This blog article describes the reasons why we chose a metal roof for our beach house project on Fripp Island. This article was written in Partnership with McElroy Metal, but all the opinions are my own.
Last year, Jenni and I completed a major DIY screened-in porch addition to our main home. We selected a standing seam metal roof from McElroy Metal to complement the design. If you followed along on Instagram, you saw that I installed the roof system myself (with help from my Dad!) The Medallion-Lok standing seam system we chose, looks as good today as the day we finished installing it.
The installation process was not for the beginner DIYer; however, with good instructions from McElroy, I learned a new skill and got to complete that project without the additional cost of labor. For me, working so closely with the material also reiterated its durability features and visual appeal.
Fast forward eighteen months. We had a similar aesthetic vision and durability need as we designed our home on Fripp Island. We wanted to use the roof as a canvas for part of our creative vision, knowing a well-designed roof could have a significant impact on our home’s beauty as well as its longevity. The advantages of using it again seemed undeniable: longevity, energy efficiency, and a contemporary look that could enhance curb appeal and potentially the home’s value.
Again, we turned to McElroy Metal. This time, we chose its Maxima standing seam panel system as the perfect design element to enhance our home’s overall aesthetic. Because McElroy Metal roofs come in various styles, colors, and finishes, it allowed us to choose the perfect specs to complement our home’s unique design features.
Weather Warrior
Roofs face the brunt of nature’s elements—from scorching sunrays to heavy snow loads, to torrential rains, and high winds. With a metal roof, we believe we’ve invested in a weather-resistant shield that can withstand the harshest conditions and stand up better than shingles to the constant barrage of Mother Nature. In addition, our metal roof is fire-resistant and protects against mold, rot, and pest infestations. It also means we won’t have to worry about frequent repairs or replacements, giving us peace of mind and saving us money in the long run.
It is estimated our metal roof could help save 10-25% on our future cooling costs. Here’s why. Roofing material is heated directly by the sunlight that is incident on the material. The more of the sun’s rays that are absorbed, the hotter the roofing material gets. Not only do asphalt shingles absorb more energy, but they also have approximately twice the areal mass of metal so more of the absorbed heat is held in the roof and will be transferred to the roof deck!
Conversely, the more sunlight that is reflected, the cooler the surface temperature will be. Metals used in roofing are reflective because of their smooth surface. In addition, many of the coatings used for metal roofing include reflective pigments to further reduce the absorbed energy. And, If you happen to pick a light color, you will get an additional benefit due to light reflection.
Smart Sustainability Choice
Embracing a McElroy Metal roof for an addition, a new home, or even a roof replacement project, doesn’t just enhance a home’s allure—it’s also a sustainable choice. Metal roofs are energy-efficient and recyclable, helping to reduce our carbon footprint and contributing to a greener planet. By opting for a metal roof, we’ve not only invested in our home but also in a more sustainable future. When asphalt shingles must be replaced every 15-20 years, they go straight to the landfill, whereas metal roofs are 100% recyclable when they meet the end of their life in 40 to 60 years.
Saltwater Resilience
Coastal homes demand a roofing solution that can withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater— while embracing the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. Many of McElroy roof systems are manufactured in steel and have the option of a Kynar 500 coating that provides incredible protection of the panels. However, being less than a half mile away from the salt spray of the ocean, we chose Kynar-coated aluminum for our roofing system that is inherently more corrosion-resistant than steel in a saltwater environment.
Design Aesthetic
Coastal homes often draw inspiration from their natural surroundings and take cues from historic homes in the area. In our case, each room in our new home takes advantage of the beautiful marsh views. McElroy Metal offers an extensive range of colors and finishes, allowing us to complement the new roof with the natural environment. We chose the color Texas Silver Metallic— a highly reflective silver with slightly cool undertones that mimic the color of the galvanized steel panels that have been used in South Carolina’s low country homes for generations.
Hurricane-Ready
In South Carolina’s coastal environment, a well-designed roof system needs to be resistant to the uplift loads that can be created by hurricane-force winds. McElroy Metal worked with our roofing installation company to determine, based on our roof pitch, that we should use the Maxima system to get the standing seam look we were going for while meeting the wind load performance necessary!
As I’ve watched the progress of our metal roof installation, one thing has become abundantly clear—these roofs aren’t just functional. They’re a combination of durability and elegance, and a marriage of practicality and aesthetics. So, if you’re envisioning a charming house addition, a coastal haven, a rustic home in the woods, or even a roof redo, McElroy Metal Roofs offer an unrivaled combination of benefits and beauty that can elevate your project to new heights.
For Jenni and me, the roof isn’t just a shield that protects our dream home; it’s a statement. It’s an expression of our style, a testament to our commitment to quality, and a homage to the natural beauty that surrounds us.
About McElroy Metal
Since 1963, McElroy Metal has served the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service. The employee-owned components manufacturer is headquartered in Bossier City, La., and has 14 manufacturing facilities across the United States. Quality, service, and performance have been the cornerstone of McElroy Metal’s business philosophy and have contributed to the success of the company through the years. As a preferred service provider, these values will continue to be at the forefront of McElroy Metal’s model along with a strong focus on the customer.