<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Why Choose Metal Roofing?</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">If you are looking for a roof that will last more than 50 years, then metal roofing is for you. In 2009, metal roofing accounted for about 10%-14% of all re-roofing jobs in the United States. There are several reasons why metal roofs are growing in popularity. These reasons include the strength and protection that metal roofs provide, and the greater design options available with metal roofing materials.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Longevity</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Metal roofs last the longest of any roofing material. Most metal roofing manufacturers offer 50 year warranties for their products. With just a little maintenance, metal roofs can last up to 75 years.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/11a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/11a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Strength & Durability</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Metal roofs withstand all weather conditions, from large amounts of heavy snow to hail and high winds. Metal roofs do not rot, which eliminates the possibility for insect damage. Additionally, metal roofs do not absorb water or moisture, and they don’t crack or peel. They are also resistant to mildew and decay. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Price</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Metal roofs cost more than most other roofing types. The average prices for metal roofs are: steel shingles – $5,000-$22,000; aluminum shingles – $12,000-$24,000; copper shingles – $25,500 – $39,600. There are many variables that determine the cost of a new metal roof, including size, material, pitch, accessibility, permits and any special labor costs associated with the roofing project. Homes with metal roofs are known for their higher resale values.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Safety Benefits</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">One of the greatest advantages of metal roofs is that they are fire-resistant. Unlike wood or asphalt shingled roofs, metal roofs do not burn, adding an additional level of protection for homeowners.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Environmental Benefits</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">There are several factors that make metal roofing environmentally friendly.Most metal roofs can be installed over an existing roof. Installing a metal roof over an existing roof eliminates waste from a roof tear-off that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Metal roofs are often made from recycled material, and metal roof materials can be recycled. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Energy Efficiency</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Metal roofs reflect the sun and block heat transmission from the roof to the interior of the house. A pigment-coated metal roof is more energy efficient because it creates a cooler home, due to the reflective pigments within the finish. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Design</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">There are many color choices and design schemes available in metal roofing materials. Painted metal is available in almost any color. There are two types of metal roofs: standing seam metal roofs and corrugated metal roofs.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Standing seam metal roofs are made up of interlocking metal panels that are placed vertically from the ridge of the roof to the eaves. Corrugated metal roofing is corrugated, or rippled, sheets of metal. These two metal roof types create different appearances. Depending on your design preference, you can choose the wavy appearance of a corrugated metal roof or the flat, vertical appearance of standing seam metal roofing.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/11b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/11b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Federal Tax Credits</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If you install a metal roof before December 31, 2010, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. You can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost (up to $1,500) for Energy Star metal roofs with pigmented coatings.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Pigmented coatings increase the energy efficiency of metal roofs.</p>    <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Written by Marcy Tate</strong></p><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Marcy is a blogger at <a href="http://www.networx.com" target="_blank">Networx</a>. She is also a featured author at <a href="http://www.roofingnetworks.com" target="_blank">Roofing</a> Networks.</span></p></span>