If you’re in the market for a new roof, the roofing material you choose will have a significant impact on the cost, appearance, performance, maintenance, and durability of your new roof. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, composite tile, concrete tile, and metal roofs are just a few of the alternatives.

Metal Roofing Is Long-Lasting

A well-installed, high-quality metal roof should endure 40 to 50 years, sealing out water, withstanding high winds, and shedding snow easily. Metal’s resistance to fire, mildew, insects, and rot pays off in terms of longevity. Depending on the climate, workmanship, and unanticipated damage, metal roofs can endure up to 50 years. Most major metal roof manufacturers offer a 20- to 50-year warranty on their products. A 30-year limited warranty is usual for products with painted finishes.

Is It Possible to Install Metal Roofing Over Existing Shingles?

Metal roofing can normally be placed over the top of one old layer of asphalt shingles as long as the existing roof surface and the decking beneath it are sound, flat, and free of decay. Before you do anything, double-check your local codes and the manufacturer’s specs.

Of course, taking off the old roof and beginning from scratch with flat, sound sheathing is a far cleaner start. However, there are some advantages to keeping the original roof in place.

  • Reduces the cost of labor and hauling away the old roof.
  • For greater energy efficiency, an additional insulation barrier is left behind.
  • Reduces the amount of debris and interruption to your home and yard while the project is underway.

A Metal Roof Can Be Installed Quickly

Metal roofing is available in big “standing-seam” sheets or multiple-shingle pieces ranging in width from 12 to 36 inches. Standing seam sheets are three feet wide by six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen, and sixteen feet long. Custom sizes are also available.

These can be rapidly installed by a skilled contractor. If your roof is ripped off and a storm is approaching, cutting the installation time by a day or two could be important. Obviously, if you can simplify and expedite the roof installation process, you will save a lot of money.

Metal Roofing Isn’t a Fire Hazard

Metal roof materials have a Class A fire rating because they are noncombustible (the most fire-resistant rating). They will not catch fire from flying sparks or embers.

Just keep in mind that a roof’s overall categorization is based in part on elements beneath the surface that could ignite in high temperatures. Because of this, most metal roofs laid over flammable materials like wood shingles have a lower, Class C rating.