Metal Roofing

There are several different ways metal can be used for roofing. There are main forms that are based on sheet-like panels that may be formed on site, prefabricated, profiled, or flat. Metal may also be used for the creation of shingles and formed into shapes that are similar to slates and tiles.

Typically, sheet metal roofing is joined by rolled joints or standing seams. These do not have exposed mechanical fasteners but it uses the rolled or clipped design that creates a highly distinctive projecting seam. It is a flexible system that may get formed or pre-fabricated on site and could be in use for the creation of curved or straight seams.

There is an extensive range of corrugated and profiled metal roof panels that are available. They are historically associated with built-up roofing systems, industrial buildings, flashings and trims tthat form barges, corners, sills, aprons, rooflights, ridges, valleys, and so on.

Different Types of Metal

Primarily, metal roofing materials are manufactured from steel and aluminum and they are relatively easy to work with, durable, economical and could receive a variety of finishes.

The heavier of the metal options is steel but it is sturdier and could get coated with numerous finishes that can protect against corrosion and rust as well as provide wonderful colors. The lightweight aluminum is more resistant to rust but it is more expensive and relatively soft. Because of this, it can be prone to marring and denting.

The following are the metals available for roofing:

• Alloy Roofing Products – It is formulated with more than one metal so it can tailor properties of durability and strength
• Copper – This has been in use for roofs over centuries. It weathers naturally and is fire resistant.
• Lead – This can be heavy and relatively expensive but it is durable and malleable. It may be formed and cut on the site to create complex shapes.
• Zinc – This is versatile, malleable and resistant to corrosion.
• Stainless Steel – This does not corrode or rust.

The Advantages of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have numerous advantages which include the following:

• Generally the metal roofing is lightweight in comparison to the traditional tiles
• Shedding of rain and snow – Since metal surfaces are relatively slippery and hard, they have the tendency to shed snow and rain relatively easily.
• Life expectancy – The proper installation of a metal roof must have a long lifespan as it is resistant to rot, infestation, mildew, fire, and harsh weather.
• Radiant heat from the sun may get reflected by metal but there may be times that it becomes too hot that you need to have a dead-air space or an insulation in between the interior and the metal.
• Walkable – People could walk on metal roofs if necessary but they may get slippery when wet.
• Easy installation – Most of the materials in metal roofing come in rolls, sections, or panels that are prefabricated off-site making them relatively easy and quick to install.
• Minimal pitch of the roof –  Lots of materials may get installed on gently pitching roofs without any of the dangers of water penetration.