeowners that want to cut down those energy bills. With potential energy savings of up to 25 per cent, you can consider this factor when looking at long-term costs of investing in metal for your roof.
- Long-term savings: although the upfront cost may be relatively high, metal roofs pay themselves off in the long run since they have superb resistance to the elements and can last upwards of 50 years when well-maintained.
CONs of Metal Roofing
- Rust: metal roofs can rust over time, but this typically only happens once the protective zinc or aluminium coating has worn off. If you’ve noticed areas of rust on your metal roof, contact a roofer to have it coated and sealed to prevent further oxidisation.
- Decramastic roofs: it should be noted that decramastic roofs are a variant of metal roofing once popular ages ago in Australia. Although this roofing material has largely been discontinued, it can still be found on some roofs. It is essentially metal covered with bitumen, which under the hot summer sun liquefies and becomes a slippery mess.
- Cost: a fully-built metal roof can be quite an expensive investment, although it’s one that will stand the test of time. Many homeowners choose less expensive roofing materials which often cost, in the long run, more than a metal roof simply because they are unwilling to pay the comparatively high cost of installation for a quality metal roof.
Is Metal Roofing Worth the Investment?
We believe that metal roofs are one of the soundest investments you can make towards the quality, safety, and value of your home. Consider metal roofing and experience the benefits that come with it, including that ever-pleasant sound of raindrops falling on the roof on a cool winter evening.
Roof Guard Roofing
Ensure that your metal roof is installed by roofers that can get the job done right the first time. Roof Guard Roofing specialises in COLORBOND metal roofing solutions that are affordable, durable, and beautiful.