Aluminum Roofing Pros & Cons
If copper is the Range Rover of roofing, then Aluminum Roofing Materials are easily considered to be the Dune Buggy of roofing. Stay with us here. Take a Volkswagen Beetle, pull off the doors, the roof, and all unneeded features. Seal off the essentials to prevent salt spray, add a roll cage, and upgrade the suspension. Throw some nice sand tires on the thing and take it for a cruise along the beach you now have the vehicle that best describes the strength and corrosive durability of an Aluminum roof.
Aluminum metal roofs are often highly recommended for use in coastal climates. This is mainly due to aluminums resistance to salt corrosion compared to other types of metal roofing materials. While the common perception of an aluminum roof is that it’s not effected by corrosion, the reality is that its actually a highly active metal and almost instantly reacts to atmospheric conditions.
This rapid reaction is actually what protects it so well. The outer layer of aluminum roofing material reacts with the oxygen in the environment, creating a layer of aluminum oxide, which effectively seals the inner layers of the metal from any future corrosion. This process is similar to an A606 Weathering Steel process, but in a much faster time frame and with longer lasting protection. Aluminum roofs are often used with a painted coating as its natural patina over time is not typically thought of as aesthetically appealing.
Different Types Of Metal Roofs
Galvanized steel and corrugated galvanized iron are some of the popular materials used for metal roofing. Stainless steel is also preferred by users for its stain-free quality.
Aluminum roofs are also used for metal roofing, because of its lightweight and corrosion-resistant nature. Copper and stone-coated steel are also used as metal roof materials.
Copper roofs are popular among consumers for their durability.
How Much Does Metal Shingle Roofing Cost
Metal shingle roofing runs between $3- $5 per square foot for materials. When you include installation its about the same price as standing seam. Metal shingles will cost $8 – $12 per square foot including materials and installation.
The price range shown is for shingles made of steel or aluminum. Shingles can also be made of copper or zinc although those shingles are much rarer and more expensive.
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Ice Dams Can Cause Leaks
Ice dams start small but quickly become a big problem. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of your roof and prevents snow from melting and draining off the roof. The water that backs up can leak into a home and damage walls, ceilings, insulation, and more. If ice dams form, they can cause extensive damage to your roof.
Wash Off Mold & Mildew
Mold and mildew can be very hazardous for your health and the health of your roof. Always check for signs of mold or mildew during the spring. Signs of mold growth can include spots that look like soot or black, green, brown, or even white spots. It can also appear accompanied by a musty odor or water problems.
Always make sure to discuss your options with a professional right away.
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Dont Get Fooled By Cosmetic Damage Exclusions
As the threat of massive hail storms increases, so does the amount of cosmetic damage exclusions in insurance policies. Exclusions are one way insurance carriers limit coverage and reduce claim payout. Cosmetic damage exclusions usually apply to metal roofs but also siding, windows, and other exterior components. If the insurance carrier determines the damage is cosmetic, they dont have to cover the repair costs. Unfortunately, this leaves the policyholder to pay out of pocket for repairs.
Cosmetic damage exclusions have been around for almost a decade. Yet, most homeowners have no idea they exist or how it could impact claim payout. Insurance carriers often hide or bury these exclusions so deep that the average person is unaware it exists. Policyholders take advantage of the premium discounts for this optional coverage only to find out they dont have coverage for hail damage.
Despite causing a massive gap in coverage, policies with metal roof and hail damage exclusions are classified as replacement cost value coverage. This distinction is important as the insurer assumes the total cost of repairs. Mortgage lenders, banks, and other organizations require this type of coverage to get a home loan. Yet when the exclusions are applied, policyholders are left with below standard coverage.
Myths About Metal Roofs
MYTH: They attract lightning.
REALITY: Metal is no more attractive to lightning than any other roofing material. Thats why there are no building codes that require grounding or special protection for metal roofs. Typically, lighting strikes the tallest object in the vicinity, like a chimney or a tree. But if a bolt does hit a metal roof, it wont catch fire.
MYTH: Theyre only for farmhouses.
REALITY: While metal roofs are a familiar sight in rural areason houses, barns, and industrial buildingsthey can work on almost any architectural style. Todays metal roofing products can mimic wood shakes, slate, clay tile, and even granule-coated asphalt, making it likely theres a version to match your house style.
MYTH: Theyre vulnerable to hail
REALITY: Hail can damage roofing of any kind, if the hailstones are big enough. In areas where hail occurs frequently, you want metal roofing with a Class 4 rating. This rating indicates that the roofing has withstood ULs most severe impact test standarda 2-inch diameter steel ball dropped from 20 feetwithout tearing, fracturing, cracking, or splitting. If a heavy-duty hailstormor foot trafficputs dents your metal roof, it may look bad, but the roofing itself isnt compromised.
MYTH: They heat up a house.
Metal can also reflect significant amounts of heat when the sun is up, but its reflectivity varies depending on its color and coatings.
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Contact Nunez Roofing Experts
We offer 24/7 Emergency Service to all of our customers. You can always count on Nunez Roofing to get to you fast and get the job done right the first time. we strive to deliver the highest quality roofs at affordable prices, no matter the size of the job. Our professional team will get the job done right the first time.
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Early Detection Of Damages
If your home has sustained storm damage, youll likely notice broken, cracked, or missing shingles. Even if these damages arent noticeable upon first glance, over time, they can subtly deteriorate your roof. Since professional roof inspectors are trained to spot impairments in roofing, they will be able to notice mild damage, and make repairs before it becomes a major disaster.
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Pro Tips For Roof Maintenance
The condition of your roof affects the value of your home, so maintenance is imperative, especially as your roof ages.
Get a roof inspection every few years: Preventative maintenance could save you from a large future expense .
Remove objects that land on the roof: Debris may cause your roof to deteriorate.
Replace worn shingles: Damaged shingles are more susceptible to water damage and leaking.
Document the health of your roof: Before and after photos will accurately depict the severity of roof damage for a potential insurance claim.
Contact your agent or insurer whenever you make an improvement: Upgrades to your roof could earn you a discounted home insurance rate.
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Disadvantages Of Tin Roofing Panels
- No longer used and its not available
Where To Buy Tin Roofing
While tin was a very popular roofing material in the mid 19th century, it is no longer used today as roofing. It has been replaced by more durable metals such as steel.
When people today seek out tin roofing, it is usually because they enjoy the sounds of heavy rain on a tin roof along with tin’s simple and rustic aesthetic. Both the look and sound of tin can be achieved with either galvanized steel, painted metal or aluminum roofing, which is what people are usually referring to when they discuss tin roofing today.
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What Is Cosmetic Damage And What Is A Cosmetic Damage Exclusion
J. Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America in Washington, D.C., says the big problem for homeowners is determining what constitutes cosmetic damage.
“A home with siding that’s dented keeps working, but it looks terrible and will cause the home to drop in value,” says Hunter. “Insurance companies should make it whole, even if the home still functions. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen because of the ambiguous definition of cosmetic damage.”
Harrington says home insurance policies insure the property for physical damage, not their economic value.
“Of course, home insurance can’t pay if a home drops in value because of the economy,” says Hunter, “but if it drops in value because of physical damage, then it should be covered.”
Hunter says consumers need to compare policies and premiums before choosing a home insurance company.
Common Uses And Applications For Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has the reputation of only being used on large industrial or commercial structures. While its true that metal is a good option for these applications, metal roofing goes far beyond this, as it can be used on homes, architectural buildings, and agricultural structures. Lets discuss more common uses and structures to look for the next time youre out in your city or town.
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Standing Seam Profile Options
Snap-lock Metal roofing panels that have been carefully rollformed with specific panel profile edges that snap together and require no hand or mechanical seaming during installation. Snap-lock seams tend to be a little more popular in the roofing industry because they are engineered to defend against the elements while making installation a little easier on the contractor.
Mechanical seam Mechanically seamed panels are also rollformed with specific edges that line up with each other on the roof. Once the two edges are put together, a hand or robotic seamer is used to bend the edges and lock the panels together. The locked seam resembles the shape of a paper clip. There are two kinds of mechanical seaming:
- Single lock / 90-degree seam one fold of the seam
- Double lock / 180-degree seam two folds of the seam
Tee panel A type of standing seam where the two panels come together and are connected at the top by a cap, which is then mechanically seamed in place to lock the panels together. Once the seaming is complete, the top of the standing seam is in the shape of a T.
Nail/fastener flange Nail flange is similar to a snap-lock panel system, but instead of using a clip to attach the panel to the roof deck, its directly fastened down to the deck through the male leg of the metal panel. Once the fasteners are in place, the female leg of the panel snaps over the entirety of the male leg, which hides the fastener head.
Metal Roofing Materials: Galvalume Vs Aluminum Vs Specialty Metals
Whether youre a contractor, installer, architect, distributor, or building owner, knowing the pros and cons of the most popular metal roofing materials can help you make the best choice for a structures roofing project.
Whether youre in the market to purchase a new metal roof, a distributor trying to sell metal coils or sheets to customers, or a contractor dealing directly with a home or business owner, its vital to know the pros and cons of different metal roofing materials.
Five of the most common materials used in metal roofing are Galvalume®, aluminum, zinc, copper, and stainless steel. Luckily, there isnt just one solution for every single customer, so the advantages and disadvantages of each metal should be discussed in depth with the contractor, distributor, architect, or manufacturer before making a final decision.
As one of the leading distributors of coated and bare metal products in the standing seam panel system industry, Sheffield Metals helps individuals find the solution that will work best for their specific residence, building, or business every day. Plus, we know how important it is to be an educated consumer, especially when purchasing something as significant as a new roofing structure.
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What Is Epdm Roofing
EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, is a synthetic rubber roofing overlay material. It is typically used on flat or low-slope commercial roof systems. It is important to note that this synthetic rubber should not be used in conjunction with other roofing materials containing aluminum, asphalt, and cement. These will cause further damage and eventually the roof will need to be completely replaced.
Before new EPDM roofing installation begins, the current roof must be completely leveled and free of existing coverings and damage. It then needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Your roofing professional will measure your roof to determine how much material will need to be used. The amount of EPDM needed must cover the entire roof as well as provide a bit of overhang. EPDM is then applied in sheets and mechanically fastened at the seams. PVC membrane, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing are other roof types that are similar in this way, as they are also mechanically fastened.
Understanding The Components Of A Metal Roof
Metal is one of the strongest, most long-lasting materials on the market when it comes to roofing solutions. Metal roofs are expected to last between 40-70 years, can withstand even the toughest environments, and are available in many different profiles. Its important to understand all the different components that make metal roofs so tough.
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We Are The Manufacturer
Most of the companies who advertise metal roofing and siding or post-frame buildings are simply reselling products produced by someone else. We produce our own products from rolled steel and have large indoor yards that keep our lumber protected. That way, we control the quality and time of delivery to you. And that creates jobs right here in your home town.
Cons Of Galvalume Roofing
Oil canning Oil canning is an inherent characteristic of light-gauge, cold-formed metal products, especially products with broad flat areas. It is a visual phenomenon seen as waviness or distortion in the flat surfaces of metal wall and roofing products. Oil canning is subjective and normally only an aesthetic concern that does not affect a products strength or performance. This occurrence is possible for any kind of metal roofing or walls, including Galvalume. But there are methods to minimize the appearance of oil canning, including:
- Hiring an experienced contractor who knows the best methods to reduce oil canning, including:
- Panel thickness
Not suitable for animal enclosures or buildings Galvalume is not suitable for use on buildings where animals are housed or held. Manure from the animals breaks down into ammonia gas over time and then reacts with the Galvalume coating. This process breaks down the Galvalume coating and leads to the degradation of the metal. However, Galvalume is sometimes used on modern chicken houses built with a vapor barrier between the chicken area and the roof for appropriate ventilation. Its best to check with the manufacturer before putting Galvalume on an animal confinement building, as its often dependent on the specific design and use.
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Types Of Metal Roofing + Pros And Cons Of Each
There are a number of different materials used for metal roofing, and three basic ways that its installed. These three different ways are referred to as the types of metal roofing.
- Hidden fastener metal roofing
- Exposed fastener metal roofing
- Stamped metal roofing
Each of these types comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. But despite those different benefits, homeowners most often choose their roofing type based on the look that they want.
Steel Roofing Pros & Cons
Steel is an alloy, made from iron and other elements. Used in every aspect of building, steel roofing has often been one of the most common materials found on a commercial construction site, and is now often incorporated into residential builds. While the initial creation of steel can be an energy-intensive process compared to a metal like Zinc, the recyclability and availability of the metal alloy means that most of the steel we use today is made from recycled material rather than new. In fact, steel is the most recycled material on the planet, making it an incredibly green building material to work with.
When compared to other metals, steel is also the least expensive. While also being a commodity, steel is often priced at a much lower rate than Aluminum, Zinc, or Copper. This makes steel both affordable and available at a greater amount compared to the other metals on this list.
There are three primary Steel Roof types: Galvanized, Galvalume, and Weathering Steel.
Steel Roofing has made huge advancements in the past 50 years and can now be used to mimic Copper, Zinc, and other more expensive metal roofing materials. This is done through paint systems that create a painted solution to match the natural patina of a Copper, Zinc, or even the Weathered Steel look. These solutions often carry long warranties and make ideal choices for remodels, restorations, and new builds.
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