Metal Shingles

Metal shingles are a popular roofing choice due to their longevity and low maintenance requirements. Available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and finishes, you'll find shingles available to complement any architectural style. However, many homeowners delay to install metal roofing because of the expense and expertise required.

Metallic shingles have several advantages over other popular roofing options, such as asphalt shingles. Currently, the only drawback to installing metal shingles is their high cost, but many homeowners consider the price a bargain when compared to the benefits metal roofs bring.

• Unlike wood shingles, metal roofing never absorbs water. It will also never be subject to insect damage or rot.
  
• Shingles made of metal are available in selection of vibrant colors that resist staining. Once installed, fading is minimal, even over many years.
  
• Layering metal shingles over an existing roof is acceptable to most metal roofing manufacturers, lowering the cost of installation. The only time when this is not an option is when there are two or more layers of shingles currently on the roof.
  
• Metal requires little maintenance. Mildew removal and regular cleanings are seldom needed. Metal roofing also does not crack or rust, making repairs highly unlikely.
  
• Shingles made of metal are also safer if there is a chimney in the house, because it will not burn. A house fire would have to burn particularly hot to melt the roof as well.
  
• This roofing is less likely to be damaged by extreme weather such as hail or high winds. High quality metal roofing will have the highest rating for impact resistance and resists winds up to 200 mph.
  
• An interlocking system lowers the chances of leaks by having all four sides fit together in the roofing system. This four way interlock is also the reason why metallic shingles are so difficult to install.
  
• Many metal roofing products are also made of mostly post consumer recycled metal. Check with the manufacturer for the specific details that pertain to their particular product. You should also inquire about recycling options for used metal roofing.
  
• Metal both reflects the sun and absorbs heat. These material properties can lower cooling bills in the summer significantly and speed snow melting in the winter.
  

Metal shingles mimic almost any existing shingle type. They are also available in colors and styles unique to the material. Due to the wide variety of metallic shingles available, be sure to look at several manufacturers' offerings before making a decision. In general metal shingles fall into one of the following categories.

• Copper Shingles: Copper shingles can either be solid copper, or copper bonded to an asphalt shingle. The copper bonded shingles allow a homeowner to have the appearance of a solid copper roof at a fraction of the cost.
  
• Slate Shingles: These metal shingles are painted and molded to appear to be slate. While past models may not have been convincing, contemporary metal slate shingles are indistinguishable from authentic stone. They are also far lighter than stone, making a slate roof a possibility for more homes.
  
• Wood Shingles: For homeowners that seek a more rustic appearance, there are metal shingles that look like aged wood shingles.
  
• Tile Shingles: Metal shingles can also be made to look like authentic clay tiles.
  
• Asphalt Shingles: For traditionalists, metal shingles that appear to be plain asphalt shingles are also available.
  
• Metal Shingles: These shingles make no attempt to hide their material. Instead, they often take advantage of their ability to be brightly colored and molded into interesting shapes.
  

Installing metallic shingles, unlike [[Installing Asphalt Shingles}installing asphalt shingles]] is beyond the scope of a do it yourself project. Not only are the techniques required to install metal roofing difficult to master, but the high material costs makes even small mistakes cost prohibitive. However, the lifespan of a metal roof makes it a cost effective option even when installation costs are considered. In order to get the most value out of your budget, be sure to interview and get quotes from several experienced contractors and compare them to an online roof estimator that considers your area of the country.

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