In the world of roofing, metal roofs are often hailed as a fantastic investment for properties in the United States. They're known for their ability to save on heating and cooling costs, their impressive longevity, and their unmatched durability. But, the question remains: can a metal roof truly boost a property's value? Metal roofs offer more than just cost savings; they're a path to increasing a property's worth. Here are five unique ways metal roofing enhances a property's value:

Increased Home Resale Value:

‍Installing a new roof can significantly increase a property's value, especially when you're looking to sell. In 2023, a metal roof can potentially boost a home's resale value by up to 6% compared to properties with traditional asphalt shingle roofs. What's more, a recent report from Remodeling magazine underscores an impressive 61% return on investment for metal roofs. While the initial costs may appear higher, homeowners often find the long-term benefits extremely compelling.

Longevity:

Metal roofs can last between 40 to 70 years. They require very little maintenance, excel at withstanding harsh weather conditions, and bring a modern and stylish look that enhances curb appeal. These features attract potential buyers, leading to a substantial increase in a property's resale value.

Reduced Energy Costs:

Beyond the boost in property value, metal roofing saves homeowners money by reducing heating and cooling expenses. The outstanding energy efficiency means homeowners can achieve an average of 10-25% savings on their energy costs.

Enhanced Protection:

‍Different regions across the United States face varying weather conditions that can cause costly wear and tear to conventional roofs. Damaging winds, rain, and even hail can take a toll and shorten a roof's lifespan. Metal roofs, including copper and zinc options, offer peace of mind. These materials are known for their strength and resilience.

Low Maintenance Costs:

‍The value of metal roofs also stems from their low maintenance requirements. Unlike other materials, metal panels don't need frequent cleaning, sealing, or other costly upkeep. Homeowners can relax, knowing that their metal roof typically requires just an annual visual inspection to stay in great shape.

Exploring a Variety of Metal Roofs

Some of the popular types include:

Standing Seam Metal Roofs:

‍Known for their sleek, modern appearance and exceptional durability, standing seam roofs feature raised seams that run vertically along the roof's surface, providing added protection.

Corrugated Metal Roofs:

‍Corrugated metal roofs offer a rustic, industrial charm and are a cost-effective choice known for their strength and resistance to weather elements.

Metal Shingle Roofs:

Designed to mimic the appearance of traditional roofing materials like wood or slate, metal shingle roofs offer aesthetic diversity while maintaining the advantages of metal.

Metal Tile Roofs:

‍These roofs combine the elegance of traditional tile roofing with the durability and energy efficiency of metal, providing a striking yet functional option.

Copper and Zinc Roofs:

Metal roofing goes beyond steel and aluminum. Copper and zinc roofs offer unique advantages, including stunning aesthetics and impressive longevity. These materials are renowned for their distinctive patina finish, which matures over time, enhancing a property's beauty. As roofing contractors, offering these options can provide clients with a range of choices to suit their roofing needs.

Considering the Downsides

While metal roofing boasts numerous benefits, it's important to acknowledge potential drawbacks. Some homeowners may worry about noise during rain or hailstorms, and initial installation costs can be higher than traditional materials. However, these downsides are often outweighed by the long-term advantages.

How to install a metal roof

Installing a metal roof can be a rewarding project that enhances the durability and appearance of your building. Here's a general guide on how to install metal roofing. However, it's important to consult specific installation guides provided by the metal roofing manufacturer, as practices can vary significantly depending on the type of metal roof—like corrugated panels, standing seam, etc.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Metal panels
• Underlayment (synthetic or felt)
• Tape measure
• Metal snips
• Screw gun or drill
• Roofing screws (with rubber washers)
• Ladder
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, harness)

Steps for Installing Metal Roofing

1. Prepare the Roof

• Remove Old Roofing: If applicable, you might need to strip off the old roofing materials and any remnants.
• Inspect and Repair: Check the roof decking for any signs of damage. Replace any soft, wet, or rotted wood.
• Install Underlayment: Roll out the synthetic or felt underlayment over the roof decking for additional protection against moisture. This step is crucial for waterproofing your roof.

2. Install Eave Flashing

• Eave Flashing: Install eave flashing along the roof's edges to help direct water off the roof and into the gutters. This flashing is typically nailed in place and should overlap the underlayment.

3. Lay the Metal Panels

• Alignment: Start from the bottom edge of the roof and ensure the first panel is perfectly square to the roof line.
• Fastening: Use screws with rubber washers, driving them into the raised ridges of the metal panel to prevent water from collecting around the screw.

4. Overlap the Panels

• Side by Side: Panels should overlap each other by at least one ridge, depending on the type of metal panel.
• Seal: Apply sealant along the overlap if recommended by your installation guide. This helps in creating a water-tight barrier.

5. Install Flashing

• Areas Requiring Flashing: Install flashing around any roof penetrations, such as vents, chimneys, or skylights. Also, install ridge flashing where two roof panels meet at the peak.
• Secure Flashing: Make sure the flashing overlaps the panels properly and is securely fastened to prevent leaks.

6. Finishing Touches

• Trim: Apply trim pieces to the roof edges to give your roof a finished look and extra protection against the elements.
• Seal: Check all seals and ensure all screws are tightened and properly sealed.

Safety Tips

• Weather Conditions: Avoid installing metal roofing in wet or windy conditions. Metal panels can be especially slippery when wet.
• Safety Gear: Always wear safety gloves, goggles, and a harness. Working at heights is dangerous, so take necessary precautions.

How to cut metal roofing

Tools and Materials Needed

• Tin snips for small, easy cuts or detail work.
• Circular saw or a metal cutting saw with a blade designed for cutting metal (like a ferrous-metal cutting blade).
• Nibbler, which is ideal for making precise cuts around corners or openings.
• Protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection.

Steps for Cutting Metal Roofing

1. Measure and Mark

• Accuracy: Measure the length you need for your roofing panel. Use a straight edge to mark a clear line where the cut will be made. Chalk lines work well for marking long, straight cuts.

2. Choose Your Tool

• Snips: Best for small cuts. Choose from red snips (left cutting), green snips (right cutting), or yellow snips (straight cuts).
• Circular Saw: Faster for long, straight cuts. However, it can produce a lot of metal shavings and noise. Make sure to wear proper safety gear.
• Nibbler: Ideal for detailed cuts without the rough edges that can result from saws.

3. Prepare the Work Area

• Support: Lay the metal panel on a stable, flat surface that allows you to cut safely. Support the panel properly to prevent vibrations or bending during cutting.

4. Cutting

• Using Tin Snips: Cut along the marked line with the appropriate snips. For curves or corners, maneuver the snips slowly, adjusting the panel as needed to make the cutting easier.
• Using a Circular Saw: Attach the metal-cutting blade. Align the saw with the chalk line and cut steadily along the line. Keep the saw steady to avoid jagged edges.
• Using a Nibbler: Start at one end of the marked line and steadily guide the nibbler along the line. Nibblers are great for precision and can navigate tight patterns or profiles.

5. Clean Up

• Edges: After cutting, metal edges can be sharp and potentially hazardous. Use a file or sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
• Metal Shavings: Clear away any metal shavings or debris to prevent injuries or damage. Metal shavings can be sharp and may pose a risk if left unattended.

Safety Tips

• Protective Gear: Always wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. Safety glasses are essential to shield your eyes from metal shards, and ear protection is recommended when using noisy power tools.
• Secure the Material: Make sure the metal roofing is securely held or clamped down to prevent it from moving while you cut. This not only ensures a cleaner cut but also enhances safety.

Final Thoughts

Cutting metal roofing materials can be straightforward if you have the right tools and follow safety protocols. If the project's scale is large or the cuts are complex, consider hiring professionals to ensure the cuts are precise and the installation is safe.

The enduring benefits of metal roofing, such as increased property value, energy savings, enhanced protection, low maintenance, and reduced environmental impact, make them an attractive choice for homeowners and roofing contractors in 2023.