The Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing
Before, metal roofs are only found on architect-designed houses. Today, even conventional houses prefer metal roofing. There are advantages and disadvantages of having metal roofing and you should know them before you pay and install one for your house.
Advantages
Most materials used for roofing allows you to install the new roofing over the existing roofing. With metal materials, you can rest assured that this is possible. This is an advantage of metal roofing. You can avoid further expenses and work because you can skip the part of tearing or ripping off shingles. One thing to take note of: furring strips will be used to raise metal roofing when being installed over existing roof.
When talking about metal roofing, one would usually think of noisy roofing. On the contrary, metal roofing is much like asphalt roofing when it comes to noise. The trick is to install metal roofing properly. An expert in the job should know that there is a need for a solid substrate. In addition, your house’s attic and insulation should be able to help in preventing noise. The furring strips placed between the existing roof and new metal roof can also help lessen noise.
Conventional roofs are known to be good in attracting lightning. Metal roofs have the same quality. However, an advantage of metal roofing is that it is less combustible compared with a conventional roof. Thus, a metal roof will less be combusted than a conventional roof when the two are struck by lightning. It is also much better to be used in fire prone areas.
If you live in areas where insects like termites are prevailing, you will benefit a lot from metal roofing. They cannot be eaten or damaged by termites unlike other materials used for roofing. You can also benefit from metal roofing if you have pitched roofs. Metal roofs come in large sheets. Plus, they are usually sealed together. It is definitely a good choice for pitched roofs.
In Between
In addition, metal roofing easily conducts heat. It is an advantage and disadvantage at the same time. It is an advantage because snow can easily slide and fall off. However it is an advantage because your house can suffer from increased heat once the sun shines. Nevertheless, there are techniques to prevent metal roof from conducting heat to your entire house.
Disadvantages
One main disadvantage of a metal roof is that it can be slippery especially when wet. Walking on the roof while raining should be avoided. Another is that metal roofing is usually cost more than conventional roofing. Lastly, if you are planning to modify or remodel your house after 5 or 10 years, metal roofing is not the one for you. Otherwise, you will be wasting your money. Metal roofs are difficult to modify. Nevertheless, it has the advantage of lasting up to 30 years.
Simply put, a metal roof can be good choice or bad choice for you. It all depends on your roofing needs, preferences and the area where it will be installed. Generally, it is good for fire prone areas with termites. It is good to be installed over existing roofs and is not noisier than conventional roofs. However, it is not ideal for people in a tight budget and who remodels house often.
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Category: Advice
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