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.
The Best Type Of Metal Roof For Residential Roofing
So, youre in the market for a metal roof to go over your home, porch, or another area. If youre like the thousands of other homeowners that want a metal roof, you probably want to know which metal roof system is the best.
Both types of metal roof systems have their place in the roofing industry. However, there is one thats the right and best choice for residential purposes.
Bill Ragan Roofing takes pride in educating homeowners like you, so youre able to make the right decisions. And if you end up choosing us to take care of your roofing needs, you can count on high-quality workmanship and expertise thats been cultivated for over 30 years.
Lets get into which metal roof system is right for residential roofing and a few advantages it has over the other.
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.
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Steel Or Metal Roofing: Pros/cons & Avg Cost
When talking about metal roofing, stainless steel tends to dominate the market. Steel is made up of iron and carbon, forming a strong metal alloy that can be rolled into various lengths, widths and Profiles.
There are three varieties of steel, which are used in different circumstances, including:
Galvanised Steel – Galvanised steel is manufactured using a layer of zinc. The zinc gives the sheet an extended life by protecting the inner layers of the steel from corrosion. Galvanised steel sheet metal and roofing panels are the most common steel metal roofing on the market.
Galvalume Steel – Like galvanised, but instead of using just zinc to coat the steel, galvalume steel uses zinc metal with aluminum. Aluminum zinc protects the steel from a range of environments, including rust and corrosion.
Thanks to its aluminum qualities, galvalume roofing can stand the test of time and offers improved protection. Care must be taken during the installation of sheets, as the surface can be easily scratched and marked.
Weathering Steel: Weathering steel is a metal that has been designed and manufactured for the heavy steel industry and is commonly used for building projects such as bridges.
The outer layer of metal is designed to corrode and rust, which, while sounding counterproductive, will protect the interior of the metal. Weathering steel is not the right metal for structural buildings because it will rust and require regular maintenance.
Pros of Steel Roofing:
Cons of Steel Roofing:
Metal Roofs And Lighting
The misconception that metal roofs attract lightning is probably because metal itself is known as a good conductor of electricity, and people, therefore, assume that a metal roof must attract lightning. In reality, when lightning strikes, it is seeking a path to ground and almost always will strike whatever object is highest in the area that also has a direct path to ground. Your metal roof is not grounded, and thus lighting has no reason to strike it.
A metal roof in no way makes your home more vulnerable or susceptible to lightning strikes.
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What Is The Installation Process For A Metal Roof
A metal roof can be installed on your own with the right tools, knowledge, and assistance. However, the installation can be difficult and can vary slightly depending on the type of panels or shingles you choose. It is always advisable that metal roof installation should be done by experienced roofing contractors.
Heres a generalized and quick step for installing a metal roof.
Stainless Steel Metal Roofing
Stainless steel is an iron alloy made up of at least 10.5% chromium and contains other elements and metals/materials to obtain desired properties.
When people think of stainless steel, they often think of large architectural structures such as elevators, bridges, building columns, handrails, etc. Or perhaps their kitchen appliances, cutlery, cookware, or beyond.
However, stainless steel is also an option in the metal roofing industry primarily because this material is known for its strength which makes it a high-end specialty metal that could be the right material choice for some projects.
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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.
How Much Does Zinc Roofing Cost
Zinc will cost about the same as copper, but will be significantly more expensive if the project is small. The lack of availability means that your shipping costs could be more expensive than the roofing materials themselves on a small project. Zinc roofing costs at least three times the price of steel roofing.
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Which Metal Roof Is Right For Your Residential Home
There are two types of metal roof systems to choose from: standing seam and screw down panel. Remember, both metal roof systems have their place in the roofing industry, but a standing seam metal roof is the best choice for residential purposes.
The main reason for this comes down to the expansion capabilities of the two types of metal roofs.
For example, a standing seam metal roof systems panels are locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. Under each rib is a clip that fastens the panels together and allows them to glide back and forth freely as the metal goes through thermal expansion.
On the other hand, a screw-down panel metal roof system is installed by screws that are screwed straight through the panel. This leaves no room for expansion and contraction.
Because theres no room to expand and contract, the screws will eventually wallow out the holes in the metal panels, and youll periodically have to pay to replace the screws with the next size up.
Can you install a screw down metal roof over your home? Yes. However, its going to be expensive to maintain, and will be more prone to roof leaks.
Top Considerations For Choosing Your Metal Roof
There are many different metal roofing options to choose from, but not all of them are well suited for your home or business. The best type of metal roofing will depend on your personal needs and preferences. Thats why its important to think about the following criteria before making a final decision:
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The Lifespan Of A Standing Seam Metal Roof
The lifespan of your roof is how many years you get out of it. You can think about it as your return on the investment you made in your roof.
A huge advantage a standing seam metal roof has over most roof types is its durability and longevity. Your new standing seam metal roof comes with a 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 painted finish on the metal panels.
As long as its installed properly, theres no reason you shouldnt get through the paint warranty and get 30 years out of your standing seam metal roof. But just because the paints warranty is up doesnt mean the painted finish will disappear after 30 years.
Under ideal conditions, your new standing seam metal roof could live up to 50 years. On the other hand, you could get 20 years out of a screw down panel metal roof.
With periodic maintenance, you could possibly stretch it to 30 years. But remember, youre going to have to pay someone to change out the screws every 5 years if you want to get the most out of it.
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
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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.
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How Much Does A Metal Roof Cost
For homeowners trying to get a long-lasting, unique roofing option that will require less maintenance, metal roofing might be the right path to take.
Standing seam metal roofs are one of the more durable options out there for residential roofs, and when they are installed correctly, can last up to 70 years in good conditions. Screw-down metal roofs, when put over a barn, shed, or other unheated space, can also last for a very long time.
However, metal roofing materials can also be some of the more expensive ones out there, especially when youre comparing it to something like asphalt shingles. But how much more does it actually cost to put a quality metal roof on your home?
In this blog, were going to talk about:
Lets get started!
Cons Of Copper Roofing
Very expensive Copper is one of the most costly metal roof materials, as copper is not as abundant on the Earth. Plus, the price of copper fluctuates almost week by week. You can expect copper roofing to cost about $600 to $1,100 per roofing square .
Expansion and contraction concerns In climates with striking temperature differences, copper roofing expands and contracts during heating and cooling cycles . Your contractor should ensure that your system can accommodate this thermal movement.
Unpredictable patina Some people are drawn to the look of the patina that will happen on a copper roof, but some might not want this greenish-blue covering on their home or structure. There is currently no exact science to predict the color or time frame that patina will occur with copper. In some climates, the patina will turn a rich green in other environments, it will maintain a dark bronze look for decades.
Run-off staining Copper roof rain run-off is known to stain siding, brick, concrete, other metals, wood, etc. Home or business owners need to be aware of this factor and ensure the contractors install the roof so the water can safely run off it without coming into contact with other stainable materials.
Limited engineering options There are limited uplift-tested options available for most types of copper standing seam metal roof systems. If you find one, it will most likely be a mechanical seam profile .
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What Is Metal Roofing Trim
The trim for metal roofing is what seals the joints of the metal roof together to prevent water from getting inside by directing water away from your home. Metal trim acts as the finishing touch that brings your metal panel roof together to give that polished look at the end of your job as well as make your metal roof weatherproof.
With properly installed metal trim, the chances of leaks or water damage decrease and you have an extra barrier that keeps moisture from sneaking in.
Other roofing companies may try to sell you a new metal roof for a lower cost and not include the metal trim that is needed to protect your roof. This is a great way for these roofing companies to sell a job at a lower cost than competitors. Check the contract that your roofing companies are providing you and make sure all the small details are covered. These small details may cost you repair headaches down the road.
Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panels
Exposed fastener roofing consists of overlapping panels that are fastened directly to the roof deck or framing through the face of the metal panel This type of metal roofing is defined as exposed because the fastener head remains visible once installed. Dont worry, they still look great because the fastener heads are painted the same color as the roofing panels to help them blend in. Typically exposed fastener panels are 36 wide, which means that fewer panels and less labor will be necessary to complete your project. Consequently, exposed fastener panels are the most economical form of metal roofing.
While the product family is called exposed fastener panels, there are numerous different shapes or profiles within that family. Each delivers the outstanding value of metal roofing but with different aesthetic options.
Max-Rib is a low-profile panel well suited to most residential applications. Take a look at Max-Rib Ultra – featuring a Galvalume® substrate with Kynar 500® coating. This is the preferred panel for residential roofs and any building where owners are concerned about the quality and long-term performance of their roof.
Want to explore other options? See all of the exposed metal roofing panel options here.
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What Decra Metal Tile Roofing Styles Are Available
There are five different types of Decra roofing panels to choose from. Each represents a different style, and with so many to choose from, you have more options to consider when considering this roofing material.
When you find a style of Decra roofing that you like, you can choose from the color options you want to go along with it. Decra roofing tile is hard-wearing and incredibly long-lasting, so hopefully, you won’t have to worry about your roof for a very long time after installing these.
