What is the Lightest Material for a Roof?

If you’re a homeowner in San Antonio, TX, roofing is likely a big concern for you. We rely on our roofs to protect our families and homes from weather, fire, falling trees, and other disasters both large and small.

However, we tend to overlook the significance of weight when it comes to our roofing systems. While you may have heard that metal is one of the longest-lasting and strongest materials for a rooftop, it might surprise you to learn that metal roofs are also among the lightest in terms of weight.

Why Does the Weight of Roofing Matter?

As any roofer will tell you, the weight of a roof has a dramatic effect on the underlying structures. Your roof deck relies on the roofing system to protect it from water damage. However, if the roof is too heavy, the deck can suffer as a result, leading to cracks and damage that severely compromises the structural integrity of your home.

If you’re in the market for San Antonio roof repair, you may have looked into the viability of a “roof-over,” which involves fastening new materials on top of an existing roof to save on costs. If you hire a roofer to perform a roof-over with shingles on a 30ft roof, you’ll be adding a whopping 15,000 pounds on top of your decking. You run the risk of damaging those supporting structures over time, which could lead to catastrophic damage to the interior of your house if the rooftop eventually caves in.

On the other hand, a metal roof of the same size weighs only 4,500 pounds, more than 10,000 pounds lighter. That’s a significant decrease, one that will avoid putting undue stress on your decking system. If you need a new rooftop but are unwilling or unable to pay the cost of a full roof replacement, ask your roofer about installing a metal roof on top of the old one.

Other Benefits of a Metal Roof

In addition to being the most lightweight material in traditional roofing, metal offers a slew of other benefits to homeowners. 

For one thing, it’s more fire-resistant than most materials, especially when coated with special flame-retardant substances. As wildfires continue to increase in frequency, more and more homeowners are looking for San Antonio, TX roofing solutions that can help protect their homes from burning.

Additionally, metal roofs last a lot longer than other materials. Their longevity makes them very appealing to people who want to invest in their property’s value. San Antonio roof repair is a breeze with metal roofs because they are much less susceptible to damage from things like falling branches.

Finally, metal rooftops are more energy efficient than other materials, allowing homeowners to save on their electric bills.

The Best in San Antonio, TX Roofing

For the best in San Antonio roof repair, or to learn more about how a metal roof can boost your curb appeal, get in touch with a friendly and professional roofer at Top Notch Roofing today!