When it comes time to repair or replace your old roof, there are several different options to choose from. One of the most efficient and durable option that many homeowners are turning to is installing a new metal roof over existing shingles.

What are the Requirements?

Before you can install a metal roof over your old shingles, your current roof must meet a few requirements. Make sure that the current shingles are in a single layer. It is not recommended to install the metal roofing over two existing layers of shingles or over uneven shingles.

If your current roofing is uneven you can make some minor adjustments before installing the metal roof to even things out. Using roofing felt or solid wood strips on top of the roof can give you the desired and level workspace needed to begin the transformation.

A Solid Investment

Although metal roofing may be a bit pricier than traditional asphalt roofs, the benefits of this particular material for out weighs the alternatives. Metal roofing can last up to 50 years with quality materials and installation. By comparison, asphalt roofs have a lifetime of about 20 to 30 years, depending greatly on installation methods and the quality of the shingles used.

If the initial investment required to install a metal roof is a concern for you, take note that there are ways to save early on in the process. Many manufacturers offer the choice of professional installation or DIY systems that can save you greatly on labor costs. These easy DIY systems are also often comparable in price to a standard asphalt roofing system.

Extended Benefits

A metal roof can also help keep down your annual heating and cooling costs. If you choose steel shingles, which are similar to the common asphalt shingle system, they will easily install over a framework of 2×2’s. This allows for a ventilation gap on your roof that will prevent ice dams from collecting in the cool winter months and keep the rest of your home cooler during the summer months.

When choosing a steel shingle installation you are also giving your roof nearly super-hero like powers. Because of the way these steel shingles are installed to the framework, which is screwed directly into the rafters on your home, the metal roof can withstand winds up to 120 mph with no damage.

Metal roofs are no longer limited strictly to covering old barns and tool sheds. Newer and more attractive metal roofs are now a popular alternative in many residential areas. There are a number of great styles, colors and coatings available in modern, steel roofing systems.

Consult an Expert Today

If you are willing to make the initial investment in a quality metal roof, you can possibly avoid multiple replacements and save money on your heating and cooling costs overtime. So whether you are looking to replace an old, outdated roof or choosing the best material for your brand new home, consider metal roofing for your next project.