A metal roof offers a lot of benefits to you as a homeowner. They’re an excellent investment in your home, and they’ll keep you safe from the elements for years to come. If you’re thinking about using them, you’ll soon find that there are lots of different versions of metal roofing panels. Which one should you use?
Here’s what’s available to you, and what’s best for your home.
Why Choose A Metal Roof?
Firstly, you should consider whether a metal roof is right for you in the first place. There are plenty of options out there when it comes to roofing materials. Is metal the right one for you?
There are lots of benefits to a metal roof that you won’t get anywhere else. Here’s some that you can take advantage of:
Long lasting roofing material: One of the main things you should look at when choosing a roofing material is its lifespan of it. Asphalt shingles, for example, are often cheaper as they have a shorter lifespan of around 20 years. Metal roofing is very long lasting, and can last up to 70 years, depending on how well they’re taken care of. That means you’ll get much longer out of it, before it needs to be replaced again.
Fire safety: Metal roofs have some of the best fire ratings out there, being tested as Class A for fire resistance. That’s great news for you, as you’ll know your roof won’t spark or ignite if there is ever a fire on the property.
Environmental benefits: As homeowners are now looking to be more ecologically sound when they plan their home renovations, you’ll be glad to know that metal roofs are some of the most environmentally friendly options out there for you. This is because they’re typically made with at least 25% recycled content. Plus, all components of them can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Durable design: A metal roof can take almost anything the weather can throw at it. As they’re installed in panels, they offer less inlets for water to get in and potentially damage the roof structure. Some models are impact resistant, and they can stand up to high winds with ease. Whatever kind of weather you get in your region, you won’t have to worry about your roof.
Energy efficiency: Again when thinking about the environmental impact of your home, a metal roof can help. They manage to deflect UV rays, which means that heat won’t make its way into your home. Because of this, you’ll be able to keep your utility bills down.
There are a couple of disadvantages that come with metals roofs too, which you need to be aware of. These include:
Higher costs: The one drawback that many people find with a metal roof is that they often come with a higher price tag. That’s to be expected with the quality of the material, and the longer lifespan. You’ll have to consider whether you have enough in your budget to cover this.
Noise: If you get heavy rain or hail, then it can be very noisy on your roof. You can add roof insulation to dampen the sound, but again this is another added cost. You’ll have to decide if the benefits outweigh the negatives.
Which Metal Roof Panel Is Right For You?
Now that you’ve decided on a metal roof, you’ll need to decide what kind of metal roof panel you’ll want to use. Here are the most common ones that are available to you, and why you may want to use them:
29 gauge corrugated metal roofing: This is a common type of screw-down metal roofing that’s most commonly used in agricultural settings. It uses an exposed fastener model to attach to the roof frame, and so is quick and easy to install. While they can be used on homes, they’re not the type of panel that’s most recommended for residential use.
R panels: These are another type of exposed metal fastener, and these are most typically are used on commercial and industrial buildings. They offer a lot of value as again, they’re easy and quick to get installed. They certainly could be used on residential buildings, but again they’re not recommended. An exposed fastener metal roof will give you a lot of benefits, but they won’t last as long as other panel types on this list.
26 gauge nail fin: These panels are slightly different, using a snap-lock method to connect together on your roof. Rather than using a clip, they use pre-punched holes on the side of the metal so it’s simple to attach them. If you want to use these panels, you will need a solid roof deck to do so. They do work well as a residential roofing material, so they’re something to consider.
1-3/4” snap-lock panels: These are another type of standing seam panel, like 26 gauge nail fin, but they’re a more versatile panel. That’s because they’re great for both commercial and residential roofing projects. They use a clip system of attaching panels together, which makes installation easier and helps prevent water from getting in. However, they will need to be installed on a roof pitch of at least 3 to 12 to work. They also cannot be installed over open purloins.
Mechanically seamed metal roofing panels: There are a few types of mechanically seamed metal roofing panels, and they’re all a great choice for residential projects. These panels are installed on the roof with standing seams, which are then crimped together. That creates a watertight seal against rainwater, making it great for protecting the roof. They also work well on low slope roofs, typically any roof that has a pitch below 3/12.
Conclusion
Metal roofs are great for homes as there are lots of different options, allowing you to properly protect your home. Take a look at the types of metal panels listed above, and see which one would work best on your property.
