What Material Are Metal Roofs Made Of

Some Actual Disadvantages To Metal Roofs

Fear of lightning strikes may be an imaginary problem, but there are a few genuine disadvantages to metal roofs.

The one disadvantage that poses an actual safety risk is the fact that metal roofs are indeed slippery when wet or when covered with snow. It is never a good idea to climb on a metal roof when it is moist or covered with snow. They are so slippery that snow “avalanching” off the roof is a definite hazard in areas that experience heavy snowfalls in winter.

There are some advantages to this, since snow that slips off the roof can’t build up on top of it. People owning asphalt-shingled homes in heavy snow areas may need to rake snow off their roofs in winter, but this is never an issue on a home with metal roofs. But it is also possible for snow to avalanche off a metal roof in such quantities that it can damage decks, shrubs, cars, or even people.

In ski areas notorious for heavy snowfalls, metal roofs are often equipped with snow guardsmetal or plastic clips or even horizontal bars mounted to sturdy brackets. Homeowners can employ the same technology to prevent avalanches from the roofs of their homes.

Repair Any Structural Damage

Once youve removed your old roof, its time to attach the new frame in place. If there is any structural damage or reinforcement that needs to happen, this should be done first. This will provide a solid foundation for attaching the metal panels or shingles onto and securing them by using nails, screws, or staples .

What Are The Different Types Of Metal Roofs

Once you decide to install a metal roof on your home, youll have to determine which type of metal would work best for you.

Four types are most commonly used among homeowners. They include aluminum, copper, steel, and zinc. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The trick is to find which one would go best with your tastes and preferences. For example, if youd prefer the cheapest type, then you might want to choose steel. But if youre looking for one that can stand the test of time, then youll probably prefer copper or zinc.

For more detailed information, weve discussed the most popular types of metal roofs in the sections above. You can find their pros, cons, and relative prices. Then, give us a call at Legacy Service to schedule a free consultation for a roofing installation or replacement. Well also help you determine what you want regarding the colors and styles of metal roofing, from standing seam to corrugated metal.

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Cons Of Stainless Steel Roofing

Expensive The cost of stainless steel is in line with the price of zinc and copper, making it a high-end metal roofing choice. Currently, stainless steel roofing can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,200 per roofing square depending on the finish, panel type, and thickness.

Standing Water Roofing made with stainless steel, especially if its in contact with other non-stainless steel metals, requires adequate draining methods in order to remain durable and functional. Too much standing water on stainless steel can act as an electrolyte and cause galvanic corrosion of the metal.

Breakdown Of Costs By The Material Type And Installation Expenses

Heres the raw data on the cost of each type of roof for the material and installation. In most, there is a range of costs because both materials and installers are available in good/better/best options. You get what you pay for!

All costs below are listed on a per sq.ft. basis:

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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.

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.

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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.

Metal Roofing Buying Guide

Thats why you should at least consider metal roofing over more conventional materials.

Unbiased, expert advice on how to buy metal roofing, types of metal roofing including standing-seam metal roofing and metal shingles. Includes advice about brands, colors, metal roofing from Lowes and Home Depot, hiring a metal roof contractor, and more.For your homes roof, you want the most durable, weathertight, fire-resistant, great looking roof you can buy, right?

In this article, well take a close look at metal roofing and help you decide whether or not it is right for your home. If it is, well walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know when choosing the right metal roofing for your needs. Then well advise you on how to get the job done.

• How to Repair Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are favored for their fire-resistant qualities, longevity, and speed of installation (in most cases, they are installed by qualified metal roofing contractors. The material is also surprisingly lightweight and great at reflecting heat from the sun, a characteristic that helps homeowners save energy and may even qualify for tax credits.

Of course, metal roofing has a few drawbacks, too. Before deciding to install a metal roof, be sure to see Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing.

The trick is finding the right product for the job.

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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.

Metal Roof Vs Shingles Cost

Both metal and asphalt shingle roofs can be great choices for your home. The major differences lie in the cost and repair.

Shingle roofs tend to cost less If you hire a contractor, putting shingle roofing in will cost around $100-$200 per 100 square feet, compared to metal roofing, which is around $120-$900 per 100 square feet.

However, because a shingle roof doesnât last as long, you could pay more down the road to repair or replace it. While a shingle roof can be installed within a day or two and often right on top of the existing shingles, the likelihood of needing to call a roofer to maintain the roof is higher compared to a metal roof.

Even though a metal roof may cost more upfront, because of its durability you may save in the long run, assuming there arenât any issues with your roof. Also, some repairs may be covered under warranty.

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High Heat Ice And Water Shield As Underlayment

Underlayment is usually a felt material used over your decking to provide additional protection. That makes it a crucial component to your metal roof.

For your standing seam metal roof, your underlayment will be a self-adhering, high heat ice and water shield. Your metal roofs high heat ice and water shield is your roof systems last line of defense for your decking.

Be aware, the ice and water shield must be installed over the top of the lock strip at the eaves. If the lock strip is installed over the underlayment, the condensation under the ribs will run down the fascia board behind the lock strip and leave streaks on the fascia and eventually rot it.

This will leave lines down the fascia board when the water starts running behind the lock strip. Its absolutely crucial that the underlayment is installed over the lock strip on your standing seam metal roof.

What To Look For In Steel Roofing

A high-quality steel roof can meet the needs of homeowners who have a modest budget and realistic expectations of the roofs functional and cosmetic life.

• Experienced Installer: Choose a reputable, experienced steel roofing installer. Although highly durable once installed, steel roofing must be handled with care during installation to avoid dents and scratches.
• Galvanized Steel: Go with Galvanized steel roofing products, not galvalume. Galvanized steel offers more protection from rust than cheaper galvalume products
• Warranty: Read your warranty carefully! Many 50-year steel roofing warranties do not actually cover rust formation where steel has been exposed during the installation process. Learn more about metal roofing warranties.

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Which Is Better: Steel Or Aluminum Roofing

Neither type is better than the other its all about your preferences. However, if youre trying to choose between steel and aluminum roofing, do as much research as possible before you make your decision. In the previous sections, you can read about the pros, cons, and costs compared to the other types.

To make the most informed decision, contact your local roofing experts to schedule a consultation. Our team at Legacy Service will guide you throughout the process, from helping you determine the best choice during the inital consultation to communicating with you every step of the way if you decide to go through with the project.

Advantages Greatly Outweigh The Drawbacks

Metal roofs continue to grow in popularity, and one of their “disadvantages” actually turns out to be an advantage when viewed from the big picture. Although initially much more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof , a metal roof lasts much, much longer, and in the final measure is usually the better investment.

Among the many advantages of a metal roof:

• The life expectancy is 50 to 75 years or even more, as opposed to the 15 to 25 years of life for an asphalt shingle roof.
• The surface reflects heat, lowering cooling costs in hot climates.
• They are less susceptible to leaking than shingles when installed correctly.
• They resist wind damage better than other roofing choices.
• Metal roofs are fireproof, making them good choices in areas where wildfire is a risk.
• Metal roofs are recyclable when they reach the end of their useful life.

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How To Save Money And Get A Great Roof

If saving money were the goal, then hiring the cheapest labor would be the path to accomplishing it. However, that will likely turn out to be a mistake discovered when the roof falls apart or fails to protect your home from the elements.

The better route is to request estimates from several licensed and insured roofing contractors that specialize in the type of roof you want. Let them know that they are competing with other companies for the project. Then, get some references, drive by homes they roofed from 5-15 years ago to see how the roofs theyve installed are holding up.

Pro Tip: Inquire about the experience of the crew that will be installing your roof.

This is the most complete overview of these materials and their costs that youll find anywhere. If you have comments, questions, or costs to submit, we invite you to join the conversation by leaving a reply. If the information was helpful, please share it on social media since every homeowner will need a new roof sooner or later!

The 3 Common Types Of Metal Used In Residential Metal Roofing

Whether you want an entire metal roof system or just want a metal roof over your screened-in porch, youre going to have to decide on the type of metal. The truth is, theres no wrong answer.

You have to choose the type of metal that fits your situation, the look you want, and your budget. While there are plenty of options to choose from, there are 3 we see more often in residential roofing.

We here at Bill Ragan Roofing want to give every homeowner the power to make all the right decisions for themselves and their roof. Thats why were going to break down the common types of metal used in residential roofing.

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The Most Common Metal Roof Materials

Although people tend to think as metal roofing as a single category of metal shaped into different styles, the term is actually a catch-all for quite a few metal materials. Here’s a quick-and-dirty rundown on the most common and most popular metal roof materials used today.

Steel is the most commonoy used material for roofing metal because of its light weight and strength. The term “steel roofing” usually refers to zinc-coated steel, and that includes Galvalume, Galvanized, Zincalume, etc. Typically, steel roofing is supplied with some sort of colored or coated finish – finished steel panels, coated steel tiles, and on and on. Today’s steel roofs offer superior corrosion resistance, which makes them ideal for a vast array of roofing applications – particularly where aesthetics, performance and value are important considerations.

Aluminum

Aluminum roofing is growing in popularity, thanks to increased corrosion resistance and its availability in beautiful Energy Star certified finishes. This material is usually supplied with a colored finish, just like steel, because bare aluminum isn’t especially attractive as it ages. It’s one of the lightest metals used for roofing and can be easily formed. It’s also typically more expensive than steel, but because of its superior resistance to corrosion, it’s ideal for use in salty, coastal applications.

Copper and Zinc

Thoroughly Measure Your Roof

Before you purchase materials, make sure that your metal roofing will fit on your home. This is easiest to do if you measure out the space and take measurements before shopping for panels or shingles. But once you know what size of material to buy , be aware that not all metals come in standard sizes, so its good to have a little extra just in case.

1) Measure the Height of Your Roof

Measure your roof to determine how many panels are needed for installation. Some metal roofs come with pre-cut lengths, but if not, you will need some sort of measuring device like an accurate yardstick, measuring tape, a chalk and line system, or laser leveler. For the best results, make sure to use a ladder so you can get accurate measurements.

2) Measure the Length of Your Roof

Once you know how many panels are needed for installation, measure the length of your roof and order that amount in panels or shingles. Start at one end and take a reading from top to bottom with your measuring tape to measure correctly. At that point, measure the distance to the opposite end and add those two measurements together for your total length.

3) Measure the Pitch of Your Roof

Another critical number youll want to know is pitch this refers to how steeply sloped your roof is, or in other words, its incline measured from a horizontal plane. The pitch you want will depend on the type of metal roofing you buy because a steeper pitch means more material is needed for installation.

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Metal Roofing Buying Guide 202: Facts Myths Prices Faq Metal Roofs

If you are looking to replace that old asphalt roof on your home with a metal roof this Spring, Summer or Fall, but still have a few lingering questions or concerns, then here are the top 70 metal roofing facts, myth-busters, FAQ, plus an overview of costs and pros and cons to consider before making your buying decision.

via Birdseye Design

Did you know? A metal roof can be a sensible way to protect your home, especially if you happen to live in an area that experiences a lot of storms, rapid temperature changes, beaming sun that melts asphalt, large hail, or heavy snowfall. Just ask any homeowner in Florida, Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, upstate New York, Northern New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and they will readily attest to this!

You can estimate the cost to install a new metal roof including materials and labor with the help of a free calculator here.

You deserve a reward for getting this far! So, here are some equally important bonus facts to consider:

Bottom Line:

A metal roof offers better ROI than any other remodeling upgrade. This can be especially important if you care about maximizing your homes value and curb appeal for many decades to come.