Metal Roofing Options For Your Home

Sep 1
17:15

2011

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Thinking of having metal roofing installed in your home? Here are some things to think about.

mediaimage

Metal roofing can be a great choice for installation on your house. Without a solid roof,Metal Roofing Options For Your Home Articles homeowners will surely be faced with leaks that can lead to structural damage, mold and mildew, ruined furnishings and flooring as well as electrical wiring that gets shorted out. The only other option would be to always position buckets all around the house when it rains to catch the drips. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it? A homeowner’s best bet is to have a quality product installed by a competent contractor. Here are some things to think about:

- Materials: There are several options when it comes to metal roofing materials.

o Aluminum: Aluminum is a popular metal that is economical and sturdy. This is a material designed to last and withstand inclement weather such as snow, ice, wind, hail and even forest fires. This lightweight product is so strong that airplanes are made from it.

o Steel: Steel is so strong that it has withstood hurricanes and tornados. Superman wasn’t called “the man of steel” for nothing. These roofs can be designed in flat or pitched styles. They are fairly inexpensive and are made to last and last. In fact, many steel rooftops last fifty years and may outlive the rest of the structure, not to mention the homeowner.

o Zinc: In terms of longevity, zinc is an amazing product. It can last eighty years or more. It is considered as environmentally friendly and can even be used safely on rooftops that plan to harvest rainwater. It is usually made up of recycled products; at the end of its lifespan, it can be recycled once again to produce more zinc products. This is definitely a green choice. It does cost more than aluminum and steel but many homeowners feel that it’s worth it.

o Copper: Copper is one of the more expensive options but many feel it’s worth it because it’s recyclable, classy looking and unique looking. There are certain maintenance tasks which must be carried out in order to keep copper roofs looking topnotch. Regular cleaning will also increase these rooftop’s lifespan. A cleaning mixture of salt and lemon juice can bring back the coppery sheen.

-Installation: Who installs a house’s roof is important indeed. A homeowner should do some research into the contractor and find out:

- Reputation: Check with friends, neighbors and the Better Business Bureau to learn about the most reputable roofers in your area. Ask for references from the contractor himself to see the quality of work. Drive by houses that have recently had a metal roof installed by the contractor you’re considering.

-Estimate: Get three written estimates and compare them all. Check to see if materials, labor, tear off, clean up and dump fees are all included in their price. You want to be sure you’re comparing apples to apples.

Metal roofing can improve the appearance and increase property value of a home. It’s great for northern regions where snow and ice are commonplace because the snowfall will slide right off. It’s also a smart choice for heavily wooded areas or forests because it won’t catch fire.

Article "tagged" as: