Metal roofs are a smart investment: they’re durable, lightweight, fire-resistant, energy-efficient and have a lifespan of 50 years or more. However, the durability and by extension the lifespan of a metal roof would depend on the quality of the materials used to manufacture it.
How can you tell if a metal roof meets quality standards? Here are the the things you should look for in a metal roof:
What to Look For in a Metal Roof
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Certifications – Check if the metal roofing panels were made by a manufacturer recognized by the The Metal Construction Association’s Quality Certification Program, which certifies products and manufacturers that meet its stringent performance standards. Can’t find any quality certifications? When in doubt, it’s best to stick to reputable brands.
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Warranties – Metal roofing panels made by reputable manufacturers usually come with warranties. You should also ask your roofing contractor if they offer any labor warranties.
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Self-cleaning valleys – Routine maintenance is a must if you want to keep your metal roof in good conditio. The sooner roofing issues are detected and roof repair is conducted, the better. However, there are certain features that can make roofing maintenance easier. One of them is a self-cleaning valley, which diverts water and debris that landed on top of your roof and is resistant to clogs unlike the standard closed valley system.
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Adequate ventilation – Metal roofing panels reflect heat instead of absorbing it, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. It’s estimated a high-quality metal roofing system can save homeowners up to 40% on cooling costs. However, don’t forget that ventilation and energy-efficiency go hand in hand. Without adequate ventilation, warm and humid air is trapped inside, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime to keep indoor temperatures at comfortable levels. Not to mention there’s the risk the trapped humid air could create a damp environment that’s the perfect breeding ground for mold, which can easily affect other parts of your home. That’s why it’s important to ensure your new metal roof has enough roof vents and have a professional roofer inspect your attic’s ventilation system. According to the EPA, adequate attic ventilation can reduce households cooling costs by 30 to 40%.
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Coatings – Lightweight aluminum roofing panels, on the other hand, don’t need coatings because they’re naturally rust-resistant.
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Special flashing or sealant – Flashing refers to the thin pieces of metal that are installed over roof penetrations to prevent water from infiltrating your roof. However, roof flashing is easily dislodged by high winds. Not to mention it tends to loosen over time. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of roof leaks by installing a special, more durable type of flashing or sealant. Alternatively, you can have your roofer adjoin the panels with double folds to waterproof their seams.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Seams or roofing joints—the areas where roofing panels meet with each other—are a weak point of a conventional roofing system. If you’re looking for a metal roof that’s less leak-prone, you might want to consider installing a standing seam metal roof. As the name suggests, a standing seam metal roof’s locking systems and seams are raised above the surface, making it harder for water to reach them and infiltrate your roof.
Making the Most of a Metal Roof Replacement
While it’s important to stay within your budget, you shouldn’t get too preoccupied with the costs. Remember: when planning a roof replacement, focus on maximizing your returns on investment.
Choosing the Right Kind of Material
Keep in mind that even quality roofing panels won’t last long if they’re not suited to your area’s climate. That’s why you need to choose a metal roof that can handle your area’s climate. Here’s a quick overview of the materials commonly used in manufacturing metal roofing panels:
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Steel – A corrosion-resistant coating is applied to steel roofing panels to prevent rust. They’re sturdier and more durable than aluminum.
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Aluminum – Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but since it’s a relatively soft metal, it’s less rigid than steel. Thanks to its resistance to corrosion, aluminum roofing panels are often used in coastal homes.
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Stainless steel – If you’re looking for a sturdier alternative that’s also corrosion-resistant, stainless steel would be a good option. However, it’s a bit on the pricey side.
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Copper – When it comes to durability, nothing comes close to copper. Copper roofs are rust- and scratch-resistant and can last hundreds of years. Their aesthetic appeal also increases as they age; weathering produces a beautiful verdigris patina on the surface of a copper roof. The only downside is that they’re quite expensive, but if you’re looking for an exceptionally durable roof, they’re worth the investment.
Choosing a Color for a Metal Roof Replacement
Don’t forget that your roof also forms a large part of your home’s curb appeal, which is why its color should complement the other parts of your exterior. In the past, metal roofs were commonly used in industrial and agricultural buildings, but thanks to new colors introduced by manufacturers as well as recent design trends, they’re becoming more common in residential homes.
Here are some design tips to help you choose the right color:
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Use tried-and-tested combinations – There’s a reason why certain color combinations have been traditionally used in certain architectural styles: it’s because they complement the design so well. For instance, matte black, regal white, and charcoal gray have been traditionally used in modern architectural styles, charcoal gray, dark bronze, and solar white in ranch-style homes, ash gray, sierra tan, and slate blue in Craftsman houses, charcoal gray, dove gray, and hemlock green in Victorian houses, regal red, colonial red, and white in farmhouses, and terra cotta and colonial red in Spanish homes.
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Stick to neutral colors – There’s nothing wrong with using trendy colors, but if you’re looking for colors that will never go out of style and complement a wide range of colors, you might want to choose a neutral color for your roof. Remember: when in doubt, it’s best to stick to neutral color schemes.
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Choose a durable finish – Exposure to the elements can cause paint to fade over time, which is why you need to choose a durable paint finish. Roofing contractors recommend choosing acrylic resin that can block ultraviolet light.
Keep in mind coordinating exterior color schemes can be tricky. If you’re having trouble choosing a color for your roof, it’d be helpful to consult a professional roofing contractor.
Vetting Tips
To make sure your ROIs are protected, it’s important to vet a prospective contractor before hiring them. Here are some vetting tips:
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Hire local contractors – To quickly narrow down your options, focus your search on contractors near your area. Hiring local roofers has its advantages as well. For starters, since they’re more familiar with the local climate and building codes, they’ll be able to make better recommendations. Not to mention they’re known for their personalized service. They have a reputation to uphold within their local community, after all.
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Ask local references – Ask friends and neighbors if they’ve ever hired one of the local roofers before.
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Ask the roofing contractor how long they’ve been in business – The number of years a contractor has been working in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise.
Looking for experienced roofers near you?
Roof Recovery, a family-owned company with more than 50 years of combined experience, offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including roof repair and installation. To get a free estimate, call us at (916) 675-3848 or fill out this form.
