You’ve probably heard a lot about metal roofs. How they’re very energy efficient and can help reduce cooling costs. How they last for a long time and are very durable against high winds.

But you probably also have some reservations about metal roofs. They just don’t look as good as shingles. Aren’t they super noisy? How expensive are they? 

Let’s examine metal roofs— the good and the bad— their benefits and potential downsides.

One major concern preventing homeowners from considering a metal roof is noise. Are they really that much louder than shingles? 

No, metal roofs are not significantly louder than other roofing materials when properly installed. That myth comes from long ago, before our modern roofing techniques. Back then, it was common for metal roofs to rattle and make more noise. 

Today, metal roofs are installed over a solid roof deck with insulation and an underlayment. So, their noise is around the same noise you would hear from a shingle roof. However, if you are really concerned about noise, you can ask your roofer about noise reduction features. 

What’s the biggest advantage metal roofs have over shingles? Durability and longevity.

Metal roofs can last around 40-70 years! That is much longer than traditional asphalt shingles (15-30 years). Shingles also require periodic shingle replacements and repairs. 

Asphalt shingles are also more susceptible to severe weather common in Virginia Beach. Shingles have varying wind ratings. The standard 3-tab shingles can withstand winds of 60-70 mph, while the higher-end IR shingles can withstand 130-150 mph winds. 

Metal roofs can withstand 140 mph winds, making them ideal for windy coastal regions. So, metal roofs can withstand the 129 mph winds of a category 3 hurricane!

Benefits metal roofs have over shingles: 

• Metal roofs come with a Class A fire rating, the highest level of fire resistance. This means they can withstand severe fire exposure and limit flame spread. However, high-quality shingles like designer and IR shingles can also achieve a Class A rating. 
• Metal roofs are resistant to cracking, shrinking, eroding, mildew, insects, and rot. 
• Metal roofs reflect heat, reducing cooling costs by around 10-25%. 
• Metal roofs are 100% recyclable, meaning less waste in landfills. That also means most metal roofs contain a high percentage of recycled materials. 
• Metal roofs can increase home resale value by 1-6%.

What type of damage are metal roofs susceptible to? 

Metal roofs are not impervious to all damage. While they are resistant to hail and hurricanes, they can be dented by falling debris, such as very large (and thus rare) hailstones. However, while that might damage the appearance of your roof, metal roofs remain structurally sound despite these damages. 

Metal roofs are resistant to cracking, shrinking, eroding, mildew, insects, and rot. However, the salty air and harsh winds of Virginia Beach can corrode metal roofs. Each metal roof uses a protective coating that prevents rust, but the salty air can deteriorate that coating. If left unchecked, this can lead to rust and deterioration over time. 

However, roofers can assess the condition of your roof and recommend the right coating solution. Generally speaking, metal roofs should be recoated every 10-20 years. 

What about aesthetics? What kind of customization can you get with a metal roof? 

Metal roofs come in various designs, colors, materials, and finishes. Our metal roofing page has a chart of our designs, colors, and materials. 

However, you might not know about our panel profiles: flat, striated, and ribbon bead. These are the cross-section designs of the panel. 

Flat is… well, flat, which gives a clean, modern look. However, you can more easily see the waviness and imperfections of the metal. Striated and ribbon beads have shallow grooves, increasing the panels’ rigidity while reducing the metal’s chances of warping. Striated give rounded waves, while ribbon beads give sharp, angular waves. 

Let’s be real: cost is the primary deciding factor for a lot of things. 

Your roof protects you and your family against the elements. Trust us, roofing quality makes a difference. 

Shingles typically cost $3 – $6 per square foot, while metal roofs cost around $8 – $20 per square foot. 

Remember, roofing is an investment. Let’s say a 2,000 sq. ft. house pays $12,500 to install basic asphalt shingles. Another 2,000 sq. ft. home pays $24,000 for a metal roof. 

That’s twice as much! But remember, shingles must be replaced every 15-30 years. So, during the metal roof’s lifespan of 70 years, that shingle roof will need to be replaced 2-3 times. Assuming the shingle homeowner pays the same price per replacement, they might spend $25,000 – $27,500, while the metal homeowner only pays for that initial installation. That also ignores the potential energy savings and savings from less frequent maintenance. 

Conclusion: metal roofs offer many advantages to homeowners!

If you’re considering upgrading your roof, metal is a long-lasting, low-maintenance option that’s worth the investment. Reach out for a free, no-pressure, no-obligation consultation where we can give you an exact estimate for your roofing project.