Choosing the right roofing material is a big decision. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, you want to make sure you pick the right materials the first time. After all, a roof isn’t like a pair of pants you can replace when you tire of them. Roofs last a long time. Most styles last 15 to 20 years or more.

Metal roofing, however, can last 40 to 50 years, if not longer. And that’s just one of the reasons it has become so popular. 

BarrierBoss is a leader in metal roofing, siding, and fencing materials. We’re more than an off-the-shelf manufacturer. We love working with our customers on tailored options to meet exact project requirements.  Now, without further ado, let’s look at why metal roofing from BarrierBoss is a great product for your new roof.

Understanding Metal Roofing and Traditional Shingles

Metal roofing is popular for a variety of different architectural structures. You’ll see them on residential homes and commercial buildings. Stores, homes, offices, barndominiums and pole barns, hotels, wedding venues, She Sheds—metal roofs are everywhere. They’re super strong, energy efficient, and they look great.

However, many homeowners and property owners go the more traditional route. Traditional shingles, typically asphalt shingles, look nice and are relatively affordable. The three main types are:

• 3-tab
• Architectural
• Luxury 

Like the different types of metal roofs, each type of shingle has its own look, cost, and lifespan. And as with anything, there are some pros and cons. 

Traditional Asphalt Shingles

Here is the BarrierBoss take on the key differences between metal roofing and traditional shingles:

The Case for Metal Roofing: Advantages

At BarrierBoss, we believe wholeheartedly that metal roofing has some big benefits over traditional shingle options. Here’s why!

Lifespan and Strength

Before we discuss how long your metal roof will last, let’s consider the strength and lifespan of asphalt shingles. This more traditional option is made with an organic material such as cellulose fibers or inorganic material such as glass fibers. The mat is then coated with ceramic-opaque mineral granules.

You probably already picked up on something here—asphalt shingles are made of fibers—and metal roofing is made of, you guessed it—steel. Even if you’re not in construction, you can probably begin to ascertain the differences. 

Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years. They are susceptible to lifting from heavy winds and extreme weather conditions. If they come loose or are not installed properly, they can cause water leakage.

Metal roofing, particularly corrugated steel from BarrierBoss, is made from 26-gauge galvanized steel. This steel is stronger and thicker than the fibers in asphalt shingles and stronger than the 29-gauge metal you might see down the street at the local lumberyard. But wait, there’s more! At BarrierBoss, we finish our steel with a proprietary PVDF paint batching process. PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), which we like to call NoFade paint, creates less risk of fading, rusting, or other corrosion than SMP paints, which many other metals are finished with. Plus, we paint both sides, not just the top, to create extra resiliency.

This super strength helps corrugated metal roofing to last for years—40 to 50 years to be precise.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Did you know that the average North American creates nearly five pounds of trash each day? That’s over two kilograms! And, most of this trash is either incinerated or dumped into a landfill, never to be used again. This is alarming, especially with the heightened concerns we’ve had over the last decade in protecting our planet. 

Thankfully, we have some good news. Steel is a naturally occurring element. And, it happens to be recyclable. So, it can be reused again and again for a variety of purposes, never to end up in a landfill. Traditional shingles, on the other hand, create waste once they’ve done their time. So, when you invest in metal roofing, you’ll know that you made a decision that is good for the earth, and you’ll get to experience the benefits of our sustainable building practices.

Metal is also very energy-efficient. Metal roofs reflect the sun's heat away from a building. This can result in energy savings of about 50%, Plus, they’re about 100 degrees cooler on their surface than their asphalt roofing counterparts. So, this can save you a lot of ching on your energy bill!

Low Maintenance and Cost Effectiveness 

Traditional shingles are subject to rot, mildew, and pest infiltration. Metal roofing, on the other hand, is resistant to all of these, making it much easier to maintain.

While you don’t necessarily have to climb a ladder to clean your roof, if environmental debris needs to be removed, all you need is a heavy stream of water and some eco-friendly soap. 

BarrierBoss boss tip: No matter what type of roofing material you have, be sure to clean out gutters and downspouts once or twice a year. When you don’t, it can cause water to backlog, increasing the risk of water damage or possible leaks.

Metal Roofing

Debunking Myths About Metal Roofing

Now, we do want to take a moment to address the potential white elephant in the room. We know there are some naysayers out there that have perceived beliefs about the material. We're here to set the record straight about metal roofing.

Myth: Metal roofs are noisy in the rain. 

Truth: Modern metal roofing systems are installed with insulation and underlayment. While you may hear some environmental noise when there is heavy rain or hail, it’s not that much more than what you might hear if your home has a more traditional roofing system. 

Myth: Metal roofs attract lightning.

Truth: Metal roofs are not more prone to lightning strikes than other roofing materials. In fact, they are non-combustible and can safely disperse any electrical charge from lightning strikes.

Myth: Metal roofs have poor fire resistance.

Truth: Most metal roofing, including BarrierBoss metal roofing products, are considered Assembly-Rated Class A. This means excellent fire protection due to both the covering and underlying materials. The truth is that metal roofs happen to be one of the most fire-resistant options available in roofing materials today.

Myth: Metal roofs are too expensive upfront.

Truth: We’ll be the first to admit that costs are subjective, and metal roofing does have a higher upfront investment. That’s definitely true. However, you really do need to think about the cost savings over time. Since traditional roofs only last 20 to 25 years, you’ll be in a situation to replace your roof far sooner than you will with a metal roof. In fact, you could end up spending a lot more on traditional roofing over time.

Let’s give you a bit more information on the cost of metal roofing. Metal roofs may have a higher initial cost than asphalt shingles but offer great long-term value. Based on our research, a 2,000-square-foot asphalt shingle roof generally costs $5,994–$9,791, while a 1,700-square-foot metal roof may range from $9,150–$16,743. This is why it is so important to recognize the difference in lifespans and energy savings.

Custom Lengths and Premium Coating

Have you been perusing the BarrierBoss product catalog, looking for the best roofing panel sizes for your project? Not seeing the size you need? No problem. We’re happy to work with you on your unique project requirements.

Custom Lengths

We can provide custom lengths for metal roofing. Whether your project requires a non-standard size or specific dimensions, we can do it. All you need to do is contact us with your measurements. We’ll then create a plan to tailor your metal roofing to fit perfectly. No size is too big or too small for BarrierBoss. We are totally committed to exceptional customer service ensuring that you receive exactly what you need for your project.

Benefits of PVDF Paint

We discussed this earlier, but we want to reiterate that our metal roofing is coated with PVDF paint. PVDF paint improves the environmental benefits of metal roofing by reflecting sunlight, reducing heat absorption, and extending the roof's lifespan. At BarrierBoss, we take things up a notch by painting both sides of our metal roofing panels for maximum strength and to ensure an even finish. This extra layer of protection ensures that your roof withstands the elements for years.

Exceeding Industry Standards

BarrierBoss exceeds industry norms. We provide exceptional galvanized zinc content and go beyond paint thickness standards. Our metal roofing products provide double the protection compared to competitors. This can help you feel better about the investment. 

We never want you to look in the rearview mirror regretting your purchase. And once you experience BarrierBoss products for yourself, we’re confident you won’t. 

Making the Choice for Metal Roofing

By now you can see the numerous benefits of metal roofing. 

• Strength
• Long lifespan
• Looks amazing
• Energy-efficient
• Fire-resistant 

At BarrierBoss, we are the premier provider of metal roofing solutions. We offer unrivaled customization options and premium coatings to help protect your product for years to come. We encourage you to see for yourself. Give BarrierBoss a try. See how our quality, price, and customer service are second to none. 

Contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are metal roofs fireproof?

Our metal roofing is considered Assembly-Rated Class A. This means excellent fire protection due to covering and underlying materials. However, know that this doesn't guarantee 100% fireproofing. While highly resistant, metal roofs may still be susceptible to damage under extreme fire conditions.

Are metal roofs worth the expense?

Yes, metal roofs are worth the expense. Because they last 40 to 50 years compared to the 20 or 25 years of a traditional roof, you will save money over time. While metal roofing costs more upfront than other options, we feel that the long-term benefits justify the investment. We’re confident that you will, too.

What is the life expectancy of a metal roof?

Because steel is a naturally occurring element and our products are constructed out of 26-gauge steel with PVDF coating, your new metal roof should last 40 to 50 years. In fact, we provide a 40-year warranty on all of our metal products.

Check out our Metal Roofing collection!