Steel roofing
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.
Metal roofing is a very important aspect of house construction. In fact some houses need renovation and replacement of the roofing. There are many types of metal roof that one can go for. Metal roofing materials can be chosen based on the advantages, the budget and the overall look. There are quite a few sites where you can get in touch with metal roofing manufacturers and use their roofing calculator to estimate the cost of roofing as per your requirements.
Environmental Friendly Option
Metal roofing is a green and environmental friendly option. This is why many new builders and home owners are going for this option. The first reason is that they help reflect the sunlight and heat during summers and also retain the heat during winters. This way they save around 25 – 40% of the energy costs. These energy savings are massive not only for the cost but also in an environmental friendly way. Another reason why they are called environmental friendly is because most of the metal roofing materials are 100% recyclable. Asphalt shingle roofs usually need renovation every 10 – 15 years. The materials are dumped in landfills where they stay there for hundreds of years. However, metal roofing need not be replaced for up to 50 years.
They make the house look attractive
Even if you are planning to sell your house, metal roofing is a very good option to make your house look more beautiful. You can use a whole lot of metals like copper, aluminum and zinc or even steel. Although it is more expensive that asphalt, you will more than recover your costs in the long term in terms of energy savings and longevity of the roof. There are many metal roofing styles and systems like the standing seam metal roof and metal shingles, shakes and slate which are available to the homeowners.
Individual metal benefits
Each of the metal roofs has its own benefits. Aluminum is one of the more popular metals used as it is not affected by natural corrosion due to salt or oxidation. The aluminum roofs are also known for their longevity. Copper roofing is more expensive but it has a traditional attractive look. Sometimes copper roofing can last as long as a century. The high cost of the copper roofs is because the soldering and mechanical installation processes are slightly more difficult. The weathering process of copper causes the deposit of a green layer called patina. Zinc too has the same advantages and costs around the same as copper roofing. Steel roofing is used extensively because steel is strong, flexible and easily available at a decent cost too. Steel is protected too through coatings. Hence steel comes in the form of galvanized steel or galvalume coated oils.
Metal Roofing types and colors
There are many types of metal roofing. Standing seam roofing with panels whose width ranges between 12 – 18 inches is mostly used in commercial and residential constructions. Corrugated metal roofing and stone coated steel roofs are the other types available in many colors like red, grey green etc.
