Metal roofing in Tampa may not be the most affordable option available on the market, but studies have shown that cost is hardly the top priority on most homeowners’ agendas. Many building owners and homeowners prioritize service life and life cycle costs, reports Rodger Russ for Buildings Magazine. Despite the initial cost, metal roofs enjoy widespread use in both residential and commercial applications, as metal roofs provide greater energy savings and resilience even in Tampa’s humid subtropical weather.
Compared with other roofing options, metal roofs provide a balance of strength, energy efficiency, and cost efficiency. Asphalt shingles beat metal roofs in terms of cost but not in strength, while tile roofs such as clay beat metal roofs in terms of strength but not in cost. In a place where the weather can quickly change, a roof with balanced stats is a worthier investment in the long run. By hiring reputable metal roofing crews from companies like Arry’s Roofing Services, homeowners and building owners are assured quality installations that will stand the test of time.
In 2005, the National Roofing Contractors Association teamed up with Detroit-based Ducker Research Company to conduct a study on low-slope roofing. For this study, researchers pitted metal roofs against two of the most widely used low-slope roofing materials: built-up roofs (BUR) and single-ply membrane (SPM). A total of 36 roofing systems across the U.S., most of which were constructed between 1981 and 1994, were studied. Roof areas ranged from 4,000 to 750,000 square feet.
Given that low-slope roofing is exposed to dangers such as pooling rainwater, metal roofs were really put to the test. The results of the study, however, indicated that metal roofing outperformed both BUR and single-ply membrane in life cycle costs. Based on testimonies from building owners that have the roofing systems in question, the average cost of maintenance for metal roofs was only 3.5 percent of the total installed cost, which was significantly lower compared to 19 percent for single-ply membrane and 28.5 percent for asphalt-based BUR membrane.
Overall, the study shows that it only costs $0.30 to maintain a square foot of metal roofing every year, much lower than BUR ($0.37) and single-ply membrane ($0.57). On a related note, a metal roof in Tampa is an ideal investment for low-slope roofing, given that it’s mostly non-porous. Experts say that a metal roof usually doesn’t require an underlayment to help keep homes and buildings dry. However, roofers still advise having an underlayment installed just in case.
With an estimated lifespan of 40 years, longer than that of asphalt-based roofing systems, metal roofs are a prime choice for low-slope roofing. While metal roofs are widely used in homes, commercial establishments can also benefit from these roofs. Just make sure to hire experienced and licensed contractors from companies like Arry’s Roofing Services to ensure high quality installations.
