Metal Roofs Making A Comeback
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Metal Roofs are making a comeback. Living in suburbia it seems everyone has an asphalt shingled roof that needs replacing every 15 years. We are in the same boat, but have been looking for an alternative.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal talks about the benefits of a metal roof, both short term and long term.
Architectural metal roofs in new-home construction reached a projected 30% of the market in 2007, up from 23% in 2004, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association’s latest member survey. Meanwhile, fiberglass-asphalt shingles were used in a projected 44% of new residential projects in 2007, down from 50% in 2004. Slate roofs slipped slightly in that period to a projected 5.1% of new homes, while clay-tile roofs grew slightly to a projected 4.6%, and wood shakes slipped to a projected 2.1%.
Metal roofs can boast of a number of advantages. They are regarded as more fireproof than wood shakes and traditional asphalt shingles, and they last as much as twice as long, contractors say. They can withstand high winds. And when treated with coatings and finishes, they reflect heat, helping keep the house cool and utility bills down in hot climates. As concerns mount over used asphalt shingles clogging up landfills, many consumers like having a roof that is often both recycled and recyclable. via the WSJ.com.
For a roof that will last twice as long and is wind resistant, which is important where we live, metal makes a great deal of sense. I may also be weird, but I love the sound of rain on a metal roof, it makes me think I am in the Caribbean.


Comment by The Upfront Mortgage Broker on 22 February 2008:
Having a product that is better for the overall protection of the house and helps with utilities plus lasts twice as long is a win win for everyone and everything.
Products that are able to provide many benefits while being better for the environment are sorely needed.
Comment by Tom on 22 February 2008:
Joe
I agree, and as fuel costs keep rising doing the right thing enviromentally will make sense because it makes sense economically. As technology lowers the price of the products and the cost savings are lower, the right thing is easier.
The intersection between price, cost, and the right thing to do is a great place to be.
Comment by Austin Real Estate Guy on 24 February 2008:
I don’t know if people in your area harvest rainfall or not. My guess is that they don’t as your water supply is probably pretty good. However, another benefit of a matal roof is that it is the best kind of roof to have if you are going to harvest rainfall for irrigation or household use. One negative of metal is that they can look pretty bad after a hail storm - probably not a big deal in your area, but a big deal in Texas.
Pingback by Sunday Real Estate Wrap-Up | Real Estate Investing for Real Blog on 24 February 2008:
[…] to The Real Estate Bloggers, it looks like Metal Roofs are making a comeback. I wasn’t aware of the trend . . . I’m sure I’m not […]
Comment by Apella on 25 February 2008:
Metal has been on the rise for sometime now in the Midwest and to be honest it looks sharp from the road, is really neat now that there are several colors to choose from. Strange thing for me is that every time I see a metal roof I think of how easy it is to get to sleep when it rains. Guess it takes me back to the old days.
Pingback by quebecanimfx.com » Blog Archive » Sunday Real Estate Wrap-Up on 28 February 2008:
[…] to The Real Estate Bloggers, it looks like Metal Roofs are making a comeback. I wasn’t aware of the trend . . . I’m sure I’m not […]