A New Look At Roofs
By Eric J. Slarkowski
An old fashioned material for roofs that has been around for a long time is gaining in modern popularity. Many people are realizing the benefits and advantages of metal roofs. Harsh weather in certain areas, and the new variety in types of metal roofs have led to this new popularity.
Metal roofs are much more durable than asphalt shingles and other types of roofing materials. They hold up better against heavy rain and snow, hail, heat and even hurricane force winds. Another benefit is its fire resistant quality. A home is much better protected from both natural and man made disasters when it has a metal roof.
Environmental factors are also leading to new found popularity of metal roofs. Metal roofs reflect the heat of the sun better than traditional materials, keeping your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Energy costs can be as much as 20% lower with metal roofs because of this thermal reflectivity.
Most metal roofs have a system that interlocks the sheets on all four sides, instead of just overlaying like shingles or tiles. This makes metal roofs much stronger and more durable.
The paint and other coatings used on modern metal roofs is also a different kind. The coatings are metallic and polymer, making the roofs corrosion resistant. The polymer coatings will look faded due to exposure, but a good rinse with water will restore their looks. Because of these new materials, modern metal roofs require little to no maintenance.
In addition to weather and fire resistance, energy efficiency and durability are compelling reasons for choosing a metal roof. The energy saving qualities of metal roofs have made them very much in demand and have therefore increased the resale value of the homes that have them. With energy costs soaring, people recognize this as a very valuable quality. IN addition, metal roofs last 40 to 50 years, unlike shingles or tiles, which traditionally last about 25 years.
The modern versions of the metal roof have a much larger variety of styles and colors than other roofing materials. Since they are painted, the choice of colors is almost limitless, limited only by your imagination. The polymer paints used allow an infinite variety of color to make your home unique.
In addition to these advantages, metal roofs are easier to install than shingles or tiles. It can be placed directly over the old roof, keeping costs down by avoiding the demolition and cart away costs of tearing off of the old roof.
It is no wonder that metal roofs are becoming more popular. Low maintenance, incredibly long lasting, energy efficient, attractive and available in many styles and colors are qualities that are ideal in a roof.
Eric Slarkowski usually writes web pages on topics similar to plastering drywall and drywall finishes. You might see his publications on drywall taping tools over at
http://www.insidewoodworking.com .
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