Because metal roofing is a premium home product, you can expect your new roof to cost roughly two to three times what an asphalt shingle roof costs. However, a metal roof is comparable in price to tile roofing or cedar shake roofing. If you currently have a slate roof, you can expect your metal roof to cost less. No matter what kind of metal roofing style you choose, you’ll never have to worry about your roof again. Most come with a true 30 to 50 year warranty. Plus, your new metal roof will add to the resale value of your home, save you money on your energy bills, and give you piece of mind that you’ll likely never have to re-roof again.
You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof. In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond. To put it in context, the average life span of an asphalt roof is 12 to 20 years. That lifespan can be shorter depending on the pitch of your roof and the climate in your area. Made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, asphalt begins to deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather. A metal roof, however, will never decompose. Other roofing materials like wood shingle, shake and tile have varying degrees of weather-related problems that lead to breakdown. Wood shingle and shake roofs often need replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs can crack and warp in the freeze/thaw cycle of more northern climates. All of the above roofing materials are well-outlasted by metal roofing, which retains its good looks and durability decade after decade after decade.
When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof on your home will silence noise from rain, hail and bad weather as well – if not better – than any other roofing material. This is a common question, and probably one of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofing. When it comes to this, people think of an old barn roof where metal is visible to the interior of the structure. On a residence, however, it is often installed over a solid substrate. Further, attic space and insulation serve as additional sound barriers. Research has proven that metal isn’t any noisier than traditional roofing products.
A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms, and even wildfires. Metal roofing has a 140-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour. Under high wind conditions, says architect Jim Mitchell, “Metal roofing systems have wind resistance and uplift resistance that is above the new building code requirement. That gives us a sense of relief in that we can use the best material to meet those criteria.” In locations that see heavy snow, metal roofing has been the choice of homeowners for years. It sheds snow fast, which protects the structural integrity of the roof. And it can eliminate ice damming at the eves, so water can’t back up and collect under the roof then leak into your home. If you live in a part of the country that is prone to wildfires, metal roofing can protect your home should burning embers land on your roof.
You’ll be surprised to learn that a metal roof is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes and slate. With metal roofing, weight on a structure is never an issue
One of the benefits of metal roofing is its light weight, which allows it to be installed over existing roofing materials. However, TAMCO suggests to remove existing roofing to insure a smoother surface, and to address any possible water damage to decking.
Metal reflects 70% of the sun’s energy. This minimizes heat retention, and as a result, less heat is transferred into the building’s structure. Additionally, research done in 1985 by the Florida Solar Energy center showed that metal experiences 34% less heat gain than asphalt shingles. Results also indicated that metal roofing offers an effect similar to R-11 insulation on top of the roof during sunny conditions.
Lightning is attracted to the highest point, not necessarily metal. A metal roof has no greater chance of being hit by lightning than any other type of roof. A metal roof struck by lightning can help prevent your home from catching fire because it can dissipate the electrical charge. Very importantly, it is noncombustible.
Metal is a preferred roofing material in hail-prone areas. Hail causes extensive damage to roofs because it can break, split and cause tear-off damage to traditional roofing materials. Hail will not penetrate a metal roof. In the most severe case, the various styles and finishes available in metal roofing can even help camouflage any cosmetic damage.
Conventional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles have a significantly shorter life span and according to the insurance industry, the average replacement age of a typical 40 year architectural asphalt shingle is between 8-12 years. They begin to devalue your roof because of discoloration, stains, and algae growth within the first few years after installation. A typical asphalt roof, even with the new high wind warranties, only carries a five year warranty against shingles blowing off. The rest of the warranty is usually prorated. A TAMCO Metal Roof System carries a 25-Year Limited Lifetime warranty or a 40-Year Limited Lifetime warranty. Our cool metal roofing system actually increases in value with the rest of your home saving the homeowner up to 42% on utility bills. No conventional roof can make these claims. Homeowners will never need to hire a roofing contractor as long as they live in their home, and that’s priceless!
Our metal roof colors are fade resistant and rust resistant! The TAMCO Metal Roofing System uses the industry-leading Ceram-A-Star®1050 coating system combined with advanced chemical pre-treatments. Truly one of the most innovative paint inventions of this century, Ceram-A-Star®1050 paint is designed to protect the integrity of your metal roof’s brilliant color and gloss, resisting fading and chalking for decades compared to ordinary metal roofing panels. This finish also helps increase the overall corrosion resistance of the Galvalume sheet base, therefore preventing rust. Please check out our great selection of attractive metal roof colors designed to custom fit with your home.
