You are probably seeing more Metal Roofs around Skokie. Maybe in neighborhoods like Devonshire or along Niles Center Road. They look good. You might be wondering if they are really as good as people say. Skokie Roofing Solutions has been in this business for many years. We have heard many questions about Metal Roofing. We will answer the important ones honestly.
Is a Metal Roof really worth the higher upfront cost?
This is often the first question people ask. It is a fair question. Metal Roofs do cost more upfront than Asphalt Shingles. You are looking at $5 to $12 per square foot for Metal Roofing materials. When installed, a Standing-Seam Steel or Aluminum Metal Roof can be $7 to $16 per square foot. Asphalt Shingles might cost $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot for materials. Installed Asphalt Shingles can be $4 to $7 per square foot. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home, Asphalt Shingles might be $10,000-$14,000 installed. A Metal Roof could be $18,000-$26,000. That is a big difference in cost.
Metal Roofs last much longer. We are talking about 40 to 70 years. Some copper Metal Roofs can last 100 years. Asphalt Shingles, even good architectural ones, usually last 20 to 30 years here in Illinois. Over the life of one Metal Roof, you would likely replace an Asphalt Roof two or even three times. When you look at the cost per year, Metal Roofs often cost less in the long run. You might also get a discount on your homeowner's insurance because of the durability of a Metal Roof. Skokie Roofing Solutions provides Metal Roofing services for homes in Skokie, IL.
Are Metal Roofs loud when it rains or hails?
This is a common myth. It usually comes from people thinking about old barns or sheds with exposed metal. A properly installed Metal Roof on a home is not much louder than an Asphalt Shingle Roof. This is because we do not just put metal onto open framing. There is solid decking, like plywood or OSB, under the Metal Roof. There is also underlayment and insulation in your attic. All these layers absorb sound and vibrations. You might hear the rain a bit. It is usually a comforting sound, not a loud noise. For homes and businesses in Skokie, Skokie Roofing Solutions provides Metal Roofing services.
How well do Metal Roofs stand up to Skokie's crazy weather?
Our weather here in Skokie can be tough. We have hot summers, freezing winters, and sudden, strong thunderstorms. Metal Roofs are made for this kind of weather. They handle our freeze-thaw cycles better than shingles. Shingles can crack and curl in these conditions. Heavy snow slides right off a Metal Roof. This prevents dangerous loads and ice dams. The high winds we get in Skokie are also handled well by Metal Roofs. A properly installed Metal Roof with concealed fasteners, like a Standing Seam system, will stay in place. Metal Roofs are also very resistant to hail. Asphalt Shingles lose granules and can bruise from hail. Metal panels flex and recover. They often avoid damage completely. Many homeowners switch to Metal Roofs after having repeated hail damage claims on their old roofs. The work will hold up for many years in the Skokie climate.
Will a Metal Roof make my house hotter in the summer?
It is actually the opposite. Metal Roofs are very energy efficient. They reflect solar radiant heat away from your home. Dark Asphalt Shingles absorb this heat. A Metal Roof can reduce your cooling costs by 10-25% in the summer. Light-colored Metal Roofs are especially good at this. Even darker Metal Roofs perform better than asphalt in reflectivity. With good ventilation, a Metal Roof helps keep your attic cooler. This means your whole house stays more comfortable. Your AC unit will not have to work as hard. We provide Metal Roofing services for homes and businesses in Skokie.
What kind of maintenance does a Metal Roof need?
This is one of the big advantages of a Metal Roof. Metal Roofs need very little maintenance. You will not have to worry about granules washing away. You also will not worry about shingles curling and cracking. You should still do an annual inspection, like with any roof. This inspection checks for things like debris buildup, loose fasteners, or any flashing issues. It is also important to keep your gutters clean. Clean gutters are important for any roof to drain properly. Compared to asphalt, you will spend much less time and money on repairs and upkeep over many decades. For Skokie homes, Skokie Roofing Solutions is here for all your Metal Roofing needs.
Can you install a Metal Roof over my existing shingles?
Sometimes, yes. In many cases, we can install a Metal Roof right over your existing Asphalt Shingles. This can save you money on tear-off and disposal costs. However, it is not always the best solution. It depends on the condition of your existing roof. It also depends on the type of Metal Roof you are installing. Local building codes also play a part. We would need to do a thorough inspection to see if it is a viable option for your specific home. We will always tell you honestly if it makes sense for your situation. Call Skokie Roofing Solutions for Metal Roofing work in Skokie, IL.
What types of Metal Roofs are there for homes?
When most people think of Metal Roofs, they picture long, vertical panels. That is called Standing Seam. It is a very popular choice for its clean, modern look and its superior performance. The fasteners are concealed. This means fewer places for potential leaks. There are also Metal Shingles or tiles. These are made to look like traditional Asphalt Shingles, Wood Shakes, or even Slate or Clay Tiles. These give you the durability of metal with a more traditional look. We work with different materials too. This includes steel, aluminum, and even copper for a very high-end look. Each material has its own benefits and visual appeal. We can find something that fits your home's style and your budget. A well-built Metal Roof adds real value to any home in Skokie.
Choosing a roof is a big decision. It is not just about the cost today. It is about what it will do for your home and your wallet for the next 50 years. Metal Roofing is a serious investment. For many Skokie homeowners, it pays off big time. It offers durability, energy savings, and peace of mind. If you are still thinking about it or have more questions, call Skokie Roofing Solutions. We are happy to talk through your options. We do not pressure anyone.