As a residential metal roofing contractor, you can create a direct path to a sale by educating homeowners on the myriad benefits of metal roofs. Many homeowners have been inundated with myths surrounding metal roofing. They’ve heard that they’re too noisy, attract lightning and are prone to rust. Fortunately, metal roofs continue to make a strong case to the contrary all over the country.
So, the next time you’re face to face with a homeowner who may be interested in a metal roof or could benefit from a metal roof, keep these selling points in mind:
50- to 60-Year Life Span
When installed properly, a metal roof can last 50 years or longer, where asphalt roofing, on the other hand, typically needs to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. So, even though a metal roof will cost more than asphalt shingles initially, the homeowner will actually end up saving money in the long run. It is also important to note that many metal roofing products are offered with lifetime warranties of 30- to 50-plus years.
Low Maintenance
Metal is the most low-maintenance roofing material on the market today. It can save homeowners loads of money on upkeep over the years. In fact, in most applications, a metal roof will require no ongoing maintenance for the entire life of the roof. Gone are the days of shingles buckling, cracking or developing unsightly discoloration. Since the life of a metal roof is upwards of 50 years and the average asphalt shingle roof only lasts about 15 to 20 years, the homeowner can expect to save more than 60 percent in total roofing costs over the life of the roof. Considering the additional potential roofing life cycle savings in energy costs, insurance, resale and taxes, your client can be confident that a metal roof will be a sound investment for their home and family.
Weatherproofing
Metal is one of the most durable, weather-resistant roofing materials available. Homeowners often opt for metal roofs because they last longer or can achieve a certain look, but many don’t know that they also protect against UV rays, mildew, fire, wind and hail and are much more impact-resistant compared to other roofing materials. In areas with extreme heat or cold, high winds, or humidity, the long-lasting advantages of weatherproof metal roofing can be even greater.
Energy Efficiency
Studies conducted by the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory show that energy-efficient metal roofing materials coated with Energy Star-certified high reflectance paint systems can save homeowners up to 40 percent on cooling costs compared to asphalt shingles. A typical shingle roof absorbs most of the sun’s energy, making the attic extremely hot in the warmer months. On the contrary, Energy Star-certified metal roofs reflect a high percentage of the sun’s energy back into the atmosphere, which lowers attic temperatures and makes the roof more energy-efficient. In order to meet Energy Star criteria for roofing, the metal roof needs to have a total solar energy reflectance of at least 25 percent. Lighter metal roof colors have better reflectivity. For example, the reflectivity of a white metal roof exceeds 60 percent.
Increased Home Value
Metal roofs come in an array of colors, designs and finishes, so even the most discerning homeowner can find an option that suits them well. From contemporary to traditional, old-fashioned to futuristic, there is a metal roof out there that will bring out the best in any home.
Most homeowners are interested in increasing the resale value of their homes, and re-roofing with metal has proven to provide a better return on investment than simply replacing asphalt shingles. Depending on the area, a metal roof will typically add 1 to 6 percent to the home’s resale value, with the highest gains in states along the East Coast.
