Metal & Copper Roofing Blog

How to Know if A Metal Roof is Worth the Upgrade in this Economy

No one understands better than a metal roofing supplier that when times are tight, and a new roof can't be avoided, the cheapest option is the natural choice. But here are three questions that can help you answer whether it's actually smarter and better value to spend more on a high-quality roof - no matter how bad the current economic climate looks:

coated steel tile | Metal Roof Network1. Is your current house your "forever home?"

If you're planning on staying in your house for the duration - a minimum of 20 years, say - then choosing a metal roof can actually cost you less than a regular old asphalt composition roof. Why? Because a metal roof is an investment you make once - and a comp roof is guaranteed to require replacement within 10-20 years, which means it's an expense you'll face again and again.

Here's how it works: say the comp roof is $7,000 and the metal roof system is more than double at $18,000. Yes, the comp roof is less expensive today, but typically, the costs of these roofs double every 15 years. That means when you need to replace your $7,000 comp roof in 20 years, it's going to cost at least $14,000. Now you're looking at $21,000 for the hassle and inferior performance of a roof system that must be replaced a THIRD time in another 10-20 years - for another $15,000 at least! All of a sudden, the expensive $18,000 metal roof - with its superior longevity, durability, aesthetics and eco-friendliess - really shows its value!

2. Do your priorities for a new roof include efficiency, good looks and high performance with a long service life?

Compare factors like energy-efficiency, eco-friendliess, good looks, durability and longevity between metal roofing and asphalt composition, and comp roofs really fall short. They're simply not designed in the same manner, and their inherent characteristics (petroleum-based, degrades in sunlight, limited aesthetic appeal) make them a temporary roof option. If that doesn't matter to you, a comp roof is probably the best choice. But if the idea of a permanent roof system that requires little to no maintenance while offering superior performance, resistance to weather-related damage like wind blow-off AND comes in a vast array of style, color, texture and finish options is appealing, it's time to take a good long look at metal roofing.

14 year old 30 year comp3. Do you just need a new roof now and anything will do?

If the answer to this question is a resounding "yes!" then head to your local home improvement store and stock up on their comp shingles. You can probably install them yourself, and in 10 or 15 years when they absolutely need to be replaced, hopefully you're long gone and it's someone else's problem! It's the cheapest solution if all you need is a quick fix. Try to remember that when you're picking up bits of your roof after a blustery day or patching the roof (like the "30 Year" comp roof above, which is 14 year old!) because some of those shingles are wearing away!

Like to learn more about metal roofing? Download our FREE re-roofing booklet or our Metal vs. Comp comparison sheet - both are filled with interesting and useful information.

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How does metal roofing compare to comp?