STEEL (METAL)
Natural, durable, long lasting roofing material thats become increasing popular roofing option throughout the United States
Low Maintanence
Fire Resistant
Light Weight Material
Long lifespan
No rot or mildew
DESCRIPTION
Metal is a unique, long-lasting roofing material, thats energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly that can enhance your home's curb appeal. Because of its superior resistance to water and weather, it is an excellent choice for buildings with high wind speeds.
It is a popular choice for commercial and residential properties due to its durability and longevity. Metal roofing can save up to 50% on energy costs compared to other roof materials. In addition, unlike other roofing materials, it does not necessitate routine maintenance or costly repairs.
Even though it's more durable than other roofing types, it's still vulnerable to wear and tear from harsh weather conditions and improper care. With proper maintenance a metal roof can last upwards of fifty years.
No doubt about it, a metal panel roof will cost more up front than traditional asphalt roofing.
But that metal roof will still be up there when that asphalt is being replaced for the second, third or fourth time.
The two most common choices for a metal roof are corrugated metal and standing seam. Corrugated metal is most often associated with utilitarian installations but can also be applied to residential roofs.
The clean lines and unexposed fasteners of a standing seam roof are considered more attractive and earn the bulk of the residential trade.
The price for that sharp look is in the installation that is more expensive, especially if a tear-off of the existing roof is involved.
Both styles are available in a rainbow of popular colors, many more than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are almost maintenance free, but corrugated metal roofs do require a bit more attention to tend to the exposed fasteners every several years or so.
TYPES & STYLES
Metal Roof Types
There are five metal materials utilized within the roofing industry.
Metal (Steel)
Aluminum
Copper
Tin
Zinc
A metal roof brings many different advantages to homeowners, from being minimal maintenance to having a long lifespan. When the term “metal roofing” is used, most commonly it’s referring to steel. Steel is an alloy, made from iron and other elements.
The lifespan of your metal roof will be determined by several factors including the style of the panel profile, gauge of the steel, and the finish.
There are also several different types of metal roofs.
Standing seam metal roofs: These roofs have raised seams that interlock to create a watertight seal. They are popular for their durability and resistance to wind, rain, and snow.
Metal shingle roofs: These roofs are designed to look like traditional asphalt shingles, but are made of metal. They are lightweight, durable, and can last for several decades.
Metal tile roofs: These roofs are designed to look like clay or concrete tiles, but are made of metal. They are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to fire, wind, and hail.
Corrugated metal roofs: These roofs have a wavy pattern and are often used for agricultural or industrial buildings. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be painted or coated for added protection.
Copper roofs: Copper is a premium roofing material that is known for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and long lifespan. It can be expensive, but is often used for high-end homes or historic buildings.
The earliest metals used in roofing were lead and copper. Both could last for centuries, which is fortunate since those metals are prohibitively expensive! Today, lead is most often found in roofing as a coating for steel, and copper is mostly reserved for flashing or architectural details.
Tin and its close cousin terne, a lead-tin mixture that appears lackluster (hence its French name which translates as dull), were the most common metal roofing materials of the 19th centuryand are important in authentic historical renovations.
Zinc had a brief run of popularity in the early 1800s as a roofing material, but it became most critical to metal roofing in 1837 when French metallurgists coated iron and steel with zinc to invent galvanization and (mostly) rust-proof metal.
In the 21st century, galvanized steel is the go-to metal roofing material. It is the least expensive roofing material and can be coated in many ways for appearance. Corrugated metal can be fabricated from a high-end G-90 steel suitable for residential applications or G-60 steel that is thinner grade and less expensive.
Standard standing seam roofs can be made from G-90 grade steel, a higher-end Galvalume steel, or aluminum.
Galvanized steel is fabricated in a range from 9 gauge (0.1532 inches) to 32 gauge (0.0134 inches). Standing seam metal panels typically begin as rolls of 26-gauge or 24-gauge steel(G-26 or G-24) or the thicker 22-gauge (G-22) before ferrous metal coatings are hot-dipped.