Metal Roofing Making a Comeback in 2017

Demand for construction materials has historically followed the trends of the time. There was a time when only brick houses were built, then the times changed and it was all aluminum siding. But today’s consumers are more informed, they’ve researched the many options available for their homes and they are customizing to suit their needs. These decisions might be based on style or cost, and are very often eco-conscious and energy efficient. As a result, we are seeing a major uptick in metal roofing.

So what are the benefits drawing consumers to this particular roofing material? Metal roofing can last anywhere from 40 -70 years … that’s at least twice the life of an asphalt roof.  They are durable, won’t crack or corrode, and can withstand the elements. They are highly energy-efficient because they reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10% to 25%. Plus, they can be made out of 90% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life.

Metal roofing was never mainstreamed for home construction, but not because it’s not a good material choice. One of the biggest misconceptions of metal roofing is that it will be loud in the house if it rains or hails. When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof will actually be more sound-proof than its asphalt counterpart.

The other main factor affecting adoption was that installations were cumbersome and required specialty tools that weren’t readily available. Now, there are pneumatic tools and collated, combination fasteners that make installation incredibly simple and quick, like the RoofLoc® system from FASCO®. The key is the fastener that drives in like a nail but has the holding power of a screw. They also back out like a screw, making adjustments quick and easy. They have 520-pound holding strength. Each fastener has a leak-proof EPDM-washer that resists temperature contraction due to temperature extremes; and no metal residue or “pig tails” allows for superior washer seal and eliminates scratches.

If your clients are considering replacing a roof, don’t let them be deterred from considering metal as a material. Although the price is higher than asphalt, if they plan to be in their house for a long time, it’s an eco-friendly investment that they will benefit from over the life of the home.