Solving most of the issues that traditional roofing materials have, metal roofing material is progressively becoming one of the most preferred materials by homeowners.
There are many advantages to a metal roof; they’re long-lasting, super strong, they look good, and they’re considerably affordable. Historically too, metal roofing has been prevalent across the globe due to its beneficial properties.
If you are a homeowner and want to get your roof replaced, you may want to consider going with a metal roofing installation. But before you do, make yourself familiar with all the types of metal roofs available in the market & what advantages metal roofs serve in general. And just like always, to help you save your precious time, we’ve put together a brief on the most popular metal roofing along with the advantages of metal roofing over others.
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Types of Metal Roofing
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum is the third most abundant metal in the world. It has many benefits and therefore is a preferred choice for many homeowners. An aluminum roof is very strong and can sustain harsh weather conditions & can last for over 50 to 70 years very easily. It’s also pretty affordable- usually costing anywhere between $5 to $20 per square foot.
The installation is very easy as well since the roof is relatively lightweight and roofing contractors find it easy to get the installation done. The metal is also pretty immune to rusting. You may find some corrosion, but that’ll take years to develop. So, if you stay at a location where rainfalls are frequent, you know what to go with.
There are, however, some cons to Aluminum roofing. Since the roofing material is thin, the chances of roof denting are quite high. This is something to consider especially if your house is surrounded by a lot of trees and the branches float over the roof. Additionally, if improperly installed, aluminum roofing can be noisy; especially if you get a lot of rain.
Zinc Roofing
When it comes to longevity, zinc is always better than aluminum. In comparison, zinc roofs don’t have much trouble while lasting for over a hundred years. On some occasions, they’ve been known to support houses for over 150 years.
Unlike other metal roofing materials, zinc has a protective layer that is supposed to prevent scratches and corrosion. And not just prevent, it can self heal. Any scratches on the surface will fix themselves over time. This is one notable advantage of having a zinc roof over any other.
All these features do come at a price though, precisely why zinc roofs aren’t the most accessible. Along with that, zinc roofs also run a risk of corrosion on the underside, which can damage the metal. To prevent this, you’ll have to get the metal roof coated by professionals. And schedule regular maintenance with your roofing contractor.
Stainless Steel Roofing
Stainless steel is the most ideal option of all. It’s strong, durable, affordable and it looks good. Under proper conditions, stainless steel metal roofing should last over 60 years. And unlike other metal roofing, stainless steel does not expand as much due to changes in weather conditions. There are also a lot of finishing options, such as dull, subtle gray, reflective and polished, when it comes to the stainless steel roof.
There are no particular cons to stainless roofs, except for the fact that they are in alignment with the pricing of most other roofs. The costs vary depending on the type of roof you purchase.
Copper Roofing
Copper is known to be the “premium material” in the roofing segment since a copper roof is the most aesthetically pleasing. Onto that, copper is also highly durable. If you maintain it right, a copper roof can last you more than your lifetime. And unlike other roofing materials, copper can be soldered. So all your roofing joints will be weather tight & offer you better protection.
Although, as appealing as a copper roof can be, not everyone can manage to install it. Copper roofing is one of the most expensive roofing there is. But considering the longevity, it’s justifiable.
Galvalume Roofing
If one roofing material wasn’t good enough, how about a combination of three.
Galvalume roofing material is a combination of steel, aluminum and zinc. This way, the galvalume adopts the best properties of each roofing material and comes out to be the ideal choice for many. This type of roofing material is progressively becoming popular in the US.
Galvalume roofing materials come pre-painted in multiple colors. Depending on the aesthetic of your house, you can choose from a plethora of options. It is also significantly cheaper than any other roofing material, but the quality is just as good, if not better.
The only issue with the galvalume roofing material is the oil canning. It’s a wavy distortion affecting the surface of metal roofing. But this happens with most cold-formed metals. To deal with it, you’ll need to hire a residential roofing contractor. They can help you reduce the oil canning over your roof.
Advantages of a Metal Roofing in Maryland
Longevity: Metal roofs are one of the most long-lasting roofing materials there is. While the most popular asphalt shingles last for about 20 years, metal roofs can easily stay strong for over a hundred- if maintained right.
Energy-efficient: Metal roofs reflect the UV light away from a home, reducing the load on the HVAC system by 10-15%. And therefore, considered to be the most energy-efficient roofing material on the market.
Durable: Of all the roofing materials on the market, metal roofs are probably the most durable. They’re significantly impact-resistant and stand strong when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Environment friendly: Metal roofs are highly recyclable. Depending on the material, the recycled content can go up to 95%. Therefore, metal roofing not only makes for a perfect roofing choice but is an environmentally conscious one as well.
This brief guide should’ve provided you with all the information you need to know before opting for metal roofing. Remember, each type of metal roofing has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your requirements- you can make a conscious choice.
Consult with our local Maryland roofing company on your next metal roof installation.
