If you’re in the market for a new roof, there are many different options out there to choose from. One material becoming increasingly popular among homeowners is metal because of its longevity and high durability. Below, we’ll discuss whether metal roofing is the ideal choice during Idaho’s intense summer sunshine and heat.
Considering Solar Heat
One of the biggest concerns of hot weather is heat transfer from your roof into your home. Without proper roofing material, heat can easily transfer into your attic and down into your living space, increasing your home’s interior temperature. This increase will cause your air conditioner to continually work overtime to combat excess heat.
The beauty of metal roofing is that it reflects solar heat. This reflective property significantly reduces the amount of heat absorption of your metal roof. You can even take it a step further and purchase a metal roof with a special light-colored finish or cool roof coating to further minimize any heat transfer.
Quick Heat Shedding
One of the bigger drawbacks of asphalt shingles in hot weather is that the asphalt will store heat. This means that after the sun goes down, your shingles can still be hot to the touch for many hours. Metal is very effective at shedding heat. As soon as the direct sunlight goes away from your roof, the metal will quickly start to cool down.
UV Radiation Impact
One of the biggest struggles with hot weather is the effect that UV radiation can have on your roofing materials. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to many different problems, like warping, cracking, and even fading of certain roofing materials. This is where choosing metal roofing can be a great option for a hot summer because it’s resistant to all these problems. Most standard metal roofing can last between 40 and 70 years, even in intense sunlight.
Avoiding Fire Risk
Unfortunately, fire risks are higher in hotter days just due to the excessive heat. One benefit of choosing a metal roof in Idaho’s dry heat is its non-combustible nature. Metal roofs have a Class A fire rating, making them one of the safest roofs to have in dry regions and those prone to wildfires.
The Use of Solar Panels
A popular choice for many homeowners in Idaho is using solar panels as an alternative source of energy for their homes. This setup can provide you with free energy as your roof takes on a long, hot day. One nice feature of metal roofs is that they create a very solid, heat-resistant structure that’s ideal for placing solar panels. Trying to use solar panels on other types of roofing materials that absorb heat will significantly reduce their effectiveness because solar panels don’t operate well at very hot temperatures.
Other Benefits of Metal Roofing
While the previous factors we went over were specific to hot weather, there are many other benefits that metal roofing can provide you. Metal is durable, meaning fewer roof repairs over the course of its lifespan.
These roofs are also very low maintenance, requiring just an annual inspection to maintain your warranty coverage. They have a much longer lifespan than your traditional asphalt shingles and come in a variety of different styles and colors to fit your home’s exterior aesthetic needs.
When people think about metal roofing, they often picture corrugated metal or standing seam metal. While these are options you can choose for your home, there are many different varieties to choose from. Metal roofing is available that looks like shingles, tiles, and even wood shakes. These designs allow you to have the many benefits that come along with metal while still mimicking the look of a different product to enhance the overall curb appeal of your home.
Homeowners tend to experience fewer issues with metal roofing because of the larger sections of metal compared to individual shingles. Metal is a highly durable material that’s resistant to harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, hail, and even wind gusts. Metal is much lighter than concrete and tile, therefore reducing the structural load on your home. It’s also pest-resistant and a highly sustainable material that’s eco-friendly. Even better, metal is both mold and mildew resistant.
Metal Roof Purchase Considerations
As with choosing any roofing material, there are different considerations you’ll want to factor into your roof replacement purchasing decision. Metal does come at a higher upfront cost than traditional asphalt shingles. While this can pay off in terms of energy savings and overall longevity, it may not be the best option for a homeowner looking for the cheapest roof due to budget constraints.
Due to the natural construction of metal, it will be louder than traditional shingles when it comes to rainstorms. You can mitigate this noise by having proper attic insulation. Additionally, to maximize the cooling benefits that metal roofing can provide for a hot summer day, it’s imperative to ensure that you have proper attic ventilation and insulation in your home.
Types of Metal
In general, there are four different types of metal that can be used for roofing on your home. It can be helpful to understand these different types of metals and the benefits they can provide so you can choose the perfect one to meet your specific needs and budget.
Steel Roof Material
Steel metal roofing comes in stainless steel, galvanized steel, and other types of steel. This is a strong and durable material that’s coated with a corrosion-resistant top to prevent rust. Steel is heavier than aluminum but is cheaper than both aluminum and copper. Steel is by far the most popular metal roofing material on the market today due to its blend of vast styling options and affordability for most average homeowners.
Aluminum Metal Roofs
Aluminum is lightweight and easy to install. It’s naturally rust-resistant, making it more expensive than steel. However, it’s important to keep in mind that aluminum is softer and can be more prone to denting if you live in a region that receives a lot of adverse weather, like hailstorms and impact damage.
Copper as an Option
A pristine metal material is copper. You’ll find this on high-end homes that are looking to capitalize on the natural greenish patina that develops on copper over time. Copper is naturally corrosion resistant. It also has a very long lifespan of more than 70 years. However, copper is very expensive compared to any other type of metal roofing material.
Zinc for Specialty Roofs
Zinc is another popular option for specialty roofs due to its unique patina that develops over time. Zinc has a long lifespan comparable to copper and requires minimal maintenance. This metal roofing material has a higher initial cost and is typically seen on homes with modern architecture, as its unique color creates a customized aesthetic appeal.
Reliable Metal Roofing Installation Service
Jimmy's Roofing offers reliable metal roofing installation services for the Portland, OR area. We can also assist with all your roofing repair, replacement, and inspection needs.
Call us today at Jimmy's Roofing in Idaho, Portland, Seattle, and beyond to schedule your next roofing consultation with one of our highly experienced roofing professionals.
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