Metal Roof Considerations for California Homeowners

Wildfires can make any homeowner nervous, but they have been a particular concern in California with the massive damage caused by fires in the last few years. Metal roofs are one material option the United States Forest Service recommends for people who live in areas where a wildfire risk exists.

Metal roofs are fire-resistant. The forest service states that a fire-resistive roof is one of the most cost-effective ways people can protect their homes when a fire threatens their neighborhood. Using this roofing material will not make a home indestructible, but it is one measure that reduces the chance of loss when a fire comes close to the home.

In warm climates, metal can help homeowners to save on their utility costs. Products like asphalt roofing can absorb heat from the sun. A metal roof will not absorb the heat, and with the application of a solar reflective coating, it can reflect the heat from the sun to help the home stay even cooler.

Houses that had a batten/counter-batten system installed on the roof also allowed more ventilation to prevent heat accumulation on the roof. Using these systems with a metal roof reduced cooling costs up to 25 percent in research studies. Certain types of underlayment beneath the metal may also help with UV resistance.

Another benefit for environmentally conscious homeowners is the lower amount of toxic materials in metal roofing. Some roofing materials have toxic materials that can leach into rainwater. The amount is not enough to cause health risks from regular runoff, but those that collect rainwater for gardening or farm animals should appreciate a safer option.

Metal roofs also help reduce landfill overflow. The steel used in the manufacturing process for the roof materials often comes from recycled products. Once the usefulness of the roof reaches its end, it remains recyclable.

Solar energy continues to expand into the residential market. New regulations in California for homes to have solar power make it more important than ever for homeowners to plan for the future. Metal roofs work well for those that hope to place solar panels on their roof because of their durability and long lifespan.

A metal roof has one of the longest lifespans of any roofing system. Metal can last 50 years or more. The cost of removing and reinstalling a photovoltaic system to replace a worn-out shingled roof could erase all the savings earned over the years from the solar energy. The reduction in cooling needs, as mentioned earlier, can also help reduce the strain on a photovoltaic system.

Homeowners that avoid metal may do so because they imagine a shiny steel roof that would not work with their exterior design. Metal roofing is as versatile as any other roofing product and offers more variety than some materials. Manufacturers make a rainbow of colors that enable homeowners to have a roof that accentuates the beauty of their home.

The beauty, durability, and potential energy savings make metal roofing a great choice for nearly every home. If your home needs a new roof, consider the value and benefits of this product. At All American Roofing, we can inspect your home to see if this is the right choice for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our service.