The most commonly used roofing materials in the United States are asphalt shingles because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. When building a new home; making repairs; or installing a completely new structure, it may helpful for homeowners to consider a variety of options. Today there are more options on the market from which to make a selection than ever before, making the choice of the proper material a difficult decision.

The selection of a roofing component includes asphalt shingles, shakes, slate and metal. A homeowner’s selection can be based on several factors with the greatest consideration being given to price and durability. Metal as the element of choice is generally shown the least consideration because it is perceived to be more costly among other potential drawbacks. Following are some advantages and benefits of using this type of roofing.

• Types - There are various materials used for metal roofing, including steel, aluminum, copper and tin. Steel is the least expensive and most commonly used choice. Aluminum is expensive but has proven to be durable in many applications. Copper is the most expensive because of the lack of a ready supply; it does provide attractive visual appeal. Tin is the least expensive and commonly used on barns and sheds.

• Benefits - In general, metal material provides several benefits to homeowners. Steel is resistant to wind and the powerful impact of hail; aluminum is resistant to corrosion and rusting; copper and tin are fire resistant and have natural protection against rust because of the formation of ‘patina’.

• Longer Lifespan - Typically, the average lifespan of asphalt shingles is about 15 to 20 years. This lifespan is affected by the climate among other factors. The average lifespan of metal roofing is 50 years to a lifetime. Although initially expensive, the longer lifespan translates into savings and can help avoid the cost of replacement and/or repairs over an extended period of time. The durability and quality of this material provides more advantages than disadvantages.

• Hail Resistance - Metal roofing is manufactured to be sturdy and strong in order to stand up to hail damage; it is considered to be more resistant than fiberglass shingles. This type of material has received a high impact and hail resistant rating from the United States Insurance Commission in hail-prone areas.

• Wind Resistance - All types of metal roofs have proven to be very resistant to wind. They hold a 140 mph wind rating, which means that they can defy a violent gusty wind up to 140 mph. Many architects recommend using this particular material in hurricane-prone areas because of that increased wind and uplift resilience.

• Fire Resistance - Metal is considered as a non-combustible roofing material and possesses the highest rating given by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) – a Class "A" rating. This substance can deliver protection against fire and is highly recommended for use in fire-prone areas.

• Heat Resistance - One of the leading benefits of metal roofing is its capability to resist heat. These types of components are very effective in reflecting sunlight which means that less heat can penetrate and transfer into the house. These beneficial materials have good thermal reflectivity making the home cooler during the summer and conserving heating costs during the winter.

• Simplified Installation - Metal materials have proven to be lightweight and easy to install. They are effortless to fasten and can be put directly over existing roofing, saving money because there is no need to remove the old component.

When choosing the material to cover the top of a house, factors to be considered include appearance, style and visual appeal. All of these can be provided by using different types of components; however, it is necessary to consider which one is the best one with the greatest benefits as well. So, keep metal in mind when choosing a new roof because the benefits far outweigh the initial costs – you will not be disappointed!