-- Originally posted on: https://nearmeroofingcompany.com/blog/metal-roofing/
Over the past couple of decades, metal roofing has grown in popularity among homeowners looking for a more durable and long-lasting roofing option. Many more homeowners have opted for metal roofs for energy efficiency, fire resistance, or even home insurance benefits.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through five metal roof types, each with its unique advantages. Whether you need a roof replacement or building a new home, this blog will enlighten you on the various types of metal roofing materials so you can decide which option best suits you.
1. Steel Roofing
Steel roofing is probably the most popular and versatile of metal roofs. Essentially, there are two types of steel roofing: galvanized steel and Galvalume steel.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is covered with a layer of zinc that helps prevent corrosion. Over time, the zinc coating slowly oxidizes and protects the underlying steel from rust, hence increasing the lifespan of the roof.
Galvalume Steel
Galvalume steel provides outstanding rust protection and light reflection, ideal for energy-saving roofs. Although both Galvalume and galvanized steel have similar benefits, Galvalume typically offers better long-term corrosion resistance in most settings.
Pros of Steel Roofs
- Exceptional durability and longevity
- Cheaper than many other metal roofing choices
- Can be recycled when you’re done with it
- Resists rust and corrosion
- Stands up well to bad weather like strong winds and hail
- Doesn’t catch fire easily, which is good for safety
- Doesn’t need much upkeep, saving you time and money
Cons of Steel Roofs
- Possible rusting if the coating is damaged
- Heavy compared to other metal roofing materials and may require additional structural support
Steel roofs are a great deal for what you pay and can be used on all kinds of buildings, from old-fashioned to modern-looking ones. While you might occasionally need to fix a metal roof, you usually don’t have to do it as often as you would with regular roofs made from other roofing materials.
Steel Roof FAQs
Are steel roofs noisy?
Steel roofs aren’t as noisy as most people think. They can be as quiet as any other roof even when it rains or hails heavily with proper installation and insulation.
How can you insulate a steel roof?
Steel roofs can be insulated by placing a layer of insulation materials like foam boards or fiberglass batts underneath them. This insulation helps keep your house warmer in winter months and cool in summer to make your home more comfortable as well as help in saving you some money on energy bills.
How much does steel roofing cost per square foot?
Steel roofing typically costs between $5 to $16 per square foot but the price varies due to factors like the thickness or type of steel (galvanized, galvalume, or stainless). If you want a more budget-friendly option, you might find some steel roofing materials starting as low as $1.50 per square foot, but remember that cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to protecting your home.
How long do steel roofs last?
Steel roofs can last for about 40 to 70 years, which is way longer than regular shingle roofs. But it could last for up to 100 years or more with proper maintenance, especially if you live somewhere with decent weather.
Do steel roofs attract lightning?
No, steel roofs don’t attract lightning any more than other types of roofs. Lightning is typically drawn to the highest point in an area, regardless of the material it’s made of. While metal conducts electricity well, it doesn’t increase the chances of your house being struck by lightning.
2. Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofs are quite common in the US roofing market, especially for homeowners in coastal areas where corrosion resistance is of prime importance. This lightweight yet durable material offers several advantages, making it an easy option for many roof replacement and new roof installation projects. Steel roofs are naturally resistant to corrosion, even in salt-spray environments. They also reflect heat easily, offering excellent energy efficiency.
Pros of Aluminum Roofs
- Resistant to corrosion and suitable for coastal properties
- High thermal reflectivity, which helps lower cooling costs
- It is recyclable and eco-friendly
- Lightweight and allows for easier installation and reduced structural requirements
Cons of Aluminum Roofings
- Generally more expensive as compared to steel roofing
- More susceptible to impact dents from hailstorms or falling branches
For homeowners and real estate developers in high-humidity regions, aluminum roofing can be a very good investment. Harsh weather conditions barely affect aluminum roofs, and although the initial costs are higher than some other roofing options, aluminum roofing could be a very significant value investment.
Aluminium Roofs FAQ
How much does an aluminum roof cost?
An aluminum roof usually costs between $4 and $11 per square foot, and you can expect to budget up to $9,000 to $25,000 for an entire house. The price can also vary based on the city where you live, the material quality, and how tricky it is to install.
Are aluminum roofs good?
Yes, they are! They are super lightweight but still tough enough to protect your home, especially in places with lots of rain. Aluminum roofs are also particularly beneficial in homes where epoxy chip flooring is often used, reducing structural stress on the building. They can also help keep your house warm in the scorching summer heat and help you save on some cooling energy bills.
What is the best aluminum roof coating?
Coating aluminum roofs helps reflect sunlight, and protect them from corrosion, and this will ultimately extend their lifespan. A silicone-based aluminum roof coating would offer the best protection because of its UV protection and waterproofing properties. Silicone coatings are preferred for their durability, and flexibility, and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for long-lasting protection of aluminum roofs.
3. Copper Roofing
Copper roofs have a distinctive appearance, timeless elegance, and unparalleled beauty in architectural design. Copper roofing is durable, functional, and exceptionally resistant to various environmental challenges due to its natural ability to form a protective patina. This distinct feature allows copper roofs to withstand acid rain and even very harsh coastal environments, acid rain, that might otherwise quickly deteriorate lesser durable materials.
Additionally, copper roofs are exceptionally malleable and this allows for custom fabrications for architects looking to create unique roofscapes with a mix of functionality and artistic expression. Copper is also 100% recyclable, an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious projects.
Pros of Copper Roofs
- Unique aesthetic appeal that improves with age
- Exceptional durability and functionality
- Natural fire-resistant properties
- Resilience to extreme weather
Cons of Copper Roofs
- More expensive compared to other roofing materials
- Repairs can be costly if anything goes wrong
- Installation can be tricky and requires roofing expertise
Copper Roofs FAQ
What color siding goes with a copper roof?
Copper roofs look great with light-colored siding like white, light gray, or cream color. Other suitable options include earthy tones like tan or beige to match the warm color of copper. If your goal is to create a cool contrast with the copper roof, you can try out dark colors like navy blue or forest green.
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