
Choosing a Metal Roof
Plano, Texas is known for being an upscale area. It isn’t uncommon to find professional athletes here among the lifelong Plano-ites. One thing they all have in common is a roof on their homes. Yes, no matter what your financial or popularity standing is in this world, we all need a roof on our home, and metal roofing has become a popular choice for many homeowners in the area.
Metal roofing for houses in rural areas has been around for decades. It is only recently that city dwellers have begun to choose metal roofing, but it still isn’t as commonplace as asphalt roofing. One reason for that is the cost and the other is simply that it’s still relatively unknown. So, we’re going to go over some common concerns and questions about metal roofing. And if you’re in the “needing a new roof” time of homeownership, after reading this, you may decide metal roofing is the right choice for you!
Is a metal roof worth it?
Metal roofing is going to be more expensive upfront than asphalt roofing. The ROI is in the outstanding appearance and high performance, plus you won’t need a new roof for at least 50 years. Before you decide to go with metal roofing, answer these questions:
- How long are you going to live in this house?
- What is your budget?
- Do you need initial savings or are you looking for long-term savings?
Metal roofing is considered a “lifetime roof”, meaning if you’re going to be in your home for a lifetime (at least 15 years), then metal roofing is a valuable investment. If your plans are uncertain or you don’t see yourself there in five years, then going with asphalt shingle roofing is the better choice.
If you plan for this to be your forever home, 15 years or longer, then metal roofing will is the better choice with a long-term ROI. Metal roofing is more energy efficient, will get your insurance premiums lowered, and has few maintenance requirements.
What is the cheapest metal roofing?
Corrugated steel metal roofing is the least expensive type of metal for residential roofing purposes. The cost averages between $1.0 and $5.00 per square foot. Corrugated metal roofing comes in lightweight, thin panels. However, this type of metal roofing is prone to leaking and rusting. For a total cost of approximately $20,000, you’ll get what you pay for basically.
The next lowest-priced metal roofing is steel. For around $25,000 you’ll get metal roofing that is cracking, erosion, and shrink resistant with a longer lifespan than corrugated metal roofing. It will be more energy efficient and the recyclability it offers has made it a popular choice among homeowners today.
Does a metal roof affect WIFI?
Once you have metal roofing, if you’re having problems with the Wi-Fi connection, the metal roof may be a small part of the problem. But there are probably other culprits involved. Your internet browsing is being compromised by other factors, which are probably interfering with your cell phone reception too. Some of those factors include:
- Surrounding structures
- Metal objects close to the modem or router
- Poor coverage locally
- Your ISP provider
- The devices and software, including the router, may be out-of-date
There are things you can do to help get a better Wi-Fi connection with metal roofing, or in general:
- A long-range wireless router: Update your router to the longest range available and add a wireless repeater. This will extend the range signal further.
- Correct the router position: The router shouldn’t be near or on other metal objects or on the ground. You may need to move it around and test a few areas to find the best spot.
- Keep the devices close: The closer you can be to the router, the better the signal will be. If you can’t be in the same room, be within eyesight for the best connection.
Can you put a metal roof over shingles?
Yes, in most cases, metal roofing can be installed over an existing asphalt shingle roof. This saves money and time by eliminating the tear-off phase. Those two factors – money and time – are one reason metal roofing has become popular.
The roofing contractor can advise you if there is going to be an issue with metal roofing over asphalt roofing. One thing they often will point out is that the manufacturer’s warranty may be void if the metal is installed over any existing roofing material. It is certainly wise to ask about this before giving them the go-ahead.
Can you put a ridge vent on a metal roof?
Yes, in fact, that is part of metal roofing installation. Ridge vents are effective attic ventilation for most roofing materials. Installed along the roof ridgeline, continuously along the entire roof span, the attic is well ventilated which will save on energy bills and extend the life of the roof.
What is the best color for a metal roof?
Texas is a summer state, meaning we build things according to hot summers. For roofing colors, especially metal roofing, light colors are the best choice. A dark-colored roof will absorb the UV rays and heat, keeping the attic warmer. Going with a light color like beige, bronze, peach, or white, the roof will have a better reflectiveness.
Do you need gutters with a metal roof?
Gutters are not “needed” with metal roofing. The metal roofing is designed to keep the water flowing off so that roof damage doesn’t happen. However, that water will flow off and puddle around the foundation and wash away any gardening features around your home. Gutters will redirect that water away from the house with metal roofing like it does any other type of roofing material.

At The End of The Lifespan
When should a metal roof be replaced? Metal roofing brags up to a 50-year lifespan, but depending on the quality of metal you choose, and the weather, that lifespan could be 30 to 40 years. Signs that you need to replace our metal roofing would be:
- The painted finish – with metal roofing, 30 years can start showing wear on the paint
- Damage to the painted finish – tree limbs are the usual problem
- A screw-down metal roofing when the fasteners are wallowed out
- Storm damage
By keeping all of this in mind, you can be certain your roof will always be in the best shape possible.