More than a covering for your home, choosing a roof is one of the most important decisions a homeowner makes when building a home or replacing an existing roof. Carrying more weight than many home projects, the roof affects your home’s protection, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and value. Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an aging asphalt roof, the options can be overwhelming. And while asphalt roofing remains the most common choice for residential homes, metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular.
But is metal right for your home?
Not necessarily. As homeowners in the Traverse City area and the broader Northern Michigan region explore roofing options, metal roofs have advantages and disadvantages that deserve careful consideration. This article will offer readers a glimpse of metal roofs, explore what they are, their strengths and limitations, and how they perform in our local climate. While dispelling several common myths surrounding metal roofs, we’ll also guide homeowners through the practical considerations to weigh before making this extremely important investment. Let’s begin with a close look at what metal roofs actually are.
What Is a Metal Roof?
Metal roofs have come a long way since the early days of corrugated iron sheets and the steel panels commonly seen on barns. Metal roofs of today come in a variety of styles, colors, finishes, and profiles. Something for almost every home, from traditional cottages and farmhouses to the more contemporary home. The materials we see most commonly used for metal roofs include:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Zinc
Common styles or profiles include:
- Standing seam panels
- Exposed fastener or corrugated panels
- Metal shingles or tiles
With a solid roof deck and proper underlayment, metal roofing systems are installed much like other residential roof coverings. What truly sets metal roofs apart from other options are the practical advantages they can offer.
Why Homeowners Choose Metal Roofs
If you’ve spent any amount of time researching roofs, you know that asphalt roofs remain the most common choice for roofs in Michigan. But you’ve probably also noticed that metal roofs are growing in popularity. Metal roofs offer several benefits that many homeowners find appealing, such as:
Long Lifespan: Possibly one of the greatest advantages of choosing a metal roof is its long lifespan. Depending on the quality of installation and material choice, metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, with some premium systems lasting longer.
Durability: Metal roofs perform particularly well in Mother Nature’s most demanding conditions. Resisting heavy rain, strong winds, snow accumulation, fire, rot, and insect damage, metal roofs are some of the strongest on the market, especially those made from premium material. Because they resist moisture absorption, metal roofs are also resistant to cracking under normal exposure.
Energy Efficiency: With the advancement in modern metal roof technology, most metal roofs have a reflective coating to help reduce heat absorption in the summer months and reduce energy consumption.
Easy Snow Shedding: With a smooth surface, metal roofs are excellent at shedding snow accumulation on the roof, preventing buildup and leaking. With lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan producing over 100 inches of snow annually, residents living in Northern Michigan find this quality especially beneficial.
Improved Aesthetics: Going far beyond the traditional industrial-looking metal panels, manufacturers today offer many aesthetically pleasing options. From designs resembling slate, cedar shake, and tile to traditional shingles, homeowners today can choose the durability of metal without sacrificing the curb appeal that shingle roofs offer.
Environmentally Friendly: Many metal residential roofing systems are made from recycled material and are 100% recyclable themselves. This environmentally friendly option is becoming increasingly important for homeowners across the country.
Where Metal Roofs Fall Short
The advantages of metal roofs are undeniable, but equally so are their limitations. Homeowners in need of residential roofing in Traverse City should first understand the following drawbacks of metal roofs before moving forward:
Higher Upfront Cost: The high cost of a metal roof is probably the biggest drawback for homeowners looking for a new roof. Costing up to three times more than most asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs are not as accessible to those on tight budgets. However, the longevity of metal roofs undoubtedly offsets the initial investment.
Noise Issues: Without the proper insulation, metal roofs can be extremely noisy during heavy rain and hailstorms compared to asphalt shingles.
Specialized Installation: For a quality metal roof, it must be professionally installed. Professional metal roof installers have the knowledge, experience, and specialized tools for precision installation.
Rusting: Without proper maintenance and upkeep, nothing will last as long as it should. Metal roofs are no exception. The protective coatings on metal roofs that prevent rusting, if damaged, scratched, or worn off, will allow moisture and oxygen exposure to lead to early corrosion.
Expansion and Contraction: Changes in temperature cause metal to contract and expand. Professional installers do account for this, but if shortcuts are taken, stress on vulnerable areas will develop over time.
Complicated Repairs: Although among the most durable roof options available, metal roofs can be complicated to fix when needed. It is recommended to always work with a professional who is experienced with metal roofing for a repair project.
How Metal Roofs Perform in Northern Michigan
Climate is always a major factor anytime we discuss roofing. Homeowners throughout Traverse City experience conditions that challenge any and every roof. From lake-effect snow to strong winds, ice accumulation to rapid temperature changes, homes in this region are tested in every season. Metal roofs typically perform well in these conditions, particularly when the home is properly ventilated and the roof has been expertly installed. While snow shedding is listed as a benefit, in Northern Michigan, where large amounts of snow can seemingly drop all at once, it can create problems. Without snow guards, large slabs of snow can slide from the roof, creating hazards below.
5 Common Myths About Metal Roofs
As metal roofs become more common, so do the misconceptions and rumors surrounding them. Here are 5 false ideas about metal roofs that can dissuade a homeowner:
“Metal roofs attract lightning.” Metal roofs have nothing to do with lightning strikes, and if lightning happens to strike the roof, metal is non-combustible and will safely disperse the electrical current.
“Metal roofs are obnoxiously loud!” While it is true that metal roofs are known for increased noise, when they are properly installed with solid sheathing, underlayment, and adequate insulation, the sound difference between metal and asphalt is minimal.
“Metal roofs make homes hot.” This common myth is actually the opposite of the truth. With reflective coatings, metal roofs can actually improve inside temperatures by reflecting heat rather than absorbing it.
“Metal roofs look industrial.” There are so many options available to homeowners today in color, finish, and style, including options that mimic asphalt shingles if that’s the homeowner’s preference; they certainly do not all look industrial.
“A metal roof is too heavy for my home.” Metal roofing is often much lighter than asphalt shingles, so it usually places less stress-load on the structure.
Factors to Think About Before Choosing a Metal Roof
Every home is different, just like each homeowner’s situation. Before taking the leap and committing to a metal roof, consider the following important factors:
Budget: The primary driver behind most of our investment decisions is budget. While metal roofs offer longevity, the cost must first align with the homeowner’s budget.
Timeline: How long are you planning to stay in the home? For homeowners who plan to stay in their home for many years, metal roofs provide greater long-term value. Even if you plan to move in the near future, the higher upfront investment can also provide a financial return at the time of sale.
Does it Match?: Every home benefits from a roof that has been custom designed specifically for it. Not every roofing style will complement every home. Factors like pitch, architectural design, and the neighborhood appearance can all influence the decision on the best roof for each individual home.
Climate: As we mentioned earlier, local climate will play a major role in how a roofing system will perform. The roofing system must be able to withstand the weather in every season.
Contractor Experience: Regardless of the material chosen for the roof, experience with metal installation must remain a key factor when choosing a contractor to partner with.
Putting Metal Roofing Into Perspective
Metal roofs are growing in popularity with homeowners across the country, but they definitely are not a one-size-fits-all solution for every home. Offering clear strengths in durability, longevity, energy efficiency, and weather resistance, they also come with some trade-offs. With a higher upfront cost and the need for expert installation, metal roofs are not for every home. The right decision for your home ultimately depends on its specific needs, your budget, and priorities such as longevity, function, and aesthetics. With a clear understanding of both the strengths and limitations of metal roofing, you will be better prepared to make the best decision for your residential roofing project.