Your roof is your home’s protective shield against the elements. Traditionally, roof materials have varied across countries and cultures. From the thatched roofs of England to sod houses to modern shingles, roofing varies tremendously in its durability and suitability to the climate. When you’re looking for a new roof, you might consider one of the most durable materials around: the metal roof. What are the pros and cons of this modern roofing material?

Metal Roofing is Durable

Metal roofs are made of many different materials such as steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum. All of these materials are strong, and one of the biggest benefits of metal roofing is its durability. While wood shingles can split or crack off due to warping from the sun and the rain, metal is much slower to show problems. If a branch falls on your home, the thicker metal roof will likely survive the experience, while a wooden roof may experience leaks or other troubles due to a fall or winter storm.

Metal is Weather-Resistant

In addition to its overall durability, metal roofs can be more disaster-resistant than other roofing products. They don’t burn easily, and tiles will not fly off in a windstorm. It’s also excellent at shedding snow during the winter months. This reduces the amount of maintenance that you need to do on your metal roof. The only drawback is that metal does dent, so over time you may acquire a number of small and large dents in your roof.

Metal Roofing May Be Recycled

If you’re looking for a green roofing option, metal roofing can be surprisingly ecologically-friendly. Some metal roofs are made from recycled materials, while others can be recycled once the roof has run its course. The durability of the metal is also green, since a longer-lasting roof means that you don’t need to purchase roofing materials very often.

The Noise Factor

While metal roofing is beautiful and durable, it can also be noisy. In a rainstorm, a metal roof definitely carries the sound. If you love the sound of falling rain, this may not be a problem. If you like peace and quiet, the sound of your metal roof may not feel as pleasant.

The Expense of Metal Roofing

When you’re choosing a metal roof, you may balk at the cost. It’s true that metal roofs tend to be more expensive than other roofing products. The total cost will depend somewhat on your aesthetics. A steel roof is more moderately-priced, while a copper roof is quite expensive.

Metal Roofing Works With Other Home Maintenance Systems

Metal roofing doesn’t warp or split like other roofing products, so why do you need to focus on your gutter systems? Like any other roof, a metal roof acts as protection from the elements, but it’s also an enormous water collection system. Whether you’re collecting rainwater to use or you just want that water away from your siding, foundation, and landscaping, add a gutter system with gutter covers to your roofing project. This will allow water to flow into your gutters without experiencing backups due to debris.

When you’re incorporating new gutter systems into your roofing project, contact Harry Helmet. We’ll help you install gutter covers and gutter heating products that will keep your water moving easily through gutters and into downspouts all year long. Protect your roof, your siding, and your landscaping with Gutter Helmet and Helmet Heat. Contact Harry Helmet today.

Written by Del Thebaud