Why metal roofing vs shingles?

Metal Roofing vs. Shingles
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, simply put. There are a few different materials that can be used for a roof, and a lot of people tend to prefer something that looks aesthetically pleasing but is also functional. The mention of a metal roof likely brings to mind a commercial building and not a typical residence, but the truth is that a metal roof is far more useful than a shingle roof in a few ways. Motor City Roofers, located in Detroit, Michigan, is here to make certain that people know the advantages of selecting a metal roof over a shingle roof.  There are a couple of obvious reasons why a metal roof is superior to a shingle roof, but some folks still need to be convinced. 

Metal roofs last longer. 
The average metal roof is far more durable and will have a longer life if with regular maintenance and upkeep over the years. Used primarily for commercial buildings, metal roofs are sometimes considered to be less aesthetically pleasing to some customers. There are also concerns that the noise heard during intense storms or rain showers can be extremely nerve-wracking. The counter to this is the fact that metal roofs, when installed correctly, are much more efficient at keeping the weather out of a home and have greater structural integrity than shingle roofs. It is not always common to see metal roofs in a community, but there are plenty of homeowners that have seen the wisdom in switching from traditional shingles to metal roofing. It's not tough to think that a business would desire a metal roof to maintain the integrity of their goods and overall structure, but the truth is that many businesses, and homeowners, that opt for metal roofing do so because of its longevity. 

Maintenance and upkeep are easier. 
Shingles are easier and even cheaper to install than metal roofing, but the drawback is that they are not nearly as durable or as easy to maintain. The simple act of pressure washing a metal roof as compared to shingles proves this. Moss can settle easily on shingles and is tough to dig off with a high-powered pressure washer, while metal is far easier to clean. An expertly installed metal roof will not typically require a lot of maintenance other than cleaning and possibly painting depending on where the home or business is located. Shingles, on the other hand, are at the mercy of one climate or another and don't typically have the same type of durability or stability that metal roofing has. A great example is a snowy climate where a significant amount of snow can pose a major problem for shingles. Metal roofs are normally capable of handling a wide variety of weather issues and can last for far longer in such conditions than shingle roofs can. Not only that, but shingle roofs can lose bits and pieces of roofing when the weather turns foul. 

The upkeep for a metal roof usually only needs to be considered when it comes to accidents or possible faults in the installation. At Motor City Roofers we pride ourselves on hiring only the best roofers who know the business inside and out. A properly installed metal roof can last for several decades or more with minimal care, and the warranty is bound to last for a while as well. A shingle roof can last for a while but will need far more upkeep and is much more prone to damage from the weather and other conditions. For instance, in various climates, shingle roofs will attract moss without fail and could be compromised if proper care isn't given. 
There are several deciding factors that are wise to think about when trying to determine if a metal or shingle roof will be better for your home or business. The truth is that a metal roof will last a lot longer, so long as it's installed by someone who knows what they're doing. Any roof can suffer a short lifespan if there are mistakes made during the installation process. At Motor City Roofers it's a point of pride that our roofers know what they're doing, and are highly skilled in various roof installations that will keep the customer happy while maintaining the security of their home or business for many years to come. 

With a metal roof, there is a risk of placing too much weight on the structure it is covering. The truth is that metal roofs do typically weigh a bit more than shingle roofs, but the overall durability is a worthwhile trade. Plus, any roofer worth their tools will know what type of weight a structure can support and what type of metal roofing will be best for each job. 

​Commercial vs. Residential 
Typically, one will see residential residences opt for a shingle roof instead of a metal roof. Shingles are the default for many residences since they are aesthetically pleasing and will, if installed correctly, last for a decade or two. But as many homeowners know, it depends on the climate and where one lives when determining how often the roof will need to be fixed/replaced. A metal roof will last far longer and require much less maintenance in the long run, but does not always play up to the aesthetic that is desired in a neighborhood. Residential homes have utilized metal roofs in many parts of the world, and the benefits are easy to understand. Trends do matter to many homeowners, however, which means that commercial businesses utilize metal roofing far more than residential neighborhoods. The overall benefits can be easily listed and delivered in a manner that many will understand, but at the end of the day, the customer's decision is the most important. 
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At Motor City Roofers we understand the need to cater to our customers, and how to help them understand the benefits of our services. When it comes to roofing materials, metal roofing will last longer and require less care.