The Canadian professional contractor, Mike Holmes, is a television host on the HGTV (Home & Garden Television) network. Hosting his own show, Holmes on Homes helps homeowners from renovations gone wrong, (he also happens to be a big fan of metal roofing.) “I list metal first because, in my books, it comes out on top when you look at durability, fire resistance, environmental friendliness and a host of other factors.”
Many homeowners’ issues begin with the roof, it is the first thing that comes between you and Mother Nature. Taking care of it properly will result in fewer problems through the course of its lifetime. When it comes to decision-making, many factors come into play such as the climate you live in, style, and last but not least, the most important, budget. The necessary qualities homeowners yearn for are the obvious: durability, weight, wind and fire resistant. Remember, the roof protects you from everything on the outside world whether it is severe weather, or wild animals.
Metal roofs are made of a form of galvanized steel allowing it to be highly durable. Steel, copper, and aluminum to be precise, are formed with protective patina, which is a form on the surface of bronze and other similar metals. Some modern metal roof sheeting materials are coated with zinc and other transition metals that have historically been proven to last up to 100 years with little or no maintenance. In having said that, metals roofs are also not decomposable; they resist insects and won’t buckle like asphalt does.
Surprisingly, metal roofs are lighter than your conventional asphalt roof. Metal roofs are not capable of absorbing moisture, therefore resulting in the same weight as when it was first installed. (Unlike asphalt roofs which can fluctuate in dry and wet weather.)
Although metal roofs are not decomposable, they are almost 100% recyclable. Since every year there is 13 billion pounds of asphalt shingles in landfills, metal roofing is an environmentally friendly alternative to keeping roofing materials out of our landfills.
As for the TV hosting contractor, Mike Holmes, it is safe to say his accusations of durable, fire resistant, and environmental friendliness are accurate. Metal roofing is energy efficient and will last two to three times longer than you average asphalt roof. This can translate into saving you time and energy!