Standing seam roofs not just for barns anymore
Drive down any country road and you are likely to see an old barn roof that is still in service today. The interesting thing is that many of these roofs are more than one hundred years old. In recent years manufacturing of steel roofs has undergone some changes. Standing seam, ribbed metal, as well as stone coated metal roofing has made its way to the residential market. This alternative to the standard asphalt shingle roof seems to be taking hold. Why is this?
The answer to the above question is the money but we will get to that in a moment. What are the benefits of a metal roof? First and foremost is the appearance of the home. With the various colors and styles to choose from, any look or feel is quite possible. As with the barn roofs from yesteryear, a metal roof will provide many years of service. Many installations of metal roofs do not require tearing off the existing roof which results in less mess and a faster install. One question that frequently comes up is noise during a rain storm. The fact is that a metal roof is installed over your existing roof. In many cases a layer of insulated foam sheeting is also used resulting in a roof that is quieter than your current roof. Another question that concerns people is lightning striking a metal roof. Having a metal roof will absolutely not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning. However if your home were struck by lightning, the metal roof itself would disperse the energy. The other benefit is that metal is neither flammable nor combustible. Another myth is that metal roofs will rust. Metal roofs are coated with zinc or a combination of zinc and aluminum which is bonded to the steel during the manufacturing process. The steel is then either painted or stone coated leaving a finished product that will last for years. With all the benefits metal roofing has to offer, many homeowners are looking into this product as an alternative to the rising cost of asphalt shingles.
Gasoline in recent weeks has dropped to $3.35 per gallon but let us not forget the average price of gas in 2004 was $1.70 and that for a short time in May of 2008 surpassed $4.00 per gallon. Regardless of where gas prices settle in, the fact is the price has continued to rise. That combined with the increase of technology in the refinement of oil thus reducing the amount of material used to make asphalt (a major component of shingles) has caused the price of asphalt shingles to sky rocket as well. We all know that a steel roof is going to cost more than a standard asphalt shingle roof but the gap is narrowing.
