A growing number of homeowners are choosing metal shake shingle roofs—aluminum, copper, steel, or zinc, among others—in both new construction and roof replacement projects.
Many homeowners favor metal shake over the more traditional asphalt shingles because metal is longer-lasting and more durable. It also adds a distinctive aesthetic to the home.
A properly installed metal roof can last the lifetime of your home. These roofs are incredibly durable, capable of withstanding powerful winds and storms. They are also resistant to fire, insects, and rot—and can even help reduce your energy costs by reflecting sunlight.
So, why would anyone not choose this low-maintenance roofing option?
Although metal roofs are superior to traditional roofing materials in many ways, several drawbacks exist that homeowners should consider. Before choosing metal, it’s wise to consider a synthetic alternative to metal shake shingle roofs that shares many of the benefits of metal and few of the drawbacks.
The Disadvantages of Metal Shake Shingle Roofs
Although metal shake shingle roofs are growing in popularity, homeowners are also complaining increasingly about the downsides of living beneath a metal roof.
1. Metal Roofs Are Expensive
Cost is a leading drawback for metal roofs. Metal shake roofs are among the most expensive roofing options. Depending on the type of metal you choose, the average cost of installing a metal roof can be two to five times the cost of traditional alternatives. Not to mention the maintenance and upkeep expenses that never end.
2. Metal Roofs Can Dent
Although known for their durability, metal shake shingle roofs are vulnerable to dents from falling or sharp objects. They hold up well against wind and rain but can suffer unsightly damage from hail, tree branches, or animal claws.
3. Metal Roof Noise: Soothing or Annoying?
Metal roofs are noisy. While some find the gentle pitter-patter of rain against the metal roof calming, a strong storm battering down on metal overhead might have the opposite effect. You can add extra installation to your metal roof to dull the noise, but that will increase its already high cost.
4. Metal Roofs Can Leak and Retain Moisture
When properly installed, metal roofs are water-resistant. However, without correct installation, they are vulnerable to water seepage, which can result in leaks, mold, and mildew.
5. Metal Roofs Can Expand and Contract
Heat and cold can cause a metal roof to expand or contract. When installed properly, the roofs come equipped with systems that can accommodate this movement. Without these safeguards, the expansion and contraction can cause your metal roof to have a wavy appearance.
An Alternative to Metal Shake Roof Shingles
Are you looking for a roofing material with the durability of metal but the affordability of traditional materials? We have the answer.
Brava Roof Tile’s cedar shake roofing is a terrific alternative. It has the endurance of metal but without the cost, noise, and structural issues. Synthetic roof tiles are one of the best roofing materials available.
Brava synthetic cedar shake roofing is a synthetic alternative to metal shake roof shingles. It can withstand punishment from severe weather better than traditional roofing materials and match most metal roofs’ longevity. Brava is so confident of its roofing’s quality that it offers a 50-year limited warranty.
Brava roofing has earned a Class 4 impact rating, the highest hail performance ranking in the roofing industry. These shingles can withstand winds up to 110 mph and rank top-in-class for fire resistance. They also are lightweight, which allows for ease of installation.
Fabricated from a hardy polymer composite, Brava cedar shake roofing can recreate the beauty of natural cedar shingles. However, unlike natural cedar and other traditional materials, Brava cedar shake roofs need virtually no maintenance.
Brava can customize your shingles for any color or color combination, giving you more design options than metal.
Their low environmental impact is another reason that Brava shake tiles provide a great alternative to metal shake roof shingles. Brava makes its cedar shake shingles in the U.S.A. from recycled material, and the roofing materials come with UV protection to help reduce your energy bills.
The Key to a Great Roof? Expert Installation
No matter what type of roof you choose, make sure that an expert installs it. At Authentic Restoration, we have over 20 years of roof replacement and repair experience, with offices in Alabama, Indiana, and North Carolina. As a Brava preferred provider and installer, we at Authentic Restoration possess the knowledge and expertise to help you select the perfect roof to fit your budget.
Trust our pros at Authentic Restoration to install a beautiful Brava cedar shake roof that will last a lifetime on your home. Please call us for a free estimate at 866-357-8427.
