There are a wide variety of reasons that residential property owners might want to consider metal roofing. After all, it’s durable, weather-resistant, eco-friendly, and offers a unique aesthetic appeal. Metal roofs do cost more than traditional, asphalt-shingle residential roofing, though, so the majority of homeowners who choose this option are looking to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to value.
Just deciding to install a metal roof is only the first important choice that must be made. The right roofing contractors will be able to offer professional insight into what options are available and which of them will be most appropriate for the area, but only if their customers know what to ask. Read on to find out about three important questions to ask a roofing contractor prior to signing on the dotted line.
What Type of Metal Will Be Used?
The average homeowner doesn’t realize that there are actually many different types of metal that can be used as roofing materials. Since each of them has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, homeowners might want to ask their contractors which types of metal they specialize in installing for residential clients.
The most popular types of metal used in residential roofing include steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Keep in mind that most of these metals will have to be coated prior to installation for maximum durability and weather resistance. There are several different processes for coating metal, including paint coating, anodizing, and powder coating, with the latter typically leading the pack when it comes to popularity among residential clients.
What Styles Are Available?
Just like there are many different types of materials that can be used to construct metal roofs, these materials can also be used in very different ways. Most residential homeowners prefer to have metal roofs installed that mimic more traditional styles. Different types of metal can be formed to offer an appearance similar to wood shake, terracotta, or simple, traditional shingles.
Choosing the right style for a metal roof can be almost as difficult as choosing the right material. The best thing to do is to check out these really good examples of different residential metal roofs in action. Don’t be afraid to ask for the contractor’s opinion, either, since he or she will have had much more experience with all of the different types of roofing and will likely be able to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each roofing style in greater detail.
Can Metal Roofs Really Be a Good Fit for Residential Homes?
Traditionally, metal roofing has been associated more with commercial and industrial properties than residential homes. That’s changing in today’s world, though. Even home improvement star Bob Villa has acknowledged the growing popularity of metal roofing and has made some suggestions as to why this change is happening.
As Villa points out, metal roofing lasts far longer than asphalt shingles. It is also more durable and more eco-friendly. These factors have been going a long way toward offsetting the higher cost of installation that had been stopping some homeowners from taking the plunge.
The Bottom Line
Homeowners must decide for themselves what roofing material will be the best fit for their properties. Forward-thinking property owners who want to stay abreast of home improvement trends and ensure that they are making the best possible investments into the futures of their homes should absolutely speak with a contractor about metal roofing options. After all, there are plenty of them.
Be the first to comment