There are a wide variety of options and materials available should you wish to redo or replace your existing roof or need to build a roof on your new building. Metal roofing offers durability, energy efficiency and requires minimal maintenance, making them one of the best options to consider. You can also use metal roofing on any style roof and you have various options to select from. Metal roofing options include aluminum, copper, zinc, tin and galvanized, galvalume or weathering steel types. The metal roofing material is normally supplied in pre-formed panels with vertical seams and a granular coating. These panels are one of the style choices for your roof and some of the other choices include shingles, slate, tile, or shakes.
Always ensure that the metal roofing material used has the appropriate rating that meets the rigorous wind, fire and impact resistance legal requirements. You can do this by making sure that the material has been tested, labeled and is listed with a testing organization such as Intertek, UL, or FM Approvals.
The legal requirements and local building code requirements may vary in different areas and installation requirements and manufacturer guidelines may differ in different geographies. Make sure that you and your domestic and commercial roofing company is up to date with all.
Advantages of selecting metal roofs
There are many benefits to using metal roofing materials and these include:
- Longevity – Depending on the material you select your metal roof can last between 40-70 years. The more traditional asphalt roofing materials generally last between 12-20 years.
- Durability – Metal roofs are strong and if properly installed can handle wind speeds of up to 140 miles per hour. These roofs will not crack or corrode and can even handle different strengths of impact depending on the material used. You should arrange a periodic inspection of your metal roof to identify any issues, but you will not need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials need.
- Safety – Metal roofs are not really flammable and will not spark or catch alight during a wildfire or when lightning strikes.
- Energy efficiency – Metal roofs can reduce your cooling cost by between 10-25%. This is because they reflect the sun’s UV and infrared light rays away from the roof surface and stop these rays from radiating heat directly.
- Environmentally friendly – Metal roofing material is 100% recyclable at the end of its use as roofing material. Depending on the materials you selected, they also contain a further 25-95% recycled content. This is impressive especially if you compare it to other roofing materials such as shingles. Almost 20 billion pounds a year of shingle tear-off waste lands up in the building-related waste stream.
Disadvantages of using metal roofs
There are many benefits to using metal roofing materials, but there are also some drawbacks such as:
- Affordability – Metal roofing can cost up to two or three times what other roofing materials might cost. Metal roofs last a long time and it is a good investment that will save you money in the long run, if you plan to stay in the house for the long term.
- Noisy – It can get very noisy under a metal roof during a heavy rainstorm or a hailstorm. The type of metal roofing material can make a difference such as using spaced or solid decking. You could add more insulation in the attic to lower the noise but this does also cost more.
Expansion, contraction and fasteners maintenance – A metal roof consists of large panels that are attached to the roof structure. This structure has been designed to expand and contract as the temperature fluctuates. The fastening mechanisms can be exposed or concealed and have a lifespan shorter than the roofing material itself. The neoprene washers and screws used during the metal roof installation process will degrade and may loosen over time. This process can be hastened in some climates.
By ensuring that any work done on your roof is done properly you can avoid a lot of future issues and damage. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the forces of nature such as the blazing sun, ice buildup or a heavy rainstorm and hail.
Your roof is a major investment and you need to ensure that it is done properly the first time. Contracting with the right domestic and commercial roofing company is vital for your peace of mind.
