The roof is, arguably, the most important part of a house, mainly because it provides the greatest protection against the elements. It defines the structural solidity of the house. Some roofs are beautifully designed and impressive to look at, which in turn raises the value of the property. However, the roof needs to be installed properly, with the help of the right professionals. Otherwise, it may not last as long as you would expect, and soon enough, you would have to pay atrocious amounts to get a replacement.
While there are plenty of different roof types available these days, metal roofing is the most popular among Australian homes. Aluminum, zincalume, and galvanized steel are some of the most common roofing materials used in coastal areas like Sydney. Be it a commercial property or a residential home, metal roofs are the market leaders because of the various advantages they bring. Read this article for an in-depth guide on metal roofing and the ways it can benefit your home in Sydney.
Why Choose Metal Roofing in Sydney?
Weather is the most important factor to consider when it comes to choosing the roofing material. The climate in Sydney tends to mostly remain warm and sunny throughout the year. The summers are warm and partly cloudy. Winters are short and generally cold. The city, being a coastal region, encounters a lot of storms throughout the year. Hence, the houses in this area require durable roofing to withstand such inclement weather. Australia is also very famous for its horrendous bushfires. A metal roof is burn-resistant, making it an ideal choice.
As most properties in Sydney contain metal roofing, the city hosts a lot of experienced roofers who specialize in it. These professional roofing contractors in Sydney can help to get your existing roof analyzed for damages or install a brand new roof altogether. These experts are also available for roofing guidelines and suggestions in case you need help in certain roof repair work. The abundance of roofers in the city is one of the biggest reasons for using metal roofing in Sydney houses.
Benefits of Metal Roofing
Installing a metal roof in your home is considered one of the smartest investments. That is because of all the benefits associated with it. Below is a list of metal roofing advantages that you do not want to miss out on.
1 – Extreme Durability
Of all the roofing materials available nowadays, metal is the sturdiest. It is not vulnerable to fungus or mold. If adequately coated with a sealant, it will not corrode, which is one of the biggest forms of relief for coastal city residents. Additional customizations can also be done, like painting over it, to increase the overall durability.
To put it down to figures, a regular non-metal roof usually lasts around 20 years, whereas a metal roof may remain intact for over 50! Repairing a metal roof is almost unheard of during the initial years of installation. Other roof types may incur physical damages, like during a hailstorm, which will not be the case with a metal roof.
Investing in a roof forms a major part of a homeowner’s budget. It is a lifetime investment. Thus, durability is key! You would certainly not spend tens of thousands of dollars on something that will need to be replaced only a few years down the line.
2 – Energy Efficiency
The simple implementation of a sheet of boarding between the metal and the wooden base can save more than 10% energy in winter. During the summer, this figure may rise to 30%! The accumulated, saved amount at the end of the year can be substantial.
A metal roof reflects sunlight, which is a great advantage during the scorching heat of summer. A special coat of paint can be applied to make the roof’s surface more reflective of light. The interior remains relatively cold due to this feature, saving power in the process. As for the winter months, the sheet boarding ensures that the internal heat is sustained as much as possible. The HVAC system does not have to work very hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in the interior. Imagine having to keep your air conditioner turned off during a hot summer day only because your brand new metal roof is working wonders!
3 – Faster Installation
Roofing contractors are the most skilled and sought-after experts in this field of work. They are insurance-rated individuals who know what they are doing. The process of installing a metal roof by a roofing contractor is almost twice as fast as applying, say, asphalt shingles. Under ideal weather conditions, an average-sized roof would take around 1 to 2 days to install metal on. The duration increases to 2 to 3 days if shingles are being used. This is a great benefit, as the roofers may need to be paid by the day. Even a single additional day would lead to higher costs incurred.
The installation process of a metal roof is also more convenient for the roofers. The roofing materials are very lightweight and portable. Roofers can easily handle them without the fear of damaging any piece. The high durability of metal means even if some shingles get damaged during installation, they can still be used, as they are not brittle like the asphalt variant.
4 – Raises the Value of the Property
Installing a metal roof on your house can raise its value in many different ways. The fact that a metal roof can withstand the test of time for almost half a century is remarkable. Potential homeowners prefer metal roofing mainly due to this reason and are generally willing to pay handsomely for it. Additionally, the reduction of carbon emission, savings on air conditioning, and the occupant’s overall comfort contribute to the rising value.
If you are looking to rent your house out, chances are, you would be fetching a larger amount if you have a metal roof installed. Potential tenants would value the benefits and would logically have to pay more for them. Curb appeal is not the only factor that drives people to purchase or rent a property. It is the utility that truly matters. No one would entertain the idea of yearly roof repairs when they can acquire a metal roof that simply does not need maintenance for years. Thus, metal roofing raises the value of a property in both direct and indirect manner.
5 – The Old Roof Does Not Need to Be Removed
Switching to a metal roof from some other variant (wood or asphalt) is significantly easier than the other way round. The old roof can stay as it is, with the metal shingles attached on top of it. If the existing shingles can support the weight, you are good to go. If the house currently does have a metal roof installed but requires a replacement, you can just go ahead and have a new layer of metal roofing installed on top of that.
As you can see by now, metal roofing is very dynamic and has a lot of features, which is not the case with some of the other roofing variants. Costs are saved almost every step of the way. Imagine having to pay a thousand dollars to just remove the failing roof of your house before even beginning to pay for the installation!
Types of Metal Roofing
Before we conclude, let us take a quick look at the types of metal roofing ideal for a house in Sydney. Sure, you know the importance of a metal roof. Now, all you need is to choose the right one.
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum is, arguably, the best material to use in a metal roof. Its resistance to corrosion, coupled with its lightweight nature, makes it ideal for use in coastal regions like Sydney. Fresh aluminum reacts with air to form a protective coating all over it. This completely prevents rust, which is a metal killer. Although aluminum roofing is not the cheapest of the lot, we suggest you opt for it if residing in Sydney.
Copper Roofing
If you are looking for absolute durability, copper is the best choice. It has the highest resistance to depreciation and physical damage. Customized roof designs are generally done using copper due to their malleable nature. Copper can be bent into any desired shape, which can greatly contribute to the overall curb appeal of the property. However, installing a copper roof requires high expertise. Make sure you take above-average roofer hiring expenses into consideration.
Zinc Roofing
The biggest advantage of installing zinc roofing on your house is its self-healing nature. The protective chemical layer over the zinc shingles prevents moisture from seeping into and damaging the internal parts. On top of that, if the coating is scratched, it reforms after some time. This way, zinc roofs can remain as good as new even after years of inattention.
Final Words
Roof replacement is a complex procedure that requires a lot of money, time, and effort. You need proper guidelines or professional aid if you are looking to restore the roof of your home on a budget. Make sure you do not attempt this on your own unless only minimal repair work is required. Take expert advice, hire them if needed, and get ready to raise the standard of your beautiful home!
