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Deciding on the best roofing material for your home can be a tough task given the amount of options available on today’s market. It’s an important investment and can vastly impact both the appearance and longevity of your home.
While traditional asphalt shingles or tiles might come to mind as appropriate choices, don’t overlook another contender: metal roofs. Not only commercial buildings, but metal roofs are storming residential neighborhoods, too, thanks to their unique blend of strength, durability, style, and sustainability.
But what are the different types of metal roofing systems? Which one should I choose? We are here to answer all your questions.
In this guide, we will deep dive into the best types of metal roofs. We have divided this into two main sections: based on materials and based on the style.
First, we will be shedding light on aluminum, copper, and steel roofs.
What Are The Different Types of Metal Roof Materials?
Metal roofs are gaining recognition for their aesthetic versatility and solid defense against severe weather. It’s important to understand the benefits and constraints of each metal type before making a choice.
You’ve possibly heard about the exceptional properties of aluminum roofing panels or have looked at shining copper roofs, maybe even considered sturdy steel panels? Let’s get into these roofing types that are common in Gulf Coast neighborhoods.
Aluminum Roofs
When exploring the different types of metal roofs, we can’t help but give significant attention to aluminum. It’s one type of metal roofing material commonly seen on houses due to its unique features and advantages.
Pros of Aluminum Roofs
Lightweight Nature and Ease of Installation
What makes aluminum stand out among other materials is it’s incredibly low weight. Its lighter nature allows for easy transportation and fitting. Since its light, it also puts less strain on the house structure. This benefits not only you but also us, the contractors. Installation is faster, which lowers the price of labor, and also reduces other costs related to special equipment or enforcement that is required for heavier roofing materials.
Durability and Resistance to Corrosion
Aluminum roofs are known for their strong resistance against elements that corrode other metals over time — such as rainwater, humidity, or salty air, which are common mostly near coastal areas.
This resilience also contributes to longevity, extending your roof’s lifespan without needing continual upkeep or maintenance activities usually synonymous with rust-prone roofing materials.
Cons of Installing an Aluminum Roof
Higher Cost Compared to Other Metal Roof Materials
As much as you would love aluminum for its advantages discussed earlier, cost considerations might deter you. Installing an aluminum metal roof is generally pricier compared to other metal alternatives such as steel.
Susceptibility to Denting from Impacts
While being lightweight brings benefits in terms of logistics and installation processes, it also means aluminum is susceptible to denting from physical impacts. Events such as hailstorms or falling branches could leave noticeable damage on the roof’s surface.
Copper Metal Roof
Copper stands as one of the more luxurious and prestigious selections when it comes to types of metal roofs. Revered for its elegance and sophistication, copper has consistently been a popular choice among homeowners who wish for a little extra charm and flair.
Advantages of Copper Roofs
Elegant Aesthetic Appeal and Patina Development
A key selling point of copper is its superb aesthetic appeal. It adds an immediate touch of class to any structure with its shiny brownish color when new, which gradually turns into a stunning greenish-blue patina over time due to oxidation. This patina not only enhances its visual appeal but also forms a protective shield against corrosion or rust, extending the lifespan of the roof while maintaining its distinctive look.
Longevity and Low Maintenance Requirements
Installation of a copper roof can be considered an investment in your property’s future. With a potential lifespan exceeding 100 years, copper beats out many other roofing materials in terms of durability. Furthermore, the patina process acts like nature’s built-in maintenance system, further reducing homeowners’ upkeep responsibilities.
Disadvantages of Copper Roofs
Initial High-Cost Investment
Possessing such exceptional attributes comes at a price tag, and that too, is significant. Copper roofing systems tend to be considerably pricier than others due to high material costs. The installation expense is higher too because it requires skilled roofers.
The initial investment is the biggest limitation of this roofing material, but it often lasts for more than a 100 years which may offset this over time.
Limited Color Options Compared to Other Metals
Though this is technically not a limitation, if you want a broader color palette, copper might disappoint. Unlike other metal roofs that come in a spectrum of colors, copper is initially popular for its radiant brown hue. Though it eventually transitions into its characteristic patina, it may not be for everyone.
Steel Roofs
When considering the types of metal roofs, steel undoubtedly stands out. Regarded for its remarkable strength and variety, steel roofing systems have gained vast popularity among homeowners.
Pros of Steel Roofing Panels
Strength and Impact Resistance
One essential advantage is that steel boasts strength. Steel is one of the toughest metals, and works ideally for homeowners located in regions susceptible to severe weather conditions like hail storms or high winds. This durability allows it to withstand impacts without sustaining significant damage, if any at all.
Another distinguishing feature lies in steel’s inherent toughness. It resists cracking, shrinking, or eroding under varying weather conditions – both hot and cold extremes – making it an excellent long-term investment for homeowners.
Wide Range of Styles and Finishes Available
Moving on to aesthetics, steel roofs are very versatile compared to some other types of metal roofs.
They come in an impressive array of styles, colors, and finishes catering to diverse architectural needs. Steel is used to make both standing seam and corrugated panels, tiles as well as metal shingles. This wide range gives you maximum flexibility when integrating the roof design with your overall property style.
Disadvantages of Steel Roofing Panels
Prone to Rust if Not Properly Maintained
Let’s talk maintenance: if not properly taken care of, steel roofing panels can potentially fall victim to rust. While most modern steel roofs come galvanized or coated with corrosion-inhibiting substances, those who opt for bare or untreated steel should be prepared for regular maintenance work to keep oxidation in check.
Heavy Weight Might Require Additional Roof Support
Finally, the heavyweight nature of steel requires you to have a robust roof structure that can support its weight effectively. While it’s not as heavy as tile or slate, it’s notably weightier than aluminum or other lightweight metals, so your property’s structural integrity needs to be checked before installation. If your house was designed originally for lighter roofing materials like asphalt shingles, you might find yourself facing additional work and costs to reinforce the roof system prior to laying down the steel panels.
Styles Of Metal Roofs
Just as it’s crucial to identify the best type of metal that works for your home’s roof, it’s equally important to be aware of different profiles that can further influence the performance of your home. This way, you select a product that perfectly suits your aesthetic as well as durability needs.
Let’s delve into some common styles of metal roofs installed on houses:
Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels
A standing seam metal roof gives buildings a modern look and is extremely watertight. The term ‘standing seam’ stems from the unique seams connecting the panels that stand above the level of the roof itself. Additionally, its hidden fastener design provides a sleek appearance while protecting against potential leaks.
This hidden fastener technology is widely used due to the multitude of advantages offered in terms of both function and style.
Corrugated Metal Roof Panels
Having proved their worth over decades, corrugated metal roof panels offer excellent durability with increased resistance towards severe weather conditions such as hail storms or strong winds. Their rippled profile also helps channel water off the roof efficiently.
Perfectly suitable for both traditional properties or modern architecture, these often emulate rustic vibes. Though they cost less than standing seam panels, they are less durable due to their exposed fasteners.
Metal Shingle Systems
If you like traditional architectural styles but want something more durable, you should think about installing a metal shingle system. They look like asphalt, wood, or slate shingles, giving your home a classic look while also lasting longer because they’re made of metal.
Metal Tile Roofs
In the last few years, we have received a lot of questions regarding metal tiles. So if you desire a Mediterranean or old world-style for your property, then metal tiles are a good idea. These aluminum or steel-based tiles can perfectly imitate clay or concrete tiles, providing curb appeal while not costing as much as real tile or slate.
Get The Best Metal Roof Installation In The Gulf Coast!
Picking the most suitable type of metal roof is crucial, and we hope that with our list you can find the best metal roof for your home.
Irrespective of the type of metal roof you choose, we can take care of your home. Renova Roofing & Construction is a premier metal roof installation company serving the Gulf Coast. We are GAF Master Elite® certified roofers with years of experience installing and repairing metal roofs. Contact us today at (601) 647-3433.