We’re seeing a new trend in exterior home finishing: black metal roofing. These sleek, sophisticated roofs are attractive and help make homes unique. The most popular use case for these roofs is on homes with white siding. The clean appearance with black and white is stunning.
Metal roofs aren’t just attractive because of their smooth, sleek and chic appearance. They are also incredibly durable and long-lasting. As the rates of metal roofs increase, learn more about the trend, good applications for these roofing materials and more.
Reasons Homeowners Are Choosing Black Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are growing in popularity due to the many benefits they boast. Here’s a look at some reasons to consider black metal roofing or any other metal roof color.
Durability: These roofs are built to last. You can get 40-70 years from these roofs compared to asphalt roofs, which have about half that lifetime at just 20-25 years.
Style: Metal roofs are more modern than asphalt or other roofing materials. That allows you to complete your home’s exterior in the appearance you want and know that it will look good for years to come.
Energy efficient: Choosing a black metal roof means you’ll get energy savings. That might sound counterintuitive since black absorbs the heat from the sun. But metal roofs have a special material that helps reflect the sun to keep your home cool. Your home will feel more consistently comfortable all year long.
Minimal maintenance: Caring for a metal roof is simple. Inspect it and clean it when you see debris. Other than that, just enjoy your roof.
Fast installation: Installing a metal roof is simple and straightforward. It can go faster than other roof types, allowing you to get back to normalcy faster.
Cost: Although you’ll pay more for the roof initially, the long-term cost of the roof is far lower than asphalt roofing. You’ll also enjoy cost savings on repairs that asphalt roofs often require.
Style: Consider whether a metal roof matches your home’s aesthetic before finalizing your decision.
Considerations for Installing Metal Roofs that Are Black
While this design trend is possible, it doesn’t mean it is for every home or business. Here are some considerations for a black metal roof.
Hotter surface area: While metal roofs do have protection from absorbing the sun, the surface still heats up quickly. If you need to climb on your roof for any purpose, keep in mind that it is likely hot.
Slipping hazard: Even if the weather hasn’t been hot or sunny, you need to be careful climbing on a metal roof. That’s because the surface is always slippery. If you’re cleaning or maintaining the roof, be careful. Also know that activities like hanging holiday lights will be more challenging.
Expensive: Although a metal roof will pay off with time, it’s still quite costly at the onset. You’ll need to have the money upfront to pay for the roof or the ability to finance the project.
Dents: During hail storms, you’ll face dents to your metal roof. Experts might be able to fix the dents and restore them. But that can add cost to your metal roof, making it less cost-effective.
Noise: Everyone knows Washington has wet weather. During rain storms and hail storms, a metal roof is far noisier than an asphalt roof. You’ll likely adjust to the noise level but you want to be aware of that before installing the roofing material.
Now for the big question: should you install a black metal roof? The answer is, it depends. Consider these scenarios when a metal roof makes the most sense.
You plan to stay in the home for more than 20 years: Homeowners who plan to live in their homes past the 20-year marker will benefit from a metal roof. That’s because the roof pays off by the time you would need to replace an asphalt roof. Before that, it doesn’t make as much sense.
You want to be more eco-friendly: Metal roofs are recyclable, making them more eco-friendly. Asphalt shingles can be used in road paving. However, most municipalities have regulations around road asphalt only having a small percentage of recycled asphalt shingles in their mixes. That means there is a limit to how many shingles can be recycled. Studies show that less than 10 percent of all asphalt shingles get recycled into paving projects. That leaves more than 10 million tons of asphalt shingles that go to landfills.
Your home has a modern façade: When the exterior of your home uses modern designs, a metal roof will look appropriate with the siding and other materials.
Selling the home is in the future and you want a good ROI and fast sale: Metal roofs have a 48.1% return on investment according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report. While asphalt shingles have a slightly higher ROI at 56.9 percent, a metal roof could improve your home’s salability, which can increase the speed with which your home sells.
Roofing maintenance is something you want to eliminate: Metal roofs have simpler maintenance requirements than asphalt shingles. That means that a metal roof is better for those who don’t have time for maintenance. Asphalt roofs should have annual inspections to review their features for a good seal and prevent leaks. While many experts will recommend annual maintenance and cleaning for a metal roof, you’re less likely to experience leaks if you don’t do the annual inspection than you are with an asphalt shingle roof.
Your roofing contractor is recommending a metal roof: Contractors are experts at roofing materials and can recommend a roof that is best for your home’s exterior features and design. Listen to the reasons why your roofing contractor is recommending a metal roof and weigh the pros and cons.
Metal Roofing Expert in Seattle, Washington
2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing serves the greater Seattle area, including Puget Sound, Tacoma, Snoqualmie, Poulsbo and Bellevue. We also serve Spokane and are experts in various roofing material types. Whether you need a commercial roof and are considering the longevity and durability metal provides or you want the most modern curb appeal for your home, our team can help you get a high-quality metal roof installed.
Contact us at 253-766-5035 or schedule a free estimate to learn more about our team, what we have to offer you and the benefits you can experience from our hard-working team.
