Mike Holmes is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Holmes and Holmes, Holmes: Buy it Right and Home to Win.
Having a good roof over your head just makes sense. It not only protects your home, but the investment even increases your resale value and offers you savings month-to-month over other roofing systems. For me, the ultimate choice in a roof is metal. Here are six reasons why.
They’re Long Lasting
I love a metal roof because they are built to last. With a metal roof, you’re going to get 50 years of life out of your roof. If you go with other roofing materials, you might be looking at 25 years or less. Much less if they were installed incorrectly. If you install a metal roof, it will probably be the last roof you have to install on your home.
Related: Don’t Fall for These 10 Common Roof Repair Myths
They’re Energy Efficient
Metal is one of the most energy efficient roofing materials out there. Why? Metal roofs tend to reflect solar radiation – versus asphalt, which tends to absorb it – preventing solar heat gain. This helps keep your home much cooler; and in the summer when temperatures run high, you won’t need to run your AC unit as high to compensate.
Related: Beyond Earth Hour: 5 Ways to Save the Planet at Home Every Day
They’re Fire Resistant
Metal is one of the most fire-resistant roofing materials you can get. While clay and fibreglass shingles can provide some level of fire resistance, it won’t protect like metal. That said, I would take every precaution to prevent sparks from lighting up, no matter what kind of roofing material you have. So, if you can, install a fire-resistant underlayment.
They’re Weather Resistant
It’s not only fire you have to worry about: mother nature can throw all kinds of things at your roof, like high winds, hail and snow. A metal roof will stand strong against it all. Not only that, they resist problems with mildew, rot and insects. You might think that a metal roof is an invitation for lightning, but it’s really not. A metal roof doesn’t attract lightning more than other styles.
Related: Mike Holmes Answers Your 6 Most Frequently Asked Renovation Questions
They Look Great
If you’re thinking that all metal roofs look like they’re covered in ugly sheet metal, I’m here to change your mind. Metal roofs come in a variety of styles and colours; and many can even perfectly mimic the look of a classic asphalt roof if that’s what you want. I bet you could walk down your street and see a metal roof and not know it.
They Easily Adapt to Solar Panels
To me, the best kind of home is one that is net-zero: a house that produces its own energy. To do that, you need to ensure your building envelope is able to generate its own power, usually through solar or wind energy. Solar panels are a pretty simple addition that you can attach to a metal roof. I enjoyed adding solar panels to my son’s house in Holmes and Holmes!
Images Courtesy of The Holmes Group and Getty Images
