Metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing choices in the residential roofing industry, and for good reason. It offers a range of benefits that homeowners can’t afford to overlook. Have you thought about replacing your shingle roof with metal? Or maybe you’re considering installing metal roofing over your existing shingles? More and more homeowners are weighing the advantages of metal over traditional asphalt shingles for their next roof replacement. At Quantum Roofing, we’re here to help you determine the best option for your home.
Replacing A Shingle Roof With Metal
Why should a homeowner consider installing a metal roof when the time comes to remove their shingle roof? Consider the following benefits of metal roofing:
Metal Can Mimic Asphalt Shingles
Do you appreciate the timeless aesthetic quality of asphalt shingle roofing? Today, established manufacturers can stamp a design on metal roofing that looks and feels like a conventional shingle. Most homeowners and onlookers cannot tell the difference.
Metal Enhances Energy Efficiency
No roofing material better reflects the sun’s rays than metal roofing. Consequently, homeowners experience a reduction in cooling consumption from air conditioning units. Thanks to their reflective properties, metal roofs help mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Metal Is Easier To Install
Generally speaking, metal roofing is quicker to install. However, specialized skills and the appropriate tools are required to ensure accuracy. At Quantum Roofing, our installers have the knowledge and experience to attach any metal roof precisely.
Metal Is Lighter Weight
Metal is a durable, lightweight alternative to asphalt shingles and other roofing materials. The average metal panel weighs approximately 1 to 3 pounds per square foot, significantly reducing stress on a home’s structural components.
Metal Is More Eco-Friendly
Environmentally conscious homeowners prefer purchasing home improvement products that are sustainable and recyclable. Metal roofing is commonly manufactured from recycled materials. Additionally, recycled metal reduces the need to extract new resources.
Metal May Be More Fire Resistant
Although modern shingles provide meaningful fire resistance, metal roofing goes a step further. Because metal roofing is manufactured from a non-combustible material, it possesses almost no risk of catching fire when exposed to excessive heat, flames, or embers.
Metal May Involve Less Maintenance
Asphalt shingles are much more susceptible than metal roofing to needing routine maintenance and cleaning. Algae, moss, lichen, and fungi are far more likely to adhere to shingles and require cleaning. Metal roofing is strongly resistant to streaking.
Metal Offers Long-Term Value
Typically, metal roofing costs more than asphalt shingles. However, a homeowner should not allow this factor to deter them from installing a metal roof. A metal roof will last two to four times as long as a shingle roof and generate meaningful energy savings.
Metal Offers Extended Longevity
Asphalt shingle roofing commonly offers between 15 and 25 years of useful life before needing replacement. Conversely, a metal roof typically lasts 40 to 80 years (or more). This added lifespan means the homeowner may never need to replace their new roof.
Metal Provides Added Durability
The average metal roof has the highest impact resistance rating. Metal roofing offers exceptional durability, easily standing up to difficult weather conditions, including strong winds and hail. It is considered one of the industry’s most robust roofing materials.
Covering Shingles With Metal Roofing
Many homeowners with existing asphalt shingle roofing systems install a metal roof over the top to save time or money. This approach “adds” a layer of insulation, potentially reducing energy expenses. However, this added convenience does not necessarily consider the risks associated with covering shingles rather than removing and replacing them.
Among other challenges, covering old asphalt shingles may result in inconsistencies with the newly installed metal roofing. Consequently, the home could face an increased risk of problems, such as moisture intrusion and pest infestation. Additionally, the roofer cannot meaningfully assess the sublayers (under the shingles) for issues requiring repair.
Most importantly, installing a metal roof over existing shingles adds substantial weight to the home. In effect, the homeowner could compromise the house’s structural integrity, risking roof sag or collapse. A home is not designed to withstand unlimited loads. Most reputable roofing professionals and engineers recommend removing the existing roofing.
Hiring A Qualified Roofing Professional
Be selective if you need a roofing contractor to install a new metal roof for your home. Many roofing companies lack the credentials and qualifications to install a metal roof expertly. As a homeowner, you want a full menu of metal roofing options, including corrugated, shingle, and standing seam. That way, you can select the style best suited to your project requirements and preferences.
At Quantum Roofing, we work with homeowners in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee to identify the optimal metal roofing solutions for their homes. Our experts specialize in assessing your situation and providing recommendations based on our years of knowledge and experience. Contact us today to learn more about our residential roofing services or schedule a complimentary consultation.