Residential roof companies are seeing a boom in metal roofing. The Metal Roofing Alliance reports that in the past five years, the demand has skyrocketed to double-digit percentages. 
According to contractors, homeowners have picked up on the durability, energy savings, simple aesthetics, good value and fire resistance these roofs offer. Every roofing material has a different life span, but metal offers an impressive few decades of resiliency and also keeps up with the sleek, chic look that many contemporary houses feature.
The MRA reveals that while non-metal roofs average a life span of about 20 years, metal can last for an entire lifetime, assuming routine care and maintenance is prioritized. Plus, in some states they can lower homeowners insurance premiums up to 30 percent (depending on other considerations, including county, land size and age of the home). However, it is the fire-resistant quality that has really piqued homeowners’ interest.
What Fire Hazard?
Home fires occur in devastating numbers, with the majority happening during summer months and during the winter holidays. Although most home fires start in the kitchen (from cooking), living in a hot, dry region can also be a risk factor. Summer fires are rampant, not just because of home cooking, but because of backyard barbeques combined with dry grass. But if a fire starts in the home, a metal roof can help preserve more of the structure and stop the fire from spreading.
Many metal roofs feature “Class A Fire Ratings,” and they are becoming increasingly popular in more rural areas prone to wildfires. Plus, if a metal roof is stone coated, it is resistant to cracking, rot, breaking and warping. These roofs can hold up to winter weather, too, proving nearly indestructible when faced with hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter. They are tough enough to resist 120 mph winds, withstand a Class 4 impact rating for hail and last anywhere from 40-60 years.
A Cool Choice
Instead of absorbing rays from the sun, metal deflects them. This helps keep homes cooler in the summer while keeping them warmer in the winter. Ultimately, utility costs are lowered as well. However, for homeowners who don’t particularly like the contemporary look, the solution is coating the roof with another material such as slate, clay or even wood.
Curb appeal plays a big part in a home’s value, and with metal roofs you can handpick the style with a stone coating. However, what really counts is what’s on the inside, like better temperature control, increased security from the elements and knowing you’ll have a solid metal roof over your head for many decades.