Is your roof nearing the end of its life expectancy? If so, and you need to start thinking about roof replacement options in Ankeny or Huxley, keep steel roofing on the radar as a very viable option for your home or business.
Pros of Steel Roofing
It Lasts Longer
Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40-70 years! That’s a lot longer than a typical asphalt roof, which lasts only 15-20 years.
Steel is corrosion- and fire-resistant. It can also withstand winds up to 120 mph, and it very effectively seals out moisture to help you avoid rot and mold problems in your roof and attic.
It’s Energy Efficient
Because metal reflects solar heat it can prove to be a very energy-efficient roofing material during the summer. It also keeps out harmful UV rays. When your home absorbs less heat, your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard, and you save money lower monthly energy bills and reduced wear and tear. It also makes for a great insulator in the winter, due to the installation process: overlapping panels create air pockets on the roof's surface and, together, act as an extra layer of insulation.
It’s Safer for You and the Environment
Steel is a fire-resistant material that lowers the risk of fire in your attic or elsewhere in the home. Since it seals out moisture well, there is also a lower risk of mold and mildew, which can pose serious health risks. The durability of steel roofs make them an environmentally friendly roofing choice; less frequent replacement = less waste! Steel is the most recycled material on earth, with products commonly composed of around 50% recycled material! It can also be reused once the roof reaches the end of its life.
Cons of Steel Roofing
It Costs More
Steel roofing has a higher initial cost than asphalt. However, its durability and energy efficiency can save you money over time. You may never have to install a new roof for the rest of your life.
Metal Roofs and Lightning
One question that concerns many homeowners about metal or steel roofing is, “Will having a metal roof increase the risk of my house being struck by lightning during a storm?”
The answer: No, not at all. We recently wrote a blog post about lightning and the process it goes through when striking a home. Lightning always strikes the highest point it can reach. If there aren’t trees or power lines near your house, and your roof is in fact the highest point in the area, it may get struck, but not because it’s made of metal. Make sure you have a lightning rod in place to help avoid damage to your home and electronics in any case. Read our blog post, “What to Do If Your House Gets Struck by Lighting,” to learn more.
If your metal roof does get struck by lightning, the lightning will disperse through the house and into the ground just as it would with any other type of roof. You may actually be at an advantage with a metal roof, since metal is a fire-resistant/non-flammable material! Because of this, many roofing experts will tell you that metal is a preferable roofing material in areas with a lot of lightning and thunderstorm activity. Asphalt shingle roofs are more susceptible to harm when it comes to lightning and fire because they are combustible.
Hedrick Construction Steel Roofing
If you're looking for a roof replacement company in Ankeny, Huxley, or Ames, give us a call! Aside from steel roofs, we also install asphalt, architectural shingle, and rubber roofs. Contact us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to jump in and have us install a new roof for your home!
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