Metal Roofs' Popularity on Rise

Metal Roofs' Popularity on Rise

Source: Sunday Gazette - Mail; Charleston, W.V.
Publication date: February 11, 2007
By Charles Shumaker

For the Sunday Gazette-Mail

Homeowners who roofed their homes with shingles for years are finding that the decades-old use of metal roofing is a now stylish and practical option.

Pam Sovine, vice president for Southern Building Systems Inc. in Charleston, said the trend of installing metal roofs has especially taken off in the past five years.

"People are realizing that this isn't that old tin roof," she said.

The older version of the metal roof brought loud noises indoors when rain landed, she said. The new generation of metal roofs, however, is quieter and more durable.

Many come with a 45-year warranty.

"As much as anything, people realize this could be the last roof they have to put on their house," Sovine said.

The roofing material is now galvanized and can be installed on top of shingles. That means the metal roof is more environmentally friendly because the old shingles don't have to be removed and thrown out.

"You can save money too on removal and disposal," Sovine said.

Homeowners who become customers at Southern Building Systems have been attracted by the appearance of the metal roofs. There are different styles and colors that bring in customers solely on the look, she said.

"I think this is mainly, like with everything in home decorating, it's a trend that is appealing to people visually," Sovine said. "But then, people start being educated on it and find it lasts longer."

Sovine, who has worked with her family's metal roof supply and installation business for 15 years, has customers who have metal roofs as old as the business.

"A 20-year shingle may start showing age in 10 years," she said.

She said most metal roofs need very little maintenance and take much longer to age.

She said the prices can be more expensive for metal roofing but the cost can be offset by not removing existing roofs and by not replacing them as often.

(c) 2007 Sunday Gazette - Mail; Charleston, W.V.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.