Why Choose a Residential Metal Roof?

residential metal roof

A residential metal roof might not seem like the obvious choice, but there are plenty of reasons to consider one for your home. While you might think of a shed or livestock barn when you think of a metal roof, recently more and more homes have them. Tin and metal roofs have been around for hundreds of years, but galvanizing metal with zinc, a combination that prevents rust, has only been around since the 1830s. This combination made it easier to use it as a roofing material with less maintenance due to corrosion. However, with the proliferation of less expensive and easy-to-install asphalt shingles, you see metal roofs less and less – until now. And it might surprise you to see the variety of materials available, and the metal roof benefits today. We have some of the best reasons you should consider a metal roof. Read on to learn more.

 

Unmatched Durability

 

Your roof protects your most significant investment – your home. It also protects what’s most valuable – your family. When choosing a roofing material, you want durable options, and nothing is more durable than metal. In the South, we get our fair share of severe weather, including hurricane-force winds, torrential rains, hail, humidity, and heat. While some other roofing material might stand up to some of that, only metal can consistently withstand those extremes.

 

Long Lasting

 

Asphalt shingles, arguably the most common roofing material used in the U.S., have an average life expectancy of about 15-20 years. Metal roofs can last 50-60 years. If you invest in copper or zinc, your roof could last upwards of 100 years. Where other materials break down over time, metal does not, and it’s not affected by freeze/thaw cycles the way other materials are. It isn’t a hospitable environment for fungus and mold growth, pesky critters can’t dig holes through it, and you don’t have to worry about it cracking or coming loose in a storm. And corrosion-proof coatings mean you won’t have to worry about rust becoming an issue.

 

Safe and Fire-Resistant

 

When considering metal roof benefits, what’s more important than safety? Fire is always a concern for homebuilding, but adding a metal roof to your plans for either a new home or an existing home is a great way to include some fire-retardant material. Metal has a Class A rating for fire resistance, which means it’s undergone testing for how it responds to flame spread, the number of hours before ignition, and how it resists cycles of gas flame. Class A is the best rating and shows that metal is one of the least combustible materials you can use for your roof.

 

Metal is Environmentally Friendly

 

Studies have shown that traditional asphalt shingles can take up to 400 years to fully decompose in a landfill because of the petroleum products used in their manufacturing. Every time a homeowner replaces their old asphalt shingle roof with a new one, all that waste will sit for hundreds of years, polluting our planet. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that amount at nearly 20 billion pounds of roofing materials annually. Metal roofs offer a way for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint, increase their eco-consciousness, and save money on roof replacement throughout their home’s life. Metal is a significantly more sustainable option often made from at least 25% recycled materials. Additionally, when the metal roof is ready for replacement, the roof material itself is recyclable.

 

Increased Energy Efficiency

 

If you’re looking for ways to increase your energy efficiency while decreasing your monthly energy bills, a metal roof is a great addition to your home. The primary factor impacting efficiency is the metal’s reflective properties. Instead of absorbing the heat from the sun during our hot South Carolina summers, it reflects it, reducing cooling costs and energy use by up to 40%. In the winter months you’ll also get increased efficiency due to its superior insulating properties leading to energy savings of up to 20% over asphalt shingles during the colder months.

 

They’ve Got Great Curb Appeal

 

Metal roofs look amazing and come in different styles and a wide range of colors. The most common type of residential metal roof is the vertical seam, with a sleek look and hidden fasteners. Traditional roofing materials come in 15-20 color options, while metal roofs have at least 100 colors to choose from, so you can accent your home with the best color to highlight its architectural features.

 

With so many metal roof benefits, it’s hard to imagine why you wouldn’t want to investigate this option for your next roof. Do you want to learn more about why you should consider a metal roof? Contact the roofing professionals at Premiere Roofing for all the information you need and to get a free estimate.

Solar-Integrated Roof: How Does It Work?

integrated solar roof

Harnessing solar power to provide electricity started in the 1950s and gained momentum in the 1970s, however, it hasn’t been affordable and attainable for the masses until the last decade or so. Now you see giant solar panels scattered on rooftops in almost every neighborhood. They’re effective and cost-saving, but far from having great curb appeal. That’s where new solar technology, including integrated solar roof shingles, comes into play. They’re just as powerful and efficient as their giant panel predecessors, but much more aesthetically pleasing. And if they seem insanely complex and challenging, we’ve got you covered. We have an easy guide to help you understand how an integrated solar roof works.

 

How Does Solar Energy Convert to Useful Power?

 

We can harness solar energy, or power from the sun, to generate electricity and use it in our homes and businesses. The solar roof shingles in an integrated roof system contain photovoltaic cells made up of semiconductor materials that absorb the solar energy and transfer it to electrons creating electrical charges. Those electrical charges respond to an electrical field that produces an electric current. For that current to be useable in your home’s electrical system, it must convert from DC or Direct Current to AC or Alternate Current. A device called a solar inverter does the job. The inverter then sends the electricity to your electric panel just like the utility company sends it to your home through the power grid. The panel remains connected to the grid in case you need additional electricity, but nothing in the way your home uses electricity changes with the installation of solar shingles.

 

How Do Solar Shingles Connect to My Roof?

 

Solar shingle installation is significantly easier and less damaging than solar panel installation, which uses a rack system that requires drilling through the roof to hold the panels in place. Not only does that damage the roof, but it also increases the potential for leaks and water damage. Installation for solar shingles, on the other hand, is directly on your existing roof using a method called direct-to-deck. It is the best way to protect your roof without compromising waterproofing. The solar shingles replace the asphalt or other types of shingles on a portion of your roof, integrating into those materials. Installation happens during roof replacement, so you’re starting from scratch with a new roof and huge energy savings.

 

Are Solar Shingles Durable?

 

Solar shingles have the same water-shedding capabilities as other types of roofs. They withstand extreme weather, including having a class-3 hail rating, the ability to withstand hurricane-force winds, and are strong enough for regular old ice, snow, and rain. Traditional asphalt shingles last up to 20 years, but solar shingles have a life expectancy closer to 25-30 years.

 

What are Some Additional Benefits of Solar Shingles?

 

In addition to reducing your dependence on public electricity, solar power significantly cuts your energy costs and carbon footprint. It’s good for your budget and good for the planet.

 

Integrated Solar Roof Shingle FAQs

 

There are many frequently asked questions regarding the new solar technology in solar shingles. We’ve got the answers you need.

 

Q: Do solar shingles require maintenance?

A: No! Solar shingles are as durable, if not more durable, than many traditional roof materials and don’t require maintenance. However, annual inspections or inspections after extreme weather are a good idea, just like with a regular roof.

 

Q: Can you add batteries for backup energy storage?

A: Yes! You can add additional energy storage systems and batteries with solar shingles. Batteries must be AC-coupled to work in conjunction with the inverter. A reliable energy storage contractor can guide you in selecting and installing a storage system.

 

Q: Do solar shingles work on any roof?

A: For best results, solar shingles need a roof with a lot of southern exposure and reasonable pitch to capture the most energy from the sun.

 

Q: Do the shingles integrate with any roofing material?

A: Solar shingles only work when integrated with specific roofing products. You can check with your local GAF-certified roofing company for more details on the types of roofing materials required.

 

Q: Do GAF shingles come with a warranty?

A: Yes! When installed by a certified roofing company, GAF shingles have an amazing warranty to ensure the following coverage:

 

  • 25 years against manufacturing defects leading to leaks
  • 15 years against wind damage from winds up to 130 mph
  • 25 years for solar output

 

If you’re searching for a better way to power your home that is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and clean, look no further than GAF solar roof shingles. They’re smaller than traditional solar panels, are less likely to cause roof damage resulting in leaks, are durable and long-lasting, and integrate into traditional roof shingles, making for a clean look and great curb appeal. With so many benefits, there’s no reason not to call your preferred local GAF-certified roofing company to learn more. Contact Premiere Roofing today for a free estimate and to find out if solar roof shingles are the right fit for your home.