IS A METAL ROOF A GOOD CHOICE FOR A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOME

Is a metal roof a good choice for a southern California home

The thought of replacing your roof can be overwhelming. There are numerous materials that can be used, each with its own set of pros and cons. 

Having a trusted roofing contractor that understands the specifics of Southern California homes can help in this process. Our team at GreenCal Construction have been in the Southern California roofing business for 20 years. We have expertise and experience with all common roof types.

The first step is to determine what type of material fits your home and budget the best. This post will discuss metal roofing specifically. Read on for the advantages and problems with metal roofs  for your Southern California home. 

Advantages to Metal Roofs

1. Longevity and durability: Metal roofs are extremely durable, with a lifespan of 40-70 years. Comparatively, shingle roofs have a lifespan of 15-20 years. If properly cared for, a metal roof will last longer than most people will live in their homes. This means never replacing your roof again for the duration of your time in the home. 
2. Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs reflect the sun’s UV and infrared rays, keeping your roof from absorbing radiant heat.  “Metal coated with a Kynar 500 based resin can achieve solar reflectance index (SRI) ratings of over 70. Compare that to SRI of only 20 to 25 for Cool Roof (CRRC) rated asphalt roofs. This can mean a 10-25% reduction in cooling costs, saving energy and money.”https://www.roofingcalc.com/metal-roofing-pros-and-cons/
3. Fire Resistance: Metal is a fire retardant material. Most metal roofs are rated with a Class A fire rating. Of special interest to Southern California homeowners, metal roofs will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike.
4. Environmentally Friendly:  According to https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/metal-roof-pros-and-cons, Metal roofs not only have 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material used, but are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life as a roof. In contrast, most shingle tear-off waste ends up as part of the building-related waste stream — up to 20 billion pounds per year.

GreenCal Roofing https://greencalinc.com/roofing is committed to sustainable roofing practices.

Along with these advantages, there are some disadvantages to metal roofs. 

Problems with metal roofs:

1. Affordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials, with prices ranging from $150–$600 per 100 square feet. If you plan to stay in your house for a long time, investing in a metal roof might make sense, otherwise you won’t see the cost benefit.
2. Noisiness. Some people enjoy the sound of rain on the roof. Metal roofs will be noisier than other types during rainstorms. Additional attic insulation can sometimes solve this problem, but that comes with an increased cost.

3.Denting and Repair: Metal roofs tend to dent easier and repairs are usually more difficult and costly. 

So, what type of roof is best for your Southern California home? If you plan to be in your home a long time, or if your budget allows, metal roofing has many advantages. However, asphalt shingles are an affordable option as well. Studies show that more than 75% of Americans choose this roofing material because of its low cost, easy installation, and resiliency. For more information on roofing options, check out https://www.appliedroofingservices.com/blog/5-types-of-roofs-considered-the-best-for-southern-california/ 

Talking to a reliable roofing contractor can help answer your roofing questions and concerns. For some great tips on choosing a residential roofing contractor, check out https://greencalinc.com/f/what-questions-should-you-ask-a-residential-roofing-contractor 

With 20 years experience repairing, maintaining, and installing roofs in Southern California, our team at GreenCal can help you understand the advantages and problems with metal roofs. Contact Green Cal Construction today for a free estimate and get on your way to that new roof.