Weighing in the Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Roofing in Dallas, TX

Roofing can be done using various materials including wood, tile, and asphalt. Another type of roofing material is metal such as aluminum or steel which can prove to be in your favor should you opt for it. However, it is important to carefully examine the pros and cons of metal roofing before investing in one. Here’s an overview of the major advantages and disadvantages of using metal roofing in Dallas, TX.

Advantages of Investing in Metal Roofing

1.    Metal roofing is lightweight

You might think that metal is heavier than other materials used in roofing but that is actually not true. Roofing that consists of metal has a density of 50 to 150 pounds per 100 square feet. This is quite low considering the alternatives like tiles and concrete reinforced tiles, both of which have a higher density— of 750 pounds per 100 square feet and 900 pounds per 100 square feet, respectively.
Moreover, since the material is lightweight, there is no need for extra construction for supporting the metal roofing in Dallas, TX. So you save up on engineering costs. You can even add metal roofing materials to your already existing roof to cover the damage without having to remove any of the roofing. The lightweight material does not need extra support, so you can even get the contractor to install lesser roof support timbers on a new home.

2.    Fire resistant and heat conductivity

Metal roofing is quite resistant to fire and if the material used below the roof is insulated and/or made of other fireproof material, then the roof can easily gain the highest, Class A, fire rating. If the roofing in Dallas, TX is applied on wood shingles, it will have a lower rating because wood is flammable. It can be good to opt for a polyurethane foam coating underneath it to give the roof an extra layer of protection from fire.
The heat conduction for metal roofing in Dallas, TX is low. It easily reflects the unbearable midday heat from the sun that lowers heat gain during the day. As a result, you can save up on air-conditioning bills. Despite the low R-value of the metal, if space between the metal sheets and the roof deck itself is allowed for air, it provides better insulation and this leads to better energy efficiency

3.    Quick and easy installation

Many metal roofing in Dallas, TX comes in panels which consist of multiple shingles. The panels themselves are 12 to 36 inch wide. An experienced and certified contractor can install these panels easily and in no time. If you need roof repair after a natural disaster destroyed it, metal roofs offer the easiest and fastest installation.

4.    Long Lasting Life

Metal roofing in Dallas, TX that is installed professionally by an experienced contractor lasts virtually as long as the house itself. It keeps water and its damaging effects out. It can withstand exposure to high winds as well. Insects, mold, mildew and decay are kept out of your house with a metal roof over your head. You do not have to worry about the quality and life as the metal roofs are usually covered for up to 40 years. This means you are guaranteed a one-time investment with a lifetime of durability.

Disadvantages of Investing in Metal Roofing

1.    Sounds

Some people consider the sound of rain or snow on the roof to be comforting and relaxing, while others consider it to be frustrating and stressful. When roofing in Dallas, TX is of metal (and lacks a proper second layer of insulation material underneath it) it can get noisy during a rain or hailstorm. This can cause discomfort to some people’s ears. Depending on the quality of the insulation material underneath the roof, the noise level can become irritating. However, this noise can be reduced by applying a polyurethane foam coating to the roof, so you can be certain noise won’t be a problem.

2.    Metal properties

Metal can dent as well as expand and contract during summers and winters, respectively. Hailstorms and other heavy particles coming into contact with the roof made of certain softer metals like aluminum can form a dent in it, as can a plumber who walks on it to fix the pipes on the roof or roof drains. It is the reason why installation is done “top-down” for some metal roofing in Dallas, TX. Again, as some roofs exhibit this property so be sure to find out before you get a metal roof installed. Also find out about fastening systems that come with the metal roofs from your certified professional roofing contractor. These systems allow expansion and contraction in summers and winters as they have some room for the metal to do so.

3.    Handle with Care

You have to be particular about some painted metal roofs as they can chip and wear out if you tread on them. Professional roof installation contractors are also careful not to scratch and dent the roofing in Dallas, TX when they are installing it. A polyurethane coating makes your roof stronger and easy to tread on when plumbing or cleaning out roof gutters. For more information about polyurethane coatings and how they benefit you, contact Anderson Industrial Roofing.

4.    Starting costs

Roofing in Dallas, TX that is made of metal can be expensive to install but the results speak for themselves. It costs almost the same as premium materials starting from a couple hundred dollars per 100 square feet. But it is durable on its own in comparison to the other materials in the longer run and you potentially do not need to spend as much on replacement and seasonal maintenance. In case you do not opt for a polyurethane foam coating, you will need to get it cleaned a couple of times a month to retain the sheen and glow. The bust and other particles may not cause damage to the roof but may ruin its look.