From Seattle to Tacoma to Bellevue, asphalt shingles are still the most common roofing material around town. But as more and more homeowners are seeking eco-friendly options, many are turning to metal roofs. In fact, a 2017 survey by Roofing Contractors found that asphalt shingles were the dominant roofing material of choice at 81%, while metal roofs came in at third place with 71%. And in the more recent 2018 survey, roofing contractors are anticipating a 69% increase in sales for metal roofing.
Metal roofs are quickly gaining popularity—and for good reason! Metal roofs are durable, are low-maintenance, and have a lifespan that will outlive the majority of homeowners. So are metal roofs a good choice for homeowners in the Seattle area? We’ll go through the top reasons why it’s a top-tier roofing material for unpredictable Seattle weather.
Metal roofs are rain- and wind-friendly
Let’s get this one out of the way first: the noise factor. Are metal roofs noisy when it’s raining outside? The answer is no. This common belief stems from the metal roofs that were installed over the open frames of barns and or patios, where the pitter-patter of every single drop could be heard when it was raining outside. And oftentimes, metal roofs amplified that sound.
However, when metal roofs are installed on houses, they’re installed over a solid wood deck. This extra layer helps insulate the noise of rain hitting metal roofs. So you can breathe easy. With this extra layer between the outside roof and your home, metal roofs can actually be quieter in the rain when compared to other materials such as traditional asphalt shingles.
Next, let’s talk about wind. While Seattle doesn’t experience hurricanes or cyclones, the area gets its fair share of wild windstorms. In as recent as 2016, the Puget Sound area saw wind gusts from 50-70 mph. And metal roofs can withstand up to double of those gusts. At State Roofing, we offer three types of metal roofs, each built to withstand severe wind:
- Standing seam metal roofing: Withstands wind up to 120 mph
- Ironwood metal roofing: Withstands wind up to 110 mph
- Metal shake: Withstands wind up to 120 mph
So in terms of weather, metal roofs are an exceptional option for Seattle. They’re easy on the ears during the rain, and they’re built to last through severe windstorms that Seattle sees now and again.
Metal roofs fit right into Seattle’s eco-friendly culture
Unlike any other roofing material, metal roofs can sometimes be installed over existing shingles. At State Roofing, we will analyze the integrity of your current asphalt shingle roof and its underlayment in order to determine if your roof old should be torn off or not. And that reduces the number of shingles piling up in landfills. Here are some eye-opening stats from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association:
- Asphalt shingles can take up to 400 years to break down
- An estimated 11 million tons of shingle scraps end up in U.S. landfills
- Asphalt shingles contribute up to 10% of construction and demolition debris in U.S. landfills
And let’s not forget that asphalt shingles can’t be recycled. Now metal roofs, on the other hand, are 100% recyclable after their lifetime. Not to mention, most are made from recycled products, making them an eco-friendly product from beginning to end.
Metal roofs are also an energy-efficient material due to their ability to reflect solar radiation instead of absorbing the heat. This results in a savings up to 40% for air-conditioning costs, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance. Over time, this can add up to thousands of dollars of savings on your monthly utility bill.
Another great benefit of metal roofs is solar panels. Some styles, such as the standing seam metal roof, are solar-ready. This means that solar panels can be easily snapped into place without the need to penetrate your roof, reducing the risk for potential leaks.
Metal roofs are both an eco-friendly and energy-efficient option. They’re made from recycled products and can be recycled once you no longer need them. Plus, they’ll save you money in the long-run on your utility bills by reducing cooling costs.
Metal roofs are hassle-free
There’s no denying that the greatest benefit of metal roofs is their longevity. This roofing material can last up to 50 years, withstanding heat, wind, rain, and snow with no problem, making it ideal for Seattle’s ever-changing weather.
When you think about it, there’s a possibility of replacing an asphalt roof at least two or even three times before one metal roof is replaced. So considering the rising costs of homes and taxes in Seattle, we’re all looking to reduce expenses anywhere we can. And being able to reduce a huge expense such as a new roof is a win-win situation.
Another great advantage of metal roofs is that they’re virtually maintenance-free. This material is impervious to the damage that algae, moss, and lichens can cause on material such as asphalt shingles or wood shakes. Due to the abundance of rain and moisture in Seattle, there’s no way to avoid these organisms from growing on your roof. However, metal roofs aren’t porous, meaning that they don’t retain moisture. Which also means that metal roofs aren’t hospital environments for algae and moss.
A metal roof is one of the best options for Seattle-area homes for many reasons. The first being that they’re rain-friendly. When it rains, it won’t sound like you’re in the middle of a drum circle. Metal roofs are extremely durable in that they can withstand winds up to 110 mph, making them ideal for any severe weather that may find its way here. This material is also an eco-friendly and energy efficient option. Metal roofs are made up of mostly recycled products and are 100% recyclable after its lifespan. In addition, they have the unique ability to reflect sun rays instead of absorbing heat. The cooler your home stays during the warmer weather, the less air conditioning you’ll need to use (or fans that need to be plugged in), and the more you’ll save on your monthly utility bills. Lastly, metal roofs have extreme longevity and are immune to the damage that algae and moss can cause.
So if you’re interested in a free estimate for a metal roof for your home or have any additional questions, we’re here to help. Whether you’re in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Snohomish, Sammamish, or any surrounding area, give us a call at [company_phone] or fill out our contact form.
