Is metal roofing worth the extra cost?

Metal Roofing Options

Before we get into the differences, there are several different metal roofing options.

Standing Seam- This is typically the first type of roofing people think about when the hear "metal roof." This is the vertical option that you would see on everything from a McDonald's to a chicken coop. However, they vary greatly in quality depending on whether it is the roof over McNugget consumers or the roof over future McNuggets.

The higher quality you would see on a house or commercial building is typically the "hidden fastener" option with a thicker gauge metal. Some people really like the completely different look it gives the home, and they are popular for lake cabins as well. Green standing seam roofing on a log cabin is something you will see repeatedly while driving around the Brainerd area lakes and resorts.

Many standing standing seam roofs require "avalanche blocks" (see picture of green roof above). When enough snow builds up on a standing seam roof, it can all give way at one time and come flying off the roof like a freight train. The blocks are installed at the bottom portion of the roof above walking surfaces, and it prevents homeowners or customers from becoming human snowmen (or women). It will also prevent large sheets of ice from sliding down and hurting people.

Metal Shakes or Slate- Metal roofing can also come in a "shake" or "slate" look. Right here in Hopkins, EDCO products manufactures several of those. With solid color and blended colors, there are lots of options for the more traditional look in a metal product.

How Long Do They Last? If you can get 20 years out of an asphalt roof, you're doing pretty good. The average homeowner spends about 13 years at a house, so getting a 50 year warranty from a metal roof is not typically the deciding factor in the purchase. Not to mention most asphalt shingles have "lifetime" warranties nowadays. Why would asphalt shingle companies give "lifetime" warranties on a product that won't last a "lifetime?" See previous comment about average homeowner spending 13 years in a house. These warranties do not transfer to multiple homeowners after the original person who bought it.

Metal roofing definitely has better longevity than asphalt, but are people willing to spend double just for that? It depends on how long you plan living there, and having it as a selling point to the next homeowner may come into play.

Metal Disadvantages Disadvantage #1 with a bullet is cost. You could pay 2-3 times more depending on which type of metal roof you are looking at. It is also a lot easier to walk on an asphalt roof than a metal roof. If you have smooth metal and a steep pitch, you may as well spread several sheets of bubble wrap all around your house before you head up that ladder. Your trip down will be a lot quicker than your trip up. The stone-coated metal products are much more walkable than the smooth.

Verdict

So, is metal roofing worth the extra charge? If you are planning to be in your home for quite a while and you don't want to go through the hassle of replacing it in the future (or if you have major ice dam issues), absolutely. You could pay for a metal roof once or you might end up paying for an asphalt roof twice. Paying for the metal roof once and having the advantages is a good way to go. While looking at long term effects, it can certainly make sense. But how many of us look that long term? The reason asphalt still rules the industry is the affordability. If homeowners have to choose between a metal roof or an asphalt roof along with a family trip to Hawaii, many people will say "aloha" to metal roofing and "aloha" to asphalt roofing.

Since "aloha" means both hello and goodbye, I'll let you decide which is which in the previous sentence.