Anderson Roofing and Exteriors is a go-to for many homeowners looking to boost their home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. But before you get on board, weighing the pros and cons of this durable roofing option is important.

PRO: Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs reflect sunlight and cool interiors. They also withstand harsh weather conditions and can last up to half a century.

In addition to increasing resale value and offering numerous energy efficiency and insurance discounts, metal roofs elevate home appearance and add visual interest. Unlike traditional asphalt shingle roofs, which can look dull, metal roofing is available in a wide range of styles and colors to complement any house exterior. Many homeowners choose to have their standing seam or metal shingles installed in dark shades such as midnight black. This is a sleek, modern aesthetic that appeals to many buyers.

Whether you are replacing an existing shingle roof or building a new home, residential metal roofing is a premium option that offers long-term value. Unlike asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles and wood shakes, which can easily degrade and require frequent repairs, metal roofs can last up to 70 years. With a lifetime that exceeds most other roofing materials, a quality metal roof can elevate your property’s curb appeal and enhance your home’s overall value.

Metal is also a great choice for accenting a distinctive roof feature such as a turret or dormer. Adding a metal roof to a porch or gazebo can add a dramatic look and make the area feel more spacious. Additionally, a metal roof can highlight any unique architectural elements in a garden or landscaping.

Those who prefer a classic, rustic look for their home may wish to consider using metal cladding as siding rather than as a roof. Combined with stucco or stone, a metal roof can provide an attractive contrast to the rest of the building.

Homeowners looking for a bold, never boring curb appeal style should consider anodized aluminum metal roofing. This process emphasizes the natural sheen and metallic depth of organic aluminum alloy, bringing out the beauty of any color. This style is a standout trend for 2023 and makes an impactful statement that announces to the neighborhood, “This isn’t your average suburban house.”

In addition to elevating resale value, metal roofing requires minimal maintenance to keep it in good condition. It can withstand heavy rain, snow, and hail, and is resistant to mold and mildew. Regular inspections and routine touch-ups can help prevent damage and prolong the life of your metal roof.

As long as they are properly installed by a reputable roofing contractor, metal roofs should not require much maintenance or upkeep. A few preventive tasks, such as washing the roof periodically and removing organic debris, should be enough to keep a metal roof in good condition.

In the case of exposed fastener metal roofing, it is necessary to have the rivets and screws checked at least annually. This will ensure they are not loose, crooked, angled, or missing entirely, which can lead to a leak zone. During this inspection, the roofing contractor can also replace any screw that may be showing signs of corrosion.

For homeowners who do not like the aesthetic of standing seam panels, they can opt for hidden fastener metal roofs. These types of panels can be made to resemble any other roofing material, such as clay tiles, slate, or wood, so they will not detract from the overall appearance of the home. In addition, concealed fastener metal roofs can help to reduce the amount of debris that lands on the roof, which can be an issue with traditional shingle roofs.

The insulating properties of metal roofs are also an important factor when it comes to reducing energy costs. The reflective nature of the metal will help to keep the home cooler in summer, and the ability to seal air leaks will save money in winter. However, it is essential to remember that a metal roof cannot be used as the sole source of insulation in the home, so other forms of insulation are required.

If you decide to go with a metal roof, the selection of finishes and colors that are available will allow you to customize it to match your personal style. The only thing to be mindful of is that not all homeowners associations will permit the use of metal roofing. This is a good reason to check with your HOA before pursuing this type of roof. In addition, if you live in an area that experiences frequent wildfires, it is best to avoid a flammable metal roof.

The longevity of metal roofs is one of the main reasons homeowners choose them. While asphalt shingles only last about 20 years, metal roofs can last up to 70 years or more with proper installation and regular maintenance. The durability of metal roofs is due to their construction from strong materials such as tin, aluminum, zinc, and steel. These durable materials resist fire and withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow or radiant summer heat.

The durability of a metal roof can be enhanced with the addition of protective coatings. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a common coating for roofs, is resistant to UV radiation and protects the metal from corrosion. It is also effective in blocking moisture and resisting mildew, mold, and moss growth. In addition to these protective coatings, a metal roof can be coated with paint that is fade-resistant and color stable.

Depending on the climate, a metal roof may require some maintenance to keep it in good condition. This includes regularly cleaning debris off the roof and inspecting it for signs of damage or deterioration. Inspecting the roof can help to spot any leaks before they become serious problems. In addition, any trees near the roof should be trimmed to prevent branches from falling onto the roof or damaging it during a storm.

In addition to protecting your investment, a properly maintained metal roof can also provide energy savings. By reflecting radiant sun heat, it keeps your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The coatings on the surface of metal roofs can further increase energy efficiency.

A metal roof should always be installed by a professional to ensure the best results and long lifespan. While some DIYers have been known to install and repair their own roofs, it is generally not advised. The installation and repair of metal roofs requires specialized skills and tools that are not available to the average homeowner. Homeowners should contact a certified and licensed roofer to ensure the job is done correctly. This can avoid costly repairs or replacement of the roof in the future.

One of the most common misconceptions homeowners have about metal roofs is that they’re louder when it rains. Considering the sturdy, energy-efficient and quiet roofing options available to modern homeowners, it’s important to dispel this myth once and for all.

While it is true that metal roofs are often louder than shingle roofs when they’re new, this typically doesn’t last long. This is because of a couple things, most importantly the structure of your roof and the soundproofing you use inside your home.

The reason why a flat sheet of metal on a shed or barn can create noise when it rains is because of something called reverberation. Think about it like this: when you clap your hands in an empty room, the sound bounces around for a little while, then fades away. When you’re standing under a flat metal roof that isn’t insulated, it sounds very much like you’re banging cymbals together and the noise can be intense.

However, when metal roofs are insulated with special sound dampening materials and installed properly, they can be just as quiet or even quieter than a traditional asphalt shingle roof. This is because the insulation not only reduces noise, but also helps keep the temperature in your home stable and comfortable.

Additionally, when a metal roof is properly insulated and installed, it will not only be quieter, but it will also be more resistant to the effects of storms. If you’re experiencing loud noises on your metal roof during stormy weather, the first thing to do is check that all of the hardware hasn’t loosened over time or during the course of a thunderstorm. This will make your roof more susceptible to rattling and other sounds.

Overall, the most significant reason why your metal roof may be noisier than an asphalt shingle roof is because of the way it was installed originally. Back in the day, contractors would directly install a metal roof over a building’s rafters and secure it using exposed fasteners, which was the perfect recipe for producing long reverberations and intense rattling. Now, metal roofs are typically installed over sheathing and secured using specialized fasteners that significantly cut down on any potential for loud noises during extreme weather.