Mario Williams is a partner at Lone Star Roofing, a third-generation family owned and operated roofing company located in Texas. Williams is known throughout the state as an expert in commercial and industrial roofing techniques. Here, he discusses the pros and cons of metal roofing systems.
A properly installed standing-seam metal roof can easily last a hundred years, just as long as it is continuously maintained with the proper coatings. That is something that you can’t say about many other roofing materials, which is why metal roofs have become such a desirable option for so many building owners.
Aside from the long life of a metal roof, though, there are a few other pros and cons to choosing this option:
Pros
- Metal roofs are easy to repair, since the parts that are replaceable can usually be changed quickly.
- Fixed metal roofing is a cost-effective option for business owners with warehouses and manufactured metal buildings.
- A properly installed, standing-seam metal roof can last longer than even the best non-metal roof, reducing the costs of repair and re-roofing.
- Metal roofs are highly maintainable with a simple amount of work.
- Thermal coating options work extremely well on metal roofs.
- Thanks to their easy maintenance and long lifespan, metal roofs have actually become common in upscale neighborhoods across the country in recent years.
Cons
- Metal roofing solutions can be expensive, which is not ideal for many homeowners or building owners.
- Metal roofing options work best and are a superior option on sloped roofs, but don’t really work well in flat roof situations.
- Proper coatings must be put on to prevent rusting, which could greatly reduce the lifetime of a metal roof.
Obviously, the pros of metal roofing systems far outweigh the cons in most cases. While metal roofs may not be a solution for everyone, their easy maintenance and long lifespan make them an ideal for solution for many homeowners and building owners living in all types of climates and conditions.
