March Madness: Metal Roofing Rises in Rankings Against the Competition

By Renee Ramey, MRA Executive Director

In the residential roofing market, metal is continuing to shake up the competition by delivering all-star performances that have homeowners sitting up and taking notice.

Metal roofing has risen in the ranks to now being the second most popular type of residential roofing in the U.S. For new construction, metal roofing market share doubled from four percent in 2018 to eight percent in 2019, while the repair/remodel market held steady at 12 percent for 2019.

The reasons behind why metal has become a homeowner fan favorite boil down to its all-around versatility and reliable performance, tested under the most challenging conditions. Here are just a few reasons why metal roofing will have a competitive edge in 2021 and beyond:

1) All-star reliability: Unprecedented monster storms and wildfire seasons have homeowners clambering for more protective, stronger and longer-lasting materials. Quality metal roofs can withstand severe hurricane force 140-mile per hour winds, and they offer a Class A fire rating, the highest in the industry. They also can stand up to damaging hail much better than other types of roofs and have the strength to hold up under heavy snow and ice loads.

2) Power play performance: Metal roofs have proven energy efficiency performance and even basic, unpainted metal roofs will reflect more solar radiation than asphalt, which typically absorbs and holds heat. While light-colored roofs naturally reflect and absorb less heat, metal roofs with oven-cured, pre-painted organic coatings incorporate “cool pigment” technology. That means even for darker metal roof colors, metal delivers high total solar reflectance and high infrared emittance, keeping homes cool and saving energy by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed. Metal also is a perfect platform for residential rooftop solar systems as a lightweight, exceptionally tough and long-lasting material.

3) Slam dunk style: Homeowners are realizing they don’t have to sacrifice a certain look or style they may prefer by going with metal. Metal roofing offers a nearly endless number of design options and can mimic the look of shake, slate and clay tile. Metal comes in more color finishes than any other roofing type and stone-coated metal, as well as natural hues of copper, titanium and bright stainless steel, are increasingly attracting homeowners for their one-of-a-kind appeal.

4) Lay-up value: While the initial upfront cost of installing a quality metal roof may be higher than a basic asphalt roof, homeowners won’t have to replace their roofs nearly as frequently and will save on energy costs over the long run. Metal roofs can last for as long as 50+ years, and because they can oftentimes be installed right over old asphalt roofs, they can help save on tear off costs.

5) Sustainability assist: For the environmentally conscious, the fact that metal roofing lasts nearly two to three times longer, can be recycled at the end of its long life rather than dumped into the landfill, and is energy efficient are major benefits. Quality metal roof coatings also can mean lower long-term maintenance by naturally resisting moss and fungus. That reduces the need for strong chemical treatments that can be harmful to the environment. For these reasons and more, metal is one of the most sustainable roofing choices available for homeowners today.

For homeowners looking to score with a more protective, sustainable and resilient roof, it’s hard to beat the winning combination that metal delivers. For more information, design inspiration and resource guides, including a complete Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide, visit the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) at www.metalroofing.com