Steel roofing has been growing in popularity – and for good reason. In this report you’ll learn about various metal roofing materials, their unique advantages as well as drawbacks. It will help you make better, more informed decisions for your home.
Steel roofing isn’t new. It’s just newly popular!
Though Galvalume steel roofing has been around for several decades, the aluminum and zinc coated steel that is durable and long lasting is only recently gaining popularity among commercial building and home owners. Architects and engineers, contractors and home owners alike are curious about the benefits and risks of steel roofing.
Most doubts are about the longevity and availability, installation expenses and maintenance costs of steel roofing and other metal roofing materials.
Steel roofing is suitable for use in both residential and non-residential buildings. Low slope standing seam roofing is one of the most common uses of steel in non-residential buildings. Steel shingle roofs which come pre-painted can even enhance the appearance of buildings.
Why is steel roofing such a good choice?
For one, it is incredibly resistant to corrosion so that steel roofing lasts for a very long time. Steel is malleable and easy to roll into panels and sheets, or even molded into roof shingles.
Painting and coating steel roof shingles can enhance their appearance while adding protection. Galvalume roofs are strong enough to resist cracking or peeling in extreme weather.
Standing seam roofing in non-residential buildings avoids the dangers of leaky roofs. Conventional roofs will undergo an inevitable degree of wear and tear over time, leading to cracks, leaks and tears. Water seeps into the roof and then soaks through to the building, causing damage and danger.
Repairs of these leaky roofs can cost a lot more over time than a slightly higher initial investment into durable and stable steel roofing systems. Easy to install, tough, and leak-proof, steel roofing is therefore a very desirable solution in all kinds of weather and climates.
Steel roofing is also useful in retrofit roofing as it can be applied directly over existing roofs without needing costly tearing down. This even makes it environment friendly and suitable for many different kinds of constructions. Also, the productivity of commercial establishments is enhanced with steel roofing as work can continue uninterrupted inside the building even as the roof is being re-laid.
Wood or steel decking for architectural roofs on residential buildings are better not installed directly on the existing roof frame. Felt that covers the decking adds a level of protection against the elements.
Millions of buildings now boast of a steel roofing system. These are rapidly growing to become mainstream options that are economical and effective.
RECOMMENDED READING: Metal Roof Cost – Roofing Estimates & Metal Roof Prices
Metal Roof Types – The Different Kinds Of Metal Roofs
When choosing a metal roof for their homes it is natural to be curious about the metal roof types that are available and metal roofing materials needed for each of them.
Metal roofs are mainly of two types. One is the concealed fastener look and the other is the exposed fastener type. Depending on the desired look and feel you want, your roofing contractor will help you choose between exposed and concealed fasteners roofing. The concealed fasteners are more widely used in residential buildings than the exposed ones.
Apart from these two basic types there are other differences in standing seam metal roof like how the two panels are joined together. There are several different ways metal sheet panels are joined together. The fastenings and clips are the concealed by adjoining panels.
The cost is variable for the different metal roof types. Usually, the exposed fasteners metal roofing is less expensive than the concealed fasterner type.
The metal roofing material used for different types of roofs include steel, copper, zinc, and aluminum. In addition galvanized steel is steel coated with zinc, Galvalume is steel coated aluminum alloy. Both these coating materials protect the steel from corrosion and also give it added strength.
There are different grades of available in Galvalume and galvanized steel. Depending on the thickness of the coating applied the grades vary. For roofing G-60 for galvanized steel and AZ55 is the recommended minimum grade if they are to be painted. Else, higher grades with thicker alloy coatings are recommended depending on the area where you live.
Highly corrosive environments, humid weather, damp regions will needed higher grades with thicker alloy coatings.
ALSO READ: Metal Roof vs Shingles : Give Your Home The Metal Advantage
A Brief History Of Metal Roof Types
Metal roofing has a long history and has been around for hundreds of years.
Ancient buildings had beautiful metal roofs that served many purposes.
- Being light weight and strong they were useful in earthquake prone areas and could also withstand strong tropical storms.
- These metal roof types were not only aesthetically appealing but also resistant to fire, hail and ice. They are also extremely durable lasting much longer than other roofing shingles and clay tiles.
- The water run off from metal roofs could be stored in containers for later use. There a wide variety of metallic roof styles, colors, designs and patterns to choose from. The many benefits of metal roofs have always made them a popular choice in roofing. In older barns you would have seen corrugated metal roofing.
- Metal roof types are energy efficient. They save you money on heating and cooling costs and also because it is longer-lasting and attractive looking roofing, it raises the resale value of your home.
- Metal roofs require very little maintenance and also need less insurance because they are fire resistant. Metals are also versatile lending themselves to a variety of styles and colors. The choice of colors in metal roofs is vast.
As metal roof types have many benefits like durability, attractiveness, resistance to fire, hail, snow and ice, does not bend, warp or curl it has become a preferred choice in roofs for residential homes, business houses and industrial units. The above reasons explain why metals are considered an attractive option for metal roofs.
LEARN ALL ABOUT: Metal Roof Insulation – How To Insulate Under Metal Roof Panels
Metal Roofing Materials – An Ideal Choice For Many Homes
Engineers and building contractors favor metal roofing materials, as they are eco-friendly. Thus, its popularity is increasing as more and more people opt for metal roofing over shingles.
Metal roofing materials are used for all sorts of constructions.
The benefits of metal roofs are obvious from its growing popularity. Several kinds of roofing materials are available. One can choose from a wide range of metal roofing materials, ranging from a simple corrugated metal roof to a more complicated standing seam metal roof.
Depending on the durability, resistance standards and quality of metal roofing materials, the cost can vary widely. Everyone can select the best roofing material that suits their needs from an array of alternative products.
There are many benefits of metal roofing materials. They are resistant against wind. Metal roofing materials can even withstand extreme weather conditions. They are more durable and long lasting. Some can have life of more than 50 years. They can relax and contract according to the ambient temperature, and are suitable for use in diverse climates and environments.
Metal roofs can withstand strong winds, storm, desert heat and even hurricanes. Thus, roofing contractors and home owners alike prefer metal roofing materials over other alternatives.
Metal roofing materials don’t require much structural support either. They are easy to install, coming in sheets that can be conveniently screwed or nailed to the framework easily and quickly.
Energy efficiency is another big advantage of metal roofing. In the contrary to the solar radiation absorbed by asphalt roofs, metal roofing reflects sunlight and radiates away heat. Moreover, it cools down easily and makes the building beneath also cooler. One can save energy and expenses on cooling down the building during summer.
Metal roofing materials can be recycled. They are fire resistant and non combustible. Some people believe metal roofing materials cannot be used in lightning prone areas. But in truth, metal roofs are not affected by lightning any more than other kinds of roofs, conducting away the electricity to the ground and remaining unharmed.
Metal roofing materials that are pre-fabricated for convenience mean a new roof can be installed quickly and easily. They are light in weight, making transportation easy. Metal roofs need little maintenance and will last longer.
Trustworthy metal roofing manufacturers like Lowe’s product high quality roofing materials, making them popular and profitable firms that have served thousands of home owners and contractors faithfully for years. A quick browse through your local yellow pages directory will give more details on metal roofing manufacturers in your area.
Even if initial installation is bit expensive, metal roofing is maintenance free, has a long life-span and is easy to install, making it a great choice for most homes.
BUYER’S GUIDE: Standing Seam Metal Roofing – In 6 Easy Steps
Aluminum Roof Shingles – Permanent Roofing Solutions
Roofing today is a complex subject, not least because of the wide range of material and styles available to roof new buildings. You have a choice when it comes to material and color, design and durability. One of the most durable kinds of roofing are aluminum roof shingles.
Aluminum shingles can be the perfect choice for your home or office building, and even other constructions such as heritage buildings. What makes aluminum roof shingles attractive is that they are lighter than steel while additionally having some unique advantages.
Aluminum is rust proof, while being stronger than asphalt or other laminated shingles. Aluminum shingles are exceptionally strong and tough, and last for a very long time. That’s the reason many vendors can afford to give you lifetime durability guarantees, and will tout the superior performance of these roofing materials over the long term.
But if this alone does not convince you, here are some more amazing reasons to use aluminum roof shingles.
- You do not hear of aluminum shinges burning or drying out.
- They do not crack or rot or rust.
- Mold is rare on aluminum roofs, and there is little chance of insect damage. Indeed, an aluminum roof will very likely outlast the building it is placed upon.
Aluminum roof shingles have a long life. Asphalt itself is durable, with roofs typically lasting 25 years. Designer asphalt shingles, though, are even better. They have a manufacturer rating of 10 and are considered a lifetime roofing solution for all kinds of buildings.
These shingles also look attractive. They are manufactured in different types of material, sizes and designs, and sometimes the products are made to resemble the external view of an asphalt roof, or a wooden roof made of cedar. They lend a look of elegance, class and style to any building.
Combined with their superior performance as a roofing material, there is little wonder why aluminum shingles are so popular among contractors and home owners.
Aluminum roof shingles and sheets can be recycled, giving this kind of roof a high environmental rating. With the trend towards green energy and conservation, this huge plus point makes aluminum roofing a highly attractive option to home owners.
Best of all, all these advantages come at a very affordable price. It is true that aluminum shingles are more expensive than, say, Red Cedar shakes. But when you factor in the longevity of a roof constructed from aluminum shingles and consider that you will rarely need to repair or replace it during the lifetime of the building, you’ll see that the real price is low.
In other words, aluminum shingles are one of the best systems for roofing a new building today. If you’re looking to spare yourself the recurring cost of repairing a broken roof, and want a trouble-free way to design your roof at affordable expense, then using aluminum roof shingles may be the best decision you make in your home construction.
To get a roofing estimate for your construction, or just satisfy your curiosity about how much a new roof costs, feel free to use our recommended service to ask for a quote. You have no obligation at all, so don’t hesitate to make use of these roofing experts to guide you on your quest for a new metal roof, or any other kind.
