Why You Should Avoid Using Exposed Fasteners For Metal Roofing

When picking the best roof for your home, budget is often one of the main factors. For those looking to complete this task without breaking the bank, metal roofs are one of the more popular options available. You may have also heard about using exposed fasteners on your metal roof to further cut down on costs. While it's tempting, this may be one money-saving option that you want to skip. 

Exposed fasteners are simply the visible screws that attach the metal roofing panels to your home's structure. Although there's a ton of metal roof options available, steel and aluminum are the most common materials used for with exposed fasteners. At about $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot including materials and installation, exposed fastener metal roofs are one of the most affordable options out there. 

However, the fasteners used for these roofs are not indestructible, and they wear down over time. This wear can lead to leaks. Additionally, metal goes through thermal expansion and contraction with weather changes. This process puts a lot of extra strain on your fasteners and can cause them to loosen, further increasing the likelihood of roof leaks. If the problem gets bad enough, you may actually end up losing roofing panels to wind or heavy storms.

While exposed fastener metal roofs aren't the best roofing option available, that doesn't mean you need to ditch metal altogether. Despite rumors floating around about metal roofs, they are still a solid option when attached with a standing seam, which conceals the fasteners. Depending on the material used, like Galvalume or galvanized steel, metal roofs cost around $5 to $16 per square foot and last between 40 to 80 years. Compare that to the expected 20-years you get with asphalt singles and you can see the appeal of metal roofs.

You can also consider installing a tar and gravel roof on your home. Generally, these roofs costs between $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot, and last up to 30 years. However, tar and gravel roofs aren't great options for areas with a lot of snow and rain. Additionally, the roofing membrane may become damaged with strong sun exposure. If you have room to expand your budget, you can also look into using slate or clay for your home. While these materials are on the more expensive end, they both last around 100 years and sometimes longer. 

At the end of the day, it's probably best to skip exposed fasteners on your roof. But even if you're trying to update your home on a budget, there are still a lot of great roofing options available to explore.