zinc roof installers in West Lothian (34)

What are the advantages of metal roofing

When choosing your roofing materials, it’s important to consider all the options available. If you’re leaning more towards metal roofing, it may help to know some of the benefits of this material. Metal roofing is:

• Designed to last up to 50 years

• Durable and strong

• Fireproof

• Visually appealing

• Insulating, reducing your energy bills

• Recyclable

What are the disadvantages of metal roofing?

While metal roofing is a great choice, there are a few drawbacks to using this material. These include:

• Longer installation times

• Higher cost, although metal does last for a long time, making it worth the investment

• Metal roofing can be noisy during storms

• Risk of slipping if you climb on your metal roof when it’s wet

If you’re considering whether to choose a tile or metal roof, it may help to compare the two options. Below we’ve summarised the features of metal roofs vs tile roofs (using asphalt tiles as an example):

• Price - Tiles are generally more affordable than metal roofing.

• Energy efficiency - Metal roofing is surprisingly energy efficient. It reflects heat back into your home during the winter and repels it during the summer. Tiles are still energy efficient but not to the same extent.

• Maintenance - Tile roofs will usually need more care and maintenance than metal roofs. Plus, over time tile roofs can become damaged and loose.

• Appearance - This really depends on your personal taste. Tile roofs can be a beautiful addition to your home, while metal roofing is available in a range of colours, designs and styles to suit any type of home.

  • Durability - Roofing repairs can be expensive and metal roofs are more durable. This means they’re less likely to need costly repairs than tile roofs.

Metal roofs are generally installed over underlay to improve their efficiency in terms of insulation, noise reduction and water resistance. There are many different types of underlay including:

• Felt underlay

• Rubber underlay

• Asphalt underlay

• Synthetic underlay

If you’re considering having a metal roof installed, you’re probably wondering how much this job will cost. The price you pay for your new metal roof will vary depending on the following factors:

• Size of roof - The bigger your roof, the more a new metal roof will cost.

• Style of roof - There are a variety of different styles of roofs, these will be priced differently.

• Repairs - If your current roof needs repairs, this is an extra cost to consider.

• Type of metal - Different types of metal have different costs. Plus, choosing a higher quality metal means it will last longer but will be more expensive.

• Location - The price of labour will vary throughout the UK.

• Accessibility - If there are issues accessing your roof, this may increase the price of labour.

Metal roofing cost

It’s important to consider the above variables when setting a budget for your new metal roof. One of the key factors that impacts your metal roofing cost is the type of metal used. For example, tin roofing costs an average of £60 per m2 while aluminium roofing costs an average of £57 per m2.

To learn more about different types of roofing, including their pros, cons, and average prices, check out our roof installation cost guide.

Once you’ve decided a metal roof is the right choice for your home, you’ll need to find the right professional to carry out the installation. It may be tempting to save money and do the work yourself, however unless you have the right experience and qualifications you could do more harm than good. Remember, poor quality roofing leads to leaks and damages.

If you’re looking for flawless, long lasting results, we’d recommend hiring a professional. They’ll be able to install your roof in a fraction of the time it would take you with little risk.

It's important to regularly check the condition of your roof, especially if your home has a leak. And if you spot a hole, it’s vital that it’s repaired as soon as possible. Confident in your DIY skills? You may be able to carry out the metal roof repair yourself. Just make sure you can access your roof safely to prevent any accidents.

You can repair a hole in a metal roof using a metal patch and sealant but first you need to clean and scuff the surrounding metal. Next, attach your metal patch to cover the hole and apply a generous amount of sealant around the edges. You should also use metal screws to hold the patch in place. Finally, you can paint the patch to match the rest of your roof.

Want to speak to metal roofers in West Lothian?

Ready for your new metal roof? Let us help you find dependable metal roofing installers in your local area. Our members all pass thorough checks and come with the recommendation of your neighbours so you can be sure you’re hiring the right person for your job.

There are two ways we can help speed up your search. One option is to use our online search feature. It’s free to use, just type in your postcode to see a range of metal roofing installation experts in West Lothian.

Alternatively, our request a quote feature is the perfect, hassle free way of finding metal roofing contractors. Tell us about your job using our online form and we’ll pass your details to three local metal roofing companies. You can then sit back and relax while they put together three custom quotes.