Buying a metal roof can be a fulfilling decision, but it’s not one you should make too quickly. Moving too quickly during this purchase can lead to you overlooking some surprisingly advantageous factors. Read the guide below to learn a few of the most important factors to consider before buying metal roofs.
Roofing Material
There are multiple options on the table when looking for a metal roof. Not only do you have options regarding style and color, but also for the specific metal comprising the roof itself. Popular options on the market include zinc, aluminum, and steel. Different metals offer different levels of price, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Zinc is among the most expensive metal roofing, but that’s a result of its immense durability and overall reliability. Steel is typically a more affordable option, but it won’t offer the same corrosion resistance of better metals. At the end of the day, factors like prices can vary from vendor to vendor. In fact, as we’ll get into later, a metal roof’s finish can also affect these aforementioned attributes.
Maintenance Requirements
One of the most important factors to consider before buying metal roofs is maintenance. Anyone who owns an asphalt shingle roof knows they can be quite high-maintenance, from shingles curling to some falling from the roof. Homeowners who hate roof maintenance and want to ignore it entirely should choose metal for their roofing. Some suppliers will offer a maintenance-free metal roof, but that attribute won’t be available across all vendors. If you’re buying a metal roof with the goal of avoiding any and all maintenance, be sure your roofing materials will help you achieve that.
Finishing Touch
Two big advantages of a metal roof are long-lasting structural integrity and visual appeal. To combat fading and other environmental factors, metal roofs require a strong paint finish. Homeowners should learn some key tips for choosing metal roof colors because this step is more important than they may realize.
The two main types of metal roof paint finishes include polyester and PVDF, each of which can affect the look and longevity of your roof. To ensure you’re getting what you need in terms of UV protection and mold prevention, always talk with your materials supplier about what finish will be on your metal roof.
