A how to guide to choosing metal roofing for your home.

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Metal Roofs are a Strong, Sound Investment

Metal roofs offer both strength and style. It is a fact that metal roofs are both durable and long lasting. However, what many people don't realize is that there are multiple styles, colors, and textures to choose from when selecting a metal roof. Besides enhancing a homes appearance, metal roofs also offer other benefits such as the ability to withstand hail, fire, earthquakes, and even strong winds.

Metal roofs can withstand forces of nature that traditional asphalt roofing cannot as asphalt roofing, even the premium quality has to be replaced every 12 to 20 years, whereas, metal roofing material can last approximately 50 or more years. When compared to other roofing materials including wood shingles and concrete, metal is better. Wood shingles can and do weather and in addition, mold, and moss has a tendency grow on the shingles which are in shaded areas. Concrete tile roofs may seem like the most durable roofing material, however, they suffer from problems brought on by freeze/thaw cycles in northern climates. Another indication of the durability of metal roofs is the warranties offered as many metal roofs come with a 30- to 50-year warranty.

Many people visualize metal roofs as the old rust spotted tin roofs on barns. Though that style and variety are still available, today, metal roofs come in a wide variety of patterns and designs, which will appeases most homeowners associations as well as compliment any neighborhood decor. Many metal roofs resemble your standard roofing styles, including cedar shake, slate, tile, and shingle as well as the continuous-seam vertical panels we are so familiar seeing.

It is important to understand that replacing your asphalt roof with a metal roof is a big investment, however, it is also a very strong investment. This is because you will be using premium materials that can last you a lifetime. New metal roofs can costs as much as two times that of an asphalt-shingle roof. Yet, when you compare the cost of having to re-roof every 15-20 years with asphalt shingles, to the one time installation of metal roof you will realize that in the long-run metal roofs are actually a better bargain. In fact, the price of a metal roof is comparable to that of a tile or cedar-shake roof. However, with these you also have to calculate in replacement cost. This is because while other premium roof materials look beautiful when they are first installed, over time they break down because of exposure to the elements such as wind, rain, and especially to harmful ultraviolet rays. Therefore if you are planning to live in your home for a considerable long time, then you should consider installing a metal roof, which may cost more at first, it will be an investment that will save money in the long run.

Other reasons why metal roofs make a sound investment is the simple fact that consumers who purchase and install quality metal roofs can receive a tax credit savings up to $500.00, for the time period of January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2007. This is in accordance of the Congress' Energy Policy Act of 2005. In addition to saving you money on your taxes, several insurance companies offer deductions on homeowners policies because metal roofs have been proven to withstand heavy snow, hailstorms, and have even been credited with protecting homes caught in wildfires. Some metal roofs have been tested and warranted to resist wind gusts up to 120 miles, which is equivalent to an F2 tornado, or Category 2 hurricane, which has wind gusts of 96 to 110 miles per hour. Please contact your particular insurance company to find out if they offer a deduction for installing a metal roof.

So, if you are building a new home or are planning on re-roofing your current home, consider having a metal roof installed. It will save you money in years to come.

 

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