The Ins and Outs of Phoenix Metal Roofing

The most obvious roofing choices in Phoenix are tiles and shingles. One roofing option that has experienced a dramatic increase in popularity over the last few years, is metal roofing. Metal roofing can be a smart choice for your home depending on your location and the metal you choose.

Metal roofing can be obtained in a number of metals.

Tin is a some type of soft metal which is treated with a coat of lead and tin. Despite its rather basic make-up a tin roof can last up to 50 years.

Aluminum is another metal which is suitable for roofing. Its main benefits are that it needs barely any maintenance and is further resistant to corrosion. It reflects heat better than galvanized steel and is better suited for warmer climates. An aluminum roof is expected to last roughly thirty years.

Copper is a beautiful solution that has the potential to last longer than any other roofing material, but it is hard to come by and thus very expensive.

Galvanized steel unites the benefits of being inexpensive, rust-resistant and has a potential life span of six decades.

Two of the main aspects influencing a homeowners decision on which type of roofing material to choose is longevity and price point. Most metal roofs have a predicted lifespan from 35 to 70 years, which is longer than most shingle roofs.

However there are several other benefits of metal roofing for your Phoenix home.

Metal roofing is wind resistant. Strong winds or our Phoenix sandstorms will not be able to blow metal roofing off your roof . Shingle roofs often suffer greatly after a storm and you have to call your Phoenix roofing specialist to come and repair the damage after.

Metal roofing reflects solar heat. The result is not only a cooler attic and house, but also much lower cooling costs and tons of energy savings over time. However, as mentioned above, some metals reflect better than others, with aluminum being an excellent choice.

Metal roofs are fire proof. In fact, much like tile, they have a class A fire rating. Even when struck by lightning, a metal roof will not go up in flames, but it is a good idea to get a specialist to ground your metal roof to minimize possible lightning damages.

Metal roofs let snow and rain run off efficiently. Metal roofs are sleek, hard surfaces and thus rain and snow (which is not really a consideration in Phoenix) can shed off with ease. If snow was a factor, as it can be in Northern Arizona, it would be good to know that shedding snow will not compromise the integrity of the roof and cause collapsing of the structure.

Speaking of structure, Metal roofs are lightweight, in comparison to most other roofing materials. Which also means that in terms of structural soundness you most likely will have nothing to worry about. With a tile roof, your Phoenix roofing contractor has to evaluate if you structure would be able to carry the added weight of a tile roof.

Of course, your local Phoenix roofing professional, will tell you that, as it is the case with any other roofing material, there are drawbacks as well.

The biggest one being, the initial cost of the metal roof and its installation. Should you play with the thought of moving in the next few years, to invest in a metal roof may not be a prudent decision. But if you are sure that you have found your forever home, the cost savings over time, will more than make up for the initial expense. The limited maintenance required, combined with energy savings during the hot Phoenix summers, will make up for it.

As you know from your car, metal can dent. If a hail storm comes through, chances are your metal roof will experience denting, which is unsightly and might be a deal breaker for some homeowners. It is important to research what metals commonly are more susceptible to denting (aluminum, for example) and which aren’t (steel).

Metal roofs are not quiet. Luckily, we do not have many hail and rain storms, here in the greater Phoenix area, but when a monsoon or hail storm hits, metal roofs can become quite loud and you will feel like you are living inside a tin can. There are ways to soundproof your metal roof, of sorts, but of course, those are an extra expensive, you might not have with another roof.

Metal roofs are susceptible to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Make sure your Phoenix roofing contractor is a specialist in metal roofing and applies the proper fastening systems that accommodate movement of the roofing material.

With this many pros and cons, there is a lot to think about, when thinking about choosing a metal roof. It might be a great choice for your Arizona home, because of the solar reflecting properties, but it can also be a nuisance if you are worried about noise.

Arizona Native Roofing can answer all your roofing questions and concerns and advise you on which roofing type is best suited for your home. To learn more call our roofing experts at 602-348-6559.

Written By:
Jason Swim – Owner

Category: Roofing
Genre: Home Repair