ResidentialDifferent Types of Metal Roofs
Different Types Of Metal Roofs
Metal roofing has been around for many years and has proven to be the most lasting and highest performing material in all of roofing. The most commonly used roofing material is the conventional asphalt shingle. The average lifespan of a conventional asphalt shingle roof is typically 10 to 20 years. There are now some higher grade asphalt shingles available for professional roofing contractors to use that are now lasting beyond 20 years and up to 40 years, however the cost associated with these higher end shingles are really quite high. Now more and more homeowners are choosing to use metal for their roofing material of choice. The choice to use and install a metal will be largely based on lifespan and the overall performance of the metal roof. A metal will when installed by a professional metal roofing contractor will easily last over 50 years and in some cases over 80 years. When using metal you are paying for the quality, durability, and the maintenance free benefits of the higher priced materials. If you have become curious about metal roofing or if you have already decided that metal roofing is for you on your next reroof project or new build home’s roof then this guide will help you to understand the different types of metals used and the installation techniques commonly used by a professional metal roofing contractor.
• Corrugated Metal Roofing- This is what many people may first think of when imagining a metal roof. The corrugated metal panels are what you will see on a barn or the roof of an industrial building. This is not a commonly used material in residential roofing applications. The corrugated metal roof is made up of panels bent to form a wavy ridged panel. These panels are ribbed to make channels to shed water and snow. The corrugated metal panels are manufactured and delivered to the job site in a large sheet form and can then be cut and sized to fit. A corrugated metal roof is one of the more cost effective metal roofing choices and may have a future in residential roofing in the years to come.
• Aluminum Shingle Roofing- When a homeowner is looking for a more conventional look and feel to their roof they have the choice of using a traditional metal time made to look like a commonly used asphalt or tile shingle, except in the form of a long lasting aluminum material. Aluminum metal shingles provide homeowners with lifetime warranties and will perform year after year, and storm after storm while shedding water, snow, ice, and debris easily and effectively. Homeowners can choose between aluminum shingles made to look like stone tiles, slate, and cedar shake, as well as conventional asphalt shingles. Only these shingles will last the lifetime of the home. Aluminum shingle roofing will be manufactured to standard sizes and then shipped to the vendors who sell this custom looking shingles. A professional metal roofing contractor will then be able to install these metal shingles to the specific guidelines required to keep the metal roof performing for many years to come.
• Standing Seam Metal Roofing- Standing seam metal roofing has been around for 100’s of years and provides homeowners a very modern look and feel with a completely maintenance free roofing material when choosing a metal roof. A standing seam roof is a series of metal panels connected by a vertical metal seam, which stands up above the surface of the metal material used. The locked seam is seen from the ridge of the roof down to the roof edge or eave. The raised seam is highly beneficial in keeping a metal roof total waterproof. Standing seam metal roofs shed snow and ice better then any other roofing materials on the planet. These metal roofs have a very modern and distinctive look that is well enjoyed by many homeowners. Standing seam metal roof are available in Copper, Steel, and Aluminum. A standing seam roof’s panels will be cut, and locked in place directly on the jobsite. This process requires skilled precision and masterful techniques in order for the metal roof to perform against the rain, snow, and ice. A professional and high qualified metal roofing contractor will have the skills and tools required to perform the installation of a standing seam metal roof. Standing seam metal roofs are commonly used in commercial applications, as well as residential roofing. One of the most common roofs used in large government buildings is a copper standing seam metal roof. Commercial buildings often have the traditional blue roofs made out of a standing seam metal roof. Another benefit to a standing seam metal roof is in its lightweight, which allows it to ventilate easily making your home or building cooler when it needs to be.
• Aluminum Metal Roofing vs. Steel Roofing- Aluminum roofing materials will last longer then most steel products, however there may also be a slightly higher cost associated with aluminum metal roofing. Aluminum will not rust or corrode when installed in a coastal setting much the way steel roofing will. Steel is a heavier material then aluminum and will there for not cool as easily as aluminum. When severe weather is thrown into the mix with heavy periods of snow, rain, and ice the aluminum metal roofing will win out every single time. The lightweight qualities of aluminum perform best on the heavy pressures of snow and freezing temperatures of ice. Both steel and aluminum are fully recyclable materials, which make them both high in the eco-friendly standards. However it is aluminum that stands out most as eco-friendly by it ability t shed heat and keep cool in the warmest months. Aluminum proves to be the most energy efficient, and solar reflective metal material available today.
With a lifetime of 50 to over 100 years metal roofing is proving to be one of the finest choices of all roofing materials available today. Call upon Elements Roofing today to provide you will a detailed estimate for your next metal roofing project.