Welcome guest poster, Marcy Tate.
Metal roofing is one of the greenest roofing choices available in the US.
Metal roofing is becoming more popular as more homeowners realize the amazing energy-saving benefits they can provide. Additionally, metal roofing is more accessible than it used to be as more homeowners are demanding this eco-friendly roofing choice.
Installing a metal roof in 2010 can do so much more for you than just provide a new roof over your head. You can actually save energy and money by installing a metal roof in 2010. Here’s how:
1. Save Energy
Metal roofs are great insulators. Light-colored metal roofs can save you even more by reflecting away the sun’s UV rays. This can help keep your house cooler and lower your cooling costs. Metal roofs can save homeowners
25% or more on heating and cooling costs.
2. Good for the Environment
Metal roofing is eco-friendly because it is sustainable, recyclable and usually made from recycled scrap metal. Metal roofs last longer than all other roof types, which means they don’t need to be replaced often and no extra waste is produced. Asphalt shingle roof replacements produce a tremendous amount of water that ends up in landfills.
3. Tax Credits
Federal tax credits for metal roofing will expire this year on December 31. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost (up to $1500) for Energy Star metal roofs with pigmented
coatings.
4. Reduce Your Homeowners Insurance
Because metal roofing is so durable, many homeowners insurance agencies are willing to decrease your premium by up to 35%. Each company and policy is different, so be sure to check with your policy provider. Homeowners in states with severe weather, such as Texas and Florida, have a better chance at receiving a reduced rate after metal roof installation.
5. Add Curb Appeal
Your curb appeal will increase instantly after installing a metal roof. There is a wide range of designs, finishes and color choices available with metal roofing. Use this to your advantage to design a metal roof that will add a fresh distinction to your home.
6. Increase Your Home’s Value
A new metal roof can increase your home’s value by an average of 1%-6%. Homes on the east coast have seen the greatest increase. This is due to the recent surge in metal roof installations in the area; homes with metal roofs are in high demand and prospective homeowners are willing to pay.
7. Most Durable Roofing Choice
There is no other roofing type as durable as metal roofing. Metal roofing doesn’t deteriorate from sun exposure and does not require regular maintenance.
8. A Safe Home
Metal roofs are fire and wind resistant. This is the motivation behind the reduction in homeowners insurance. Most metal roofs can withstand winds of over 150 miles per hour.
9. No More Roof Cleaning
Metal roofs do not suffer from mold, algae and moss growth as asphalt shingles notoriously do. You won’t have to worry about dangerous and risky roof cleaning or having to hire a roof cleaning company to do it for you. You’ll save on water too as roof cleaning requires a large quantity of water.
10. Best Re-Roofing Choice
Metal roofing is one of the best re-roofing choices because it can usually be installed over an existing roof. Not only does this eliminate waste, it also saves on installation time and costs.
What about the Price?
Some homeowners are reluctant to consider metal roofing because of it’s high price and the concern that rain on a metal roof is loud. The good news is that nowadays, metal roofs are typically installed with solid sheathing which eliminates any loud noise from rain and hail. Your home will be just as silent during a rain storm as a home with asphalt roofing. It is true that metal roofing is expensive. It’s double the cost of asphalt shingled roofs. However, most metal roofs come with a 50 year guarantee and do not need to be repaired or replaced every 20 years as asphalt shingled roofs require. If you need a new roof, metal roofing will save you money over time.
If you are in the market for a new roof, take advantage of all the benefits of a new metal roof in 2010. You won’t just be making a good choice for you and your family; you’ll be making a good choice for the environment too.
Editor’s Note: I happen to love metal roofs and am coveting a steel shake looking roof. See here for pictures.
Written by Marcy Tate
Marcy is a home improvement blogger for Networx. She has been working with roofing contractors for over a decade learning about energy-efficient roofing choices .
Becky says
May 26, 2010 at 1:48 pmWow, I didn’t realize all of the energy saving benefits of metal roofs. I have heard that white roofs insulate well also.
Green Talk says
May 27, 2010 at 9:12 pmBecky, white roofs help to keep your roof cool in the summer, which will reduce your energy consumption. Anna
Robert@2 Factor Authentication says
May 27, 2010 at 12:15 pmnice post, i agree with everything you’re saying, but the bottom line is they will always remind me of a barn out in some field.
Marcy Tate says
May 28, 2010 at 1:32 amRobert@2 Factor Authentication:
I felt the same when I first looked into metal roofs. However, there are so many new styles that don’t resemble that barn look. In fact, they hardly look metal. Do some Google image searching for metal roofing and you’ll be surprised what you’ll see 🙂
Alex says
June 5, 2010 at 2:23 pmNot only do this metal roofs are asthetically pleasing, but we minimize the use of roofing materials that are based on oil based products and save time in installation of roofs. Great Product.
gerald chipperfield says
September 3, 2010 at 7:34 amI am the 1st to ask to put a metal roof on my home in a HOA that has all tile roofs here in fort myers florida! can you give me any links to imformation to help me state my rights to changre to metal!!
Anna@Green Talk says
September 3, 2010 at 11:46 pmGerald, you should talk to a condo lawyer to see what you can do. Anna
George Pepper says
October 7, 2011 at 10:31 amI have to be honest, I am not overly keen on the aesthetics of metal roofing, however I do understand that it has it’s plus points.
Anna@Green Talk says
October 25, 2011 at 1:48 amGeorge,
What do you not like about metal roofs? Anna
Biljana@GRPdesigns says
November 27, 2014 at 7:28 amMetal roof do leave an impression that the house might be some industrial object, I’m not sure how metal roof can fit my house…
Anna@Green Talk says
December 3, 2014 at 9:14 pmBiljana, some of the metal looks just like slate. Anna
John Carston says
May 18, 2016 at 8:39 amI’d like to have a metal roof installed since there are so many benefits. I especially like that metal roofing can save money on utilities costs. Is there a kind of roof coating I can apply that will increase its insulation? Thanks for the helpful home installation tips.
Silas Knight says
August 1, 2016 at 4:11 pmI had no idea that metal roofs had so many benefits. It’s crazy that just having a metal roof can save around 25% on heating and cooling costs! I need to look at replacing my asphalt shingle roof.
KAITLYN says
October 19, 2016 at 11:33 amMetal roofs have so many benefits. All of your reasons were spot-on! It’s great homeowners can save energy AND money!
Brian says
October 26, 2016 at 10:54 amThese reasons all still hold true today! Its a great way to save energy and they look great! Thanks for sharing.
lesly says
November 5, 2017 at 5:36 pmThank you for this article. I’ll probably choose a metal roofing when I start building my own house. I just love it for the longevity. And if I get that aesthetic added too, it won’t be that bad, lol!
Watson Williams says
May 7, 2018 at 1:22 pmIt was really helpful how you mentioned that installing a metal roof can help you save 25% on your energy costs. This would be nice since I feel like my home isn’t very energy efficient. I’m sure the cost of installation would end up paying for itself over time in the savings I’d accumulate.