Home metal roofs offer strength and durability, without the weight or expense of tile, wood, or most other types of roofing. They are perfect for low pitched roofs, and additionally help in snowy climates, as metal roofing warms quickly in the sun, causing snow to slide easily off.

Metal roof costs are comparable to other roofing products with similar durability. They are considerably more expensive than asphalt shingles, however, the main type of roofing material used in North America.

Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

There are a number of pros and cons to consider when looking into a metal roof. The following are some advantages of metal roofing. A metal roof:

• Can be cut to shape
• Can be installed quickly
• Can be painted any color
• Can be removed
• Has competitive costs
• Is fire-resistant
• Is light weight
• Is long lasting and durable
• Is recyclable
• Is wind-resistant
• May have lower labor/installation costs
• Reflects sunlight, reducing house heat.

While there are many benefits of metal roofing, there are also some disadvantages. A metal roof:

• Can be noisy in a strong rain or hail storm
• Can be slick, depending on type of metal roofing
• Is more prone to denting from hail
• Must be installed by someone with metal roofing experience
• Must be installed carefully (so not scratched)
• Takes longer to install if it has a complex design.

Metal Roof Materials and Types

There are a number of forms in which metal roofs can be made. Metal roofing can be made from an alloy of, or any of the following materials:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Iron
• Regular steel
• Stainless steel
• Tin
• Zinc.

Corrugated and standing seam metal roofing come in large sheets. A corrugated metal roof has waved ridges, while a standing seam metal roof has a seam at one end of each panel and a lock at the other. Corrugated metal roofing is used mainly for industrial or agricultural buildings.

Metal roof shingles offer another type of metal roofing. These shingles cheaper than tile or wood shake roofing. Metal roof shingles can be made to look like any of the following:

• Asphalt shingles
• Clay tiles
• Slate shingles
• Stone tiles
• Wood shake.

Refitting Over Your Existing Roof

One of the benefits of choosing a metal roof is that it can be installed over your old one. This cost savings can help alleviate the cost differential between metal roofs and other, cheaper options: Tearing off a roof can add to any roof installation. Usually when this is done, the contractor will leave a small gap between the original roof and the metal roofing, which also helps to insulate against sound.