Did you know that a properly installed metal roof made with quality materials is nearly impermeable to a large range of extreme weather conditions—including the intense heat the Midwest feels in the summer months? Residential metal roofing has become one of the most popular options for warmer climates because it will not warp, crack, rot, or rust. Extremely warm weather can wreak havoc on traditional roofing materials, which often prompts homeowners to seek out more durable, lasting, and energy-efficient options. Metal roofing is a route Midwestern homeowners have started taking to address these issues. Here’s why:
Durability
Extreme heat in the summer months can cause most roofing materials to break down more rapidly than metal, making them dry out, crack, curl, and even disintegrate. Choosing to use metal will not only look more modern but will also prevent this kind of wear and tear from happening. It’s true that traditional roofing materials may seem more cost-effective—until you consider the lifespan due to the materials’ durability. Typically, shingled roofing requires replacement every 10 to 12 years, while metal roofing has a lifespan of 50 to 70 years. Imagine the amount of money you can save with a material that outlasts your current roof five times over. This kind of durability obviously comes with a price, but when the life of the roof far exceeds that of other materials, there is a massive savings in the lifetime vs. cost ratio.
Fire Safety
The Midwest isn’t known for wildfires, but that doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen! The summer heat can adversely affect the internal wiring of your home, and fire safety is key in keeping your home intact in the case of an accident. As mentioned above, many roofing materials have a tendency to dry out in the hot sun, and as such, they lose their resistance to fire and can pose a greater risk to homes and their contents. Metal roofing creates a lasting barrier against airborne sparks, providing ultimate protection for your home.
Energy Efficiency
In warmer climates and during summer months, the attics of homes can get extremely hot. That heat transfers down into the home and dramatically changes the needed output of air conditioners—and makes living spaces uncomfortably warm. There are three primary ways that metal roofing keeps your home cooler and reduces air conditioning costs by up to 20%. First, light colored metal roofs reflect radiant heat, keeping the heat out of your home and the coolness in. Second, metal roofing loses the gained heat from the day very quickly once the sun sets, or even when cloud cover takes over. Other roofing materials trap and maintain that heat for much longer periods of time. Finally, most metal roofs have an integral airspace between the metal itself and the roofing deck. That airspace acts as a thermal break and stops heat from transferring to the core of the home.
Value
Yes. Metal roofing has a higher up-front cost, but it is an investment that saves you money in the long run. Over time, metal roofing shows a major cost per year benefit that you just do not get from traditional materials. Roofing prices historically double every ten years, but with metal roofing, replacement is not necessary for 50-70 years. While you watch your neighbors pay to replace their roofs every decade, you can rest assured that your hard-earned money can be spent elsewhere!
Temperatures are changing, and the summers feel hotter than ever. Choosing a metal roof for your home can make a world of difference when those Midwest summers hit. A metal roof is good not only for the longevity of your home, but also for your pocketbook. Consider Armoured Exteriors for your upcoming roofing needs. You won’t regret the money you save!
