Why Metal Shake Roof Systems Aren’t the Best Solution

Why Metal Shake Roof Systems Aren’t the Best Solution

Choosing the right roofing material can mean the difference between keeping your home protected for decades and replacing it before it reaches its lifespan.

Many people choose metal shakes for their longevity and durability. However, they come with problems that can mean you aren’t getting their best performance.

When choosing a roof type, you should understand why metal-shake roof systems aren’t the best solution—and the available alternatives that offer the same or better protection.

High Cost to Install

Because metal shakes offer more durability and extra protection for your home, they come at a higher price than other materials. The cost of different metals varies, so consider your budget before you commit to a metal-shake roof system.

You can expect to pay the following for a roof with these materials:

  • Corrugated steel: $10,500 to $19,500
  • Aluminum: $15,500 to $28,000
  • Steel: $15,000 to $25,000
  • Standing seam: $23,000 to $30,000
  • Copper: $23,000 to $48,000

Living Room

Along with the materials, metal roofs are more challenging to install, which drives up the labor cost. Unless you have roofing experience, you should leave the installation to the professionals.

More Noise in the Rain

You might get more protection with metal shakes, but you’ll also hear the rain and hail falling in storms. If you plan to sleep, want to watch TV, or have a conversation with your family and friends, the noise that comes with heavy rain on a metal roof will make that more difficult.

You can remedy this problem with extra insulation, but that will contribute to the already high cost.

Increased Chance of Cosmetic Damage

Metal doesn’t give the same way that wood or other, softer materials do—and the material won’t bounce back after an impact.

If you live somewhere that gets a lot of hail or windstorms, falling objects can cause cosmetic damage to your roof. You might notice more dents and scratches on your roof, and insurance won’t cover those repairs.

Moisture Causes Problems

While some roofing systems have more flexibility and can forgive moisture, metal isn’t one of them. Poor installation can exacerbate this problem, creating mold, mildew, and fungus. These issues can find their way inside your home and affect its structure.

Metal shakes can rust with too much moisture, especially if you choose a lower-cost metal roof, like tin. However, you can help prevent rust with the right coating or by galvanizing, but it’s not cheap.

Few Options for Visual Aesthetic

Many metal roof options look similar and don’t offer much variation when it comes to visual aesthetics. Not all of them look appealing combined with all home designs, and while you do have some options to improve them, they often require more maintenance to keep up their appearance.

You can paint your metal shakes, but you’ll need to repaint over time, especially if hail or debris falls and dents the roof.

What Can You Use Instead of Metal Shake Roofs?

If you love the benefits of metal shake roofs but want something more appealing, then synthetic cedar shakes make a fantastic alternative. They’re made from recycled post-industrial plastics, so you don’t have to worry about chipping or fading paint.

These synthetic shakes are environmentally friendly and lightweight, with an appearance that mimics natural cedar-wood shakes. However, unlike wood, composite shakes have a 50-year warranty and a longer lifespan than other cedar shake shingles.

You can get synthetic cedar shakes with a Class A or Class C fire rating, depending on the kind you want for your home. These shakes are also more affordable in the long run and easier to install. With a synthetic shake roof, you will have virtually zero maintenance!

Synthetic Cedar Shakes from Brava Roof Tile

Brava Roof Tile manufactures synthetic cedar shakes in various colors and widths to suit your home’s style and protection needs. Brava Roof Tile materials have the natural beauty of hand-split cedar and more durability, so they provide a maintenance-free alternative to metal and cedar shakes.