7 Reasons a Metal Roof Is the Best Choice For Your Home ...

Let’s keep it simple: Choosing the right roof is important.

But the type of roof that best fits you and your building might not be as simple to define. That’s where Sheffield Metals comes in to help.

In this article, we aren’t going to compare the different types of roofs, like shingles versus metal. Instead, we want to focus on the buyer and the individual characteristics or interests that might make them a good fit for a metal roof.

We’ll focus heavily on these two parts:

1. What you should know before you buy a metal roof.
2. Reasons that a metal roof might be the best choice for you.

What to Know Before You Buy a Metal Roof

Before we get into some of the reasons a metal roof could be the best option, you should have a set idea of your likes, dislikes, home attributes, and specifications. Not only will this help you choose a material, but if you do choose a metal roof, it’ll also help you decide on the final panel style and design.

Know Your Budget

Here is our biggest recommendation regarding the sensitive budget topic: Be realistic.

You want to get the most out of your money, but you also don’t want to spend money you don’t have. Take a detailed look at your finances and how much money you are able and willing to spend on a roof. It’s just that important.

If you can put down a larger sum of money at one time with the understanding that you won’t have to replace the roof for 40+ years, a metal roof might be your best option. Or if you’re strapped for cash and unable to put down a large amount of money at one time, you may not be in the market to purchase a metal roof right now.

Know Your Style & Design Interests

Have a good idea of what you want in the end product of the roof going on your building. What would the roof look like if you had to visualize your ideal home? Would the roof be a bright color or have more of an earth tone? What would the texture be? How about the finish?

With metal roofing, there are dozens of different combinations to choose from, such as:

• Panel style
  • Standing seam (concealed fastener)
  • Exposed fastener
  • Stamped metal, including metal shake, tiles, shingles
• Paint type
  • PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)
  • SMP (silicone-modified polyester)
  • FEVE
• Color
  • Standard
  • Metallic
  • Weathered
  • Custom
• Finish
  • Specular gloss, which is defined as “…an optical property which indicates how well a surface reflects light in a specular (mirror-like) direction.”
  • Matte
• Seam type
  • Mechanical seam
  • Snap-lock
  • Fastener flange/nail strip
  • Tee seam
• Rib roller (structure between the seams)
  • Flat
  • Striated
  • Ribbed
  • Corrugated

There are even more metal roof parts available for buyers to choose from on top of the ones discussed above, allowing for more customization and versatility.

Know Your Roof

Knowing the specific aspects of your existing roof structure before you buy a new one can help you determine the style, profile, or seam best fit for your application. Be aware of the following:

• Roof pitch (slope)
  • For example, standing seam metal roofing is not “one size fits all”. If you have a low-slope application (3:12 or less is typically the industry standard), it is important that you choose a mechanically seamed system that is double-locked. If you have a steep-slope application (above 3:12 is typically the industry standard), snap-lock, mechanical seam, or fastener flange systems can be used.
  • It’s imperative to check the manufacturer’s minimum slope requirements before installation.
• Square footage of the roof
• Planes of the roof
  • Valleys, hips, ridges, eaves, and gables
  • Dead valleys and other points on your roof that may collect moisture or debris
• Number of potential penetration points
  • Chimneys, vent pipes, or skylights
• Other potential problem areas
  • Drainage issues
  • Ice damming
  • Existing leaks
  • Snow retention over entryways

Know Your Environment

There are environments where a metal roof will perform better than any other material, especially those subjected to extreme weather events, such as:

• High wind
• High UV/sun exposure
• High moisture – rain, ice, or snow

But that doesn’t mean metal roofing can’t work in mild environments either. Metal roofing generally works well in any area as long as the correct panel type is used for the application and the installation details are followed. Just be aware that there are places where a metal roof can be installed, but does NOT qualify for one or more warranties. For example, you’ll always want to use an aluminum metal roofing system in a coastal environment; using steel on the coast will void any warranty because it does not stand up to saltwater corrosion.

Here are a few more items to look for in your living environment before installing a new roof:

• Shaded areas
• Tree cover
• Potential pollutants in the air
• Other nearby bodies of water (oceans, seas, bays, marshes, brackish water, etc.)

Know How Much Maintenance You Can or Want to Do

Any roofing material will require maintenance of some kind, but the frequency of such maintenance varies across the board. This is why knowing how often you want to or are willing to do regular maintenance on your roof is a key consideration to think about. We’ll talk more about metal roofing maintenance in the next section.

Reasons a Metal Roof Is the Best Choice for You

#1: You don’t want to buy or replace another roof.

It’s one of the most common reasons we hear from buyers of metal roofing: They don’t want to buy another roof in their lifetime. A metal roof is indeed more expensive in the short term as a one-time expense, but it actually becomes the more cost-effective solution in the long run because it won’t require replacement for at least 40 years or more. So if you’re planning to stay in the home or building you currently inhabit, buying a metal roof ensures that you won’t be purchasing a new replacement roof every 10 to 15 years.

#2: You want the best protection for your home and your loved ones.

The people and the memories inside your home are priceless and cannot be replaced. A leak or fire originating from the roof of a home can spell disaster in more ways than anyone could imagine. This is why it’s so important to be cognizant of how different roofing materials perform and are tested to resist potential hazards. Bias aside, a metal roof is one of the most protective options to use as your roof because:

• Most metal roofing is Class A fire-rated and noncombustible, making it the most resistant to catching on fire (your installer should confirm this with local building codes before installation).
• Many metal roofing materials are given a Class 4 UL 2218 rating, which means impact from hail won’t puncture or tear the metal during a storm with hailstones up to two inches.
• Reputable metal companies put their panels through additional testing to further measure their safety and performance, including wind uplift tests (UL 580), water penetration tests, air infiltration tests, and more. Learn more about metal roofing industry standards and testing here.
• Metal roofing actually weighs less than traditional asphalt shingle roofing or concrete tiles and puts less stress on the structure of a home over time.

All of these tests and facts sum up to metal roofing doing one thing: Protecting everyone and everything on the inside.

#3: You want to get the most out of your investment.

As we’ve mentioned, a metal roof is an expensive investment you want to benefit greatly from. Since metal roofing lasts longer and has a higher one-time cost in the short run, a building or home with a metal roof has an increased property value (typically anywhere from 1 to 6% higher). This can also contribute to how easy it is to resell a structure, especially if the roof is in good condition and wouldn’t need to be replaced by new owners. This can be handy if you plan to sell your home or building.

Additionally, metal roofing can lower home insurance premiums because metal is much less likely to fail from fire, high winds, and wind-driven rain damage than other types of roofing. On the contrary, insurance could also be more expensive because the roof itself is worth more and would make any replacements higher for the insurance company to cover. Many other factors play into the cost of insurance, such as location and other problem-causing risks, which should be discussed with the insurance company.

#4: You are worried about extreme weather events damaging your roof.

Weather events are unpredictable, but the best you can do is prepare ahead of time by purchasing exterior products with designed and tested durability; one of which is a metal roof. If you know you live in a high wind zone, a place with high snow or rainfall patterns, or a region threatened by hurricanes or tornadoes, it might be the best choice to buy a metal roof that can withstand the elements far better than other materials.

#5: You want your roof to be a brighter or more vivid color.

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points for purchasing a metal roof is that it can come in virtually any color, including bright/vivid colors and earth tones. Metal coil manufacturers partner with reputable paint companies, such as Valspar (Sherwin-Williams) or PPG, that develop paint systems specifically designed for metal panels. In addition to the variety of color options, these paint systems are thoroughly tested in a real outdoor environment to ensure they can last decades, which is why trusted metal roofs are backed by paint warranties.

#6: You want a sustainable, eco-friendly roof.

There’s no doubt that metal roofing is one of the most eco-friendly options in roofing, which applies in several ways:

• Metal roofing materials are highly recyclable, meaning leftover pieces, tear-off panels, or damaged parts can be recycled for future use.
• There are metal coils and sheets that are made up of previously recycled materials. This is especially true with aluminum, as nearly 95% of aluminum roofing is from already recycled materials.
• Metal roofing can provide a highly reflective color/finish, also called cool metal roofing, and therefore a higher Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). SRI measures a surface’s ability to reflect the sun’s solar energy (solar reflectance) and emit heat (emissivity). A higher SRI can lead to savings on energy bills.

#7: You want more time between maintenance responsibilities on your roof.

The level of upkeep needed to maintain a metal roof is generally limited. This is especially true if the roof was correctly installed to eliminate any of the common problems associated with metal roofing. General upkeep would include looking for leaves, branches, and other debris that could get stuck on the roof and in the gutters around once or twice a year and after strong storms.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Metal Roof For Your Project

Knowing if a metal roof is the best choice for you can be easy for some and difficult for others. However, doing your research and knowing what to look for can shorten the process and lead to important discussions that could help you decide what type of roof may be best for you.

To help determine if a metal roof is the best choice for your home or business, start by asking yourself these questions:

• What is the worst-case scenario weather event that could affect my home or building?
• What is the most amount of money I am comfortable spending on a metal roof?
• Does my roof have simple planes and minimal penetration points? Or is it more angular with potential dead valleys and numerous penetration spots?
• How does a metal roof change the cost of my homeowner’s insurance?
• What would the end product look like if I chose a metal roof?
• How valuable or irreplaceable are the items inside my home or building?

At Sheffield Metals, we are here to answer your questions and help you choose the best metal roof that fits your needs, budget, environment, and beyond. Our team can answer your questions and get you on the path to the right decision.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or speak with one of our knowledgeable metal roofing experts!

This article is more than 5 years old.

Buying physical gold or silver as an investment is not always as straightforward as it sounds. Novice investors often get lost in a variety of options: “Should I buy minted bars or sovereign coins?” “Maybe that limited edition coin would be a good investment?”

Sensible investors evaluate bullion options by the price and premium on the gold spot price. But the premium is only one part of the equation. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get that premium back upon the sale.

Worse, there are unscrupulous dealers out there. They will try to trick you into buying numismatics and other collectibles that have a huge premium and won’t retain their value over time.

As a result, it’s essential to get an understanding of precious metals before dipping your toes into this market.

In this article, I’ll answer some of the most important questions you should ask yourself before buying precious metals.

What Is the Best Way to Invest in Precious Metals?

You can invest in precious metals by buying the physical metal like bullion bars and bullion coins or through financial products such as gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Each method has advantages and disadvantages.

While investing in precious metals through ETFs sounds appealing due to its convenience, there are several key issues that investors need to be aware of in relation to this method of investment.

For example, if you invest in gold through an ETF, you don’t actually own the metal. You have no claim on the gold within the fund. This means that you cannot take delivery of the metal if the need arises.

In contrast, the key advantage of buying physical gold (such as bars and coins) is that you own the gold. Furthermore, you own an asset that can be stored outside the financial system, which reduces counterparty risk.

Counterparty risk is the risk that the other party in an agreement will default or fail to live up to its obligations. When investors buy gold ETFs, they are relying on financial institutions to deliver on their obligations.

In this regard, buying the physical metal is a more sensible option.

Key Takeaways:

• Investors can get exposure to precious metals in two ways: physical gold (such as bars and coins) or financial products (such as ETFs).

• With a precious metals ETF, you don’t actually own the metal.

Should I Buy Gold Bullion or Silver Bullion?

While both gold and silver have attractive features, gold is the better investment for the average precious metals investor. Gold has a much larger liquid market that is driven mostly by investment and jewelry demand. The price of gold is less volatile than that of silver, too.

Meanwhile, silver is more speculative and has a stronger relationship to economic activity. This is because silver has many industrial uses. As such, silver can be attractive during down cycles when the price of the metal is cheap.

The key advantage of silver is that it’s much cheaper than gold. Therefore, it’s more accessible to small investors.

Key Takeaways:

• Gold is a better investment than silver for most investors.

• Gold’s price is less volatile than silver’s price.

Bullion Bars vs. Bullion Coins—Which Are Better as an Investment?

Bullion coins, such as Gold American Eagles, are the best type of precious metals for most investors. This is because sovereign coins are easily recognizable, easy to trade, and generally sell at higher premiums than bars. You could buy smaller bullion bars, such as a 1 oz bullion bar, but they tend to be harder to sell back and the transaction costs are higher.

For institutional buyers or those looking to buy very large quantities of precious metals, large bullion bars are a more sensible option, due to the lower premiums.

Key Takeaways:

• Coins are the best way to buy precious metals for most investors.

• Coins are highly liquid and easy to trade.

• Bullion bars are more suited to large buyers.

What Are the Best Bullion Coins to Buy?

For North American investors, American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf coins—both silver and gold—are some of the best coins to buy. For investors in Europe, gold or silver Eagles or Austrian Philharmonics are good coins.

The South African Krugerrand coin is another excellent coin for investors. The gold version is minted from 91.7% pure gold alloy and contains one troy ounce of gold. It’s one of the most traded gold coins in the world.

Other good gold coins to buy that are reasonably liquid include the Australian Kangaroo coin and the English Britannia coin.

Investors should stay away from sovereign coins from lesser-known countries. They should also steer clear of special edition commemorative sovereign coins. These coins are usually more expensive to buy and resell for less than the better known coins.

Key Takeaways:

• The best gold and silver coins for North American investors are the American Eagle, the American Buffalo, and the Canadian Maple Leaf.

• For European investors, Eagles or Austrian Philharmonics are excellent coins to buy.

What Is the Best Place to Buy Physical Precious Metals?

The best way to buy physical precious metals is through an online dealer that offers a buy-and-store program with non-bank London Bullion Market Association (LMBA) approved vaults.

Investors should avoid taking physical possession of their gold or silver unless they believe there is an emergency.  It’s much safer to have your bullion stored in a secure vault. It’s also much easier to sell your metals that are stored in a secure vault because you don’t break the chain of custody.

Key Takeaways:

• The best place to buy precious metals is through an online dealer.

• Look for a dealer that offers a buy-and-store program.

• Investors should avoid taking physical delivery.

Final Thoughts

Every investor portfolio should contain an allocation to precious metals. You’ve taken the first step toward ensuring your financial future by reading this primer on how to buy precious metals.

With all of the uncertainty in today's global economy, it has never been more important to diversify and add the security of physical precious metals to your investment strategy.