Metal roofs are sometimes more expensive than standard asphalt shingles, but metal offers many advantages over asphalt, and can often be worth that added expense. When you know that your home needs an entirely new roof, or if you're having a new home built and need to decide on the roofing material that will be used, note a few considerations that will help to decide if metal is the best choice.

Durability in high winds and strong storms

Asphalt shingles are notorious for getting blown away in high winds and during heavy storms, as each shingle is usually fastened to the roof with just a nail or two. Metal roofs, however, come in long panels and may be outright bolted to the home's framework. They are much less likely to fly away during strong storms and less likely to crack if the home were to be hit by lightning, hail, or heavy rains. If you live in any area with inclement weather, metal might be the best investment for your home.

Longevity

A metal roof may last for decades, as metal doesn't absorb moisture or dry out so it doesn't rot over time. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, tend to dry out and get brittle and then crumble, or absorb moisture so that they then get soft and fall apart. If you're planning on staying in your home for as long as possible and want a roof that lasts as long as the home, invest in metal.

However, note that you also want to invest in the services of a quality contractor to install the roof, as long metal panels need room to "breathe", so that they don't expand and contract when exposed to high heat. A poor-quality installation job can cause the metal to buckle and loosen, so that it then needs repair. Only use contractors familiar with installing metal roofs to avoid this problem and ensure the longevity of your home's new roof.

Eco-friendliness

While asphalt shingles can be recycled, this process uses energy to melt down the material, and it may be costly. If there are no recycling facilities in your area, a roofer may actually need to pay to have shingles picked up and transported to a recycling centre, so they may simply toss them in landfills instead. Metal, however, is very easy to recycle and reuse, so if you should need to have a metal roof replaced in the future, the material is more likely to be recycled and to stay out of landfills.

For more information, contact local metal fabrication professionals.