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Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing in California

Home prices are more expensive than ever, and buying your own home is a huge decision that will likely factor into the next several decades of your life. Especially in places like California, you don’t want to have a house that doesn’t meet your needs.

Traditional shingle roofs lose a lot of warm and cold air and can catch fire easily; they also produce a large amount of waste when they are done being used. These are a few reasons why people are beginning to switch to alternative roofing options, such as metal roofing.

What Is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofs are an option that is steadily increasing in popularity due to the number of choices and associated long-term benefits. Roofs built entirely out of metal offer a long-lasting and eco-friendly alternative to conventional asphalt shingle roofing.

Before you invest in a metal roof, you should make sure to research the different choices available to see what would be the best fit for your specific location.

Metal roofs can come in a variety of different materials, including:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Zinc
• Tin
• Steel—weathering, Galvalume, or galvanized roofing

These materials can be purchased in the following product forms:

• Granular coated panels
• Pre-formed panels
• Vertical seams

These products also come in different styles, such as:

• Shingles
• Shakes
• Slates
• Tiles
• Vertical panels

While there are several choices, each one offers different benefits and has different drawbacks. Although your specific choices can have a significant impact, there are still many notable comparisons between metal roofs and other roofing materials.

To aid your decision, we have compiled some of the more general pros and cons of metal roofs.

Advantages of a Metal Roof in California

A metal roofing system is not just a flashy decision, it’s an investment. Metal roofs bring a variety of benefits to your home, including longevity, resale value, and safety.

How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?

One of the main draws for metal roofing in California is its lifespan. Thanks to a combination of durability and longevity, metal roofs can be on a home for 40 to 70 years before needing a replacement; this is significantly longer than asphalt roofs, which last roughly 15 to 30 years. Not to mention that it takes minimal maintenance to keep a metal roof in good condition. As long as the California roofing company that installs it applies a zinc coating, the roof will not discolor or rust from rain.

Beyond its lifespan, a metal roof can also handle the majority of external forces. These roofs will stay intact with your home through winds of up to 140 miles per hour. Impact-resistant metal roofs also hold up well in hail storms. While there isn’t much snow in Southern California, hail can sometimes be part of a rainstorm. Metal roofs can protect your home from some of California’s most extreme weather conditions.

Are Metal Roofs Better for Insulation?

Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs conduct and reflect the sun’s heat. During warm weather days, heat will seep in and require more frequent use of the air conditioner. On cold days, warm air will seep out of the asphalt roof and require more frequent use of the heating system.

Metal roofs do not let temperatures pass through as easily, keeping cool houses cool and warm houses warm. A metal roof will begin to pay for itself over time from the money saved on your heating and cooling bills.

Is a Metal Roof Good for Fire Resistance?

California can get very dry during certain times of the year. During long periods without rainfall, or as a result of other factors, a California home could be subject to a detrimental house fire.

Whether the fire comes from inside or outside of the house, the metal roof will not catch on fire. Depending on where the fire starts, metal roofing may even slow down the spread of the flames. Without ample ventilation and the ability to burn upwards, the likelihood of salvaging a home after an unexpected fire increases with a metal roof.

How Does a Metal Roof Look?

When most people think of metal roofs, they think of the traditional shiny gray paneling. But nowadays, metal roofs come in a variety of colors to give your house a chic and luxurious aesthetic.

Don’t want the normal gray? How about a dark green? Navy blue? Even a deep mahogany red is available with current technology.

A quality metal roof is smooth and clean, showcasing that a house is well taken care of and built to last. This look, coupled with metal roofing’s functional benefits, can even increase your home’s resale value.

Are Metal Roofs Better for the Environment?

Metal roofs are more energy-efficient than their counterparts. By reflecting UV and infrared light from the sun, metal roofing can lead to a 10-25% reduction in necessary cooling costs. Reducing energy consumption alone helps benefit the environment.

Furthermore, metal roofs are made up of anywhere between 25-95% recycled content. At the end of their time as a roof, they will be 100% recyclable material. Shingle tear-off waste becomes a part of the building-related waste stream; metal roofs eliminate this waste, paving the way toward more sustainable roofing.

Disadvantages of a Metal Roof

Even though metal roofs have a lot to offer, there are certain drawbacks that may discourage you from investing. Here are some things to consider before purchasing a metal roof for your home.

Are Metal Roofs More Expensive?

A metal roof is an investment. Over many years it can save you the money that it costs in temperature control, repair costs, etc. However, at the moment you purchase it, a metal roof will typically cost two to three times as much as other roofing materials. Purchasing a metal roof makes the most sense if you are planning to stay in your home for long enough to justify the initial expenses.

Are Metal Roofs Loud?

During heavy storms, metal roofs can be a lot louder than asphalt roofs. This problem can be avoided depending on the decking used or by adding more attic insulation, but those extra features may cost more money.

How Easy Is Repairing a Metal Roof?

Even though metal roofs are built to withstand extreme weather and last a long time, they should still be routinely inspected to ensure that there are no punctures or holes. While metal roofs can be repaired, it may be difficult to find the exact match of the metal you already have on your roof. The same issue may arise if you are adding an extension to your home. While it will not affect the function, the roof may appear slightly discolored in some areas.

What Are the Risks of a Metal Roof?

A combination of poor installation and the natural properties of the metal can also potentially cause a problem. Metal expands and contracts depending on the climate. Most material assemblies are specifically designed to accommodate this fluctuation as temperatures change, but both exposed and concealed fasteners may vary in lifespan. The fasteners used during installation may degrade and become dislodged over long periods of time in fickle weather.

Water accumulation on low-grade metals can also cause serious damage. Some metals may rust or dent more easily, which could lead to issues in the future. However, as long as a metal roof is correctly planned and properly installed, water accumulation should not be an issue.

Metal Roof Shingles

One of the reasons metal roofing is becoming more popular is because it is possible to put a metal roof on top of an existing shingle roof without removing the entire roof. Placing a metal roof over shingles is less expensive and can help to further insulate your home from temperature changes and the noise of a metal roof. Aside from the cost, most of the metal roof shingle disadvantages can be avoided if your roof is properly installed.

Wilson Brothers Roofing: Is a Metal Roof Worth It?

If you are planning on staying in your home for a long period of time–especially in a climate with more consistent temperatures, such as California–a metal roof is a worthwhile investment. Beyond installation, there will be minimal maintenance required for several decades. If you do purchase a metal roof in California, you should still be sure to have it inspected every so often for dents or punctures.

Our Bakersfield roofing company will help install or repair any type of roof you would like to put on your home, including metal roofs. Check out our gallery to see some of the work we’ve completed.

Contact Wilson Brothers Roofing for more information on metal roofs and other types of roofs in Southern California at 661-589-4297.