The votes are in, and not only have metal roofing materials ceased to be considered as stark, industrial and boring – they’ve become the new architectural style-staple, while also being favored by those looking to diminish their carbon footprints, save electricity and improve the fire rating of their homes.

Furthermore, metal roofing is much more recyclable than other type of roofing materials – unlike fiberglass it can be easily melted down and reshaped. Quite aside from such social and environmental issues, metal roofs are also known for being the most durable and safe option around. Many insurance companies will actually give discounts topping 25% off your payments if you have a metal roof, given their resilience when faced with the hazards of hail, strong wind, and fire.

Furthermore, residential roofing materials have come a long way in the past few decades, and now come in a wide enough array of design aesthetics to appease even the most architecturally traditional home-owner. Various cunning products are painted and treated to emulate the appearance of wooden slats and even clay-roofing tiles, so that you neednt compromise the classic appearance of your home.

If, however, you’re more keen on moving into the modern era of architectural beauty, you’ll find no end of variety and gorgeous design, with panels in everything from stainless steel and copper (which weathers to an enchanting green patina) to gleaming, chrome-like aluminum.

The most modern, and some would say aesthetically pleasing, metal roofing material is that of standing-seam roofing panels, which are both easily installed and virtually immune to wind, ice, snow and hail damage. If youd like to go even stronger you can find these in Galvalume, galvanized sheet steel coated in a Zinc-Aluminum alloy that possesses the most impressive corrosion resistance of any roofing material, meaning that it will last a very long time.

How long will it last? Well, manufacturers are notoriously conservative in how they issue warranties, and the average metal roofing material manufacturer issues a forty year warranty on properly installed roofs. Scientific estimates of how long modern built metal roofs will last range more to the sixty or seventy year mark. So invest now, and look forward to a roof that will protect your home as long as you choose to live in it.