Metal roofs are gaining popularity with homeowners recently for many significant reasons. They can last up to 50 years, they protect the home from natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, and there is a wide variety of styles available. But before you decide on which metal roofing style is best for your home, it’s important to understand what’s out there so that you know exactly what benefits (or not!) you’ll be getting with each one. Today we’re going over the different types of metal roofing and their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about whether to install a metal roof.
Most people who think of a metal roof might immediately think of the roof of a barn. But a metal roof is so much more than that! In recent years metal roofing has boomed with advancements in style, installation, and even more color options.
Types of Metal Roofing
There are many styles of metal roofs depending on what you’re looking for. Each comes with its own advantages (and disadvantages) but in the end, all are highly beneficial if you want a roof that will last a long time with little maintenance.
Corrugated Metal Roofing
Corrugated metal roofing can add a ton of value to a residential roof. The corrugation gives this type of roof its signature look, and it also helps to deflect wind. It’s usually a dark color so that the sun doesn’t bake your home underneath. This style has a minimal profile, which means it insulates well and can be installed fairly quickly with little labor involved. But with all those benefits come some drawbacks. For example, during installation, you may need extra protection against potential water damage because there are more nails used in fastening down the panels than with other types of metal roofs.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Standing seam as opposed to corrugated means that there are no visible seams on top while still maintaining its durability. This style is also very popular because of its strength and low-profile design. This means you may lose a little in the insulation department, but it’s worth it for the sleek look this delivers.
Metal Shingles
Many people choose metal shingles because they’re lightweight and easy to install. The downside is that you lose some of the insulation benefits here too, but not as bad as with standing seam roofing. This makes this a good option if your priorities are more for looks than energy efficiency.
What Types of Metal are Used for Roofing?
They can make metal roofs from one of many types of metal. Galvanized steel is probably the most commonly used type of metal roofing material, but you can also find them in tin, copper, aluminum, steel, or copper-plated metals as well.
Aluminum is a little more flimsy and can dent easily, whereas steel roofs are much more hardy and withstand more elements. Thus, the more premium metals will cost more upfront, but less expensive materials can be just as effective when it comes to longevity and protecting your home.
Advantages of Metal Roofing
One of the biggest reasons we see people installing metal roofing is to boost curb appeal. That’s a big deal in today’s market — updating your home to a more modern look. Which, as you can see, the metal shingles can give whatever look the homeowner wants with the added bonus of metal roofing’s longevity.
Some other benefits include:
Long-Lasting and Durable
Metal roofs last longer thanks to the ridges and grooves that make up for their lightweight nature. That they are not susceptible to corrosion and wearing guarantees their durability. Some metal roofs can last for over 50 years!
Leak-Proof
Unlike roofing shingles, which can expose a building to leaks, corrugated roofing keeps the building dry. It’s important that they properly install it to guarantee its leak-proof abilities. Epoxy and ceramic coatings can be added to enhance the waterproof properties, as well.
Low Maintenance
Traditional roofing systems require regular maintenance practices to guarantee their durability. That is not so with metal roofs. If installed correctly, some metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not corrode or crack, and may be impact-resistant. In addition, metal roofs don’t need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require. However, they should be inspected periodically to make sure no repairs are required. For corrugated roofs, you’ll only need to re-coat the panels once in a long while to take care of the corroded portions. To maintain water-tightness, you may also need to re-tighten the exposed fasteners
Fire and Insect Resistant
Metal roofs have noncombustible properties that ensure that they can withstand fire and insects.
Easy Installation
You won’t need to use up a lot of material for structural support thanks to the lightweight nature of corrugated metals. The load on installation is also greatly reduced!
Energy Efficient
Corrugated metal roofs can help you save on utility bills. Since metal roofs reflect heat away from buildings, they are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market. A high-quality metal roof can save homeowners up to 40% in energy costs.
Increased Property Value
Buildings with high-performing roofs like metal ones command higher selling prices. Energy-efficient buildings also carry significant advantages when reselling.
Recyclable with a Reduced Environmental Impact
Corrugated roofing materials are recyclable and suitable for any project that is focused on achieving sustainability. Metal roofs not only have 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material used but are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life as a roof. In contrast, most shingle tear-off waste ends up as part of the building-related waste stream, up to 20 billion pounds per year.
Final Thoughts
Corrugated metal roofs are a great option if you’re looking for something energy efficient and effective. Are you ready for your roof transformation? If so, call us today at 636-699-0449.
