Are you considering installing metal on your roof in Fort Worth?
Well, metal is undoubtedly one of the best roofing materials available in the marketplace.
For a city like Fort Worth, where we experience harsh weather conditions such as hail, storms, strong wind, heavy rain, and sometimes snow, metal is a very suitable option.
As a property owner, you should invest in a roofing material that provides a great return on your investment.
The return on investment means durability, longevity, aesthetic appeal, lightweight, environmentally friendly, and many more criteria.
From our experience of installing roofs over the last ten years, there’s no better material than metal that fits all these terms.
In this content asset, we discuss why metal should be at the top of your list.
Types of Metal Roofing
Standing Seam Metal
In our opinion, out of the metal roofing options, standing seam is the best.
If installed properly, the standing seam can last thirty to fifty years or beyond.
It is very durable against extreme weather elements. It is designed to expand and contract, unlike fastener metal roofs, where screws pop out in a few years.
Once installed, it is very easy to maintain; once every five years, check the flashing, drip edge, and penetrations, not the metal itself.
Aesthetics are a matter of perspective for everyone. However, the standing seam is very customizable and has a very high curb appeal. Available in almost any color you like
It comes with a Kynar 500 paint finish; it comes with a thirty-year warranty that covers any damage to the paint finish.
The only downside of standing seam metal is its initial cost. It costs three to four times as much as an asphalt shingle, but well worth it.
Price
$10-$15 per square foot.
Corrugated Metal
Unlike standing seam, corrugated metal is a much more affordable option.
The ease of installation is much simpler compared to standing seam, and it is also DIY-friendly.
Since it is metal, due to its nature, it’s very resistant to fire, rotting, or any insect infestations.
If it is installed and maintained properly, it can last for forty to sixty years.
Unlike standing seam, oil canning is not a concern for corrugated metal.
The problem with corrugated metal is; it might cost less, but it requires regular inspection to ensure the fasteners are screwed properly.
Any loose fasteners have a potential chance of leakage and damage to your roof.
It is not compatible with flat roofs. A minimum 3/12 inch roof pitch is required; anything less than that, a standing seam is a better option.
During the installation process, more materials are needed due to overlapping for proper coverage.
It is reported for wall/siding coverage, 6% more material is needed. For roof coverage, 12% more material is needed.
Price
$3.50 to $5.50 per square foot.
Metal Tile & Shingle
In the roofing shingle market, out of all the materials available, metal shingle tile is probably the best option for most people.
Also, in the tile market, compared to slates, wood, clay, or concrete, metal tiles are a very cost-effective option.
Normally, choose asphalt shingles because it is cheaper compared to metal. Well, that is true, but when it comes to benefits, asphalt is not even near to metal.
Since you are living in Fort Worth, hail and storms happen quite a lot; asphalt shingles are less durable than metal to withstand such weather resistance.
Metal is a Class IV-rated material, which means it can battle harsh weather without incurring severe damage to the roof. At the same time, it is also fire-rated.
If installed properly, metal shingles can last up to forty to fifty years without any replacement, whereas for asphalt, in reality, you might have to replace it every five years after hail or wind storms.
From an energy efficiency point of view, metal can save up to 40% in energy costs, as well as reflect 90% of the absorbed solar radiation.
The only problem with metal shingles is they require a skilled roofer who has the knowledge and experience to do so.
Price
$5.00 to $10.00 per square foot.
Copper
In terms of aesthetic appeal, no material can come close to copper.
The appearance is absolutely elegant; it can be customized to achieve various kinds of architectural designs.
It is one of the most exceptionally durable roofing materials available on the market.
Very few contractors and companies provide copper as a service; the installation process requires highly skilled technicians and professionals.
But if it is done well, copper roofs can last a hundred years or beyond!
The maintenance requirement is low. It does not rot, rust, or warp. It develops a protective patina, which reduces any maintenance needs in the future.
Copper is very lightweight and has excellent heat-reflecting properties.
The problem with copper is it is one of the most expensive roofing materials.
If you decide to spend a bank on a material like copper, you need a very highly skilled professional; otherwise, poor installation will cost you heavy dollar bills for replacement.
Compatibility issues may arise if copper is used alongside other materials, such as fasteners and flashings.
And lastly, it has very limited color options.
Price
$9.50 to $25.00 per square foot
Aluminum
Like any other metal, aluminum is also highly durable and can last for several decades.
It is highly resistant to rust corrosion and is not prone to cracking or peeling of the material.
Unlike standing seam, it does not need painting and is a very lightweight material. Typically requires minimal maintenance; occasional inspection and cleaning is enough.
Aluminum is highly resistant to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and UV rays. It performs really well in coastal areas due to its resistance to salt corrosion.
Other than that, it is an eco-friendly material. It can be recycled quite easily.
Lastly, since it is a metal, compared to other materials, it is very energy efficient.
The problem with aluminum roofing is that the initial investment is quite high compared to its other alternatives.
While aluminum is durable, it can still be dented due to heavy objects falling, such as branches or large hails.
For an aluminum roofing project, skilled installers are needed, which can be difficult to find.
Unlike other materials, aluminum is not designed to sustain foot traffic; walking on it can cause potential damage.
Price
$2.15 to $7
Why Choose Metal in Fort Worth?
Durability
Metal is well known for its exceptional durability.
It can withstand harsh weather conditions that Fort Worth faces, like heavy rain, snow, hail, and strong winds.
As a property owner, the long-term investment will be well worth it.
Longevity
If you provide proper maintenance to your metal roofs, it can actually last a lifetime!
But usually, it can last up to thirty to fifty years without many issues.
Initially, it might be expensive, but in the long term, it saves a lot of money.
You won’t have to worry about frequent replacement that other roofing materials like asphalt shingles require every few years.
Low Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, it requires very little effort.
We recommend having occasional inspections and cleaning once or twice a year to keep the roof in its best state.
Environmental Friendly
Most metal roofing materials are made from recyclable materials.
They can be recycled again easily once it is stripped off.
It has a low environmental impact compared to traditional asphalt shingles, which get dumped into the dump for years and are also unrecyclable.
Lightweight & Noise Reduction
Compared to other materials, metal is relatively lightweight.
It helps to reduce the stress on the structure of your property.
At the same time, people have the misconception that metal roofs can create a lot of noise; it is not true.
If it is well insulated and installed properly, it can be very quiet during harsh weather conditions; sometimes, you won’t even notice it is raining!
Our Services with Metal Roofing
Residential & Commercial: Which Type is the Best?
Commonly, for residential properties, many people choose asphalt shingles.
It is because it costs less and is very easy to install.
But in our opinion, for most homeowners based in Fort Worth, standing seam metal is the best option.
Although initially, it does cost more than asphalt shingle, the investment pays very well in the long term.
As stated earlier, weather conditions in Fort Worth could be better.
Standing seam metals are tested and proven to battle extreme weather conditions; shingles don’t even come close to that.
As it is more durable, it means less repair and replacement work will be needed after a storm or hail.
In the worst-case scenario, you might notice some dents. The damage can be covered with proper insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Find a Reliable Contractor for Metal Roof Installation?
When searching for a contractor to install a metal roof, it’s important to check their experience, reviews, and references, as well as their licensing and insurance. Industry certifications and local recommendations can also be valuable.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Installation Typically Take?
The installation time for a standard metal roof can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on factors such as roof size and project complexity.
On average, it takes a day or two.
Can I Personalize the Appearance of my Metal Roof?
Metal roofs are available in a wide range of styles and colors, allowing you to choose an aesthetic that perfectly complements the design of your home and your personal preferences.
In the example of standing seam steel it comes with Kynar 500 paint, which is highly customizable.
Conclusion: Metal Roofs Are an Excellent Choice
From our experience, metals are definitely one of the best roofing options available.
Whether you own a commercial building or a home, our expert roofers are well equipped to tackle any challenge.
At American Dream Roofing, we have been installing roofs for the past ten years. Feel free to book an inspection.