Why Metal Roofing is an Ideal Choice for Massachusetts

Metal roofs are gaining popularity in New England for a host of reasons. One of the biggest is that our harsh climate demands durable, weather resistant roofs. Massachusetts’ winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often hovering around freezing or lower. New England winters can include major coastal storms known as Nor’easters, that can deliver heavy snow, high winds, and rain. The weather is often unpredictable and can bring strong winds, freezing rain, and icy conditions. Some Massachusetts winters can be mild with little snow, while others feature major, foot-plus snowstorms and the risk of ice dams and the freeze/thaw cycle that causes them.

A metal roof offers protection that lasts decades longer than asphalt shingles, an advantage for any Massachusetts homeowner in winter and in summer with its high heat and humidity.

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You may know you need a new roof, but have you given any thought to the material you’ll choose?

Not only are they durable and aesthetically pleasing, they withstand all the harsh weather we get here on the East Coast. While you’re at it, why not blend a new roofing system with window replacement and other exterior renovations to get it all done at once? This exterior transformation will give your property the makeover it needs while modernizing its appeal and adding value. Let’s talk about why metal roofing is an ideal choice for homes on the East Coast.

Metal roofing: Built for life in New England

From saltwater corrosion resistance to low maintenance requirements, there are many benefits to installing a metal roofing system on your East Coast home.

The Benefits of Metal Roofs in Massachusetts

1. Resist Salt Water Corrosion

Virtually made for coastal environments, metal handles saltwater exposure much better than other types of roofs.

2. Are Energy Efficient

Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, rather than absorbing it. This keeps your home cooler in the hot Massachusetts summers, significantly reducing air conditioning costs by as much as 40%. With proper insulation, you will also spend less on heating bills. Cooler locations may see the biggest savings from unpainted metal roofs since they will absorb more of the sun’s heat. Conversely, warmer locations may find the granular or pre-painted metal options a better choice. They will reflect up to 90% of the sun’s UV and infrared light rays.

3. Weather Resistance.

In cold climates, metal roofs offer increased protection against wind, heavy snow loads, and ice dams. They can withstand high winds of up to 140 mph or more and hail. The sleek surface of a metal roof encourages snow to slide off, which helps prevent the accumulation of snow and the formation of damaging ice dams.

4. Longevity.

Properly installed metal roofs can last between 40 to 80 years, significantly longer than the 15 to 25-year lifespan of typical asphalt shingle roofs.

5. Durability.

Metal roofs will not corrode or crack and are impact-resistant, including damage from hail. They are also resistant to wildfires and offer protection against mold, moss, algae, rot and pest infestations.

6. Fire Resistance.

Metal roofs are noncombustible, having a Class A fire rating (the most resistant). This is most important to homes located in areas that are prone to wildfires. Metal roofs are no more prone to lighting strikes than traditional asphalt shingle roofs.

7. Environmentally Friendly.

Depending on the type of material, metal roofs have 35% to 95% recycled content and are 100% recyclable.

8. Aesthetic Appeal.

Metal roofing is available in a wide variety of colors, finishes, and styles. There are options that mimic traditional materials like wood shakes, slate, or tile. Materials can be steel, aluminum, or copper. Metal roofing can complement any architectural design from colonial to modern.

9. Lend a Streamlined Look

Metal roofs offer more of an aesthetic than you realize. No longer are they just for commercial buildings and barns. More and more homeowners are choosing metal on their homes for its beautiful, streamlined and contemporary look.

10. Bring Unmatched Durability

In terms of wind resistance and longevity, metal can endure extreme weather much better than traditional asphalt shingles. Plus, snow can slide right off metal rather than accumulate and add to the stress of your roof.

11. Are Low in Maintenance

Metal roofs generally require minimal maintenance over their lifespan. This means avoiding the cost of repairs associated with other roofing materials. Factory-applied coatings provide excellent protection against rust and saltwater corrosion, making them especially suitable for coastal Massachusetts homes. The light weight of metal puts less strain on the home’s structure, compared to heavier materials like tile.

12. Enhance Property Value

Metal roofing boosts your property value and adds to the appeal to potential home buyers who are willing to pay a premium for a superior roofing material.

13. Have a Lower Long-Term Cost

Yes, metal roofs come with a higher upfront cost, which is what scares away homeowners at first glance. However, it must be viewed as an investment in the longevity and protection of your home over the coming decades. Asphalt roofs last only 20 to 25 years. Metal roofs can last upwards of 50 years or more with proper care. It’s likely that a metal roof will be the last roof you will ever need.

Metal Roof Colors and Styles for Massachusetts Homes

Metal Roofs are manufactured in a few different materials, each offering their own features and benefits.

Aluminum roofs are lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion in Massachusetts coastal environments.
Steel is the most popular choice. It offers high strength and is typically coated to prevent rust.
Copper is known for its long lifespan and the beautiful patina it develops over time. This is typically the most expensive type of metal roofing material.
Zinc also has a long lifespan and requires minimal maintenance. It will also change color and develop a patina over time.

Metal roof colors are not limited to classic silver or gray. Modern technology has made metal roofing available in many colors, ranging from traditional earth tones to vibrant blues, greens, red, and white. They also come with patterns that mimic wood or slate. This diversity provides homeowners with options to select a roof that matches their personal style and their home’s aesthetic.

Metal Roofs Installed in Massachusetts by Golden Group Roofing

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

This refers to the installation of a metal roofing system with wide, flat panels connected by vertical, raised seams that conceal the fasteners beneath the metal surface. The clip or flange system allows the metal panels to expand and contract freely with temperature changes, which is crucial for preventing damage such as oil canning, fastener failure, and leaks over time. The result is a clean, continuous, and modern look with prominent vertical lines running from eave to ridge.

Metal Shingles that Mimic Slate or Cedar

Called stone-coated metal shingles, this metal shingle combines the look of traditional shingles with the durability of metal. They are made from steel panels coated with stone granules to create a textured, dimensional appearance that is like asphalt shingles.

Aluminum Shingles

Ideal for Massachusetts coastal properties, aluminum shingles are lightweight and durable with a high percentage of recycled material. They are energy efficient, long-lasting, and low-maintenance with a high resistance to rust, fire, and harsh weather.

Steel, Galvalume, and Copper Shingles

Steel shingles have a durable and affordable base. Galvalume and an aluminum-zinc coating that offers superior corrosion resistance. Copper is a premium, long-lasting metal that develops a distinct green patina over time.

Our Metal Roof Installation Process

The process for installing a metal roof involves careful preparation, laying protective layers, and securing the metal panels and trim in a specific sequence to ensure a weather-tight seal. Metal roof installation can be complex. A professional roofer with expertise in metal roof installation will have the right tools and safety gear and will follow a comprehensive process.

Step-by-Step Installation

Plan and Measure: Accurately measure the roof’s dimensions to calculate the required materials, what is needed for waste. Choose the specific style of metal panels and gather necessary tools, safety equipment, underlayment, fasteners, and flashing.
Prepare the Roof Surface: Remove all old roofing materials, including shingles, flashing, and vents, to expose the bare roof sheathing
Install Underlayment: Install a high-quality synthetic underlayment or an ice and water shield across the entire roof deck for moisture protection and as a barrier between the sheathing and the metal panels.
Install Drip Edge and Flashing: Install the eave flashing (drip edge) along the perimeter of the roof to protect the fascia and help prevent water from seeping under the roof. Install valley flashing where different roof sections meet and step flashing around chimneys or walls.
Position and Secure the Metal Panels: Metal panels are installed from peak-to-eave so that they are square to the edge, overhanging the eaves by about ¾ inch to 1-inch. Panels are secured with roofing screws with rubber washers to create a watertight seal.
Install Ridge Caps and Trim: Once all panels are in place, install the ridge caps along the roof’s peak to provide a finished look and weather protection. Install gable trim along the ends of the roof to protect the edges.
Final Inspection and Cleanup: Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire roof to ensure all screws are tight, all joints are properly sealed, and there are no gaps or loose pieces. Promptly clean up all metal shavings to prevent rust.

From planning to cleanup, Golden Group Roofing’s meticulous installation process means we not only meet our customer’s expectations, we surpass them.

How other roofing materials compare in the East Coast

You now know all about the benefits of metal roofing. Let’s take a look at how other traditional roofing materials fare in this climate.

Asphalt: This has long been the cheapest roofing material you can get, but due to its affordability, it is also the most popular among homeowners. It’s easy to install and the price is right, but these shingles don’t have as much durability and longevity as metal. Asphalt has the shortest lifespan of all the roofing materials, needing replacement after 20 or so years. In addition, frequent exposure to severe weather may reduce its lifespan even further, especially if you live at the coast.
Tile: These are the most fragile and high-maintenance materials you can invest in, which doesn’t make them a very viable option for New England homes. Tiles can crack if anyone walks on them to perform regular maintenance, and even hail and storm debris can impact it. Tile roofs are also extremely heavy, often requiring reinforcement to the roof deck before installation.
Wood: Wood shakes may offer a quintessential New England Cape Cod-style look, they require a lot of maintenance, plus they have a long list of performance and durability issues. They can crack, warp, rot and split, too.

Here on the East Coast, if you’re looking for a roofing solution that gives your property strength, style, longevity, and energy efficiency, look no further than metal roofing.

Why Metal roof is the ultimate choice in comparison to asphalt shingles

Cost: Although the initial cost of metal roofing is higher than that of asphalt shingles, the cost/benefits ratio over the longer roof lifespan is superior to that of a shingle roof.

Longevity: Properly installed metal roofs can last 40 to 50 or more years, while asphalt shingle roofs have a lifetime of about 15 to 25 years.

Resale Value: Homeowners in the Northeast who sell their homes after installing a metal roof can recoup as much as 95% of their cost. Homes with a metal roof, on average, obtain a 6% resale value gain over homes with asphalt roofs.

Maintenance: Metal roofing is virtually maintenance free, while asphalt roofs require routing maintenance.

Weight: Metal roofing materials are lighter than asphalt shingles, which may require heavier substructure.

Recyclability: Metal roofing is typically 100% recyclable. Asphalt shingles must be taken to a landfill.

Weather: A metal roof can handle almost any type of weather experienced in New England. It can protect your home against extreme temperatures, hail, snow and ice, high winds, and fire. Traditional roofing materials do not perform as well with Mother Nature’s weather conditions.

Aesthetic Appeal: Metal roofing offers many options for styles and colors. Asphalt shingles also come in different styles and colors.

Speaking of Aesthetics

Asphalt shingles have been the choice for many homeowners in Massachusetts and across New England. They are affordable, versatile, and blend seamlessly with many architectural styles from colonial to contemporary.

Through advanced manufacturing methods, metal roof materials can replicate the texture, color, and shape of asphalt roofs. Using stone-coated steel panels that are pressed into shingle-like shapes and coated with granules, metal can mimic the look of asphalt, while maintaining all the benefits of metal. Sophisticated manufactured steel or aluminum panels can have micro-texturing and multi-layer coatings to create a dimensional, shingle-like appearance.

These techniques can make them nearly indistinguishable from traditional shingles.

Colors and Patterns: In addition, color and pattern variations are possible with metal roofing materials. A randomized surface pattern can be used to avoid a repetitive, artificial look. Special color-shifting pigments can create subtle color variations that can also mimic the look of traditional shingles.

The Cost of a Metal Roof in Massachusetts

The average price for a metal roof installation in Massachusetts is between $7 to $16 per square foot installed. Prices vary significantly based on the type of metal used – steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc – and the size and complexity of the roof.

Determining factors when calculating the cost of a metal roof include:

Material Type. Steel and aluminum are less expensive than copper and zinc,
Roof Complexity. Intricate designs require more labor and custom flashing. The number of dormers, valleys, and the steepness of the roof affect the price.
Style. There are different styles from the standing seam design which is between $9 and $16 per square foot installed. Corrugated if about $5 to $12 per square foot installed. Stone-coated material ranges from $10 to $14 per square foot.
Labor Costs are dependent on the geographic area and are a significant portion of the total cost – from $4 to $8 per square foot.

Is Metal Roofing Right for You?

If you are looking for a long-term roofing solution that beautifies, has a long life, and increases your home’s value, a metal roof may be the perfect solution. Homeowners in Massachusetts and throughout New England are choosing metal roofing for its many benefits.

Get a Free estimate on metal roofing in the east coast today.

No matter where you live in Massachusetts, we can install a state-of-the-art system that can handle even the harshest of New England weather. Please schedule your free appointment online or call us at (508) 873-1884 today to learn about metal roofing on the East Coast and why it’s right for you.