Are you considering a new roof for your house? If you have done some research, you have discovered multiple roofing options.
One of your options is metal roofing. It is a good option for several reasons, including longevity, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Read on to learn more about metal roofing in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Why Choose Metal Roofing?
You are likely reading this post because you are considering metal roof installation. However, if you are not yet convinced, the following are the benefits of metal roofs:
Longevity
Metal roofs offer the longest durability. A properly installed and maintained metal roof can last between 25 and 100 years, depending on the material and panel type.
Higher-end materials like zinc and copper can last over a century, while aluminum shingles can last over 50 years.
For comparison, traditional asphalt roofing lasts for 12 to 20 years.
The longevity of metal roofs also increases the value of your home because the buyer might not need to replace it for decades.
Energy-efficiency
Roofing has an impact on your energy bills because of reflectivity and emissivity. Metal roofs have one of the highest energy star ratings because they are made from materials that are good emitters and reflectors.
Metals are good at reflecting the sun’s rays, decreasing the heat transfer to the attic. They are also good emitters, which quickly cool off after the sun goes down, resulting in lower cooling costs.
Metal roofing cuts energy costs by up to 15% in the winter and 40% in the summer if installed with a four-inch strapping system and in reflective colors like white, blue, or light green.
Eco-friendly
Metal roofs are among the most eco-friendly roofing options because they are 100% recyclable, and most manufacturers make metal roofs from 25% to 95% recycled materials.
Additionally, the lifespan of metal roofs is extended through resealing, eliminating the need for an entire roof replacement.
Maximum snow and rain shedding
The roofing of a house can be damaged by standing rainwater or snow. However, the surface of metal roofing is slippery, maximizing snow and rain shedding. That is a critical attribute in Raleigh, North Carolina, which experiences regular snow, averaging 6 inches annually.
Easy installation
Metal roofing is easy to install because it is lightweight compared to clay or concrete. They range from 50 to 10 pounds per square. Additionally, the roofing comes in multiple single sections that are easy to handle and install. The panels are 12 to 36 inches wide.
What to Consider Before Having a Metal Roof Installed
At this point, you have probably decided to go with metal roofing. However, there are things to consider before installation:
Check with your homeowners’ association or municipality.
Before proceeding, you need to contact your homeowners’ association or municipality to check if metal roofs are allowed in your neighborhood.
Metal roofing is not allowed in some neighborhoods because it could be inconsistent with the neighborhood’s aesthetics or look too industrial.
Cost
Metal roofing is costlier than shingle roofing by 2 to 3 times. In the long term, a metal roof is cost-effective. But you cannot spend money you don’t have in the initial installation.
Factors that affect the cost of metal roofing include the material (steel, zinc, aluminum, etc.), size of the roof, panel profile, color, and application. Knowing what you want and need will help you stay within your budget.
Type and material
What roofing type and metal material do you want for your new roof? The material affects not only cost but also durability. For instance, zinc is among the most expensive metal roofing materials, but its durability makes the cost worth it.
The most common metal roofing types are metal shingles and standing seam roofing. Metal shingles resemble traditional shingle roofing, while standing seam roofing comprises large panels that give your roof a contemporary look.
Emissivity and reflectivity
Roofing emissivity and reflectivity determine energy efficiency. For even more significant energy savings, look for roofing with an emissivity rating close to 1.00, which means the roof emits most of the heat absorbed during the day.
For reflectivity, look for roofing with a rating of 0.65. That means the roof can reflect 65% of the sun’s rays.
Finishing
Finishing affects the aesthetics and durability of metal roofing. Light colors are more reflective, therefore, generally more energy efficient.
However, you also need to choose the kind of paint finish. The choices are PVDF, SMP, and matte colors. PVDF costs more than SMP paint finishes because it fades much slower.
Finding the right contractor
The final step is finding the right contractor. Here you are looking for experience, cost-of installation, and availability. You should also confirm that a contractor is licensed and insured.
The selection process involves getting free estimates. It is generally a bad idea to go with the lowest bid, but the highest bid does not always mean quality service.
Ask the right questions, like the project length and what would happen in case of problems with the installation. Also, inquire about the available warranties and how to minimize the installation cost.
Types of Metal Roofing
You can choose metal roofing type by material or panel type. There are four types of metal roofing materials:
Aluminum
This material is lightweight and recommended for coastal environments because it does not rust.
Steel
Steel is the most common metal roofing material. It is durable (up to 60 years), low-maintenance, and resistant to rot and fire. However, it is heavier than aluminum and vulnerable to rust.
Zinc
Zinc roofing is attractive, corrosion resistant, and lasts up to a century. However, it is expensive compared to aluminum and steel. Zinc roofing is also rare in North America.
Copper
Copper roofing has a unique appearance and changes color over time, depending on the climate. Like zinc, copper roofing is highly durable and corrosion-resistant. However, it is expensive and less impact-resistant than other metal roofing materials. Impact resistance is an important consideration considering North Carolina hurricanes.
After selecting roofing material, you need to choose a panel type. The options are:
Standing seam roofing
A modern-looking steel roof that has concealed fasteners that decrease the chances of leaks
Corrugated metal roofing
Wavy-looking panels with exposed fasteners
- Metal slate roofing: resembles slate
- Metal shingle roofing resembles traditional shingles
- Metal tile roofing resembles clay tiles
The Cost of Metal Roofing
The cost of metal roofing is dependent on three main factors:
- Panel profile
- Thickness or gauge of material
- Paint and finish system
For an accurate estimate, request a free quote from your contractor, which should also include labor costs.
Get Professional Roofing Services in Raleigh, NC
Dodson Construction Co Inc. provides high-quality metal roofing in Raleigh, NC, and surrounding areas. We have been providing energy star rated roofing services in the area for about four decades, with thousands of satisfied clients.
We provide all metal roofing services, from repairs to new metal roof installations. We also provide other services, including:
Contact us today for a free estimate or more information about your roofing needs.