ROOF

     Alan and I decided to invest in a metal roof on the house and the garage.  The roofers have begun, and everything will be completed on Monday!  Thankfully, the existing roof isn't in disrepair other than a few leaks on the back porch, and the metal panels go right on top of the existing roof, so essentially we'll have a double roof!  We knew we wanted a grey roof and decided to go with a soft, light grey vs a dark grey because the darker colors tend to fade in the sun while the light ones do not, and the light colors reflect the heat better which is more energy efficient.  We also just like the look of the house as a whole being light in color with pops of contrast from the black light fixtures and the new door that will be installed which we'll paint black.  The roofers will give the house a good wash, prepping it for a fresh coat of white paint.  Alan and I share a love of nature and gardening, so we'll add color accents with flowering shrubs, trees and flowers.  Some of these plantings will include 2 pink dogwood trees in the front side yard for gorgeous Spring color, and one of our all time southern favorites, the Crepe Myrtle, close to the house under the front windows which will bloom profusely through the summer and into the Fall. For the first time in a long time, I'm excited to buy Mums to add to the Autumn color palette!  I hear they do well here, so we'll try them and see.  I'll post more photos once the roof is completed!

     

Pros of Metal Roofing

1. Lightweight

Talking about structure, low weight roofs help to guard against structural movement and damage. Metal roofs are the lowest weight residential roofs available. It has a lightweight compared to tiles or other varieties. Most often, metal roofing runs from 50 to 100 pounds per square, compared to 750 to 1000 pounds per square, for concrete tile.

2. Energy Efficient

Money spent on the installation of a metal roof can be regained from the savings in monthly cooling and heating costs. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, through reflective coatings and combined thermal breaks, metal roofs reduce costs by 10-25%.

3. Easy to Install

Metal roofing materials come in 12 to 16 inch wide panels. Along these, it is fast and easy to install. A practiced contractor can install these very quickly.

4. Longevity

Metal roofs can last 40-70 years depending on the material. According to the McGraw-Hill survey, 26% of residential owners referred to longevity as their major reason for investing in the metal. A suitably installed metal roof generally will last as long as the house, with an expected lifespan to 40 to 70 years.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Metal roofs are considered a more sustainable alternative than other roofs. Metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their life but it also depends on the product you choose.

6. Low Maintenance Cost

Metal roofs do not require occasional expensive maintenance that other roofing materials often require. Metal roofs are distinct from other roofing material that can break, crumble and discolor over time without ongoing and often are costly.

7. Attractive

Modern metal roofing comes in more than 100 diverse colors, including standard, premium, and custom hues. Steel and aluminum, the two most common metals used in residential roofing, are both designed to hold paint finishes well. It also adds up as a decor item.

8. Fire Resistance

Metal roofing is generally fire-resistant because of metal roof materials. Most of them have a Class A fire rating ( the most fire-resistant rating). It can be particularly important in areas that are prone to wildfires.

9. Maximum Shedding of Rain and Snow

Metal roofing is practically impervious to rain and snow because of the way panels interlock and because the surfaces are hard and slippery. Additionally, dark tones of metal roofing rapidly warm in the snow, enabling snowmelt.

Cons of Metal Roofing

1. Initial Cost

The biggest disadvantage is the initial cost. Metal roofing can cost about $150 to $600 per square (100 Square feet) which is costly than other roofing materials. Investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you intend to stay in your house long enough to enjoy its cost-benefit because of its longevity.

2. Need For an Accomplished Contractor

Materials needed for metal roofing are expensive, but to hire an accomplished contractor to fit in all the materials could be more expensive because professionals who are expert in this area, who has the knowledge of all tools and equipment is required.

3. Noise

There are people who love the sound of raindrops but for some, living beneath these thin metal panels is bound to be noisy. Adding more insulation during installation usually solves this problem, but that may add up your expenses.

4. Expansion and Contraction

Metal roofing materials that are attached as large panels tend to expand and contract because metal expands and contracts as it warms and cools. Modern products have a fastening system that adapts movement. Otherwise, if they are not installed then the panels may loosen.

5. Denting

If water accumulates anywhere on the roof because of poor quality installation or repair, it can eventually cause serious damage. Copper and aluminum roofing, much softer than steel is more prone to denting. Some types come along with the guarantee not to dent but some metals rust in certain climates or dent more easily than others during a hailstorm or installation.

6. Inconsistency of Color Match

It may be problematic to find a perfect match to the prevailing metal if a repair is required or a home expansion is added years later. As time passes, materials also change. It is also more difficult to replace if a single panel is damaged.