13 WTHR IndianapolisAngie's List: Metal roofs

Angie's List: Metal roofs

Updated:

If you're thinking about replacing the roof of your home, the experts at Angie's List say you may want to go with metal.

Homeowners know what it means to say, "It's always something" about nagging maintenance issues affecting your home. For Charles Hampton of Pendleton, it seemed like it was always his roof that needed attention.

"I was just tired of wind blowing the shingles up and I may have to replace them. Then the next storm comes along, then I'd have to do the same thing again," he said.

So Hampton decided to replace his roof, and he decided to go with metal. Consumer experts Angie Hicks says if you plan to stay in your home for a long time, metal may be the right choice.

"A metal roof will cost more than an asphalt shingle roof, but if you're planning to live in your home a long time, you're likely to get a good return because a metal roof is going to come with a 50-year warranty," said Angie Hicks, Angie's List founder.

The longevity of metal is just the first advantage.

Experts say metal also give you energy savings. In fact, some homeowners can cut their energy bills by as much as 40-percent because metal is more reflective and sends heat away from the house. It is also more weather-resistant, holding up better against hail, ice, and heavy wind.

Some insurance companies give you a discount for a metal roof. Once it's installed, metal requires very little maintenance.

Modern metal roofing materials look like more traditional solutions like shingles, tiles, and cedar shake. In most cases, it won't damage your house's frame.

"The average weight of an asphalt shingle roof is about three pounds per square foot. We have systems that only weigh a half of a pound per square foot or up to one pound per square foot," said Michael Burdine, Metal Solutions.

Still, before deciding to spend the money for metal, Angie Hicks recommends a cost-benefit analysis.

"Have an energy audit done on your home and then talk to several roofing contractors who can give you an analysis of different types of materials that can be used on your roof," said Hicks.

Most contractors will do that for you and if they can't, Angie says it's best to move on to one who can.

Angie's List