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March 1, 2023

How Many Types Of Metal Roofs Are There?

Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular as a result of its longevity, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. How many types of metal roofs are there?

One of the reasons this question is on your mind is due to the growing variety of metal roofing available on the market. The many metal roofing options, their advantages, and other factors can be confusing when choosing the best type of metal roof, which is why we will look at them all in this article.

Definition of Metal Roofs

Metal roofing may create the perception of a steel roof, but it actually refers to a far wider range of materials. The first stage in determining the best course of action is choosing the type of material, which will vary greatly depending on context. 

Aluminum roofs are great for preventing rust in coastal areas, but their longevity is sometimes inferior in comparison to that of other roofing options. Steel, copper, and zinc are all types of metal roofing that have their pros and cons.

Roofing panels or shingles made of metal, typically steel or aluminum, make up a metal roof. Metal roofing comes in a wide range of designs and colors, making it ideal for use on any type of building.

What Are the Different Types of Metal Roofing Materials?

  • Aluminum Roofing: Aluminum roofing is low-maintenance, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for use in salty air.
  • Copper Roofing: For example, copper roofing lasts for a very long time and forms a protective layer as it ages. This is the most expensive roofing material available.
  • Tin Roofing: Tin roofs are outdated. The term "tin roof" is now commonly used to mean steel.
  • Zinc Roofing: Zinc roofing is an expensive option because it lasts a long time and changes color as it ages (a patina).
  • Metal or Steel: The most popular metal roofing material comes in several varieties of steel and metal.

Types of Metal Roofs

Metal roofing comes in many forms, including shake and slate, metal shingles, stone-coated steel, vertical panels, and standing seam.

Standing Seam

Standing seam metal roofs have raised seams running vertically along the roof. The raised seams create a unique look and can help the roof shed water and snow more easily.

FLat panel roof, How Many Types Of Metal Roofs Are There?
Flat panel metal roof

Corrugated

A corrugated metal roof has a unique appearance because it is crafted from metal sheets that have been curved or bent into waves. Many warehouses and storage sheds have corrugated metal roofing.

Corrugated metal roof
Corrugated metal roof

Stone Coated

Steel roofs are made of metal sheets that have been covered with stone granules before being formed into panels or shingles. Stone granules make the roof look better than most metal roofs because they add texture and color.

Vertical Panel

Vertical panel metal roofs are made from sheets of metal that are cut into panels and then installed vertically on the roof. The panels are often painted in different colors to create a unique look.

Pencil rib roof
Pencil rib roof

Shake and Slate

Metal shake and slate roofs start out as flat sheets of metal that are then formed into the distinctive shakes and slates that give these roofs their distinctive appearance. Most of the time, these metal roofing systems try to look like other, more traditional roofing materials.

Things to Know Before Choosing a Metal Roof

The durability, low cost, and lack of maintenance requirements of a metal roof have made it a popular option for both homes and businesses. Metal roofing comes in a wide variety of colors and designs, making it possible to find a roof to complement the look of virtually any house. There are a few things to keep in mind before settling on a metal roof.

Cost

A metal roof's price will be influenced by its metal, roof area, and installation difficulty. Metal roofs are more expensive upfront than asphalt shingles, but they save money in the long run because they require less maintenance. Metal roofing may seem like an expensive initial investment, but it can save you money in the long run.

Durability

Metal roofing lasts a long time, which is one of its main advantages. Investing in a metal roof is a good long-term decision because they are built to last for decades. Their resilience to fire, wind, and hail makes them a good option for areas prone to these dangers.

Maintenance

One of the many reasons metal roofs are so common is that they require almost no upkeep. Their waterproofing and debris-repelling qualities mean they don't require as frequent cleaning and inspection as other roofing materials. 

Metal roofs also don't need regular maintenance because algae and moss aren't able to damage them very much.

Local Climate

When choosing a metal roof, you should think about the weather in your area. Although metal roofs are more energy efficient than asphalt ones, they can get very hot during the day. This is a major issue in regions where summers are hot and sunny and air conditioning is expensive.

Color Options

Metal roofs are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles, making it simple to find one that works with your home's design. Some types of metal roofing are made to look like traditional shingles, so you can keep your old-fashioned style without giving up the durability of metal.

Installation

Metal roof installation is not simple, so deciding whether to hire a professional or do it yourself is crucial. If you decide to hire a pro, it's important to learn as much as possible about them and their work by reading reviews from previous clients. You can also install a metal roof in a few different ways. Knowing these options will help you make the best choice.

Advantages of metal roofs

Advantages and disadvantages of metal roofs
Advantages and disadvantages of metal roofs
  • Lifespan: The lifespan of a metal roof can range from 40 to 70 years. The typical lifespan of asphalt shingles is between 12 and 20 years.
  • Good Quality and Durability: Some metal roofs, if properly installed, can withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour, don't rust or crack, and may even be resistant to impact (depending on which product you choose). In addition, unlike many other roofing materials, metal roofs don't need the expensive, periodic maintenance that many others do. It is important to check on them on a regular basis to make sure no maintenance is needed.
  • Neither lightning nor wildfires can start fires on metal roofs.
  • Energy efficiency: Metal roofs can reduce cooling expenses by as much as 25 percent because they reflect the sun's UV and infrared rays, which cause the roof's surface to radiate heat.
  • Environmentally friendly. In addition to being 100% recyclable once its useful life as a roof is through, metal roofs often contain between 25 and 95% recycled content, depending on the type of metal used. Alternatively, as part of the building-related waste streams, up to 20 billion pounds of shingle tear-off garbage is disposed of annually.

Disadvantages of metal roofs

Despite their many advantages, metal roofs have some potential drawbacks.

Expensive

Metal roofs are often twice or even three times as expensive as asphalt shingles. Metal roofs last significantly longer than other roofing materials, but it's important to consider how long you'll be living in the house before making the investment worthwhile.

Noisy

Depending on the decking used during installation, metal roofs may generate more noise than alternative materials during severe rain or hailstorm (spaced or solid). Sometimes this can be fixed by adding more insulation to the attic, but this can be expensive.

Wear Out

Expansion, contraction, and fasteners large panels of roof metal are assembled in such a way that they expand and contract when the weather warms and cools. Fasteners, whether they are visible or not, wear out with time. Neoprene washers and the screws used in the installation may deteriorate and become loose over time, depending on the environment.

Inconsistency in color matching. 

Over time, the metal used in a building may change, making it difficult to source a replacement for repairs or additions.

Quality

If water pools anywhere on the roof because of poor-quality installation or repair, it might eventually cause serious damage. In addition, low-quality metals may have a thinner gauge and be less durable. Some metals are more prone to rusting in humid environments, while others are more likely to be damaged by hail or improperly installed.

Conclusion

Metal roofs offer various advantages over other types of roofing. They have low energy consumption, are fireproof, and don't need frequent upkeep. 

There is a multitude of various types of metal roofs, including standing seam, corrugated, stone-coated steel, vertical panel, and shake and slate. Metal roofing is aesthetically pleasing and can save homeowners money.

Metal roofs are a wonderful choice for homeowners searching for a durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient roofing solution. Metal roofs can last a long time with proper care, but there are a lot of factors to consider before investing in the purchase and installation processes. You can save both time and money in the long run by making a well-informed and fully thought-out decision.

FAQs

Are shingles more affordable than metal roofs?

To put it briefly, yes. Metal roofing may be more expensive than shingles initially, depending on the size and shape of your roof, but it will provide lasting protection for your home.

How long does a metal roof typically last?

If properly maintained, a metal roof can last for more than a century without being painted, but painting reduces that lifespan to around 40 years. The paint starts to peel and flake when it reaches the end of its lifespan. The roof's functionality won't be affected, but it will need to be repaired before it can be restored to its former beauty.

What is metal roofing trim?

Metal roofing trim is what keeps water out of the house by sealing the seams between the roofing panels. With metal trim, you can seal the seams between your metal roof panels and give your roof a finished look, all while making your roof more waterproof.
When metal trim is put on correctly, it adds a barrier between the outside and the inside, making leaks and water damage less likely.

Types of metal roofs

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