If you’re looking at roofing or re-roofing your house, you might be thinking your options are just the normal gamut of asphalt, tile and such. But you may be leaving one of your best options off the list: metal roofing. No longer just used for commercial roofing, metal is now offered in both interlocking shingles and more traditional panels to complement a variety of residential architectural styles. Plus, metal roofing contractors can often install a roof very quickly — a major advantage with colder weather around the corner. But that’s by no means the only benefit of choosing metal roofing.

The Upsides of Metal Roofing

Why might you choose metal roofing over other popular options such as asphalt shingles? Here are just a few reasons:

• Longevity

  Metal roofs commonly last 50 years if they’re properly installed and maintained. Steel roofing that’s coated with a special aluminum-zinc alloy can even last 100 years.

• Weather Resistance

  Modern metal roofs are essentially impervious to snow and rain leaks, and are rated for hurricane-force winds. And contrary to popular belief, they’re very rarely dented by hail.

• Energy Efficiency

  Metal roofs can minimize heat gain on hot days because they reflect the sun, yet they can still retain heat in the wintertime as long as they’re adequately insulated. That means having a metal roof can shave as much as a quarter off your annual energy costs.

The Downsides of Metal Roofing

Like all materials, of course, metal roofing has some drawbacks. Here are the ones you’ll need to consider:

• Marring and Corrosion

  Depending on your region and the amount of salt in the air where you live, it’s possible for metal roofs to corrode quickly. You’d want to discuss the issue in more depth with local metal roofing contractors before proceeding.

• Tough Repairs

  The same characteristics that make metal roofing easy to install initially — large panels that interlock — can make it tough to change out small pieces for repair purposes down the road.

• Initial Cost

  The very best metal roofing will cost a bit more up front than a standard shingled roof. Most homeowners are able to make up for that over time because metal roofs last so long, but it does mean a bit more planning in advance.

Any pros or cons to add? Will you be talking to metal roofing contractors soon, or not yet? Join the discussion in the comments.