What Is The Longest Lasting Roofing Material
Experts will tell you that a slate roof is the longest lasting material for roofing that you can have. A lifespan expectancy of 150 years or more, it can be the roof to give your home generations of protection. However, because of many drawbacks, expense being one of them, metal tile roofing is the next longest lasting material with a lifespan of 80 years with proper care and maintenance.
How Metal Roofing Panels Are Made
After being relegated in preference for Asphalt Composite Shingles, metal roofing panels are steadily becoming many homeowners popular roofing choice. This is especially true because they are durable and cheap to manufacture.
Would you like to understand the process of metal roofing panels manufacturing? Well, there are typically two stages in making a metal roofing panel. One is manufacturing of the metal sheets and the other is shaping the metal sheets.
The two stages are nuanced because many considerations go into the kind of metal roofing you want to be done on your building. Once you decide on what you want to go with, your contractor will figure out what needs to be sourced, and from where.
To clearly understand how these roofing panels are made, we will start from the source of the metal roofing sheet.
Why Choose Metal Roofing
One of the biggest reasons homeowners are choosing metal roofs is because of the extended lifespan that they have. Almost all types of metal roofing can last from 50 to 100 years, and in some cases, theyll be good for what seems like an infinite amount of time.
Metal roofs last longer than most other materials because they are weather, insect, and fire-resistant. They also require minimal maintenance, meaning that you might never have to work with it again after its installed. Those are some amazing benefits. Best yet, metal roofs are almost always made from sustainable, recyclable materials that help ensure youre doing your part to take care of our planet. And although the cost upfront is more than an asphalt roof, the return on investment makes it worth it. Once you install a metal roof on your home, youll likely never need to replace your roof again as long as you own your home.
Don’t Miss: How Much Is A New Roof On A Ranch House
The Different Types Of Metal Roofing Materials For Your Home
The popularity of metal roofs continues to rise and for a good reason. This roofing material offers low maintenance, easy installation, and impressive durability.
So if you’re considering a metal roofing installation, keep in mind that several metal roofing materials are available today. Now, there’s no need to be overwhelmed. We’ve prepared this article so you can easily understand your options.
Pros Of Galvalume Roofing
Least expensive Compared to other high-quality metal roofing materials, Galvalume costs the least amount of money. Depending upon the thickness, color, and quality of the desired Galvalume panels, pricing ranges anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00 per square foot. Keep in mind that in 2021 and 2022, steel prices continually fluctuate and vary dramatically.
Corrosion resistant Galvalumes chemical formula was specifically designed to combine the toughness, strength, and self-healing properties of zinc with the rust-resisting properties of aluminum. Thats why Galvalumes corrosion resistance is about two to four times better than galvanized steel. Galvalumes self-healing characteristics help control the red rusting at any cut/exposed edges. Nearly all steel-based products will experience some level of normal edge creep from the exposed steel when the coil is cut, but it is minimal and will eventually stop with Galvalume. Remember that edge creep can also be offset by hemming the panels and touching up any exposed edges with paint pens.
Don’t Miss: How To Calculate Roofing Materials
How Are Metal Roofs Made
Metal roofs are distinguished by thick sheets and a solid protective and decorative coating. Metal roof shingles have panel ribs that are further defined by their shape, height, and spacing. Durability of your metal roofing sheets greatly depends on three factors: the thickness of the panels, the height of the ribs and the quality of the coating.
Metal Roofing Panel Types
If you decide to purchase a metal roof there are more options than just metal roofing panels. Western States Metal Roofing doesnt sell metal shingles, slate, or tile, but they are excellent systems that we will touch upon.
Recommended Reading: Is Long Fence And Long Roofing The Same Company
Stainless Steel Roofing Material
Steel is one of the most popular types of metal roofing for its relatively low prices and high strength. Steel offer a longer lifespan, better strength, better environmental sustainability and lower long-term cost. The only disadvantage of steel is that it can rust, so manufacturers normally cover them with zinc or zinc-aluminium anti-corrosive coating. Stainless steel roofing material is an excellent choice for schools, ecclesiastical, residential and business use. It is a good substitute for lead if in a high theft risk area.
Metal Roofing Is Produced From Different Hardness Grades
Grade 80 is a hard steel used to produce metal panels of 26 or 29 gauges. This combination of thickness and hardness is great for metal panels that require dent resistance. Making trim from Grade 80, however, will cause tiny cracks in the metal, exposing it to rain and eventually rust. Since trim has lots of sharp bends, it is better to use a softer steel such as Grade 50 or 33.
Many manufacturers can only afford to carry one grade of steel. This results in either making panels out of soft steel that will dent, or trim out of hard steel that will crack. Make sure and ask your supplier about the hardness of their metal.
You May Like: What Questions To Ask Roofing Contractor
Steel And Aluminum Performance
Steel and aluminum both perform well as a metal roofing material. However, aluminum roofing, depending upon the exact product chosen, can run up to 20 percent higher in price compared to steel roofing.Aluminum is extremely resistant to corrosion caused by seawater, while steel is bit more susceptible to seawater damage over time. Consequently, the warrantees offered on the coils coating will be different as well. Both steel and aluminum perform pretty much the same, but the finish warranty for coastal areas is not provided for the steel panels. This is because of the potential for the coating to separate from the metal substrate at the edges, creating rust in environments that are near bodies of salt water. Exposure testing, however, has proven that Galvalume is up to three times more effective in preventing rust than galvanized steel material.
Aluminum is more malleable than steel, allowing it to be configured into more complex profiles. However, especially in simpler profiles, you need fairly heavy gauge aluminum and that will boost its cost.
Steel inherently has more strength than aluminum, its usually less expensive and its more fire resistant without underlayment. Aluminum does not have a Class A fire-rating but the system can achieve a Class A rating with the proper underlayment and sheathing.
Contact Us To Learn More
You might not think about it unless you need to, but your roofing system is one of the most important components of your home. Its up to you to make sure its properly taken care of!
Metal is one of the best roofing materials you can choose. Its not only durable with a long lifespan, but its also beautiful to look at.
If youre considering a roofing replacement or installation, whether you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, please feel free to contact us here at Legacy Service. You can give us a call at 215-798-9790 or fill out a form here. Take the first step in improving your home today!
Posted on Mar 10, 2020 in Roof
Read our news
HOW LONG SHOULD A ROOF LAST?ELEMENTS
A lot of elements play a role in maintaining the integrity of the roof, but as a homeowner, the most important components to pay attention to are the underlayment, ventilation, and material.
Read Also: Is A Roof Replacement A Capital Improvement
Types Of Roofing Shingles
In addition to maintaining the integrity of your roofs structure and helping to keep out water, roofing shingles also add a tremendous amount of curb appeal and value to your home. The type of roofing shingles you choose can also affect your roofs durability against wind, rain, hail, and other weather events.
Learn more about the different types and styles of roofing shingles.
Read Also: Will A New Roof Lower My Homeowners Insurance
Disadvantages Of Zinc Roofing Panels
- Less Availability
Zinc Roofing Panels Are Expensive
Similar to copper, zinc roofing panels are not the right choice if keeping your cost low is a top priority. While its cost is often justified by its long lifespan, its still one of the most expensive metal roofing options.
Chalking On Zinc Roofing Panels
Once zinc patinas and turns to its blue/gray color, its possible for a chalky residue to develop in areas where water runs on the roof. These white streaks are generally perceived as being unattractive.
Limited Availability Of Zinc Roofing
Zinc roofing panels are the most difficult material to purchase thats currently available. There are only a handful of suppliers in the United States and most of them import the zinc from Europe. VM Zinc is a supplier of pre-patinated zinc materials, but they dont manufacture the zinc roof sheeting.
If you want an article thats a much deeper dive into zinc roofing:
Don’t Miss: Is It Ok To Power Wash Roof Tiles
All About Metal Roofs
Its hard to top the versatile looks, longevity, and peace of mind that come with a roof made of metal. Read this guide to learn what you need to know before putting one on your own home.
The advantages of metal roofs are tough to ignore. Theyre strong, able to survive hurricanes, hail, and wildfires. Theyre durable, enjoying a life span of up to 50 years or more. They can save energy, thanks to their ability to reflect the suns heat. And properly installed, they need virtually no upkeep.
In America, copper and lead roofs appeared on important public buildings beginning in the 18th century, including New Yorks City Hall in 1764. By the mid-1800s, metal roofing became more common as mass-produced steel began covering ordinary homes and barns. By the 1920s, lightweight, no-rust aluminum entered the market, as did paint coatings that added color and longevity to both aluminum and steel roofs.
Today, metal roofing is on the rise again: Its popularity has nearly quadrupled in the last 20 years. And while it commands a premiumthe components are expensive, as is the skilled labor for installationa metal roof can boost a homes resale value by up to 6 percent in some areas. Up ahead: a look at materials and styles to consider, plus how to get the job done right, so your house will stay cool and dry for decades to come.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Swollen Gums And Roof Of Mouth
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.
Read Also: Is Roof Replacement A Capital Improvement
Cons Of Stainless Steel Roofing
No substrate warranty One of the significant drawbacks to stainless steel is that it doesnt carry a substrate warranty. Remember that a stainless steel roof may perform well if handled and installed correctly, but it doesnt come with that additional guarantee in the form of a substrate warranty.
Expensive The cost of stainless steel is in line with the price of zinc and copper, making it a high-end metal roofing choice. Stainless steel roofing can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,300 per roofing square , depending on the finish, panel type, and thickness.
Expansion and contraction concerns In climates with striking temperature differences, stainless steel roofing systems expand and contract during heating and cooling cycles . Your contractor should ensure that your system can accommodate this thermal movement.
Not recommended where there is standing water Roofing made with stainless steel, especially if its in contact with other non-stainless steel metals, requires adequate draining methods to remain durable and functional. Too much standing water on stainless steel can act as an electrolyte and cause galvanic corrosion.
Learn The Basics Of Roof Systems
Roofs are considered one of the most critical components of your house. From materials and roof shape to problems and repairs, read this comprehensive guide to ensure yours is up to par.
Roofs are considered one of the most critical components of your house. They shed the water that would otherwise cause every other part of your house to fail. As important as roofs are, they rarely see a close inspection, either by building inspectors during construction or by home inspectors prior to a sale. Inspectors generally dont venture onto roofs but instead look at them from the ground.
That means whoever does the work needs the know-how and the integrity to do the job right. DIYing your own roof is tricky. If you get it wrong, you can potentially ruin your houseand thats not to mention the safety considerations of working on a slope thats high up in the air.
Recommended Reading: How Many Square Feet Is My Roof
What Is Tpo Roofing Made Of
First things first: What does TPO stand for? TPO is the abbreviation for Thermoplastic Polyolefin.
TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane which means that it comes in a flexible sheet. Nowadays, newer roofing systems are being introduced and TPO is one of them. Buildings install TPO since the early 1990s. As the years have gone by, improvements have been made to ensure that TPO helps buildings stay cool, reduce energy usage, and last many years.
Manufacturers polymerize polyprophylene and ethylene-propylene rubber to produce TPO. Fillers are also used such as fiberglass and talc. When designed using the right processes, they perform very well even in harsh conditions. One of the trusted TPO manufacturers in the industry is Firestone Building Products.
Best Types Of Metal Roofing 2022
Once prevalent in commercial applications, metal roofing has since won the hearts of many homeowners. As a result, many different styles, materials, colors, and finishes have emerged to cater to varying needs.
Below, we look at the different types of metal roofing available in the market. We hope you will find one that suits your needs and preferences.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does A Flat Rubber Roof Cost
S Of A Metal Roof Structure & Definitions
- Cricket A peaked saddle construction installed between a chimney and the roof surface to prevent the accumulation of snow and water.
- Curb An accessory used to mount additions and provide a level resting structure on a sloped roof.
- Dormer A roof structure that projects vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof .
- Drip edge A long piece of metal that is installed so water runs into the gutter and away from the fascia.
- Eave A portion of the roof that extends past the supporting wall.
- Fascia The trim right below the roof that runs the perimeter of a structure to help keep water from running into the structure.
- Flashing Sheet metal that is used to seal different portions of the roof, i.e. chimneys, valleys, etc., and provide extra weather-tightness.
- Gable The triangular section of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. The trim occupying this article is typically called gable or rake trim.
- Hip The external or jutting angle at which two sloping roof panels meet.
- Pitch The slope of a roof, which is measured using the roofs rise divided by its run.
- Ridge The highest portion of a roof where at least two roof panels come to a point .
- Roof decking The base or foundation that the underlayment and roofing material are attached to. Common roof deck materials are metal, plywood, and oriented strand board .
- Valley The internal angle at which two sloping roof planes meet.
What Is A Butterfly Roof
This is a type of roof that is v-shaped with two raised wings that meet in a valley in the middle much like a butterfly that is mid-flight.
Butterfly roofs can have a dramatic effect and they are a good choice for homes with contemporary styling and for homes in arid or desert climates since the valley in the center allows for rainwater to be collected (there is usually a reservoir for this purpose incorporated into the design.
Butterfly roofs also allow for larger windows bringing in more natural light and PV solar panels are fairly easy to add on, making this an increasingly popular option for areas suited to this type of construction, like the southwestern U.S. and tropical areas of the southeast.
That said, these types of roofs are more complicated to build and maintain, and it is essential to ensure that the drainage system and waterproofing are top-notch.
Solid membranes are suggested, although metal and other organic materials may work to keep a butterfly roof watertight depending on your location.
The large windows and open design of a butterfly roof may also increase your heating and cooling costs since it will be more difficult to regulate the temperature inside the home.
Don’t Miss: Do You Need A Permit For Roofing
