Traditional EPDM roofs have dominated the commercial roofing markets for years—but if you\’ve looked at roofs throughout our area recently, you’ve probably noticed a new contender that’s growing in popularity.
Metal roofing is in high demand these days, especially among U.S. business owners. This is thanks in large part to its streamlined looks, durability, and more.
As a 7.7 billion dollar industry, it’s poised to keep growing year over year. Visit businesses anywhere around the state, and you’ll notice that metal is becoming the material of choice, and for good reason!
But why use metal roofing? If you’re not sure about the benefits of metal roofing, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at the advantages of this option as you weigh your options for a new roof.
1. Metal Roofs Have Long Lifespans
One of the biggest benefits of a metal roof is its long lifespan.
Where EPDM roofing lasts around 15 to 20 years on average, most metal roofs have an expected lifespan that ranges from 40 to 70 years. Depending on the type of roof you choose, even the manufacturer’s warranty may last for 30 to 50 years or more.
This means that once you’ve installed your metal roof, you may not have to worry about replacing it for as long as you remain in your building.
2. Metal Roofs Are Cost-Effective
It’s true that metal roofing tends to be expensive up front. Depending on the type of metal you choose, this roofing material can cost you anywhere from $120 to $900 per square foot.
However, given the long lifespan of this type of roof, you offset your initial bill by not paying for constant repairs or upgrades in the coming decades. After all, you might replace an EPDM roof three or four times in the same amount of time it would take your metal roof to require a single replacement.
3. Metal Roofs Are Durable
One of the reasons why metal is one of the longest-lasting roof materials is its durability. This tough material can stand up to almost anything our Wisconsin climate can throw at it, including everything from heavy snows to wind gusts of up to 130 miles per hour.
What’s more, metal roofing comes with rust-proof coatings that help it resist defects like corrosion and cracks. Our roofing systems, treated with Conklin’s Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), carry an additional layer of waterproofing and insulation as well. In addition, metal is a naturally fire-resistant material, and its natural strength makes it impact-resistant as well.
4. Metal Roofs Are Eco-Friendly
Metal roofs are a more sustainable option. Depending on the type of roof you choose, your roof will consist of upwards of 25% recycled metal. What’s more, these roofs are 100% recyclable, meaning that you won’t have to worry about contributing more waste to landfills when you finally need to replace it.
5. Metal Roofs Are Energy Efficient
If you’re hoping to cut down on your utility bills, a metal roof can make a significant difference. Research shows that metal roofs can reduce your cooling costs by a whopping 25%, as they can decrease a building\’s heat flow by almost half in some cases.
This happens because metals—especially in lighter colors—are effective at reflecting light and heat away from your building. Where other roofing materials trap more of the sun’s light and heat, metal roofing can help you stay cooler when it matters most.
6. Metal Roofs Are Low Maintenance
Compared to traditional EPDM, metal roofs can be surprisingly low maintenance. They tend not to need expensive repairs, and you’ll only need periodic professional inspections every once in a while to make sure you haven’t sustained any damage.
What’s more, DIY cleaning is easy: you’ll just need to check for foreign elements like dirt, leaves, and other debris on a regular basis. As with any type of roofing, you should also make sure no branches or other metal objects are near enough to scrape against it.
7. Metal Roofs Can Be Installed Over an Existing Roof
One of the more surprising benefits of a metal roof is that you can sometimes install one over an existing roof. This depends on the building codes in your city, of course, and on the logistics of your specific installation. However, if you’re able to do so, installing a metal roof over an existing roof can cut down the time and cost of installation.
8. Metal Roofing Comes in a Variety of Styles and Materials
Modern metal roofing is both streamlined and stylish, and it comes in a range of options suited to your business. You can pick from a spectrum of shades to match your building’s exterior, as well as a range of metal types, from traditional choices like copper and tin to modern options like galvanized metal. If you’re not sure which options will suit your needs, be sure to chat with an experienced roofing technician.
Take Advantage of the Benefits of Metal Roofing
If you’re on the fence about upgrading to this roof option, it’s definitely time to consider the benefits of metal roofing. With a long-lasting, low-maintenance roofing option that saves you money in the long-term without contributing to environmental waste, it may be hard to entertain other alternatives!
Ready to enjoy these benefits for yourself? At Yutzy Roofing Service, we’ve been providing high-quality roofing to businesses throughout the state of Wisconsin for decades. With competitive pricing and warranties on both labor and materials, we stand by our work—and we’re happy to show you why. For more information, or to get a free roof inspection done, contact us today.
