The roof is one of the most important parts of a home in terms of protection. It has been estimated that the homeowners in the United States spend anywhere between 1 and 4% of the value of the house on roof repairs every year. If a house is worth $200,000 that translates to about $2,000 per year. When people are thinking about replacing a roof, they have a lot of options. More and more homeowners are considering metal roofs. There are a number of reasons they are doing this. Here are the top benefits of switching to a metal roof:

  1. Metal roofs weigh less than traditional materials. The weight of a roof can have a very large impact on the house. When you compare the material used for a metal roof, you will see that it is a lot lighter. This means if you are converting an asphalt roof to a metal one, you can often just have the roofing contractor install the new roof over the old one. This can help save you money in that you do not have to remove old roofing materials.
  2. Metal roofs are very durable. When looking at different materials for a roof, the durability is incredibly important. By some estimates, metal roofs have a lifespan that goes from 50 to 100 years. They do not rust, are great at deterring insects and other pests, they are impossible to penetrate, and impervious to rot. They are also much better able to fend off attacks from Mother Nature such as hail, wind, downed trees and tree branches, rain, and snow.
  3. You will not have to worry as much about maintenance. Because this kind of roofing is so durable, you will not have to do as much in the way of maintaining the roof. Generally, people are advised to inspect their roof every six to 12 months. When you do that, you will see how well your roof has stood up to whatever has been thrown at it. This will save you time, money, and will help with the stress of homeownership.
  4. You can get the style you want. Today's metal roofs come in just about every style and color. That means you will not have to trade in style for durability. In the days of yore, metal roofs were all the same. They were made of corrugated metal sheets, which are still often used for things such as sheds and barns. While you can still get that, if you would like it, the number of options available to homeowners has grown dramatically over the years. There are metal roofs out there that look like wood shakes, clay tiles, and slate. Your roof will match whatever style you have selected for your home.
  5. You will lower your power bills. When roofing contractors talk about this material, they often call these cool roofs. As most people are aware, things that are light in color repel and reflect light and heat while things that are darker hold on to both. When you have a metal roof, it will keep the house cooler in the warmer months of the year. This means you will rely less on your air conditioning system and thus have lower utility bills. Often people go for bare metal roofing but any can be coated with a reflective material to keep you cool and comfortable.
  6. Your home will be much greener. If you are interested in the environment, a metal roof is the way to go. Not only will you consume less energy, and lower your carbon footprint that way, but the material itself can be recycled. Traditional asphalt roofing is thrown away at the end of its life but metal roofing is completely recyclable. Every part of a metal roof can be recycled after it is no longer working as a roof. Of course, the fact that it can last from 50 to 100 years also means that it has a lower environmental impact than other kinds of roofing.

At the end of the day, metal roofs offer a lot of versatility, durability, and eco-friendliness that makes them so popular today. They are great for any home.