The ROOF is on Fire… Shingles VS Metal

7/6/2019 (Permalink)

The red roof of a small home in Waterloo after a fire. No damage on the outside is noticeable except for the doorway where smoke tried to escape.

Do we have any HGTV fans out there?

Well, as a restoration company that works with a lot of homeowners, we tend to also be a fan. We are noticing the emergence of metal roofing, not only on our favorite home improvement show but in some of the houses that our production crew are working on. Recently, we had to do board-up of a home in Waterloo from a fire. This small home had a red metal roof. We started to wonder whether metal roofs may have added to the fire damage so we did a little research. Here are a few pros and cons that can help you make a well-informed decision on choosing what type of roof is best for your home.

 Shingle Roof Pros:

• Asphalt shingles are very inexpensive and can possibly outweigh the price of a long-term metal.
• They tend to be easier to install and replace. Some can be installed within 1-2 days.
• It is less expensive to repair.

Shingle Roof Cons:

• Shingles usually need to be replaced every 12-17 years.
• If you live in your home for a long time it may be a higher long-term cost.
• It absorbs heat and performs poorly in extreme heat which can cause cracking.

Metal Roof Pros:

• It can last up to 50 years.
• Outperforms other roofs in its weathering as well as being non-combustible.
• It is environmentally friendly as it reflects heat helping keep the house cool and the energy bill low.

Metal Roof Cons:

• The cost can range from $150-$1,400 per square.
• Depending on the type of metal, they are more prone to denting.
• In the case of a fire that starts inside the home, it may be harder for firemen to cut through the roof to ease the fire. A fire department might not have the right equipment for metal roofing.

So, does a metal roof increase fire damage in a home?

Not necessarily...A house fire is dangerous and will cause damage no matter the roof your home has. Firefighters who are well equipped and well trained can help stop the fire at home but unfortunately, your home may suffer from smoke and soot damage as well as smoke odors. 

We can help restore your home and belongings after a fire. Call us at (319) 268-1512.

Sources:

https://www.sheffieldmetals.com/Resources/Blog/metal-roofing-vs-shingle-roofing

https://www.hometips.com/buying-guides/metal-roofing-drawbacks.html

https://www.metalroofing.systems/metal-roofing-pros-cons/#longevity