What is Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing can bring your home beauty, durability, and reduced energy costs. Available in countless colors, styles, and textures, this versatile type of roofing has several advantages over standard asphalt shingles. Many homeowners opt to install metal roofing for reliable protection against sun, wind, snow, and rain without sacrificing a striking visual effect. In comparison to other roofing options, metal roofing provides distinct advantages. It’s more durable than asphalt tiles, lasting between 30-60 years with a lesser degree of disintegration and decomposition. However, it can be more expensive to install. Metal roofing is also much lighter than other kinds of tiles, which puts less stress on your rafters and walls. Metal is naturally extremely fire resistant, so those living in wildfire areas feel safer with a fireproof surface. Ceramic tiles, also fire retardant, have a similar cost to metal roofing, but have a specific architectural style and heavier weight. With it’s better
Metal roofing is represented by a variety of metal-based roof coverings designed to provide buildings with protection from the elements; allow for positive drainage of water from the roof surface; and to keep contents and occupants dry and comfortable. Metal roofing products are available in a range of metals including steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, stainless steel, and titanium. The predominant metal roofing substrate is metallic-coated steel sheet. The metallic coatings include zinc (galvanized), 55% aluminum-zinc alloy (Galvalume® sheet), 5% aluminum-zinc alloy (Galfan®), aluminum and lead-tin alloy (terne). With its expected long life, metal roofing is a highly desirable and sustainable building component. Additionally, many of the metals used in roofing will have recycled content varying from 25% to 95%, often with much of that recycled content being in the post-consumer category. For more information on metal roofing, see WBDG Metal Roofing. See also WBDG Evaluating and Selecting
Metal roofs are back in style! In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the most popular materials used for roofing because of their durability and light weight – in fact, such famous historic buildings as the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello have metal roofs. Metal roofs are a more long term roofing solution than asphalt shingles. While they require a greater upfront installation cost, homeowners ultimately reap the rewards on their metal roofs by saving on roof repair, replacement, and home energy costs throughout the long life of their roof. Standing-seam steel roofing is the most popular residential metal roofing product today. But metal roofs can also be made to resemble wood shakes, clay tiles, shingles, and Victorian metal tiles. The metal roof products sold by Advanced include DECRA (the original stone coated steel roofing system), Atas, and American Building Components (ABC Metal Roofing).
Metal roofs are coming back into vogue. In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the most popular materials used for roofing – such famous historic buildings as the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello have metal roofs. Standing-seam steel roofing is the most popular residential metal roofing today. But metal roofs can also be made to resemble wood shakes, clay tiles, shingles, and Victorian metal tiles. Aluminum or coated steel is formed into individual shingles or tiles, or into modular panels four feet long that mimic a row of shingles or tiles. Metal roofs are durable, fire retardant and almost maintenance-free. They are also energy efficient; metal reflects heat and blocks its transfer into the attic. Metal roofs absorb 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles, and homeowners switching to metal roofing reported saving up to 20 percent on their energy bills.
Metal tile panels are a graceful and durable roofing material, suitable for most pitched roof applications. They combine the traditional look with the latest technology and can be used on residential and commercial buildings, and for replacing old roofs. Metal tile panels are made from sheet metal which is zinc-plated on both sides, with several protective layers, which ensures durability. It is one of the most light-weight roofing materials, which is an advantage because it does not require a heavy roof support structure. The weight of the material is particularly important for re-roofing old buildings, since light-weight metal panels do not require reinforcing the supporting structures. One square (10’x 10′) of metal roof weighs 96 lb., which is about 10 times lighter than traditional clay tiles. A wide range of colors and applicability of the panels on various roof profiles allow the matching of the roof to the exterior of the building and the surroundings. The length of the tile pa
