Roughly 750,000 U.S. homeowners have installed a metal roof on their homes since 2015. Its popularity has surged thanks to energy efficiency, natural cooling properties, and flame resistance. Today, it’s the second most popular roofing material in the United States, trailing only asphalt shingles. Here’s what you need to know before deciding if metal roofing is right for your Texas home.
Metal Roofs Are Built to Last
Many homeowners switch to metal roofs for their impressive lifespan. Most last 40–70 years, and manufacturer warranties often cover 30–50 years of that. Metal roofing holds up well against strong winds, rain, and even fire, thanks to its flame resistance and rust-proof coatings.
Metal Roofing Is More Sustainable
As climate concerns grow, more homeowners are looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Traditional asphalt shingles are a petroleum product that typically needs replacement every 15–20 years, contributing to pollution through nitrogen oxide release and eventual landfill waste — a decomposition process that can take 300–400 years. Metal roofs, by contrast, are often made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable themselves at the end of their life.
Higher Cooling Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills
Metal roofs reflect the sun’s heat rather than absorbing it, helping keep your home’s interior cooler without constantly running the A/C. Industry reports suggest a metal roof can reduce energy bills by up to 40%, while also providing added insulation during cooler winter months.
The Trade-Offs to Consider
Metal roofing isn’t without its downsides — here’s what to weigh before committing.
Metal Roofs Can Be Expensive
All roofs represent a significant investment, but metal roofing tends to cost more upfront than traditional options. This higher price reflects materials that last significantly longer than standard asphalt shingles.
Some Metals Don’t Mix Well With Texas Storms
Metal roofs generally handle thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gusty winds without issue. However, hailstorms — fairly common across Texas — can leave dents in softer metals. Some metal types aren’t even sturdy enough to walk on for repairs. We generally recommend stronger metals like steel over softer options like aluminum or copper for Texas homes.
Metal Roofs Can Be Noisy
Asphalt shingles absorb sound well, while hailstones ping loudly on metal, and you’re more likely to hear wildlife moving around above you. The good news: additional sheathing and insulation beneath the metal panels can significantly reduce this noise.
Metal Roofing Is Highly Customizable
Metal roofing has come a long way in terms of style. Today you can choose from a wide range of metals, colors, finishes, and shapes. Most popular metal roofing materials also hold paint finishes well, so if you want a different look years down the line, a color change is entirely possible without replacing the whole roof.
Is Metal Roofing Right for Your Home?
Metal roofing tends to make the most sense for homeowners planning to stay in their property long-term, since the higher upfront cost pays off over decades rather than years. If you’re weighing options for an upcoming new roof installation, our team can walk you through how metal compares to asphalt for your specific home and budget.
Houston Roofing Experts
CK Roofing is your one-stop shop for residential and commercial roofing services. Our experienced team uses the latest equipment and follows the highest safety and quality standards. That’s why homeowners around Houston trust CK Roofing for new roof installations, roof upgrades, and repairs of every kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does metal roofing perform in Texas hail specifically?
Stronger metals like steel hold up reasonably well, though cosmetic denting is possible; softer metals like aluminum or copper are more vulnerable and generally not recommended for hail-prone areas.
Is metal roofing worth the higher upfront cost?
For homeowners planning to stay long-term, the extended lifespan and energy savings often offset the higher initial investment over time.
Contact us today to get your competitively priced roofing quote!