Metal Roofing Baton Rouge is growing in popularity among homeowners for re-roofing and new construction. Several factors drive this trend, including longevity, durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
From traditional shingle styles to the modern look of standing seam, there are plenty of options. Steel has also made huge advancements in mimicking the look of Copper, Zinc, and Weathered Steel through paint systems.
The durability of metal roofing is one of its greatest advantages over traditional shingles. While a homeowner with a standard asphalt shingle roof will go through two or three roof replacements in their lifetime, metal can last up to 50 years or more. This longevity is due to a combination of inherent characteristics, including superior resistance to storm damage, wind uplift, hail damage, and extreme temperatures.
The specific material used is also a key factor in durability. Copper and zinc roofs are the longest-lasting, while aluminum is a cost-efficient alternative. The thickness of the metal also affects durability. A thinner gauge of metal will not withstand the stresses and pressures of a long-term roof, while thicker gauges provide excellent strength for a low price.
A metal roof’s superior endurance also helps protect the interior of a home, providing lasting protection against rain, snow, and extreme heat. In addition, it is resistant to pests, a common problem with other roofing materials that can cause costly damage.
In fact, a metal roof can last twice as long as a shingle roof in the same climate. This is because the roof’s construction and materials are designed to withstand the weather conditions of a particular region.
However, the cornerstone of a metal roof’s long lifespan is its professional installation. Hiring a professional roofing contractor who specializes in the style of metal roof you’re interested in will help ensure the best results and a long-lasting, leak-free performance.
Additionally, a good roofing company will use high-quality sealants to protect the roof from leaks and the damaging effects of water. Using sealants made especially for metal roofs, rather than the generic tubes found in the home center, is an essential step to protecting your investment and unlocking the full potential of your metal roofing.
Recyclability
In addition to being extremely durable and highly sustainable, metal roofing panels are also one of the most environmentally friendly roof materials available. Even damaged or rusted panels can be recycled and reused to produce new metal products like building materials, car parts, and more. This makes metal roofing a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners and builders who want to reduce their environmental impact while also improving the look of their homes.
In fact, steel roofing has up to 90% recycled content. This is significantly higher than that of traditional asphalt shingles, which only contain 15% recycled content. The recyclability of metal roofing is due to the fact that it is made from pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled material. This recycled material is then melted down to create new metal products. This helps to save energy that would be required to mine and manufacture virgin steel, as well as reducing the overall environmental footprint of the manufacturing process.
Another benefit of metal roofing is its resale value. Unlike many other roofing options, a metal roof can increase your home’s resale value, which is particularly important in today’s tight economy. The durability and low maintenance of a metal roof can add value to your home for decades to come, which makes it a smart investment.
Additionally, a metal roof can lower your energy costs. Its reflective surface helps to cut down on heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can cut your heating and cooling expenses by 10-25%.
While a metal roof is not as expensive as some other roofing options, it does carry a premium price tag and can be difficult to install. This is why it’s important to weigh the cost and benefits of a metal roof with other roofing options before making your final decision.
It’s important to get a detailed breakdown of the cost of your project so that you can compare apples to apples when comparing bids from different contractors. The best way to do this is to have a contractor provide you with a complete list of all the components that will be used on your project, including a detailed itemized breakdown of labor costs. This will allow you to make sure you are getting a fair price and a quality project.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you’re interested in protecting your home or cutting down on energy costs, a metal roof might be a good choice. Unlike asphalt shingles, which are made of fossil fuels and can be toxic to the environment, metal roofing is recyclable and provides many eco-friendly benefits.
One of the most obvious advantages of metal roofs is their superior energy efficiency. Metal reflects solar energy rather than absorbing it, which makes it more effective at reducing home temperatures during the day. This can also help to save on air conditioning costs during the summer, as it keeps the inside of your home cooler and decreases the use of your HVAC system.
In addition to reflecting sunlight, metal roofs are highly emissive and radiate heat quickly back into the atmosphere. This is because of the atomic structure of metals, which allows electrons to freely move within the material. When exposed to sunlight, this free flow of electrons helps to transfer the sun’s energy into heat that is then emitted from your roof. In fact, metal roofs have high thermal emittance ratings and can easily save you up to 40% in energy costs.
The reflective properties of metal roofing also make it more efficient at cooling your building during the night. This is because they reflect the sun’s rays away from the structure instead of absorbing them and heating up the interior. This can significantly lower your cooling bills during the hot, humid summer months and cut down on your energy consumption and carbon footprint.
In addition, because the panels fit together so tightly, they can provide a tighter seal for your building, which reduces energy loss and protects against damage from heavy rain, hailstones, or strong winds. This makes them more energy-efficient than shingle roofs, which can allow hot or cold air to leak into and out of the building. This can have a big impact on your utility costs. When you combine their energy-saving qualities with their longevity and durability, it’s easy to see why a metal roof is a great investment for any home or business owner.
Low Maintenance
Metal roofs require less maintenance compared to asphalt shingle or tile roofing materials. They may need minor repairs from time to time, but they are much more durable and have a longer lifespan than traditional roofing materials. Because of this, they save homeowners money in the long run by lowering repair costs and energy bills.
Metal Roofs are also Energy Efficient. They are highly reflective and help to keep homes cooler during the summer by minimizing heat absorption. This is one of the biggest reasons that many people choose metal over shingles or other roofs.
While metal roofs do offer a variety of benefits, it is important to inspect them regularly to make sure everything is working correctly and that they are free from any damage or punctures. If there is any type of issue, it can be taken care of quickly and easily by a professional roofing contractor.
Like any other surface, metal roofs can become scratched or stained over time. Touch-up paint pens can be used to cover these marks, but it is always best to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines first. If you are concerned about damage to the surface of your roof, a professional roofing contractor can apply protective coatings to the surface of the roof to prevent scratches or staining.
If you have a standing seam metal roof, it is especially important to check the fasteners on a regular basis. The rivets, screws, and bolts that hold the panels together should be checked to ensure they are not loose, crooked, angled, or missing completely. Additionally, any exposed fasteners on a standing seam metal roof should be inspected to ensure they are not wearing down or cracking due to exposure to UV light.
It is also important to check for any penetrations in the roof such as chimneys, vents, or pipes. These should be secured with flashing, boots, or collars to ensure that water is not leaking into the home. In addition, any sealants that are worn down or cracked should be replaced to ensure a watertight seal.
Structural maintenance for a metal roof can be a bit more in-depth and should be performed by a professional roofing contractor or someone who is comfortable climbing on the roof. This involves removing large branches and debris, cleaning gutters and downspouts, and inspecting the metal panel seams to make sure there is no corrosion or rust.
