Taking Fire Protection to New Heights
Metal Roofing Provides a Strong Defense Against the Elements.
America's baby boomers aren't the only thing getting older. Their houses are wrinkling right along with them. According to a study conducted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, the median age of owner- and renter-occupied homes in the United States is more than 30 years. As these structures age, homeowners are spending more money on renovation projects - many of which are necessary to keep the home safe and structurally sound.
One of the more common - and critical - home renovation projects for spring and summertime is roof replacement. Roofing systems typically do not last as long as the life span of an average home, so every homeowner usually needs to replace at least one roof. The type of roof chosen can make a difference in the number of times it will need to be replaced during the house's lifecycle.
Many roofing material choices exist, and it's important to consider all of the options before deciding what type of roof is best. Many homeowners looking to alternative materials are discovering the benefits of metal roofing, including lower cost, a longer life cycle, light weight, and weather and disaster resistance, to name a few.
Protection against fire and other natural disasters is one of the most important benefits of metal roofing. In 1986, Bill Stafford of Pasadena, Calif., replaced his wood roof with a metal roof specifically because of the threat of wildfires in the area. In October 1993, the investment paid off when a wildfire raged through his neighborhood, destroying practically everything in its path - except the Stafford family home. "According to the firefighters, I still have my home today because of my steel roof," says Bill Stafford.
When purchasing a new roof, it's also important to consider the cost versus the life span. Steel roofs typically last longer than 50 years, while asphalt roofs often need replacement after 17 years. This means that while steel may have a higher up-front cost for installation, the life cycle cost is lower than asphalt because the need for future reroofing is eliminated.
The look of a roof is also important. Homeowners concerned about the appearance of their roof will be pleasantly surprised when they learn that steel can be made to look the same as traditional roofing materials. Steel roofs come in a variety of styles and colors and are made to resemble shake, slate, tile or asphalt.
Steel roofing is unparalleled when it comes to environmental benefits. Steel is recycled more than any other material, and its use in roofing is no exception. Approximately 60-65 percent of the materials used in metal roofing is recyclable.
There are many roofing choices available to homeowners, but when looking for a new roof that provides the best combination of value, durability and appearance - there's no question that steel tops them all.