Depending on how old your roof is and what kind of damage or repair needs to be performed, roof restoration provides diminishing returns. If you have asphalt shingles, there may be regulations in your area about how many layers of roofing can be installed before replacement is legally required, and there’s no amount of repairs that can overcome severe old age.
And when the time comes for roof replacement, you only have too real options: metal roofing or traditional asphalt shingles. While most roofing companies will charge less for asphalt shingles, there are many advantages to metal roofing. And while it’s often more expensive up front, many homeowners are surprised at how affordable it can be.
Why a Metal Roof?
If you want your roof to last you for your whole life, choose a metal roof. Most roofing companies will tell you the exact same thing — unless they don’t offer metal roofing. The fact is that an asphalt shingle roof will need to be reroofed every 10 to 20 years. A recent consumer survey found that durability was the #1 factor that helped customers decide which type of roof to buy (longevity was a close second). With a metal roof, you’re guaranteed that durability.
You can further save money with a metal roof depending on your state — in some states your homeowner’s insurance premiums will decrease by as much as 35%. Moreover, a metal roof can cut your energy bills by 25% compared to the darker shades of asphalt shingles. If you eventually sell your house, you may even find that you’ve gotten a greater return on investment having installed a metal roof, as people acknowledge the staying power of a metal roof.
And if you’re trying to find more ways to go green, then look no further than a metal roof. Most are made up of at least 25% recycled content and many can be completely re-purposed when they’ve finally lived out their lifespan. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, add about 20 billion pounds of waste to landfills every year. Furthermore, metal roofs are often an excellent, sturdy choice for areas that experience inclement weather such as high winds, hail, or lots of heavy snow and ice. If you have specific weather-related concerns, talk to roofing companies in your area. Metal roofing is often specifically rated for extreme weather, especially hail.
What Should You Look For In Metal Roofing Companies?
Whereas most roofing companies will offer a 30-50 year warranty on a metal roof, some will even offer a lifetime warranty, which is almost unheard of in other home improvement industries (can you imagine a car with a lifetime warranty?). In addition, look for roofing contractors that will provide free inspections and professional roof repair for workmanship related issues — also for life. And while metal roofing products tend to last a lifetime, your home’s roof still needs to be inspected every five years or so.
How Do I Know If I Should Go With Roof Restoration or Replacing My Roof Entirely?
If your roof is pretty old — say, older than 20 years — and you’ve been having an accumulating amount of problems, it’s probably time to bite the bullet and get your roof totally replaced. Roof restoration can be a good idea if your roof is fairly new, but if you notice a fair number of leaks, severe leaks, and have an old roof already, you’ll want to take action on getting a dry, sound roof over your head.
In some cases, it’s quite easy to tell if you need a new roof — if you’ve been through a natural disaster or had an accident (like a tree falling on your roof). If you aren’t sure, check to see how many layers of shingles are installed on your roof already. If it’s two or more, it may be time for replacement.
If you’re unsure about your next steps or what kind of roof you should choose, call two or three local roofing companies for a professional opinion. While there are lots of DIY-appropriate home improvement project, roof repair isn’t one of them!
