Advantages
Metal roofing is lightweight. It is easy to carry, and also less burdensome to install when compared to traditional tile roofs. Tile roofs are usually 750 pounds per square inch, compared to metal roofing, which, on average, is 50-150 pounds per square inch. Perhaps that's why it is easier to install, and for an experienced roofer, can install these fairly rapidly. This is an advantage when modifications need to be made on the day before a storm.
In addition, metal roofing is fire resistant. In fire tests, it has been given a Class A rating, which means that it would be not quite as likely to burn during a firestorm, or fire, as can happen in an area prone to blazes, as is the fact in some places in the western parts of the United States, like California. Metal is more likely to resist fire than traditional tile or wood. Thus by switching to metal roofing, you are more likely to save your life, and your valuable property as well in the unfortunate event of a fire.
Also, metal roofing is ideal in the summer. A phenomenon called heat conduction means that metal, by nature, reflects the radiant heat of the sun on a sunny, hot day. That means you save heat during the summer, and do not have to run your air conditioning as much. That means that your energy bill will be lower than with the traditional tile roofing.
Another advantage of metal roofing is found in its durability, or longevity. Companies that sell this kind of roofing are able to guarantee their product for between 20 years and half a century, depending on where you go to buy the material. This saves you money, compared to what you would experience with the more traditional tile roofing.
Also, metal is more resistant to water damage than traditional tile roofing. A good strong rain can cause lots of damage, including roof leakage. Indeed, roof leakage can mean a damaged home, for the water seeps through the floors, causing flooding that can spread as far away as the basement. The cost of cleaning all that up can be horrendous.
Another way in which metal roofing beats traditional roofing is in the area of durability. Because of the nature of metal as opposed to tile, it is able to keep water out, survive high winds, rain, and snow. This is why the companies that make the material for metal roofing can guarantee the longevity of these materials for so much longer than tile.
In addition, metal roofing is more environmentally friendly than its more traditional tile counterpart. It is made from 95% recycled content, and also, because of its heat conduction properties, can cut your energy costs by up to 20 percent. Metal is naturally on the list of well-known recyclable materials.
Disadvantages
One major disadvantage to a non-tile roof is its cost. Initially, it looks more expensive than its tile counterpart. It can cost from $150-$600 per square. Even though that may seem high, you save money in the long run because of the durability of the materials involved. In orher words, metal roofing is more costly on the front end than on the back end. You will have to spend about the same amount of money anyway in the years to come with tile roofing when it comes to repairs, so you might as well spend it before rather than after.
Also, if your home happens to be a more colonial-style house, you may want to think before you convert to aluminum roofing as it is likely to look out of place. Your neighborhood association may frown on your doing so because of the aesthetic implications of your giving a house in a neighborhood known for its more historic looking homes such a modern look.
Another area of disadvantage may arise in the area of modifications. If you install metal roofing in large panels, you may run into difficulty replacing it if it gets damaged than individual shingles. Also, if you remodel the home, you run the risk in another 20 years of not being able to match the material any longer. Material styles change in that time span.
Conclusion of the Matter
For your Seattle home, you should seriously consider switching to metal roofing. It stands the test of time, and, although it's more expensive to install, you'll save in the long run by having fewer headaches because of the wear and tear that will inevitably come with snow, rain, sleet or hail. Also, as mentioned earlier, you will experience savings later down the line in the form of paying less on energy-related expenses because of metal's properties when it comes into contact with the sun.
For more on how Seattle Cedar Supply can help you change from tile roofing to the more expensive, yet more environmentally viable metal roofing, contact them on their website, seattlecedarsupply.com or give them a call at 425-212-9299. Do not delay--remember, it may seem like you're spending more money in the short term, but you'll be amazed at the long term savings you will incur.