Is it still worth it to buy a metal roof, even in an uncertain economy?
When the economy is humming along and the future seems steady, it can be easier to make those significant investments you’ve been holding back on — like a metal roof. But when the economy becomes a bit tighter due to external factors such as an election or global trade complications, you might think twice about making that purchase.
At Sheffield Metals, we understand that buying a metal roof can require a lot of consideration. We’ve been supplying metal roofing materials, including coils, sheets, and accessories to contractors and fabricators for decades. Our library of content aims to educate our customers and home and building owners on all things metal roofing, so that they can make more educated buying decisions and be confident in their purchases.
In this article, we’ll walk through the various considerations of buying a metal roof and why it may still be the right choice for you, even in uncertain economic conditions.
Why a Metal Roof Is Still a Great Investment
Keep in mind that the decision to buy a metal roof is subjective and should be based on the individual’s unique situation. In some cases, buying a metal roof might just not be the right fit, whether that’s because of a specific budget, the way a metal roof looks, or the type of building you own.
But if you think a metal roof is right for you, it might make sense to look at some of the key considerations that can help you make your final decision.
Your Roof Will Last Longer
When the economy contracts, people are often looking for their dollar to bring them more value. They want something that will last a long time, remain durable, and do its job long into the future.
Metal roofs — particularly standing seam metal roofs — are known to be one of the best investments for homes and buildings due to their longevity, as they can last sixty years or more. As a homeowner, it will likely be the only roof you have to buy, whereas shingles will need to be replaced at regular intervals due to natural wear and tear.
Metal roofs also require less maintenance than traditional roofing options, so you can spend less money on repairs and replacements.
So while metal roofs may have a larger up-front cost compared to other roofing options, over the long run, metal roofs can save you money and continue to offer you the value you paid for it for decades.
Save on Energy Bills
Metal roofs utilize coatings with special pigments — known in the industry as cool metal roofing — that reflect the sun’s energy. This helps prevent heat transfer into your home or building and can lower your monthly energy bill.
Cool metal roofing is especially valuable for those in hot climates, as it can keep extreme temperatures at bay and the interior of your home comfortable.
The effectiveness of your metal roof to dissipate heat will largely be based on the color you choose. Each color is assigned a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) number, measured on a scale of 0 to 100, which communicates that color’s ability to reflect the sun’s energy and emit heat. Lighter colors such as white that have the greatest ability to reflect the sun’s energy will be in the 70s and 80s, while darker colors such as black will be substantially lower.
For more information on cool metal roofing, you can refer to our article on the topic:
What Is Cool Metal Roofing? Reflectance, Emissivity, SRI, & Cost Savings
Promote Sustainability
Not only can metal roofs last for sixty years or more, but they can also be recycled at the end of their service life, as the material is 100% recyclable. Plus, metal roofs are compatible with solar panel installation.
As mentioned earlier, the reflective pigments found in metal roofing coatings can help lower energy costs for homes and buildings. This also helps counter the urban heat island effect, which occurs most prevalently in urban areas where concrete absorbs and retains heat, pushing up the demand for electricity and heightening the risk of power outages and blackouts.
Defend Against Extreme Weather
Many regions in the United States and across the world receive extreme weather in the form of tropical storms, hail, snowstorms, violent winds, hurricanes, baking heat, and frigid cold. Metal roofs offer some of the best defenses against these dangers.
Buying a home is one of the most important and maybe the most expensive investment you’ll make in your entire life, so it’s essential to protect that investment as best as you can. Engineered standing seam metal roofing systems are specifically tested to survive through extreme weather events such as high winds, heavy rains, and even fire.
And the value of a metal roof lies in more than just protecting your home or building — it lies in protecting the people inside of it and ensuring they feel safe, even in severe storms.
Increase Your Home Value
Metal roofs can also help boost your home value, as they offer long service lives and great durability. Plus, they’re becoming increasingly popular due to their sleek, modern aesthetics, which may be more appealing to potential buyers.
Even if you don’t plan on moving anytime soon, buying a metal roof can help raise the value of your home if that time to move ever does come.
Take Advantage of Insurance Discounts and Tax Incentives
There are also incentives and discounts you can take advantage of when it comes to metal roofs. Some insurance companies offer up to a 35% discount on metal roof installations.
You may also be eligible for tax incentives as well, as metal roofing is a sustainable option. Be sure to do your own research and see whether you are eligible for these discounts and incentives, as these can reduce the overall cost of your purchase.
Looking for More Information on Metal Roofing?
Getting the right information from a trusted source can help you make decisions confidently and know whether a metal roof is the right choice for you. Again, the decision to buy a metal roof will depend on your unique situation, and you should take stock of your priorities before buying.
For more information on metal roofing, feel free to check out The Metal Roofing Learning Center or The Metal Roofing Channel, which releases weekly videos on a variety of topics about metal roofing.
If you have specific technical questions about engineering or installation, feel free to contact us today. We can also put you in touch with reliable contractors in your area.
