Metal Roofing Materials: The Ultimate Guide
Metal roofing materials are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. Available in various styles, they resist harsh weather, provide long-lasting protection, and are eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials. Ideal for both residential and commercial properties, metal roofs offer sustainable, reliable roofing solutions.
Many homeowners are now making the switch to metal roofing, when they come to replace their roof. Here is your ultimate guide to everything you need to know about metal roofing materials, and why metal roofing is the best choice for you.
What Kinds Of Metals Are Used In Metal Roofing?
When you start investigating metal roofing for your home, you will see that many different metals are actually used in creating the roofing panels. You can pick from metals such as copper, zinc, steel, aluminum, and much more besides. Copper is another metal roofing material that has been in use for centuries, and offers a unique aesthetic benefit as it will go green thanks to it’s patina over time.
If you choose a steel roof, you will find there are different options available to you. For example, getting a galvanized steel roof will add zinc to the composition, which adds extra protection to prevent rusting.
If you are not sure which metal is right for your home, a professional roofer will be able to give you an expert opinion, based on your home, your location, and more.
Metal Roofing Styles
As well as different kinds of metal, you will also find metal roofing comes in different styles as well. These styles include the following:
Vertical seam exposed fastener panels: These metal roofing panels are created to overlap each other on your roof, and are connected directly to the roofing framing thanks to the exposed fastener panels. The fasteners will be painted in the same color as your roof, which helped them blend in.
Standing seam panels: These are the most common metal roofing systems you will see on most homes now. The panels have systems which conceal the fasteners under them, which not only helps it look more aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps protect the fasteners from the weather, and ensure the weatherproofing of your roof.
Metal shingles: One of the most interesting things about metal roofing is the fact it can be made to imitate all kinds of different roofing materials. For example, you can simulate slate, regular shingles, clay tiles, and more with metal.
Metal Roofing Color Options
As well as having lots of options as to the materials and styles of your roof, you can also pick from a large range of colors when it comes to metal roofing. The color itself is very much down to personal preference, but using a coating on your metal roof to change the color will also help protect it further from the elements.
Picking a light metal color in warmer climates is always a good idea, as it helps reflect heat back into the atmosphere, rather than absorbing it into your home and increasing your energy costs.
Also worth considering is the fact that many HOAs will have rules on what color your roof can be. It’s a very good idea to check this before you settle on a specific color for your roof.
Cost Of Metal Roofing
How much will a metal roof cost you as a homeowner? It is worth noting that metal roofing systems overall are more expensive than traditional asphalt roofs. That initial cost is more than worth it though, when you consider the minimal maintenance costs, as well as the longer lifespan you will get from your roof.
The cost of your roof will depend on how large it is, and the work involved in installing it. As an example though, you can see that a metal vertical seam roof can cost on average $800 to $1,500 per square foot.
Benefits Of Metal Roofing
You can already see lots of benefits to having a metal roof installed on your home. Here are more benefits that you should be aware of if you are considering it:
Longevity: One of the best things about a good metal roof is the fact that they last longer than other roofing materials out there. On average, you can expect a good metal roof to last for up to 70 years. A typical asphalt shingle roof will last for up to 25 years with good care, so you can see you are getting much more out of a metal roofing system.
Ease of maintenance: To get your metal roof to last for that full 50 years, you do need to take care of it. The good news is, they are much easier to care for than other roofing systems out there. If you are looking for roofing that needs less intervention from you, they are a great option.
Eco friendly option: As a homeowner, you are likely looking to renovate your home without having a real impact on the planet. For a long time, it was not considered to be possible to replace your roof in a eco-friendly way. With the advancements in metal roofing though, you can actually be more eco-friendly in this renovation.
Many metal roofing panels will have been made from recycled metal materials. Once the roof does need to be replaced, the metal panels can be fully recycled, rather than ending up in landfills. As they need replacing less often as well, that means less needs to be made and again lessens their impact on the environment.
Excellent fire resistant: For those who live in wildfire prone areas, they will be interested to know that metal roofs have a class A fire resistance. That is the highest classification out there, helping protect your home from fire.
Lightweight materials: Some roofing materials like slate or clay, are very heavy and put strain on your home. Using metal roofing materials that imitate these tiles is a great idea, as you will get the full look of a slate roof for example, but with lightweight materials that are perfect for your home.
Conclusion
Now you know all the basics of having a metal roof installed on your home. If you want to know more and get a quote for your building, get in touch with your local roofer today.
If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Fairfax, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.