Roofers have a tough job. They work at heights, carrying heavy shingles and nailing them to the roof's surface. In addition to working hard, roofers are also very knowledgeable. They can recommend the best roofing material to fit your budget and preferences, and they can make repairs, as needed, to ensure your roof continues to keep your home safe. There's a lot to learn about roofing. We are not professionals, but we consider ourselves to be well-informed, and we share the information we know on this website. As you read, you will learn more about roofing as a profession, and you may also pick up some roofing tips you can use on your own home.
If you live somewhere hot and dry, your roof takes a surprising amount of abuse from the elements. While you might think that driving rain storms and heavy snow put the most strain on roofing materials, endless sunny days and hot weather can do just as much damage. Constant exposure to UV radiation and heating cycles can cause many roofing materials to fade or wear out prematurely.
Unsurprisingly, these conditions often lead homeowners in hot and dry regions to search for materials that can withstand intense sunlight while minimizing heat gain. If you're looking for a material that can meet these requirements for your next roof replacement, here are three reasons to consider installing a metal roof.
1. High Reflectivity
If you care about environmental issues and sustainability, you may have come across the concept of a cool roof. A cool roof helps to make your home more environmentally friendly (while saving you money) by reflecting a greater portion of the sun's heat energy. By reflecting heat away from your roof, you'll reduce the cooling load on your home's HVAC equipment.
Metal roofing has a naturally high reflectivity, making it an excellent cool roof option. Unlike asphalt shingles, you won't necessarily need to choose a white or gray metal roof to reduce the cooling load on your home. Instead, you can choose from a variety of colors that can both reflect and emit heat, keeping your home cooler under even intense sunlight.
2. Better UV Resistance
Any material is ultimately vulnerable to the powerful ultraviolet rays from the Sun that reach the Earth. While metal roofing and paint aren't immune to UV damage, they are generally fairly resistant.
If you live in a relatively dry area, the greater number of sunny days means your roof must withstand incredible UV damage. Metal roofing with UV-resistant paint or coatings can outlast other, less durable roofing materials, helping to minimize fade. As a result, your roof will look better and last longer despite the sun's constant assault.
3. Fewer Vulnerabilities
Metal roofing is a highly durable and long-lasting choice in any environment, and a properly installed metal roof can withstand heavy rains and moisture without issue. However, metal can corrode and rust, with moist environments often accelerating these processes. Minor damage may further accelerate wear on metal roofing in highly moist environments.
In hot and dry climates, you don't need to worry as much about damage from rain or humidity. The dryer environment can offset some of the drawbacks of metal roofing, helping this roofing material last even longer.
Contact a local roofer to learn more about residential roofing replacement.