5 Types of Metal Roofs: 2023 Guide for Homeowners

March 26, 2023

Roofs serve as the backbone of a home, providing essential structural support that keeps everything together. The benefits of a good quality roof include protection from exterior elements, enhanced curb appeal, increased property value, improved energy efficiency, and protection of indoor air quality.

In terms of roofing materials, there are many options available to homeowners today. One of the most popular roofing options is metal and there are a number of different types of metal roofs to choose from.

In this blog post, the expert team at TruChoice Roofing will highlight the different options open to homeowners who are interested in metal roof installation. Let's get started.

1. Standing Seam

This concealed fastener roofing system features trapezoidal or vertical legs with a flat space in between. It's a premium roofing option that is noted for its sleek and esthetic appearance. A standing seam metal roof is also highly durable, customizable, and weather-tight.

2. Shake-Inspired

Roofing shakes have long been a popular option for homeowners around the world and boast a classic look. Shake-inspired metal roofs possess this class esthetic with a host of added benefits. Compared to wooden shingles, shake-inspired metal roofs are durable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient.

3. Slate-Inspired

Slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials today, putting it out of reach of many homeowners. Slate is also very heavy, which can put a great deal of stress on a roof.

For homeowners seeking the esthetic benefits of slate while the cost and weight concerns, slate-inspired metal roofs are a wonderful alternative.

4. Tile-Inspired

Another roofing material that has long been popular is tile, which was typically composed of natural materials such as concrete or clay. Today, tile-inspired metal roofs feature the esthetic benefits of tile with added durability, lifespan, and less maintenance.

Homeowners can count on excellent resistance from the elements with tile-inspired roofs. This includes resistance to hail, fire, wind, and rain.

5. Zinc

Another durable roofing material worth discussing is zinc. Some of the benefits of zinc roofs include:

Low maintenance
Easily malleable
Corrosion resistant
Self-healing
Appealing style
Environmentally friendly
Long-lasting

One of the biggest disadvantages of zinc is the cost. That said, with a lifespan of more than 100 years, it is a great long-term choice for homeowners. Other types of metal roofs include aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel.

Myths And Facts About Metal Roofs

Fact: Metal Is a Sustainable Roofing Material

With the ever-growing trend of eco-friendly home improvement and building projects, metal roofs have become an attractive option for sustainable roofing. Due to the following advantages, meta roofs provide a sustainable roofing option.

Metal roofs contain zinc, aluminum, and copper, all 100% recyclable materials. This means that when the roof needs replacing, it can be recycled without damaging the environment.
Metal roofs are also energy-efficient, reflecting up to 95% of the sun's rays and reducing indoor temperatures. This helps homeowners save money on their energy bills and reduce the number of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.
Metal roofs have been proven to last longer (40 years) than other roofing materials, meaning less waste is created.
Cool roof technology is also used in metal roofs, which helps reduce the heat absorbed by the sun and improves the comfort of your home.

Fiction: Metal Roofs Are Prone to Rust

Recent advancements have revolutionized metal roofing in fabrication, making them resistant to rust and corrosion. Steel, zinc coatings, galvalume steel, and aluminum are specially engineered for an enduring defense against weather damage such as rotting or decay.

Fact: Metal Roof May Seem Expensive At First

Investing in a metal roof pays off with long-term savings! The higher initial cost is between $5,300 to $14,700. Compared to an asphalt roof's average price of less than half that amount can save you big money over the years. Investing in a metal roof for your average-sized home can range from $10,000 and up, depending on the materials used and other influencing factors. Here are some factors that can affect the cost of a metal roof:

Type of Metal - Different metals cost more or less than others
Roof Pitch - Higher roofs require extra labor and materials to install
Site Conditions - Location, complexity, and accessibility all affect installation costs.
Region/Climate – In certain climates, it might be necessary to use different materials or additional insulation to ensure the roof's longevity.

Fiction: Metal Roofs Are Hotter Than Asphalt Roofs

Metal roofs reflect sunlight and help reduce the heat absorbed by your home, making them more energy-efficient than asphalt roofs. Metal roofs are also designed with ventilation systems that allow hot air to escape and cool air to flow, helping keep your home cooler during hot summer days. In contrast, dark asphalt shingles absorb the sun's rays and retain heat, making your home hotter.

Fiction: Metal Roofs Experience More Leaks Than Shingles

Metal roofs are more watertight than asphalt shingles due to their advanced waterproofing properties. Metal roofs are also extremely durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions better than other roofing materials, making them less prone to leaks. Additionally, metal panels fit tightly together and provide a seamless appearance that prevents moisture from seeping through cracks or seams.

Fact: Metals Roofs Are Energy Efficient

Metal roofs are a great way to promote energy conservation in homes! With their cool paint pigment coating and reflective properties, metal standing seam metal roofs can reduce the homeowner's energy costs by up to 40%.

Cool roofs offer some extra advantages, including:

Increasing solar reflectance
Lowering roof temperatures
Minimizing air conditioning costs
Reducing heat gain in the building envelope
Controlling the urban heat island effect can reduce city energy consumption and smog levels.

Are Metal Roofs a Good Investment?

Metal roofs are an excellent long-term investment, as they can last up to 40 years with minimal upkeep. They're resistant to the elements, weather damage, and rot while providing superior insulation and energy efficiency. Metal roofing is a great way to reduce your environmental impact, increase the value of your home, and save money on energy bills.

Plus, metal roofing is recyclable, meaning less waste is created when replacing or disposing old roofing materials. With all these benefits, metal roofs are a smart investment for any homeowner looking to upgrade their home and save money in the long run.