Home | Types of Metal Roofing
If you are thinking about installing a metal roof on your existing home or are building a new home and want a metal roof, it’s important to know that there are several different metal roofing options. In this article we will discuss the various styles of metal roofing that are available. No matter which type of metal roof is right for your home, metal roofing is an investment that has the potential to add value to your home due to its beauty, durability, and longevity.
When you are considering a metal roof for your home, one of the first important decisions you will make regards which type of fastener system you prefer. Understanding the difference between an exposed fastener metal panel and a concealed fastener metal panel is very important and is often the starting point for determining which type of metal roofing system is right for you. In an exposed fastener metal roofing system, the panels are fastened to the structure directly to the roof deck or framing. The edges of the metal panel overlap, and the fasteners penetrate both layers of metal to adhere it to the substrate. In a concealed fastener metal roofing system, the fasteners do not penetrate the metal panels. Rather the roof panels are joined together by an interlocking seam and fastened to the roof decking using clips that are hidden beneath the metal panels. Continue reading to learn more about the different styles of metal roofing systems that are available today.
The term “corrugated” refers to a repeating pattern or a series of ridges. Corrugated metal roofing panels are made from cold rolled steel, which produces a thicker, stronger metal panel than a hot rolling process. To create the corrugated patterns, a flat piece of cold rolled metal is pressed into 3D corrugated patterns using a corrugated roll former machine. These series of rollers create the classic wavy or boxy looking panels that many people associate with metal roofs. Different arrangements of rollers create different corrugated patterns. There are actually a wide variety of corrugated metal roofing panels to choose from that have different profiles, shapes, and rib heights. The panels can be cut or trimmed to the exact lengths needed for specific metal roofing projects.
Corrugated metal roofs are widely considered the most affordable metal roofing option on the market, but the price point of a corrugated metal roof depends heavily on the project specifications. How much metal you need, the gauge or thickness of the metal panels, whether the panels need to be customized, and several other factors will affect the price of your corrugated metal roof. You’ll also need other components to complete your roof such as trim, fasteners, hardware, clips, and closures among other things. The only way to get a really clear picture of what your corrugated metal roof will cost is to call a local metal roofing company for a quote.
The type of paint system that you choose for your metal roof will also affect its price. Corrugated metal roofs can use either an SMP or a PVDF paint system, giving you a wide variety of colors and finishes to choose from. To learn more about metal roofing paint systems, be sure to read our blog on SMP and PVDF paint finishes.
Corrugated metal roofs utilize an exposed fastener system. It’s important to note that due to the nature of exposed fastener systems, corrugated metal roofs do require more maintenance than their concealed fastener counterparts. Every perforation of the metal is a potential point of water intrusion, however, with annual inspections and regular maintenance, a corrugated metal roof can last for decades. In short, a corrugated metal roof is durable, lightweight, and long lasting.
Standing seam metal roofs are known for their clean and sleek appearance. A concealed fastener system accounts for the standing seam metal roof’s streamlined, contemporary look. Concealed fasteners create a weathertight panel, which is why standing seam metal roofs are widely considered the best metal roofing systems that you can invest in.
Since standing seam metal roofs are not perforated by fasteners, they require less maintenance in comparison to corrugated metal roofing. The hidden fastener system of a standing seam metal roof takes more experience and training to install than a corrugated metal roof. It’s best to have a local metal roofing company install your standing seam metal roofing system.
Standing seam metal roofs are more expensive than corrugated metal roofs. Even so, there are a variety of factors that will affect the final price of a standing seam metal roof. The size of the project, whether you choose snap lock or a mechanically seamed roof, the paint system you choose, and the gauge of metal will determine the investment that you make in your metal roof.
Metal slate roofing panels are steel roofing panels that are designed to mimic the look of slate roofing. Slate roofing is much heavier than metal roofing. The weight of slate roofing can add stress of the structure of your home. If your home was not originally constructed with a slate roof, it may need to be structurally reinforced to handle the added weight of slate roofing. The additional weight of authentic slate also adds to its installation cost due to the increased labor costs associated with handling the weight of the materials.
If you are constructing a new home, choosing a metal slate roofing system may save you money in comparison to actual slate roofing. The lighter weight of a metal roof means that your structure does not need to be constructed to withstand the weight of a slate roof so that less materials are needed for the structure of your home.
Stone coated steel roofing can offer the distinguished look of clay or concrete tile, wood shake, or even asphalt shingles. This is a great option if you want all the advantages of a metal roof, but don’t want to differ too drastically in appearance from other homes in your neighborhood.
Stone coated steel roofing that resembles other roofing materials gives you the traditional look that you desire but offers the longevity of a metal roof.
Stone coated steel roofing systems are available in striking colors and natural hues. A layer of stone granules is permanently adhered to a 24 or 26 gauge rust resistant steel core. The stone coating is more than decorative, lending its durability to the roof, resulting in a lightweight roofing system that is reinforced with the strength of steel.
Stone coated steel roofing panels are available in a variety of profiles and are installed using an interlocking design which reinforces the roof and makes it more weathertight. The durability of the panels means that they will not break, curl, warp or split. The fade resistant stone coating used on the metal panels also have excellent color retention capabilities, keeping your roof vibrant and beautiful for years!
Stone coated steel roofing is available in a number of styles that resemble other roofing materials. Keep reading to discover the advantages of stone coated metal roofing.
Stone coated steel roofing is a great alternative to clay tile roofing. Clay tiles are vulnerable to hail, storm debris damage, and cracking. Most notably, clay tiles can absorb up to 15% of their weight in water! This can add significantly to the weight of the roof over time, putting undue stress on the structure of your home. Clay tile roofs also require more maintenance and repairs and are susceptible to algae and discoloration. Stone coated steel roofing replicates the beauty of old world clay tiles while being lightweight, durable, and fade resistant.
Concrete roofing tiles are also beautiful, and many people choose them over traditional clay tiles. However, stone coated steel still weighs significantly less than concrete roofing tiles. Stone coated steel weighs about 1.5 pounds per square foot, whereas concrete roofing tiles can weigh between 9.5 and 12 pounds per square foot.
Stone coated steel roofing can be made to look like traditional asphalt shingles, creating the distinctive shadow lines of architectural shingles. Stone coated steel metal panels weigh less than asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles may have a lower cost initially, but over time the energy efficiency and lower maintenance of a stone coated steel metal roofing system can save money.
Wood shake roofing is a beautiful roofing material, but not used very often due to its high maintenance nature. Wood shakes are minimally resistant to impact and moisture. Wood shake roofing also fades and grays quickly from UV exposure and are highly susceptible to bacteria and fungus. Wood shakes are also vulnerable to cupping, splitting, and loosening around fasteners, which makes them vulnerable to wind uplift. You can still have the beautiful look of hand split wood shakes with stone coated steel roofing which is wind resistant, fade resistant, and low maintenance. Stone coated steel roofing is a more sustainable, lower-maintenance roofing solution for elegant homes.
There are so many options available for metal roofing. In order to make the right decision for your home, first determine your budget. Metal roofing materials have a wide range of prices. Each style of metal roof has several options available that will in turn affect the pricing. The size of your project is also a consideration. In order to truly understand the cost of your project, it is best to consult a local metal roofing company.
Your personal style will greatly affect which metal roof you choose. Each roof style is unique and has several types of panels available. Your personal preference, architecture of your home, and HOA will all determine which style of metal roof is right for you. If you want a metal roof with a traditional look, you may consider stone coated steel as it may blend in nicely with the rest of your neighborhood while giving you the longevity of a metal roof. If you want to stand out from the crowd, a vibrant color or striking natural metal like copper may be just what you are looking for. If you have a more modern aesthetic or contemporary home, a standing seam metal roof may be right for your metal roofing project.
All metal roofing is incredibly durable and long lasting. Determining how long you want your roof to last can help you decide which materials you want to use. For example, a standing seam metal roof comprised of zinc or copper has the potential to last over a hundred years, but even a corrugated metal roof has the potential to last for over 40 years.
The location of your home will also make an impact on your choice of metal roof. If your property is near the coast you will need to choose a material that is corrosion resistant so that it is able to withstand the salty sea air. Aluminum, zinc, and copper are all great choices for this type of application.
No matter which type of metal roof you invest in, it may likely be the last roof you ever have to install so it’s important to get the job done right. At Gravity Metal Roofing, we specialize in investment grade metal roofing. We love the process of helping our clients choose the right metal roof for their home and our expert metal roof installations are covered by workmanship warranties. Call us today at (844) 352-7663 for your metal roofing consultation!
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Your roof will require some professional attention for a long life.
