In the last blog post, 5 Steps to Spring Clean Your Roof, we looked at conducting a spring roof inspection. If your roof shows signs of wear and damage, it’s time to look at roofing options.
Metal roofing should be part of the conversation with your roofing contractor. It offers clear benefits in terms of performance, durability and
Homeowners often ask about the longevity of metal roofing because of the extra initial cost. Once they understand the benefits over traditional roofing like asphalt shingles, and are excited by the design choices, the questions turn to cost and affordability.
The good news is that metal roofing offers affordable options, especially when you consider the life-span of metal roofing. Life-cycle costing looks at how long a material lasts, or its service life, compared to other options. Metal roofing will outlast traditional shingles, (which need to be replaced every 15 years or less). It’s not uncommon for asphalt shingles to show wear, curling and fading near the 10 year mark. Compare that to metal roofing which can last up to 50 years!
Not only does metal roofing last longer, but it also can reduce waste and save energy. Our metal roofs contain up to 30% recycled materials, and are 100% recyclable after their service life. Other roofing materials end up taking up significant landfill space at the end of their life. The energy expended in its manufacture, installation, upkeep, and renovation is significantly less than other materials.
Metal roofing is also much more energy-efficient in that they naturally reflect light keeping your home cool in the summer and, when properly insulated, warm in the winter- saving you money on energy bills. When a heat-deflecting coating is applied or a light coloured “cool roof” is selected, metal roofs can reduce summer energy costs by up to 40 per cent!
Overall if you are due for a new roof, whether you’re renovating or building new, metal roofing should be considered as an energy saving, long lasting option. Metal roofing fares better than shingles during the winter. Heavy snowfall, high winds, ice expansion and other inclement weather, is handled well by metal roofing making your spring clean much simpler.
If you haven’t got your copy yet, visit www.vicwestmetalroofing.com to download ‘The Consumer’s Guide to Selecting Roofing Materials’. The guidebook compares different roofing materials so that you can make the right choice for your home.