Switch to a metal roof - It can save money

[gotalkmoney]

By Joy Kraft
Gannett News Service

One of the most painful rites of home ownership is paying for a new roof, a cycle that repeats itself about every 17 years, the average life expectancy of most roofs, according to the National Roofing Foundation.

But this home repair that can easily float into five figures can be less daunting if you have the early financial cushion and savvy to install a metal roof. Steel, copper, aluminum or alloy can cost twice as much as shingle but last more than twice as long. Most metal roofs have a life expectancy of 50 years or more.


With today's styles, metal roofs have surpassed flat-topped industrial-looking barns, outbuildings, commercial structures and church steeples. Homeowners are taking notice.

That may be due to the increase in shingle styles beyond the still-popular standing seam. Shake, scalloped, "clay tile" and flat metal shingles in a rainbow of colors and textures are stylish enough to star undetected in suburbia as well as in historic city neighborhoods.

"They're definitely on the upswing" says roofer Dylan Walmsley of Oldenburg, Ind., of metal roofs. "You get a lot of bang for the buck, and they'll outlast six shingle roofs."

Metal roofs have been around since Roman Empire homeowners used copper and zinc overhead.

Metal makes sense today, more than ever. It offers automotive-like colors and finishes, tough, modern components, an insurance break because of resistance to wind, fire and storm damage and environmental friendliness -- years down the road, if metal roofs are replaced, they are recyclable, unlike traditional shingles.

"Look at it as a long-term investment. It's absolutely the last roof your home will need, and a metal roof is still worth what it was the day you paid for it, even 20 years down the road," says roofer Mike Beal of Okeana, Ohio. "It adds to the value of the house."

source: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060805/LIVING03/608040355/1004/LIVING

[wangzen]

I thought metal roofs were only for barns and other rural buildings. I knew those lasted a long time, but never thought that they were available for home use as well. As a homeowner with a roof that needs replacing I will consider that. Thanks!

[Kaabi]

Ahh, new roofs, very expensive indeed.

[chincalen]

Metal roofs are the thing of the past. They heat up your home really quickly and rust real easily. White roofs are the new eco-friendly construction choice.

[MoneyRainmaker]

I agree with chincalen. White repels heat and so it will keep the home cooler as compared with the metal roof that will easily heat up and will keep the heat in.

But I also agree with the OP that it is indeed more economical in the long run because of its long years of usability. However, you will also be consuming more electricity to keep the house cool.

Tough choice.