While they are not nearly as costly as wood shakes high end tile or slate metal roofs do have a higher up front cost compared to most asphalt shingles.
Pro and cons of steel roofs.
Professionally coating a metal roof costs 1 2 per square foot.
Maximum shedding of rain and snow.
The superior durability of steel will free you from expensive and time consuming maintenance and repair issues that are a necessary part of owning most other types of roofing systems.
Matterhorn metal roofing tile profile in the color weathered canyon.
A steel roof will not be susceptible to rot decay discoloration mold growth or termite infestation.
Fema recommends metal roofs in areas that are prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes floods earthquakes etc.
A roof made of zinc or copper can last well over 100 years.
Metal roofs will not rot split crack dry out chip warp leak unlike all other common roofing materials.
Steel roofs do have a downside though.
A full paint job or repainting is a significant endeavor and painting a metal roof costs between 1 100 and 3 700.
Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials.
However a metal roof does offer a longer lifespan.
Aluminum is typically more expensive than steel but also comes with more resistance.
Disadvantages of metal roofing.
In addition dark tones of metal roofing quickly warm in the snow encouraging snow melt.
If your home is located along the coast and exposed to salt spray you may want to rule out galvanized steel it could corrode in such conditions.
Metal is not susceptible to termite or rodent infestation.
Today s metal roofs are a far cry from the corrugated tin barns of the bucolic past indeed now you can choose from tin zinc aluminum copper or galvanized steel.
Metal roofs can be noisy especially during a heavy rain or hailstorm.
Metal roofs are stylish.
And metal won t corrode crack or catch sparks and ignite into flames from a lightning strike.
Metal roofing also doesn t need periodic costly maintenance like other materials says lonnie.
A metal roof can withstand the elements for far longer than an asphalt roof.
While the life of a metal roof is much longer investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.