What Are Metal Roofs Made Of? A Detailed Look

What Are Metal Roofs Made of?

While asphalt shingles have been the go-to for residential roofs for such a long time, metal roofs are now becoming more and more common. Because they bring you so many benefits, they are well worth considering for your new roof.

So what are metal roofs made of? Metal roofs can be made out of a variety of different metals. Here’s what a metal roof is typically made of, and how the metals used in their production help protect your home.

Aluminum Zinc Alloys

When you start looking into getting a new metal roof, you will see the most common metal used is an aluminum zinc alloy over a steel core. This particular alloy lends a lot of benefits to residential homes, which is why it has become the most popular metal used.

This is because, in the past, steel roofs have been coated with a 100% zinc coating. While zinc will do a good job of protecting that steel core, over time it will eventually get eaten away by the elements. At that point, the steel in the roof is then exposed to the elements, and that can cause issues such as rusting. Of course, that is something that you want to avoid with your roof.

This issue has been avoided by creating an aluminum and zinc alloy. With this alloy, the zinc will still eventually erode, but the aluminum will stay and protect the core of your roof. This creates a metal roof that lasts even longer, ensuring that your home is protected from the elements.

Other Metal Roofing Materials

There are plenty of other metal roofing materials on the market too, so there are plenty of options for you if that’s what you’re looking for. Here are some other options that you can look into for your roof. 

Aluminum: You have the option of having an aluminum roof, rather than a steel roof. There are several reasons why you may want to go with this metal. As you saw in the aluminum zinc alloy, it is a strong metal that can last a long time with the right care. It’s also very lightweight, meaning it won’t put pressure on your roof deck. Plus, once it has reached the end of its lifespan you’ll be able to recycle the roofing material too. 

However, it is worth being made aware of the fact aluminum is a malleable metal, so it is more prone to denting. As well as this, you will see that they can fade over time with exposure to UV rays. 

Copper: Copper has been used in roofing for decades, and many choose it because of its aesthetic qualities. When first installed, the roof will have a pure copper color. Over time, weathering will turn the roof an attractive shade of green. It’s also highly resistant to rust, so you’ll get longer out of the roof with less need for maintenance. 

You should be aware that there’s no guarantee on how long it will take for your roof to achieve the patination needed to change color, or whether it will go through the process at all. It’s also a more expensive material, so you’ll need to factor that in when pricing up your new roof. 

Zinc: Just like aluminum, you’ll see that zinc can be used on its own as a roofing material. It’s especially good for those who live near the coast, as it won’t corrode due to salt in the air. It can last up to 100 years with the proper care, too. 

You will see that zinc takes more care than other options to keep it in good condition though, so you’ll need to be prepared for that if you want to have it installed on your roof. It will also need an anti-corrosion coating on the underside too, to keep it in the best condition. 

Tin: These roofs are becoming less and less common, although you will still see them being used by some homeowners. The panels are not made fully from tin, instead being steel sheets that have a tin coating to add durability. They are resistant to corrosion, and again are light to install. 

You see tin roofs less often now because they aren’t being manufactured in as many quantities as other roofing types. This makes them a lot more expensive, too. 

Coating Your Metal Roof

As well as the actual materials your metal roof is made from, you’ll need to consider the coating used on it. A coating will be recommended by all good roofers, as they help protect the metal and give your roof a longer lifespan. 

In many cases, you will see roofers using acrylic coatings to coat metal roof panels. These are great as they resist scuffing and fingerprints, something that can happen during the installation process. Once your roof is installed, it adds another layer of protection that adds to the longevity of your roof. 

As well as the acrylic coating, you also have the option of adding stone granules. These are coated in pigments of many different colors, so you can have roof panels that suit the style of the rest of your home. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the granules will help your roof resist UV rays. That stops fading and helps your home be more energy efficient, too. 

Which Metal Roof Should You Choose?

As you can see, you can choose from a wide variety of different metal roofs for your home. Which one will be right for you?

Like many things when it comes to home improvements, it will very much depend on you and your home. That’s why it’s always best to consult with a roofer. They will be able to advise on which metal would work best for your needs, and ensure you get the longest lifespan out of it. 

There are lots of different options when it comes to metal roofs. You can pick any of these above options, and get all the benefits a metal roof provides. 

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.