All You Need to Know About Metal Roofing Sheets

The popularity of metal roofing is increasing continuously as metal is one of the most recommended roofing materials. Metal roofing offers a wide range of benefits, which has made it a popular roofing choice. Metal roofs are highly attractive because of their minimal maintenance, energy efficiency, and longevity. Here is all you need to know regarding metal roofing sheets. 

Types of Metal Roofing Sheets

There are different types of metal roofs depending upon the material. You can choose from different types of metals like zinc, copper, tin, or galvanized steel. Here are the pros and cons of different types of metal roofing materials.

• Galvanized steel – It is an amazing material used for metal roofing. The only drawback of galvanized steel is that it can corrode eventually and specifically when it is exposed to a salty environment. 
• Steel – It is the most frequently utilized material in commercial as well as residential buildings. It is mainly due to its lower cost. 
• Aluminium – It is the second most commonly used material for metal roofing. It is long-lasting and more durable as compared to steel. It is popularly used in salty spray environments. 
• Copper – Copper can last for hundreds of years. However, due to the higher cost, it is opted by fewer people. 

Colors and Styles of Metal Roofing Sheets

Style – Metal roofs usually come in two styles interlocking shingles and vertical panels. Various metal shingles are made to imitate the look of cedar shake, clay time, slate, and asphalt shingles in some cases.

Colors – At the present time, metal roofs come in 100 different colors, including premium, standard, and customized colors. 

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Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

Metal roofing is popularly used roofing material. Below mentioned are some pros and cons of roofing materials.

Pros of Metal Roofing

Durability 

One of the biggest benefits of metal roofing is its durability. Metal roofs do not split, rot, crack, warp, leak, dry-out, and chip, unlike other roofing materials. Metal roofing is not susceptible to rodent or termite infestation. It can also withstand impact from varied falling objects like sticks and hails without damaging the roof. 

Weather Protection

Metal roofs render the best protection against different types of weather conditions like ice dams, snow, and ice. Metals roofs are considered best for shedding snow and ice, which in turn helps in preventing the issue of roof leaks. The best part about metal roofs is they never catch fire as metal is non-combustible. Metal roofs also render protection against winds at hurricane levels. 

Maintenance

Metal roofs require minimal maintenance. They can be easily cleaned with water. Metal roofs that are corrugated styled require fastener re-tightening in around every 10-15 years. For the purpose of maintaining metal roofs, all you need to do is keep them clean. You also need to repaint the metals after years of service in order to render a fresh look. However, repainting the metal roof is not necessary, and it totally depends on the original coating of metal roofing. 

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs are highly energy-efficient. They can save around 25% of home energy bills annually. It also helps in reducing the overall energy water of the building. Metal roofs contain coll reflective surfaces. Metal roofs do not absorb the solar heat and reflect it back. In this regard, zinc and copper are the types of metal roofing material with the least energy efficiency. They have thicker and darker gauges, and they absorb more heat as compared to steel and aluminum. Nevertheless, they are still greener and cooler as compared to the asphalt shingles. 

Environmental Impact

In the roofing industry, metal roofing is an environment-friendly and green material. The manufacturing process of metal roofs require the least amount of resources and do not require petroleum by-products. The best part about metal roofing is that they can always be recycled. Newly manufactured metal roofs contain 30-60% content of the recycled metal. Metal roofs can be recycled multiple times without material degradation. 

Return on Investment

Among different types of roofing materials available for the purpose of residential uses, metal renders the best return on investment (ROI). For potential home buyers, a metal roof can be an attractive selling point. The best part about metal roofing is that there is no need for re-roof, which is the most attractive selling point. 

Cons of Metal Roofing 

Though metal roofing offers a wide range of advantages, there are varied drawbacks also that are worth mentioning. Below mentioned are some of the most common drawbacks of metal roofing. 

Cost

The biggest disadvantage of metal roofing is the initial cost. The cost of metal roofing is equivalent to that of other materials. It can cost around $150 to $600 per square foot. Due to the long term durability of the material, you only have to pay once for the installation of the material. However, you save more on seasonal maintenance. Overall, metal roofing renders a good return on investment. 

Denting

A metal roof can get dent if large and heavy hailstones fall on it. The metal roofs of aluminum and copper are softer as compared to steel and aluminum. However, there are some metal roofs guaranteed not to get the dent. In case of requirements, you can walk on some of the metal roofs but not all the roofs. It totally depends on the manufacturing of the metal roofing sheet. 

Leaking

It is essential to install the metal roofings properly. Metal roofs that are exposed to fasteners are specifically vulnerable to incorrect installation. In case, while attaching the metal roof to the flat surfaces, if the screws are not attached properly, then the rainwater can seep into the holes of screws. Due to this reason, the resilient washes should be sealed around the screw heads. Make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer while installing this type of roof. 

Noise

The noise of rain falling on metal roofs can be irritating for some people. In the case of hailstorm or rainstorm, the living that is present beneath the metal sheet is noisy. However, the noise can be controlled by making use of the material that can create structural barriers in order to minimize the drumming effect. 

Care

Painted metal roofs require significant care as they can chip, chalk, fade, peel, or scratch. However, they’re guaranteed for around 30 years. While installing the metal roof sheets, the installers should be careful as they should treat the sheets with care. You can not walk on some of the metal shingle systems as they are installed in the top to bottom +direction. 

House Fire

Metal roofs are highly effective in rendering protection against fires. However, they can only provide protection against fire that begins outside and are not ideal for the fires that begin inside the house. 

Expansion and Contraction

Metal contracts and expands as it cools and warms; therefore, most new metal sheets contain fastening systems in order to compensate for the movement. Contraction and expansion of the metal roofs can lead to wavy effects on hot days. 

Final Words

Metal sheets are a popular choice as the demand of  metal roofing is continuously increasing.  These sheets are energy efficient and require minimal maintenance.  If you find the article about metal roofing sheets informative, drop a comment.