Metal Roofing Materials
More and more, homeowners are seeking out energy-saving building materials for their renovations and new homes, products that not only secure and improve structures but also provide long-term cost-cutting on energy bills while promoting environmental and economic sustainability in the greater community.
Among the array of possible upgrades, “cool metal roofing” easily answers this consumer demand offering a solid, attractive roofing solution available in multiple colors, textures, and profiles, for steep-slope and low-slope applications, that can save your household up to 40% of its annual energy costs, depending on your geographical region.
The Benefits of Energy Efficient Metal Roofing
As reported by the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, reflective metal roofing installation can save your home up to 40% in summer cooling energy costs while highly emissive metal roofs can reduce urban air temperatures by as much as 12 ° F. Combined, these benefits mean less money out of your wallet, less dependence on energy resources and less general air pollution in your neighborhood and across the nation.
The secret to metal roofing’s energy savings is in its variety of materails and finishes, such as aluminum and copper roofing. The basic, unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by an asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed.Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated metal roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation. A good roofing contrator should be knowledgable in metal roofing materials and proficient in installations.
Additionally, most metal roofing, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation as well as decades of environmentally-sound, maintenance-free strength and beauty.
Installing a roof is a very important aspect of home and building construction since almost all structures need something to serve as protection from the elements. So it is not surprising how roofing has developed over the course of history and even just over the past two decades. As more homes are being built, more options of roofing have sprouted as well. This fills several requirements, not only of function, but also of aesthetics. Following are some of the roofing options that a home owenr can select from.
Single-Ply Roofing Systems
Singly-ply roofing, as its name suggests, is comprised of a single layer make of plastic or elastic material. Because there is only one layer, this type of roofing is thick. There are two types of single-ply roofs, first, thermoset membranes whose seams are sealed using adhesives and second, thermoplastic membranes whose seams are welded using heat or a solvent. There are three types of attachment for single-plys – ballasted, loose-laid and fully adhered. Because of its light weight, the single-ply is often used for re-covering. They are also quite inexpensive.
Single-ply roofs may be sensitive to certain substances and great care should be taken when choosing from different kinds of single-plys. EPDM and PVC-based materials can be damaged when exposed to oil, jet fuel, and cooking grease. When there are such emissions in the area, the chemical composition of the single-ply membrane should be checked carefully.
Modified-Bitumen Roofing Systems
Modified-bitumen roofs have similar advantages and disadvantages as built-up roofs. However, one great advantage of this roofing option is that it performs significantly better during cold weather. This type of roofing has been developed to become flexible when the temperature is low. They can adapt to temperature changes better than the built-up roof.
There are two type of modified-bitumen roofs – the plastic-based ones (APP) and the rubber-based ones (SEBS and SBS). The plastic-based membranes are usually installed using torches while the rubber-based membranes are installed using cold adhesives or hot asphalt. Most modified-bitumen roofs already have granulated surfaces so they are lighter than built-up roofs that have gravel surfaces. Modified-bitumen roofs may also be added as cap sheets on top of existing built-up roofs. This adds redundancy to the roofing as well as some flexibility.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is no longer limited to those leaky sliding panels attached together rather insecurely and then screwed or nailed to a frame. Today, there are metal roofs that have more secure concealed clips that can be expanded or contracted.
Perhaps the most important factor for choosing metal roofing is its life expectancy: metal does not decompose or break down even with exposure to extremes in weather. Some metal roofing may have warranties of up to 50 years. The disadvantage with metal however is the greater possibility of leaks compared to other roofing options. If metal is not installed properly, leaks are likely to occur.
The Built-up Roof
If there is one roofing option that is considered a classic, it would most definitely be the built-up roof system. Developed for over a century ago, this type of roof has a time-tested reputation that makes it almost an automatic choice for a lot of home builders. Of course, this is not a perfect roofing option as it can pose some considerable limitations, but a lot of those who chose this type have seen it work quite well.
The built-up roof is generally preferred in places of high traffic and when there is a possibility for the roof to be subjected to mechanical abuse. The built-up roof’s membrane is generally thicker and stronger compared to most other roofing options with its multiple layers and gravel surfacing. Since this is a popular choice, it is usually easy to find a contractor who can handle both installation and repair of this roof type in most locations.
The main disadvantage with built-up roofs is inflexibility. The roof may be subject to damage due to structural or thermal movement. A long building would need additional roofing support to prevent the roof from damage due to contraction. The compression due to cold temperatures or stretching due to hot temperatures may also take a toll on built-up roofs. Much care is needed if these factors are pronounced in a particular area.
There are several other roofing options these days. It is just important to choose the right type for the right structure. Whether it is new or traditional in style, good roofing should serve its purpose of providing good shelter and protection.
Tags: metal, metal roof, Metal Roofing, Metal Roofing Materials.
Building a dream house is everybody wish. You want your house to be perfect and look beautiful. Everybody thinks of the design and architecture and not much preference is given to the roof, until one day you find the roof leaking. Then you are in trouble. The house roof should be given as much importance as other parts of the building, as it protects you from sun, rain, wind etc and are prone to damage. The roof being the most distinguishable feature of your house, it should be strong and stable.
The roof changes the appearance of your house. The type of roof you choose can make your house look more beautiful. A lot of planning and thinking has to be made before you decide which type of roof is the best or which is the best roofing material, cost involved etc. Before you build your house, you can discuss about this with the roofing contractors, who will give you the best advice.
The roof can be flat or sloping and different types of materials like tiles, metal, fiberglass shingles, asphalt shingles, slate roofing etc. but there are many people today who prefer a metal roof because it is light-weight and fire and wind resistant and very durable. Residential metal roofing can last from 50-100 years. Now, let’s see the various metal roofing materials. They are, copper, aluminum, steel, alloys and stainless steel. Metal roofing prices keep varying depending on the cost of the metal, but today it is anywhere between $3.50 to $11.00 per square feet.
Roofing repairs are a big headache. Metal roofs are quite cooling and easy to install, but if there is a repair, then it is very difficult. Tile roof repair involves the replacing of broken tiles. If you are trying to do it yourself, be careful that you don’t break more tiles while walking on the roof.
Sometimes you might have to do small roof repairs or replacement of some tiles on the roof, but the whole roof replacement will cost you a lot. Many people are replacing their roof and choosing colourbond roofing. Colourbond is the brand name of a coated steel product and a colourbond roof looks better and more modern than the traditional tile roof. There are many roofing specialists in Adelaide, who provides expert service with regard to installation and repair of roofs. Adelaideroofingexpert is one of them.
If you don’t know much about roof repairs and replacements, call the Roof Replacement Adelaide Companies, who are licensed and will help you with all your roofing problems. The roofing contractor Adelaide is a professional and expert and has many years of experience.
Tags: metal, metal roof, Metal Roofing, Metal Roofing Materials.
Metal roofing is becoming popular these days. Many people prefer to install metal roofs in comparison to conventional roofing material. An array of materials is available in the market which is used in constructing the metal roof. The list of roofing materials includes steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and zinc alloys. The quality and features offered by each type are different and similarly the price, appearance and durability also vary.
The most commonly used material is steel as it is heavy and sturdier than the other materials like aluminum. However, constructors have fixed up rusting and corrosion by applying number of protective zinc-coatings. The steel sheets are then sealed with the top coating of epoxy primer. A last coating of acrylic color on the steel adds protection and color to the roof. But steel roofing is an expensive investment as it is highly durable, rust or corrosion free.
Apart from steel roofing people also prefer to use aluminum roofing system. It is usually used in residential metal roofs. Aluminum roofs are lighter in weight and are rust free also. But coatings are used in the same way as in the steel roofing to add color for an attractive appearance. After steel and aluminum, copper is the most widely used roofing material. Copper shingles are also installed on the roof. They add a stunning look to the roof with a lasting performance. They have the capacity to last with the roof as long as the house. Accessing the copper can add strength to the house. They are durable, rust free, no scratching and peeling. They are also soft enough to fix in the frame; but unfortunately, they are very expensive. Depending upon the quality of the material, the price may vary but in whole, all the copper roofing materials are expensive.
The metal roofing has number of benefits for the user. They can be counted as:
• Long-lasting: all the metal roofing materials are long lasting in nature. They can survive as long as the house. a properly installed roof can stay live even in the heavy snow and high winds.
• Weight: in comparison to tiles and concrete roofing materials, metal roofing is lighter. Some varieties of metal shingles can be installed over one or two roofing layers without tearing or removing a layer from the top.
• Easy installation: metal shingles come in multiple sections. An experienced contractor can easily and quickly install them on the frame. You can also consider acquiring single metal shingles which are relatively easy to install.
• Fire resistant: metal roofing materials are given Class A fire resistant rating. They are incombustible. However, their rating is depended on the material used in beneath the surface.
There are a few major benefits of the metal roofs. There are many other benefits can be availed from this type of roofs. You can take the services of an experienced contractor to install the roof properly.
