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If you own your home, you know what it’s like to hear the pitter patter of a rainstorm against your windows. If you live in a colder region white, fluffy snow may be more the norm. Whatever the case, your home’s best defense is the same: the roof. And for many of those that are fortunate to be home owners, the last line of defense of the roof is the same. Asphalt shingles are an extremely common roofing material, and for a good reason. They are flexible, holding up in heat, rain, and cold. They are also easy to install and cheap to replace, especially if you just need to get on the roof to replace one shingle tab that blew off in the wind. So if asphalt shingles are so great, why would anyone want a roof that was produced by metal roofing machines? While it may not seem like an obvious solution to your roofing needs, metal roofs are actually a surprisingly good value for what they deliver. And some homeowners are starting to take notice and come around to the benefits of a metal roof.

Metal roofing isn’t what it used to be. When most people think about a metal roof, a dingy shack in the middle of nowhere comes to mind, with an ugly, mismatched corrugated metal roof lying flat across the top. While there are still a fair share of dingy shacks out in the middle of nowhere, thankfully the contemporary homeowner has many more options at their disposal. Metal roofing is made from a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. All have their pros and cons, from durability to looks. While the type of metal roof may mostly be a personal preference, there are some considerations. For example, if you live in an area where hail is common, it may make sense to find the most durable material possible. For the most part, however, any of these types of roofs, made with roll forming equipment, are going to be beautiful and practical additions to your home.

Metal roofing is durable, attractive, and will most likely never have to be replaced over the course of your home’s life. So what is stopping metal roofing from becoming the norm rather than just another option? Cost, for one, is a big issue. If you don’t plan on owing your house for a long time, you may be passing along some of the benefit of the metal roof without recouping any of your initial investment. Another consideration is the noise of a metal roof during a rain or hail storm. To some, it’s beautiful music. To others, they want to tear their hair out. The roll form machines will continue to pump out metal roofing, so if your house needs a new roof in the next couple of years, this is certainly an option to consider.

There are many things a homeowner can do to change their curb appeal. A once boring yard can look wonderful with a few plants and a gorgeous fountain. As well, a once flat and plain roof can easily be replaced with a new roof that can add character and appeal to an old home. There are many choices available for homeowners and business owners alike when it comes to new roofs.

One of the most popular choices for new roofs is metal sheeting. Many people think that you are limited when it comes to metal sheeting; however, there are several types of metal roofs available on the market. For instance, steel and aluminum are available in many colors. As well, they are very durable choices for new roofs. The roof lifetime for both these type of metal roofs are between thirty and fifty years. Metal roofing is usually priced by the running foot and sold in three foot wide pieces. Prices vary from manufacturer and location, but you can expect to pay around $3 to $8 a square foot. Metal roofing comes in varying grades and colors; all of this determines the price you will pay.

A new trend in metal roofing has hit the construction arena, stamped metal. Stamped metal is a growing fad that many homeowners’ are choosing for their new roofs. Available in tiles that resemble shingles, slate, tile and even wood shakes; although, these are currently very costly, in the future, most likely the price will drop. Today’s metal roofing compared to the metal roofs found on old farm houses in the south are much more durable and hold their new-like appearance. Special coatings are applied to keep the metal from fading and oxidizing over time due to sun exposure and rain. As well, in the past, metal roofing was known to dent and scratch very easily; today’s new roofs that have metal sheeting can enjoy the benefits of technological advances that prevent this from occurring.

Another more expensive type of metal roofing is copper sheeting. Although, copper is very expensive, it is very durable and therefore a new roof of copper will last a homeowner up to 100 years, over a lifetime. Copper is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and most homeowners that use copper pay a high price for this look on their new roof. In fact, with the rising costs of metals in the United States, a new roof of copper sheeting can run you around $10 per square foot.

New roofs that are sheeted with metal are a great form of energy savings, as well. Many manufacturers even offer special radiant coatings to improve them even more. A new roof that has been replaced with cool metal roofing products can save a homeowner up to 40% in summer cooling utility costs. Because of the reflective qualities, coupled with the pigments and coatings used in metal roofing; the homeowner will enjoy reduced costs in energy bills throughout the year and for the lifetime of the new roof.

For those of you that prefer a green stand; environmentalists’ suggest going with a metal roof made of recycled materials. Standing seam metal sheeting is basically recycled metal. It’s easy to install because it can be placed directly over asphalt shingles. As well, it’s maintenance free and is very durable.