If you are considering buying a custom metal roof for your home, you likely have lots of questions running through your mind with regards to the buying process, the functionality of the roofing, as well as how it differs from the other available options. To help give you a clear perspective about custom metal roofing, here is a brief guide highlighting the facts, commonly asked questions, and pros and cons.
Facts
A metal roof is a roofing system crafted from pieces of tiles or metals characterized by its high resistance, longevity, and impermeability. It’s a component of a building envelope and often includes the use of steel alloys, zinc, aluminum, and copper.
Metal roofing has a reputation of being utilized on large commercial and industrial structures. However, it can also be used on architectural buildings, homes, and agricultural structures. Metal roofing can be used in stores, barns, offices, hotels, homes, schools, restaurants, transportation buildings, military structures, hospitals, churches, and so on.
Steel and aluminum shingles can last for five decades or more, while zinc and copper roofs can last well over a century. So, typically, a metal roof lasts about three to seven times longer than an asphalt roof.
Modern metals are available in more than 100 colors, including customized, premium, and standard colors. The same cannot be said for asphalt shingles that come in about 15-20 standard colors.
FAQs
What are the pros and cons of metal roofing?
Metal roofing is durable, long-lasting, and weather resistant. It is also energy-efficient, fire-resistant, lightweight, and easier to install than other roofing options. Generally, metal is a better overall investment than their asphalt counterparts.
The only downsides commonly associated with metal roofing are cost, noise, and denting. However, the price is canceled by its durability. Denting can be avoided by picking the right material for your environment, and the noise can be controlled using structural barriers.
How well do metal roofing systems withstand the elements?
Properly fitted metal roofing can stand weather inclement (rain, hail, snow, and high winds) better than other roofing materials. This is because it easily sheds ice and snow and doesn’t absorb water. In testing, metal roofing has survived winds up to 200mph and has, in the past, withstood wind storms and hurricanes.
How does one order metal roofing?
Metal roofing is cut to the nearest inch according to the measurement of an individual project. The panels come in lengths of up to 40 inch.
How much do they weigh?
One benefit of metal roofing is that it’s lightweight. Aluminum is amongst the lightest roofing materials today, weighing about 40-70 pounds per sqft. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, weigh between 275 and 425 pounds.
Can the metal roof withstand the weight of a solar panel?
Yes, it can. In fact, with metal roofs, you won’t need to drill any holes like you would with other types of roofing. All you need to do is to use a mounting system that clamps directly onto the current seams.
