Best of Both Worlds: Metal Roofing

Asphalt has quickly become the standard roofing material in American home construction, especially here in Oklahoma. Right now, though, Americans are looking for roofing materials that are sturdy, affordable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly – oh, and attractive, to boot. It sounds like a lot to ask – but the roofing industry has been listening to home owners, and they’ve come up with something that is all of those things. And it might be a surprising choice: metal roofing.

Metal roofing has gotten a less-than-stellar reputation in the past for its lack of soundproofing and lack of curb appeal. But hear us out: metal roofing is gaining favor with homeowners all over the country. Intrigued? Read on for a few reasons metal roofing will make your heart sing.

You’ll save yourself some (okay, a lot of) trouble.

One day of strong Oklahoma winds could mean a whole weekend repairing shingles. Unlike its asphalt, wood, and stone peers, metal makes for an incredibly weather-resistant roof. Not having to worry about hail damage – that sounds like an Oklahoma homeowner’s dream come true. Metal roofs can withstand heavy snow loads, hail, high winds, and (of course) fire. That’s good news for you – if not for your insurance agent.

We should also mention that metal roofs are also especially resilient to erosion and cracking. Shingle roofing is a sort of hidden side project that comes with most homes: you plan to relax in your lady or man cave, watching reruns on the couch, and somehow you find yourself on top of the roof every few weekends.

Here’s the short version: a metal roof will last, on average, up to 50 years. That’s around two or three times the lifespan of a shingle roof. Metal roofs are comparable in installation costs to asphalt roofs, and they’re more than twice as durable.

You’ll save money.

…And, as you saw above, not because you’re paying for a flimsy material. Metal roofing costs less up-front, but it will also help you decrease your energy bill. Metal roofing is coated in reflective pigments, which means your house reflects sunlight and stays cooler in the Oklahoma heat. You won’t have to blast the A/C because your house will already be much cooler than if you’d had an asphalt roof.

Want some numbers? According to Energy Star, the average homeowner could save as much as $1,000 per year in total energy costs simply by installing a metal roof.

But we’re not quite done. Usually, you can also update your homeowner’s insurance policy. Many insurance providers – especially those in, ahem, inclement weather-prone states – will give discounts on annual homeowner’s insurance premiums if you live in a home with a metal roof. Because a metal roof is impact-resistant and long-lasting, insurance companies are less likely to deal with claims or replacements. You’ll want to check with your own insurance company, of course, to see if they offer any similar programs.

And then there’s tax season.

A metal roof will give you immediate gratification with those monthly energy savings. To add to your newfound metal appreciation, your energy-efficient metal roof could also be eligible for federal tax credits. Energy Star-qualified roofs – yep, that includes metal roofing with pigmented coating – qualify for a 10% credit of the purchase price, with a maximum credit amount of $500. (Note that this credit is only valid for the 2013 tax year for metal roofs installed on a primary, existing residence.)

You’ll find a metal roofing option that suits your home.

If you’re still a bit dubious about metal roofing, we get it. Everything you’ve heard, after all, is probably about how noisy, unattractive, and less-than-eco-friendly metal roofing really is. But not to worry: your home will not look like a top-of-the-line warehouse with a metal roof on it. In fact, there are lots of metal roofing options now to match your home’s color and aesthetic. You probably have a few neighbors who have already installed metal roofs – and you wouldn’t know by looking!

If you properly insulate your metal roof, you shouldn’t have any problems with crazy noise levels. When they’re installing your roof, ask your professional roofer (cough, cough) about the quality of insulation – if they spend a bit of extra time on your roof, it will save you a whole weekend in the future.

Think metal roofing is far from eco-friendly? Think again. Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofing is 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan (again, about 50 years from installation). And it bears repeating: because a metal roof reflects light and heat, it cuts your energy usage. Metal is the most eco-friendly residential roofing material out there.  

If you want a new roof that saves you money, time, and also has some curb appeal, you’ve found your best bet. Metal roofing can handle the intense Oklahoma weather, cut your costs, and give your house a facelift. Install a metal roof and enjoy your newly regained me time!