More and more Wisconsin homeowners are choosing metal roofs over asphalt or other roofing materials. The reasons make perfect sense. Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, beautiful and come in more styles and colors than they did 10-15 years ago. Best of all, they’re a permanent roofing solution, as opposed to asphalt shingles which need to be replaced every 8-15 years.
How can you know if a metal roof is right for you?
Here are some things to consider for your next roof. These insights could help you determine if a metal roof is a smart decision for you.
A metal roof is a smart option if you value low- or no-maintenance.
Wisconsin winters can be brutal on asphalt roofs. Homeowners tire of clearing snow and ice from asphalt roofs in winter. Spring, summer and fall are also tough on asphalt roofs, which can collect sticks, leaves and other debris from nearby trees or storms. Metal roofs easily shed ice, snow and debris and never need maintenance.
Temporary asphalt shingles also need replacing every 8-15 years which takes time, energy and cost. A permanent metal roof may last 100 years – saving thousands of dollars and no headaches.
 A metal roof looks as good after 40 years as it does on day one.
Permanent metal roofing is known for its enduring beauty. A metal roof will not rust, crack, mildew or rot. On the other hand, asphalt shingles quickly deteriorate and become an eye sore due to streaking, curling & de-granulation. Asphalt shingles also retain moisture, which can lead to mildew or rot.
While metal shingle technology and design options have advanced over the past decade, asphalt roof shingle quality has fallen due to the reduction of the oil (asphalt) content that roofing manufacturers are using. To save money, these companies replace petroleum products with fillers and binders. Simply stated, the lower the asphalt content, the poorer the quality of the shingles. Modern day asphalt shingles are susceptible to premature deterioration and may often cup, curl, and shed granules in as little as a year after installation. You won’t experience that with the permanent nature of metal shingles.
Another appearance-related consideration is fading. As our Wisconsin summer sun beats down on an asphalt roof, fading begins the day it is installed. A metal roof has a 30 year fade-resistant warranty on its paint application.
A metal roof is for you if you prefer the eco-friendly choice.
Steel roofing material is made of 36% post-consumer recycled content, while asphalt shingles are not. Other factors that make metal roofing the eco-friendly choice versus asphalt shingles include:
- Preventing landfill waste from tear-offs: Over 350 million tons of asphalt shingles are discarded in landfills every year. Your metal roof can typically be installed right over an existing roof, reducing landfill waste.
- Reducing energy costs: Homeowners who replace asphalt with a metal roof see about 20% savings on energy costs, which is good for our environment.
- Reducing replacement impact: When you choose a permanent metal roof, you’re eliminating the landfill waste that comes from replacing an asphalt roof every 8-15 years.
If you want abundant design and color choices, a metal roofing wins.
Metal roofing design and colors have skyrocketed over the past decade. Metal roofs now come in a wide range of profiles and finishes, resembling anything from cedar shakes to slate to traditional shingle roofs. So no matter what your home or neighborhood style, you’ll find a metal roof that’s just the right fit. On the contrary, the range of design and color options in asphalt is more limited.
Learn more about how metal roofing compares to asphalt as well as other roofing materials. For answers to all your metal roofing questions give Swita Metal Roofing a call, or schedule a free estimate today.