The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs in South Florida

The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs in South Florida

See our list of pros and cons below to determine a metal roof is the right solutions for your home

Choosing a roofing system for your home is a big decision. A metal roof is often seen as superior to shingles due to their quality performance in all types of weather. But is metal the right choice for your home? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of metal roofing systems.

Metal Roof Pros

Weather Resistant
Palm Beach may be paradise, but Florida summers can really test your home’s roof. Regardless of the material, installation is the key factor in determining how well your roof will hold up to a hurricane or rainy season. A trusted roofing company like Advanced Roofing, Inc. ensures installation adheres to all building codes and a solid deck and foundation is installed.

Metal roofing has an advantage against storms due to its resistance to extremely high winds. According to FloridaDisaster.org, metal roofs in Florida received little to no damage from storms and hurricanes in the last few decades. Damage to metal roofs was usually caused by faulty installation (lack of fasteners, failing of internal pressure from other openers).

Allow for Protective Coatings
A roof coating is a fluid applied to the roofing membrane with elastic properties that allow it to stretch and return to its original shape without damage. Coatings can prolong the life of your roof for up to 10 years. To minimalize damage from constant sun exposure and rainfall, and prolong the life of your roof, a rubber coating is an ideal choice. SEBS Rubber Coating is a synthetic rubber liquid membrane coating specially formulated for use on metal roofs and sidewalls such as entranceways, cement roofs or for aesthetic appearance. It is a low permeable, wash-off resistant product with greater adhesion, resists algae and fungi from forming, and provides a strong bond on roofs subject to ponding water.

Cost Savings
Metal roofs and coating systems are a perfect match because they can save you money on your monthly electricity bill and taxes. Rubber coating systems are Energy Star rated for their high solar reflectance, keeping the air inside your home regulated while protecting your roof from radiating heat. Choose a white coating since they reflect more than 80% of the UV rays. Metal roofs protect against heat and light by reflecting both away from the roofing system, keeping your home cool. To ensure energy efficiency, your roof must be properly vented with quality reflective and radiative products, which also offer “Cool Roof” tax benefits for Florida homeowners.

Insurance Savings
Metal is preferred over traditional systems since its resistant to damages caused by weather and fire, so check with your insurance company to see if they offer savings for using superior materials.

Weight
Metal is a lightweight roofing material which often does not require additional support if your current roofing structure is up to par. Metal roofs also prevent against additional weight over time from absorbed water.

Eco-Friendly
Metal panels can be recycled.

Metal Roof Cons

Cost
The price of a new roof is always a key factor in upgrading your roofing system. A metal roof will cost more than a typical shingle roof (typically double the cost per panel) due to its outperforming qualities mentioned above. Metal roofing is a premium material so you will pay more upfront but will save in the long-term.

Sound
Metal roofs can be loud during storms, especially those with heavy winds or hail. Poor ventilation or loose materials can be a cause for the noise. Applying a layer of insulation over a solid plywood deck should prevent this.

Oil Canning
Oil canning affects all types of metal and looks like waves on the metal’s surface. Although it may be unsightly for some, oil canning does not have an impact on how well your metal roof will perform. It can be caused by installation over an uneven roof decking, improper handling or storage or panels, over-tightening the fasteners, and normal thermal expansion and contraction. To prevent this from happening, choose a panel design with striations as opposed to a flat panel, and select an experienced metal roof installer, like Advanced Roofing.

For a complimentary, no-obligation metal roof estimate, call (561) 571-5556  or click here to submit an online quote request.

5 Must See Roof Maintenance Tips for West Palm Beach Homeowners

Roof Maintenance Tips for West Palm Beach Homeowners

Repairing your roof can be a big hassle. Having semi-annual inspections to look more closely at your roof can help you identify issues before they start and can help prevent costly repairs later. It’s also important to check your homeowners insurance annually to make sure there are no changes to your policy in regards to roof and storm damage.

It’s important to inspect your roof before and after the Rainy Season in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and all of South Florida. The five-month rainy season runs from June through October, when 70 percent of the year’s rain falls. And not to mention the dreaded H-word… Hurricane!

If you see any signs of a leak, like stains on the inside of the roof, or mold in the attic, call a licensed Palm Beach Roofing Contractor like Seabreeze Roofing immediately before it’s too late. Roof leaks get worse and worse, and it’s best to spend the time and money on preventive roof maintenance rather than a big repair, or worse have to replace the entire roof.

Signs to look for:

Damaged Shingles: look for missing or damaged shingles and any other signs of breakdown. They are cheap to replace.

Plant Algae: Look for fungus and algae. If your roof is starting to collect algae, install zinc or lead control strips.

Damage Flashings & Fascia Boards: Examine the flashings to make sure there is no damage.

Roof Debris: Remove excess debris from the roof. Tree branches, leaves and other garbage can damage the roof, cause algae to grow and clog gutters.

Overgrown Trees: Trim tree branches, at least, four-feet away from the roof to prevent damage from falling limbs, and to help keep critters from making your roof their new home.

Roof maintenance is often an out-of-site, out-of-mind task, but small issues with your roof can lead to some the most costly and annoying home repairs around. Get proactive, and schedule roof maintenance for your home or business today and make sure it’s in tip-top shape for this year’s rainy season.

To schedule roof maintenance or for a free project quote contact us today at (561) 571-5556, or click here.