Even the most well-maintained roofs will eventually need to be replaced. If you’re considering upgrading your roof, you’ll need to pick the right materials to keep your home safe. While many homeowners hire Arvada roofers to install traditional asphalt shingles, others prefer to explore more durable and unique options to add to their home’s exterior. Installing a metal roof rather than simply replacing your existing asphalt shingles may be one of the best investments you can make for your home. Here are a few of the surprising benefits metal roofs can add when built by experienced Arvada roofers.
Inherently Fire Resistant
Metal is one of the most fire-resistant roofing materials available. The non-combustible sheets completely cover any wood framing and architecture in your attic, greatly reducing the risk of fires spreading from home to home. This makes metal roofs ideal for homeowners living in close proximity with other structures as is so common in the greater Denver area. Best of all, the durable material reduces the risk of structural fires due to falling power lines and lightning, keeping your house safe no matter what the weather.
Boosts Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Metal roofs are surprisingly energy efficient. Though many homeowners believe that installing a metal roof on their house will effectively turn the attic space into a solar oven, nothing could be further from the truth. Even painted metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays, helping maintain a steady temperature in the upper levels of your home. Since the temperatures in the attic area and underlying roof structure are kept at cooler temperatures more consistently, your air conditioning system will be able to keep your home cool more easily. The less your unit has to work to cool each room, the more money you’ll save on your energy bills each month.
Durability
The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is between 15 and 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Roofs that are allowed to get much older than that will start to see an increase in leaks, water damage, moisture levels in the attic, and even mold growth. Metal roofs are incredibly durable, protecting your home for up to 50 years without an increase in the risk of water leaks or structural damage. Furthermore, their durability makes it less likely that you’ll need to schedule annual repairs or inspections, even after the volatile spring weather Colorado sees so frequently.
Improves Resale Value
Even if you’re not planning on selling your home in the near future, adding a metal roof can still increase your property’s resale value. Prospective buyers look for homes with roofs in good condition, that look nice, and will keep the structure safe for years to come. However, asphalt shingles, roofing tiles, and even wooden shakes won’t provide the same level of durability and longevity as quality metal. This allows you to command a higher asking price than similar homes in your neighborhood with standard roofs. Though the installation is a sizeable investment upfront, you’ll make up for it should you decide to sell your house.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, nothing will help more than a metal roof. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce the amount of waste your home contributes to the landfill. Once the roof is ready to be replaced, most of the material can go straight to the recycling facility, further reducing your footprint and keeping otherwise harmful waste out of the environment.
Stands Up to Hail with Ease
Colorado gets some wacky weather and hailstorms are easily the top cause of roof damage during the spring. Metal roofs will protect your home without sustaining damage. Unlike asphalt shingles, dents in metal roofs do not mean the water-tight seal is compromised. In fact, even hail-dented roofs can continue protecting your house for years to come without needing any repairs. You’ll only need to worry if you notice rust around the impact site or see a crack in the metal sheeting which could allow moisture to get into the roof underlayment.
Available in Different Colors
Unlike asphalt shingles that come in a small range of colors, metal roofs can be painted almost any color to fit your exterior. You’ll be able to choose between a sleek gray or natural metal or opt for a more colorful brilliant green, red, or blue. No matter what your existing home exterior looks like, there’s a metal roof that will fit the theme. Keep in mind that the color you choose is purely cosmetic and will not impact the energy efficiency of the roof. The difference between a pure white roof and a dark colored metal is so minimal that most homeowners will not see a difference in their electricity bill by choosing one color over the other.
Lower Homeowners Insurance Premiums
When most homeowners experience a roofing issue, they immediately contact their homeowner’s insurance provider. This means the older your roof is or the less durable the materials are, the more likely it is that you’ll need to file a claim. Insurance companies know this and often reward homeowners who install a more durable roof with lower monthly premiums. Over the course of the life of your roof, this can save you tons of money, far outweighing the initial cost of the roofing installation.
A Few Things to Keep In Mind
Metal roofs are far from the most affordable options to install on your home. The materials are more expensive to purchase upfront and the installation requires working with a contractor that specializes in that specific type of install. However, metal roofs are often installed more quickly, reducing the cost of labor associated with your reroofing project. Since they can last for over 50 years, metal roofs are not ideal investments for individuals hoping to flip a property quickly. You’ll get the most out of your investment if you plan to stay in your home for at least a few years after the installation.
At Arvada Roofing and Construction, we believe that every homeowner should feel confident in their roof. We’ll work to quickly repair everything from storm damage to worn shingles and can install new roofs quickly, reducing the impact construction has on your daily routine. Contact us today to schedule an estimate and see the difference a great roof can make in your home’s efficiency and appearance.