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A roof is a key consideration in new construction and often a significant replacement expense in existing housing. Selecting the most desirable of the available roofing options should take into consideration cost, durability, appearance and even how long you intend to live in this same dwelling. Metal roofs may be an attractive option for many consumers.

Most people associated metal roofs with cheap corrugated tin in previous years. However, modern residential metal roofing is much more aesthetically attractive and functional, with all of the advantages that current technology can provide. They are extremely durable, highly resistant to fire and high winds, lightweight, easy to install, and good at reflecting heat away. On the other hand, they tend to be expensive, don't provide good insulation, can dent or chip, and make noise in rain and hail storms.

Metal also has a very high tolerance to heat and won't burn except at extreme temperatures. So metal roofing is awarded the highest fire retardant rating, which keeps your family safer, increases the resale value of a home, and decreases the rates of your insurance. Metal is also resistant to wind, so if you live in a windy locale prone to hurricanes this type of roofing has an additional attractive feature just for you.

Because they are reflective of the sun's radiation, they keep your house cool in the summer and reduce utility costs of air conditioning. Metal has virtually no inherent insulation to keep in heat, but if you add insulation materials or construct your roof so that there is a "dead space" between the metal and the underlying components, this is not a significant problem at all. If you're concerned about noise from your metal roof during rain or hail, consider using sound deadening insulations. Note that heat can make metal contract and expand, so connectors may loosen over time.

Metal roofs are lighter, require less support from underneath, and as such can reduce construction costs. The lighter weight also makes it possible to install a metal roof over the top of an existing roof, saving the time and expense of having to remove the original roof. Installation of metal roofing typically takes less time too, as the metal sheets cover a large area. On the other side of that coin, replacing a larger section, should it become necessary, may be more difficult. Metal roofing sections may also prove more difficult to match if a replacement is needed, or an addition is built.

The often greater initial expense of premium metal roofing can make the option less attractive. However, discount metal roofing is available. Metal roofs enjoy a 20 to 50 year life span, and may outlive the rest of the house. Therefore, the total cost of ownership can be much less in the long run, particularly for those people who are planning to stay in their home for a good portion of the metal roof's life span.

Most people associated metal roofs with cheap corrugated tin in previous years. However, modern residential metal roofing is much more aesthetically attractive and functional, with all of the advantages that current technology can provide. They are extremely durable, highly resistant to fire and high winds, lightweight, easy to install, and good at reflecting heat away. Furthermore discount metal roofing is available, and in any case the very long lifespan may make metal effective cheaper. A lifespan of 20 to 50 years is the normal expectation. Metal may well outlive the rest of the house. The longer you plan to stay in a home, the greater the bargain.