If you’ve been admiring the look of metal roofs and considering having your roof re-roofed with metal roofing, it’s important to know that not all metal roofs are alike. Different styles and metal materials can make a big difference in attributes and cost.
First, the Good News
All metal roofs offer some advantages over other types of roofing materials:
● Fire-resistance — metal roofing is one of the best roofing materials on the market for fire-resistance. Here in California, this is important to ensure against fire and heat exposure and damage, particularly in fire-prone areas.
● Lightweight — metal roofing will be significantly lighter in weight than many other roofing materials and yet still afford great durability.
● Durability — metal roofs have a typical longevity of 40 to 70 years with some metal roofs lasting as long as 80 years. That makes it one of the longest lasting roofing materials on the market.
● Cost savings — some metal roofing materials come with EnergyStar tax credits. In addition to this credit, these efficient roofs help save in the way of monthly energy costs and add value to the home.
But I’m Not Sure About the “Look”
Many homeowners have a specific vision in mind when they think of a metal roof, however new metal roofing affords color and design options that go beyond the standard flat-panel look and can go well with any type of architecture. These include:
● Standing seam panels — these are often used for contemporary homes but also lend a great look to more traditional homes, whether they are used as the primary roofing materials or on accent roof areas. These come in pre-manufactured and custom-ordered options in various colors as well as a bare-metal look. Steel panels are the least expensive with aluminum a mid-point option and zinc and copper the most expensive.
● Metal shingles — these imitate the look of other types of shingles, from composite to wood shake and work perfectly with more traditional home architecture. Again, the durability and weight aspect can make these far more feasible and more lightweight than their traditional counterparts.
● Metal tiles — metal tiles can mimic the look of clay or slate tiles and don’t have the weight variables that make these heavier materials inefficient. These can even be coated to look like stone.
Different Types of Metals
Although most people commonly think of steel or aluminum when they think of metal roofing in San Jose, there are other metals now on the market, all with differing advantages and price-points.
● Steel — steel comes in different variations, each offering different advantages
● Aluminum — long-lasting and extremely resistant to salt-water corrosion
● Copper — long-lasting softer metal with a low melting point
● Zinc — very long-lasting and corrosion-resistant but has the lowest melting point
Just as important as choosing the right type of roofing material for your home is choosing the right San Jose roofing contractor. If you are considering a metal roof for your home, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you.
When you call the roofing professionals at Falcon Roofing, you can rest assured that you have found your one-stop roof replacement contractor in South Bay and the San Francisco Peninsula. We would be happy to help you decide on the right roofing material for your home and your budget.
SAN JOSE