My way is to divide half a sheet of paper by a line into two columns; writing over the one Pro and the other Con. Then during three or four day's consideration, I put down under the different heads short hints of the different motives, that at different time occur to me, for or against the measure. When I have thus got them all together in one view, I endeavor to estimate their respective weights; and where I find two, one on each side, that seem equal, I strike them both out... find where the balance lies; and if after a day or two of further consideration, nothing new that is of importance occurs on either side, I come to a determination accordingly... Taken from a letter written by Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Priestley, September 19, 1772

Here are a few things that you won't want to overlook...

METAL ROOFING PROS

As each home is unique, so are the homeowners. This list is not in order of importance as each Pro or Con may rate differently for different applications and different people. We hope it helps you identify what is best for you, yours, and your home.

You Control the Lifespan Cost of Maintaining Your Home

A metal roof is as strong as steel, because it is steel. Stone Coated Metal Shingles do not deteriorate as your typical asphalt shingles will. They don’t rip and tear in the wind, crack or blister in the heat, lose their granule covering in the rain, or fail long before their warranty expires. A metal roof is a onetime investment where as other roofing systems are a continuing expense.

Wind Resistance

Most roofing materials have seams or overlaps that wind will blow thru, water, snow and ice will penetrate and over time will lift or curl the shingle, and finally separate it from the roof entirely. Stone Coated Metal Shingles are designed to connect and interlock together at all four corners, it is screwed down tight and all fasteners are hidden from sight and from the weather.

Light Weight

Metal roofs are light in weight, as much as 30% percent lighter than traditional asphalt shingles. This low weight allows installation over the existing shingles saving home owners the additional expense of tear-off.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs have reflective coatings and integrated thermal breaks, metal roofs often reduce summer cooling costs by 20% or more. And in the cold Montana & Wyoming winters a metal roof will keep radiant heat where it provides warmth, rather than escaping thru shingles. Not only will a metal roof reduce heating and cooling cost, it will also lighten the load on HVAC Systems.

Fire Resistance

Your best asphalt shingle, when it comes to fire is rated as a fire retardant. Meaning it should resist combustion up to an hour. Metal roofs never burn and provide resistance to airborne sparks and embers, protecting your home and family.

Many Different Types and Styles

Metal roofing is very adaptable. There are roofing systems for low or steep sloped roofs. Products that look like asphalt shingles, wood shakes, slate and tile.

Durable and Long Lasting

Most roofing shingles are just that shingles. Typically there are no special parts for problem areas like dead valleys, transitions, and flashing and the shingles themselves are often used as starters. With metal roofing there are custom accessories for ridge caps, rake starters, valleys, eves, and special flashing for skylights, and chimneys – much longer lasting than sealants or caulking.

Remodels

The available choices for asphalt shingle styles and designs tend to be trendy. In most cases a particular color or design is only available a few short years. If a home owner adds on, or say, removes a chimney or skylight it is very difficult to find and use a matching shingle. With metal roofing the manufacturers are consistent with colors, styles, and designs making room additions and other add on’s possible.

Curb Appeal

Metal roofing adds lasting durability and beauty to a home. Asphalt shingles are designed to start failing the day they leave the manufacture. This deterioration process takes away from the beauty and value of a home.

Recyclable

Asphalt shingles are getting harder and harder to dispose of. They are not recyclable because of the fibers in them. An asphalt shingle will start breaking down the moment it is installed, however, what’s left will live in landfills for hundreds of years. A quality metal roof we have recycled content, sometimes as much as 40-90% and at the end of its useful life it is still 100% recyclable.

METAL ROOFING CONS

This section has slowed down the publish date on this article because I thought and thought and could not come up with many cons for metal roofing...

Longer Installation Time and Cost because of custom trim pieces that are manufactured on the job site, metal roofing installation tends to be longer in installation times compared to asphalt shingles.

Increased Investment

The initial investment in metal roofing is more than asphalt shingles. Most home owners consider metal roofing to be a one time investment that eliminates the ongoing expenses associated with asphalt shingles. Energy savings will contribute to the eventual payback of the initial investment in metal.

Noise

The old “lore” of metal roofing being loud is a misnomer. Metal roofing is really no louder that rain hitting a skylight. For particularly noise conscientious consumers steps can be taken to insulate noise.

Walk-ability

Metal roofs are as strong as steel because they are steel. Metal roofs stand up to hail and there is no problem with walking on them. Also they will maintain this durability for decades to come.

Home buyers

More and more home buyers look at asphalt shingles as an immediate investment in an ongoing expense. Metal roofing offers a low or no maintenance alternative that ads value. Homes with metal roofing sell faster and for more money.