Metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing choices for Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners – a durable, long-lasting alternative to asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and clay tile. Is it the right option for your home? Here’s an honest look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Metal Roofing
- Helps the environment – most metal roofing is made from recycled metal and is itself 100% recyclable at the end of its life.
- Reflective – metal reflects the sun, keeping your home cooler in the Texas heat and lowering your AC bill. Installed correctly by an experienced contractor, it also leaves the right dead-air space for energy efficiency.
- Longer life expectancy – metal roofs typically last two to three times longer than asphalt shingles, often as long as the home itself.
- Extremely durable – withstands high wind, sheds snow and ice, and resists water intrusion with very little maintenance.
- Resistant to environmental issues – fire resistant, doesn’t attract insects, and resists mold and rot.
Cons of Metal Roofing
- Higher upfront cost – more expensive than asphalt shingles initially, though the longer lifespan often makes it more cost-effective over time.
- Expands and contracts – with heat and cold; proper installation by an experienced contractor minimizes this.
- Noise – can be more noticeable in rain, though modern installation techniques significantly reduce it.
- Denting – susceptible to denting from large hail, like most roofing materials and vehicles in a severe storm.
- Color matching – matching the exact existing finish after a repair can occasionally be difficult.
Installing a metal roof is a long-term investment – and it’s essential to hire an experienced, reputable, local roofing contractor to get it right. If you have any doubts, get a second opinion; just make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.