| For centuries metal has been one of the materials of | | | | While all these non-metal products have some |
| choice when it comes to roofing. There are many | | | | benefits, metal roofs are becoming a more popular |
| other construction materials which have been used | | | | alternative due to their advantages. Consider the |
| throughout time such as straw, wood, tile, concrete, | | | | following: |
| asphalt and fiberglass shingles, asbestos, plastic, and | | | | - Cost: metal roofs are initially more costly than some |
| even fabric. Even so, metal roofing has always been | | | | roofing products but due to their exceptionally long |
| a very popular alternative because it strikes a balance | | | | span they may actually be cheaper when compared |
| between cost, durability, and design. | | | | on a cost-per-year basis. |
| Cheaper alternatives such as straw thatching or | | | | - Installation: metal roofs are relatively easy to install |
| wood shakes require frequent repair so any initial | | | | due to their light weight and portability. |
| savings is typically offset by the headaches of | | | | - Maintenance: maintaining a metal roof is not a major |
| maintenance over the lifetime of the roof. In addition, | | | | concern as leaks are almost never an issue if the |
| these materials are highly vulnerable to adverse | | | | roof is installed correctly. Even if a leak does develop |
| weather conditions. | | | | it is normally relatively easy to repair. |
| Traditional concrete and tile are very expensive to | | | | - Durability: well-maintained metal roofs can last up to |
| use as roofing since their heavy loads normally | | | | 70 years, or longer. They have a high |
| require that the structure be reinforced in order to | | | | strength-to-weight ratio, are resistant to fire, and |
| carry the extra weight. At the other end of the | | | | they can withstand earthquakes and heavy winds. |
| spectrum, lightweight fire-proof asbestos, which is a | | | | - Design: there are many types of metals that can be |
| quality roofing material, has been all but banned | | | | used for roofing and an extremely large number of |
| because of the ill effects on health. Roofing with | | | | shapes, sizes, and colors are available. |
| synthetic plastics is another alternative although this | | | | - Environment friendly: several of the non-ferrous |
| material has a shorter lifespan than metal roofing and | | | | roofing metals such as copper, aluminum, and |
| normally needs more maintenance in the long run. | | | | stainless steel are recyclable so they will not have to |
| Asphalt and fiberglass shingles are the most common | | | | be taken to a landfill when replaced with a new roof. |
| residential roofing material in the US today mainly due | | | | Overall, there is more than just the initial cost to |
| to lower initial material and installation costs. These | | | | consider when installing a roof. If a long-lasting, quality |
| shingles typically do not require much maintenance; | | | | roof is desired, then a metal roof may be the best |
| however, they are easily damaged from high wind or | | | | choice. |
| hail and only have a limited life span. | | | | |