Are you really interested in making your home more energy efficient, including a beautiful and striking major design element, without needing to replace your roof? Consider a metallic roof. While the cost of a metal roof is significantly higher than the usual roof, it will likely persist for a lifetime and it’s practically maintenance-free. The practical advantages of a metal roof would be that it makes your home safer in harsh weather and can significantly cut down on your energy bills. Aesthetically, a metal roof is more flexible in design to match many architectural designs, in the century old farmhouse to a contemporary residence.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

A metallic roof was chosen by architect Pi Smith . Why did she pick metal? “They look great! Very clear and architectural and a lot easier to get excited about than asphalt shingles. Other than slate and aluminum, both very pricey, enameled standing seam roofs have the best longevity. From a long-term maintenance standpoint this is a plus. Additionally, standing seam can be employed on low-pitched roofs, in which shingles would not be appropriate. We use this material very often on porches and dormers, which tend to have lower pitches. Finally, there are a few nice colour options.”

 

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

However, there’s a large drawback to using standing seam roofing for areas with harsh winter weather. “It sheds snow, resulting in large piles of snow across eave sides and in valleys,” Smith warns. “This needs to be taken into account when discovering entrances, walks, and plantings. When we do use standing seam for an whole home, such as this lake home in Vermont we plan to adapt the snow difficulties and warn our clients!”

Kenny Craft

Architect Kenny Craft, that specializes in sustainable design, says “I am a big advocate for metal roofing. Due to the light colour and reflectance, it is helpful to reduce heat build up in attics and finished rooms tucked into the roof. Metal roofing can be generally made from recycled content, and then, after its life, is itself recyclable.”

Craft chose a corrugated metal roof here, since it has a very long record of being used in Colorado and adds to the vernacular-inspired style of this new residence.

Kenny Craft, CNU LEED AP

Another attribute of metal roofing Craft enjoys is that, “it lends itself nicely to rain water harvesting. With its clean surface, less filtering is required of water by a metallic roof, compared to asphalt shingles which drop little particles, and possibly other chemicals.”

Kenny Craft, CNU LEED AP

Craft is also a large fan of indigenous architecture. Regarding the aesthetics of a metallic roof he says, “the metallic roof has a distinctive and authentic look; it’s a substance that is exactly what it is — a rarity in today’s world of composite look-a-likes — including asphalt shingles. The silvery galvanized colour adds a fresh, timeless yet contemporary character to some dominate element of the composition.”

Incorporated

This home in the Texas Hill Country has a very dramatic sloped roofline, which can be enhanced by the metallic roof.

Incorporated

Here’s a closer look at the substance and how it’s constructed. There is not much of a snow issue in Texas.

While the initial outlay for a metal roof is more expensive than that of an asphalt shingled roof, a big percentage of the costs can be recouped, particularly in the event that you’re planning on staying in your home for a long time. While asphalt roofs will likely require replacing every 15-20 decades, a metal roof can last a lifetime.

Thompson Studio Architects

A metal roof can be more energy efficient compared to an asphalt roof. It can decrease your energy costs significantly, particularly in the event that you are living in a hot climate. Roofs that reflect rather than absorb heat will keep your air conditioner from having to work really hard. In some areas, it can even save homeowners insurance, and also can increase your resale value.

Gaulhofer Windows

There are a few rough estimates on metal roof economies around the web. Here is a roof savings calculator.

TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design

Another reason to decide on metal? Country charm. This brand new, metal-roofed country home has updated farmhouse style without losing the charm.

The major element of this original 1940s cabin that was stored during a renovation was that the metallic roof.

For More Inspiration:
Modern Design Meets Traditional Forms
High Design for Your Downspout
Framing Design: Structural Expression in Steel

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