There are many design considerations that go into the construction of a new barn, and choosing the type of roofing your new barn sports can be one of the most difficult decisions you will make. More specifically, choosing the materials your barn's roof will be made from can be a real challenge—an enormous variety of potential roofing materials are on offer, each with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

However, when it comes to pure practicality, it's hard to beat the immense durability and longevity of metal roofing. These roofs may not give your barn a particularly 'homey' feel, but they convey a number of attractive advantages that can make them a fine choice for any barn. However, metal roofs have some disadvantages like any other kind of roof, so it's important to know whether this unique roofing material is right for you before you commit to it.

What are the advantages of choosing a metal roof for my barn?

Durability: Metal roofs are immensely durable and are capable of shrugging off impacts from falling tree branches and other heavy objects. They are also highly wind-resistant, with some types of metal roofing rated to withstand cyclone-strength winds.

Longevity: A metal roof can be expected to last for many decades with minimal repairs and maintenance required—investing in corrosion-resistant aluminium can make them last even longer.

Low maintenance: Metal roofing requires little in the way of maintenance, and an occasional inspection for rust and physical damage will generally suffice. Painted metal roofs may require re-coating after some time, but metal roof paints are highly durable, so this will not be a common occurrence.

Fire safety: Metal roofing will not catch fire as a result of internal fires or external ignition sources (such as lightning strikes). This dramatically increases the safety of your barn and is particularly useful when constructing a barn intended for storing hay, straw or other highly flammable materials.

Heat reflection: Metal roofing reflects a large portion of the sun's heat, keeping your barn tolerably cool during brutal summer heatwaves. This reflective property can also reduce your energy bills if your barn requires internal climate control.

What about the disadvantages of choosing a metal roof for my barn?

Expense: Metal roofing can be considerably more expensive than less durable roofing materials, such as asphalt or traditional shingles. As such, you should consider a metal roof for your barn to be a long-term investment.

Noise: Metal roofing can become very loud during heavy rains and hailstorms, which can make working inside the barn uncomfortable and may distress any livestock held within your barn. Special insulating pads can be installed to dull this noise significantly, but these pads will require additional financial outlay on your part.

For additional information and advice, contact metal roofing contractors in your area.