Pros and cons of a metal roof

If you're planning your new home, you may be wondering if a metal roof is the right choice for you. Many new houses being built are utilising this very stylish roofing option to give a sleek, contoured and classic appearance, to compliment the design of the home.

However, the decision to have a metal roof on your new home is a big decision, so it is important that you are aware of the pros and cons to help you determine if this is the most suitable roofing for you.

Although metal roofs have many benefits, such as they’re durable, long-lasting, aesthetically appealing, and can improve your home’s energy efficiency, there are also some things to consider before making a decision.

What are the metals used for roofing?

Firstly, it's important to know the types of metals used:

Aluminium - Long-lasting, resistant to salt water corrosion
Steel - Three variations, galvanized, galvalume and weathering steel (Corten)
Copper - Extremely long-lasting, very soft with a low melting temperature
Zinc - Extremely long-lasting, resistant to corrosion and lowest melting point.
Tin - Often referred to as steel, used prior to World War 11. No longer commonly applied.

Pros of metal roofs

Metal roofs offer many benefits, including:

Minimal maintenance - If you stay in the house for a long time you will save on seasonal maintenance.
Longevity - when properly installed a metal roof will last a long time, metal roofs are resistant to fire, rot, insects and mildew, and most companies offer a 20-50 year warranty for their products.
Energy efficient - Metal reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimising midday heat gain this means you can save energy on the need for air conditioning during the day.
Environmentally friendly - Tile roofs require replacement every 15-20 years
Installation is quick and easy - An experienced contractor can quickly install a metal roof, and a more efficient roof installation can save on labour costs.
Metal roofs are stylish - Today's metal roofs come in a huge variety of styles and colours will approx 100 different colours to choose from.

Cons of choosing a metal roof

Despite their advantages, metal roofs have some potential drawbacks:

Affordability - the initial cost is equivalent to other premium materials, however, a metal roof is an overall sensible investment in the long term.
Noisiness - A metal roof will be noisier than living under a tile roof, particularly in heavy rain or a hailstorm.
Expansion, contraction and fasteners - Metal expands and contracts as it warms and cools, this can cause a wavy effect on hot days or overtime for fasteners to pull loose. Most metal roofing products have fastening systems that accommodate movement.
House fire - although a metal roof is good at guarding against a fire that approaches from the outside of a house, they are not ideal for a fire that starts inside a house. With a serious fire, a fireman may need to cut through the roof to put it out, this can be more difficult with a metal roof.

Although each of the 5 types of metals used has its advantages, which often makes them a top choice, they can also have a downside, generally, however, the bottom line when making a decision often comes down to cost. Copper is the most expensive but is considered aesthetically appealing. Steel is the least expensive and most widely used by homeowners and commercially.

Whichever metal you choose for your roof you can feel confident you are adding a beautiful and timeless finish to your home.

Your local home building specialists

Need more help with the roofing decision for your new home or wish to speak to one of our home building experts on the Gold Coast, Tweed, or South Brisbane area? Give us a call on 1300 043 012 or complete our online enquiry form and we can help you with your new home queries.

Builders & Renovations FAQs