Skip The Shingles: The Roof Material That Can Be Cheaper And More Sustainable

When it comes to replacing your roof, you may not give a second thought to the materials that go on top of your house. After all, shingles are the common option. These are usually made from fiberglass and asphalt, which make them fire-resistant and allows water to roll off. This is the most common type of shingle, with over 80% of homes sporting them, according to GAF. However, though they are cheap and common, they may not always be the best choice. One alternative — metal roofs — may have a lot more to offer, especially when it comes to affordability and sustainability. 

Metal roofs are often made from recyclable metals. While the exact amount varies, generally 30 to 60% of metal roofing is made from recycled materials. Plus, when it's time to replace the roof, most of it can actually be sent to a recycling center again. With roughly 11 million tons of asphalt shingles ending up thrown into landfills annually, finding ways to reduce this waste whenever possible is a great boost to the environment.

As both a perk and a sustainable feature, metal roofs help keep home temperatures a little more stable. According to Drexel Metals, they bounce back about 90% of the heat from the sun. A metal roof can keep your home cool during the summer, and lead to it requiring less energy to keep it at a livable temperature. It's also thought that many of these roofs in one place can reduce urban heat island effects.

Metal roofs, in addition to being sustainable, can save you money. The initial investment required, though, can make many balk. A lot of the cost comes from the specialized installation and longer setup times, leading to high labor costs. According to This Old House, an asphalt roof can cost close to $24,000 on the high end, while metal roofs may start at that price and then go up to nearly $90,000. The type of material and installation you choose can influence that price, but overall, you can usually expect a metal roof to be a much bigger hit to your wallet. 

However, if you have the money for this initial installation, you may help yourself in the long run by switching to metal. For one, some insurance companies offer discounts for these roofs. Also, they last much longer than shingles. A regular asphalt shingle roof tends to need replacements every 15 to 30 years, but you should know that metal roofing actually lasts up to nearly 70 years. Even at the minimum, it can last for about 40 years on average, making it a practical decision. The extension between replacements also contributes to the sustainability since you can go longer without having to replace the materials. Between these factors and the heating and cooling benefits, metal roofs could save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

There are other perks to metal well. Like fiberglass, metal can handle fire and wind. It is also great in cold environments, preventing some damage from ice and heavy snow, and offers defense against pests, mold, and rot. You'll still have customization options with metal roofs, as they can come in different colors, including black, blue, brown, green, grey, red, and white.

Of course, there are some things you should know before choosing a rust-resistant metal roof for your home. While these are great, they may not be for everyone. They can handle most environments, but they do struggle with places along the coast, as the salty air can lead to rust. Also, you have to make sure that you pick the right type of metal for your area. Though it can be impact-resistant, softer metals like aluminum are far more likely to dent and be damaged by weather. Another problem is that a metal roof can be noisier than homeowners expect, since rain and hail on a roof can be pretty loud.

However, despite the negatives, these roofs can be a great and practical idea for many people. It doesn't matter whether you are planning on living in your home for years or selling it in the near future — metal roofs are often considered a good investment, both for you and the environment.