5 Reasons You Should Switch To Long Span Aluminum Roofing Sheets

When it comes to picking a roofing material, there are probably as many options as there are materials. Wood, tile, metal… the list goes on. Each material has its own set of pros and cons, but switching from one option to another involves more than just choosing between different roofing types. Let’s say you have an existing home with a simple asphalt shingle roof. If you’re getting ready to put your house on the market or plan to sell it at some point in the future, should you invest in something different? It all depends on your situation. While asphalt shingle roofs are standard for many homes and affordable enough that most homeowners can manage repairs if needed, they’re less than ideal in other ways.

Why You Might Want to Switch From Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a common roofing material, but they’re not the best option for every home. If you’re dealing with any of these problems, it may be a good idea to switch to another roofing type. – High Energy Costs – If you’re paying more for your electricity than you’d like, switching to a more efficient roofing material can help make up the difference. Long-span roofing has a high thermal insulation value, which means it keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. – Structural Issues – If your home’s roof framing isn’t up to code, you may have trouble finding roofing contractors willing to work on your roof. While many roofing materials can be installed over inadequate framing, standard shingles aren’t one of them. – Age – If you’ve had asphalt shingles on your roof for a long time, it may be a good idea to replace them. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about 20 years, and if you’re approaching that number, it might be a good idea to switch to something more durable.

Long Span Roofing Sheets Are Lighter And More Durable

One benefit of switching from asphalt shingles to long span aluminum roofing sheets is that they’re much stronger and more durable. While standard asphalt shingles are designed to last about 20 years, long span aluminum weather sheets can last for a full century. Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal that’s easy to work with and long span aluminum roofing sheets have been found to be much lighter than their asphalt counterparts. This can make a big difference in the lifespan of your home’s structure. While it’s true that long span aluminum roofing sheets do weigh a little more than asphalt shingles, the weight difference is negligible. The average asphalt shingle weighs about 1.5 pounds, while the average long span aluminum sheet weighs just over 2 pounds.

You Don’t Have To Change Your Roof Framing

Depending on the type of home you have, you might have to do some serious re-framing to install a long span aluminum roof. However, most aluminum roofing is designed to work with standard framing. This means that it should be compatible with pre-existing construction. If your home’s framing is up to code, you should be able to use any standard long-span roofing sheets without a problem. Note: If you’re in the process of building a new home and want to use aluminum roofing, you’ll need to use code-compliant framing to start with.

Long-Span Roofing Is Much More Energy Efficient

Asphalt shingles are less than ideal when it comes to keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Metal roofing, on the other hand, is much better at regulating temperatures, which means that your energy bills will probably be lower. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, switching from asphalt shingles to long-span aluminum roofing sheets can make a big difference. It’s worth noting, though, that long-span aluminum roofing may not be an option for residents in hurricane-prone areas due to the risk of hail. Long-span aluminum roofing lasts longer than asphalt shingles and doesn’t deteriorate as quickly, which reduces maintenance costs over time. You can expect to spend less money on repairs, power bills, and roof replacement as a result.

Long-Span Roofing Is Fire-Resistant

Although roof fires aren’t very common, they do happen. If you have standard asphalt shingles on your roof, you may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy if one breaks out. However, most long-span aluminum roofing sheets are fire-resistant, which means your insurance company probably won’t raise your premiums. It’s important to note that fire-resistant doesn’t mean fire-proof, so you still need to be cautious when dealing with rooftop fires.

Bottom line

If you’re looking for a long-term investment, aluminum roofing might be the best choice for you. Long-span aluminum roofing sheets are durable and energy efficient, and many homeowners report that their roofs lasted for more than a century. If you’re still leaning towards asphalt shingles, there are some positives to consider as well. They’re affordable, easier to install, and are light enough that you may be able to re-use your existing roof framing.