Roofing is more about being functional. The roof is one of the biggest contributors to the overall look and feel of your home. If you’re unhappy with the way that a roof looks, it doesn’t matter how functional the material may be. The trick is to find a style of roofing that looks attractive to you while securing your house adequately. Amongst metal roofing materials, premium copper roofing is often chosen for just this reason. Copper roofing has a distinct look to it that is very alluring, especially on homes with wooden exteriors. A copper roof actually changes color over its lifetime, achieving an elegant jade-like tone after a few years. Additionally, it provides excellent advantages over conventional roofing materials in terms of safety, strength, and durability. Between its aesthetic grace and its practical benefits, copper roofing is one metal roofing material that you should definitely consider.

The Practical Benefits of Copper Roofing
Copper metal roofing is very versatile, offering many practical benefits over more conventional roofing materials like asphalt shingles and shake. A copper roof tends to last much longer than these materials, and many have been known to last for over a hundred years. Taking the time and effort to maintain the roof when required is a key aspect of keeping the roof looking great. Longevity is never something which is guaranteed, but it’s far more likely with copper roofing.

In terms of safety, copper roofing provides excellent protection against common hazards like fire and flooding. Copper roofs are inflammable, meaning that they won’t catch flame like materials based on asphalt. There’s no reason to take unnecessary risks when your family and belongings are on the line. Copper roofing performs well year after year, even in areas which are highly prone to fires. Flooding is also less of an issue if copper roof shingles adorn your home. So long as it’s properly installed, this kind of metal roofing material can withstand torrential downpours without any water leaking inside your home. The best installations use a second layer underneath the copper shingles to provide the very best in flood protection.

Additionally, copper roofing shares many of the common advantages that metal roofing materials exhibit. They’re lightweight, meaning that they put less stress on the structural supports of your home. This means that you can get by with less supports, cutting down on labor costs involved with installation. The supports you do have won’t be bearing as much of a load, making them less susceptible to strain over the years. This is one of the reasons why copper roofs last for so long. It’s also why it’s so common to see a copper roof in areas that suffer heavy snowfalls every year. Snow can add quite a lot of weight to the roof. With copper roofing, this won’t cause catastrophic failure or collapse.

Aesthetic Benefits of Copper Roofing

It’s well known that copper roofing is one of the best materials in terms of practicality. Where this metal roofing material truly shines, though, is in its distinct look. With a copper roof, you’re sharing a look that distinguishes many famous structures around the world, including the Statue of Liberty. While copper first has an amber shimmer to it, over the years it reacts with environment in a process called ‘patina.’ The copper roof becomes coated in a jade green layer which looks incredibly elegant. In addition to this enhanced aesthetic, the patina also protects the rest of the copper roofing material, ensuring that no corrosion damage can occur. Sometimes beauty isn’t just about good looks. In the case of a copper roof, that which provides its distinct look also provides increased protection from the elements.

Premium Copper Roofing
Copper roofing is an excellent choice for any who want their roof to be more than something which is merely functional. When installing copper roofing, make sure to ask for the very best. This is the only way to ensure that you’re getting the full potential of this material in terms of safety, security, and beauty. A premium copper roof provides an amazing look to any building it is installed in, whether a home, office, or business.

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1. Metal Roofing Materials

When aluminum roofing was first introduced, many in the roofing business considered it the way of the future. While that was over a hundred years ago, today more than ever aluminum is celebrated as a truly phenomenal choice. An aluminum roof has numerous advantages to it, making this kind one of the most highly sought after metal roofing material. Aluminum roofs are lighter, stronger, and more dependable than almost anything else out there. Aluminum roofing has been shown to increase property values, reduce energy costs, and endure some of the harshest weather conditions.

The Benefits of Lightweight Aluminum Roofing
One of the best benefits to installing an aluminum roof is that it’s far lighter than conventional roofing materials. Even when compared against other metal roofing materials, aluminum reigns as the lightest material available. The lightweight properties of this metal is one of the reasons why it’s used in the aerospace and architecture industries. A lighter weight means less stress on your home. This allows you to put in less supports without creating a higher risk of roof collapse. The less structural reinforcement required, the less labor and installation costs you’ll have.

The Durability of Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing is incredibly durable, making it an attractive choice for areas that see harsh weather conditions on a regular basis. The ultimate endurance levels will be determined by the style of roofing you decide on. After all, aluminum roof panels and aluminum roof shingles will not have the same strength levels since the metal roofing material is secured in a different way. Many aluminum roofs have survived hurricane winds, making this material an excellent choice if you live in the path of dangerous storms.

An Aluminum Roof Has Superior Corrosion Resistance

Aluminum as a material is much more naturally resistant to rust and corrosion than most other metals. Because of this, aluminum roofing does not tend to lose its shine over the years. The reason for this is that aluminum roofing forms a natural oxidation layer at its surface. This acts almost like the coating on galvanized steel, protecting the inner metal from exposure to the environment. If you live in an area that’s susceptible to corrosive elements, such as the shore, you may want to spend some extra money and invest in an aluminum roof coating. This provides extra protection against the elements. This coating isn’t always necessary since aluminum roofing is naturally so resistant to rusting.

Aluminum Roofing Provides Environmental Benefits
Unlike conventional roofing materials, aluminum roofing is very environmentally friendly. This is because it is generally made from recycled aluminum metals. An aluminum roof also reduces your energy output by making it easier to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This reduces your consumption of power, making your impact on the environment much lower. Aluminum roofing truly is the way of the future in this respect.

Increase Property Values With Aluminum Roofing
Another benefit to an aluminum roof is that it significantly increases your home property values. Because aluminum roofing tends to last for multiple decades, they are seen as a permanent investment in the home. People looking to buy a home always look at the quality of the roof before they make a final decision. Not only will aluminum roofing increase the property value, its presence also makes the home more likely to sell.

Improved Safety Through Aluminum Roofing

Safety is always a concern, especially when your home and all your belongings are at stake. Aluminum roofing increases the safety of your home by reducing the risk of fire or flood damage. Since aluminum is not a flammable material, it won’t burn under the same conditions that will set conventional roofing materials ablaze. In addition, aluminum roofs can be installed at far lower pitches than other roofing materials, making it a better choice for homes that need flat roofs. Many insurance companies will actually lower your home owners insurance rates once the aluminum roofing is installed.

Reduce Energy Costs With Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing has been proven to reduce monthly energy costs, especially in cold or hot months. Aluminum is even better than other metal roofing materials at this task because it’s a better reflector of heat energy. By reflecting sunlight away from your home in summer, less energy will be needed to keep your house at the desirable temperature. In winter, heat that’s already in your house won’t escape as easily because the aluminum roofing will reflect it back inside. In any season, this serves to reduce your energy bills.

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1. Reducing Energy Costs With Aluminum Roofs
2. The Advantages of Metal Roofing

One of the biggest detriments of conventional roofing materials like asphalt shingles or shake is that they tend to retain a large amount of heat, making the house much warmer than it would be otherwise. This can be a real drain, especially in the summer or if you need to do any work in the attic. Metal roofing materials can lower the amount of heat that makes it into your house through a couple of different methods. Of this category of materials, none does the job better than aluminum roofing. Aluminum is a natural heat reflector, making it far more efficient at keeping your home nice and cool. This has many benefits, not the least of which is lowering your energy costs. An aluminum roof stops the entry of heat by reflecting most of it back into the environment. Aluminum roofs reflect as much as 95% of all radiant heat, meaning that very little of it will make it inside. With less heat in the home, there’s less work for your air conditioner or fans to do, making your monthly energy bills far lower than they would be otherwise. You may be wondering what this means for colder winter months. If the aluminum roof material keeps the house cooler, does that mean that it will increase energy costs during colder times? The answer is actually no. Aluminum roofing will not only keep your house cooler in summer, it will even keep your home warmer in winter. How? The answer lies in the principle of reflection. Aluminum roofing is ultimately a reflector of heat energy. In the summer, the energy is trying to come in from outside and the aluminum reflects it away. In the winter, the energy is coming from within the home. This means that the aluminum roofing material reflects the heat back into the house, keeping the home warmer than it would be otherwise. By cutting down on wasted heat energy, your energy costs will be reduced as well.

It’s important that the rest of your house be properly insulated as well in order to get the most out of your aluminum roof. Make sure to install proper weatherstripping in all doors. One way that energy tends to leak out of a home is through the windows. To truly cut down on this, look into installing uPVC windows. These beauties provide excellent insulation and require little maintenance, much like aluminum roofs. For true reductions in energy costs, every aspects of the home must be up to par, from windows to doors to the roof itself.

No matter what season in may happen to be, aluminum roofing will significantly reduce the energy costs associated with keeping your home at whatever temperature makes you most comfortable.

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1. Aluminum Roofing Advantages

Take a trip down any country road and you’re sure to see older buildings with rustic and beautiful tin roofing. Tin roofs were commonly used at the turn of the twentieth century because they were inexpensive and incredibly durable. Today anyone can see that this is true - tin roofing installed almost a hundred years ago is still there today, leak proof and functional. Many tin roofs have come to achieve a rusted look over time, but this isn’t an inevitability. There are several advantages to installing tin roofing, many of which may not be obvious at first glance.

Tin Roofing
Before taking an account of how tin roofing exhibits advantages over conventional roofing materials, it’s worth taking a moment to discuss what this material is in the first place. Contrary to popular belief, tin roofs are typically not made entirely of tin. It’s far more common for a ‘tin roof’ to use steel which has simply been coated with tin. This is similar to galvanizing the steel with zinc or other metal alloys. Tin has the advantage of being plentiful, inexpensive, and resistant to corrosion. Tin can be better than zinc for coatings since it’s easier for the tin to bond to the steel. This creates a stronger coating which is less liable to wear over time.

Engineering Away the Downsides of Tin Roofing

Many of the benefits of tin roofing come from significant engineering efforts which have been undertaken over the past century. Tin has several natural detriments which can be overcome by professionals with the right know-how. The biggest problems that classic tin roofing encounters include rust and noise.

Preventing the build up of rust on a tin roof isn’t too complicated, but it does require some effort. Rust generally starts when the coating begins to wear. By repainting the roof on a regular basis to keep the coating strong, you never have to worry about significant rusting.

Noise is a problem that plagues many kinds of metal roofing materials, not simply tin roofing material. This is easily taken care of by installing a sheathing layer underneath the tin roofing. This acts to absorb most of the noise that would be heard on a rainy night. The pitter patter of thousands of raindrops won’t bother you at all so long as the installation process was done properly. This is why getting in touch with metal roofing professionals is so important.

Strengthening Tin Roofing
While tin roofing is naturally light, strong, and durable, treating the metal before installation can provide additional benefits. One of the most popular ways to do this is to corrugate the material. Corrugated tin roofing has a ripple look to it that is both attractive and practical. The periodic bending of the tin roof material works to toughen the metal, making it more resilient against physical damage. If you live in an area that’s often beset by heavy storms, consider getting a corrugated tin roof.

The Benefits of Tin Roofs
The benefits of tin roofs are numerous indeed. Because tin isn’t as expensive as aluminum or copper, tin roofing generally costs far less than these alternatives. Since metal roofing prices tend to be somewhat high, this can help to make a metal roofing job more affordable. Tin roofs are light in weight, meaning that they put less stress on the foundation of the home. Because they’re based on a steel interior, they’re also strong and tough. Tin roofing can withstand the elements for years without any maintenance at all. So long as you reapply the coating periodically, there’s no reason why a tin roof won’t become something that you, your children, and your children’s children all come to enjoy.

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Corrugated metal roofing has been used for centuries to provide safety and security to homes and businesses. Modern engineering has transformed this time honored tradition and brought in into the twenty first century with new materials and manufacturing innovations. While old corrugated metal roofs can seem rustic or unattractive, their modern counterparts gleam with functional strength and aesthetic beauty. There are many different kinds of metal roofing material which can be used for this classic and functional style.

What Distinguishes Corrugated Metal Roofing

A corrugated metal roof is most easily distinguished by the way that the material looks and the way that it is made. Traditionally, the material is cold rolled after casting to form periodic folds in the metal. This isn’t done for looks - the cold rolling strengthens the material significantly, enhancing its physical endurance and mechanical durability. The material is only strengthened in the direction which is parallel to the corrugations. Corrugated metal roofs have been in use since 1840 when this process was first developed.

Corrugated Metal Roofing Materials

While the first corrugated metal roofs used wrought iron, those that are installed today use one of a variety of materials. Some have been highly engineered to provide enhanced mechanical properties or a better aesthetic. Others are more simple, having the benefit of lower costs.

One of the most common materials seen is galvanized steel. Galvanized corrugated metal roofing is typically rolled steel which has been cold pressed to provide mechanical strengthening. Before it’s been pressed, the metal is coated with zinc in order to stop the sheets from rusting. The downside to galvanized steel is that the finish will oxidize, changing the external color and appearance over time. While this coating acts as a passivation layer to keep the rest of the material safe, it may not be the most attractive choice.

Stainless steel is another excellent choice, especially if you don’t expect the roofing to endure especially harsh conditions. While it may not be as strong as other steel alloys, stainless steel roofing is famous for its excellent natural corrosion resistance. This means that it retains its initial look for far longer than almost any other metal roofing material.

Engineered Corrugated Metal Roofing Materials

There are certain engineered corrugated metal roofing materials which provide superior corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, and aesthetic look. While these may be more expensive, they can ultimately be worth the cost if you have the need.

If you like the advantages of galvanized steel but desire something with greater corrosion resistance, you may want to look into Galvalume(R). This material uses a modified coating to provide better resistance to rusting and the elements. Instead of pure zinc, an alloy of 55% aluminum and 45% zinc with trace amounts of silicon is used. The silicon is added to ensure that the coating forms a sturdy bond to the underlying steel. By providing better corrosion resistance, there is less of a chance of the stress points on the roof weakening due to interactions with the environment. This ensures a longer lifespan for the roof.

While previous materials tend to have metallic looks to them, it is possible to have a corrugated metal roof that does not exhibit this kind of finish. Manufacturers offer Kynar painted corrugated metal roofing for those that enjoy the benefits of this style of roofing but want something that’s a bit flashier. Kynar is one of the primary components of high quality paints. It is famous for its excellent gloss, its color retention over time, and its resistance against corrosive elements. Using a Kynar finish on corrugated metal roofing ensures bright and bold colors that will last for decades, which is why it has been used on many prominent new buildings such as the Petronas Towers in Malaysia.

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1. Metal Roofing Materials

Most people talk about metal roofing like the entire category can be summed up at once. They speak about metal roofing compared to conventional roofing as one category versus another. Speaking of anything in such general terms does an injustice to the many nuances prevalent in the field. In terms of metal roofing materials, many distinct choices exists, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Learning about each will help you choose which metal roofing material is the best choice for your house.

Copper Roofing

Copper is one material which has been used for roofing for centuries. This classic choice is easily tooled into whatever form you want because the copper is naturally soft. Over time, the copper will naturally adopt a verdigris coating. This means that it doesn’t require any kind of finish, removing any maintenance required to combat scratches or peeling. Copper roofing is an exquisite choice who’s only drawback is price.

Steel Roofing

Steel is a great choice for a metal roof because of its characteristic high strength and durability. It’s cheaper than copper, which helps reduce sticker shock. Generally, steel roofing is coated to increase its corrosion resistance and desirability. The coating is typically zinc based, but often a zinc-aluminum blend. Because of steel’s strength, it has a huge range of potential applications. It shines where many lesser materials fail. The steel can be finished in any style you desire, as well.

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is another excellent choice for metal roofing materials. While it definitely needs a shiny finish in order to look acceptable, it’s rust resistance is top notch. This is because aluminum naturally forms a rust-resistant layer on its surface. To enhance this, the aluminum is coated similarly to steel roofing. Aluminum roofing is exceptionally lightweight and sturdy, meaning it typically doesn’t require the reinforcement that other heavier materials need. This material shines in salty coastal areas with its high corrosion resistance in extreme conditions. Aluminum’s malleability means that it can be bent into all sorts of elaborate shapes to help your aesthetic tastes. And if you’re still unconvinced, consider that aluminum shingles are 100% recyclable. This means less of an impact on the earth, and a boon to future generations. For beauty, strength, and longevity, aluminum is truly a remarkable material.

Metal Roof Materials

There’s a whole lot of variety out there, so take the time to really consider your individual needs before making a final decision. The values of metal roofing materials are out there for you to grab hold of!

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3. Corrugated Metal Roofing

The advantages of metal roofing materials are numerous, yet many people still stubbornly persist in their use of the old industry standards. Here are just a few ways that metal roofing is superior to conventional roofing materials.

Low Heat Conduction

Metal roofing materials are shiny, are reflect the sun’s rays on those hot summer days. This means that less heat makes it into your home, translating into less power used for running air conditioning. This means lower energy bills, which are always beneficial to the good old bottom line. This benefit will help you save money each and every month over the long run. This can even be enhanced with certain finishes or paints, which is why metal roof paint has special formulations.

Reduced Leaking

For roofs with low pitch, leaking is one of those possibilities that never goes away using conventional roofing materials, no matter how minimized it becomes through various tricks and techniques. However, with metal roofing materials gently pitched roofs can be covered with virtually no risk of leaking. The minimum pitch is 3 in 12, meaning a three inch rise every foot.

Non Flammable Materials

One of the great benefits of metal is that it doesn’t burn. Compare that with asphalt shingles, which are a definite fire risk. Metal roofing materials are inflammable and safe. This can go so far as to reduce your home owners insurance depending on your state and location. The other real benefit of this is that your home is practically immune to catching on fire from lightning strikes, no matter what the myths may say.

Light Weight

Contrary to popular belief, metal roofing materials actually weigh less than tile or concrete roofing. Much less. Metal roofing is super lightweight - 50 to 150 pounds per 100 square feet. Compare this to concrete at 900 or tile at 750 and its obvious just how much you’re saving. This keeps the supports in your house free of extra weight, meaning they’re less likely to break or require maintenance. You may even be able to reduce the number of supports you need. Different metal roofing materials have different densities, so don’t expect each to have the same weight. For instance, copper roofing will always be lighter than steel roofing for the same area covered.

Longevity

Longevity is where metal roofing materials really shine. Simply put, the metal roof should last as long as the house does. You’ll rarely need to do any maintenance or repairs since the metal is durable. It seals out water and is resistant to conventional roofing’s four biggest fears: fire, mildew, insects, and rot.  You can easily measure your metal roofs lifetime in decades, not years.

Ease of Installation

Metal roofing installation is not as difficult as many would make it out to be. This is because it comes in multi-shingle sections, which skilled professionals can put in place quickly. Installing metal roofs can be difficult to do yourself, so you should generally consult local contractors before undertaking the task.  With a metal roof, you won’t need to worry - you’ll be covered.

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Metal roofing materials may cost more at first to purchase and install, but they offer huge benefits in long term savings. They do this through a variety of different methods which home owners can exploit, including low life-cycle costs, reducing energy costs and consumption, helping increase the property value of the house, and potentially lower home owners insurance. In the long run, the lesser costs of metal roofing combined with their other benefits make them a wise fiscal choice when considering a new roofing project.

Lowering Home Owners Insurance

This is a benefit that unfortunately is not available in every state. Since installing a metal roof makes your house less likely to catch fire or flood during sever rainstorms, many insurance companies offer discounts depending on the type of metal roofing material you choose to install. Make sure you look into potential benefits before you think about metal roofing costs.

Property Value Appreciation

Metal roofing materials are widely known as durable and lasting, and as such installing them on your home increases its overall property value. It’s typical to recoup between 75% and 95% of the initial cost of installation by the time you look to resell your home. Compare this with the regular upkeep and depreciation seen in many other roofing materials, and the savings look even more beneficial! This can significantly mitigate the initial cost of metal roofing.

Energy Consumption Reduction

You could see your energy costs reduced considerably depending on the type of metal roofing materials you choose to install and the kind of finish you apply. Unlike asphalt roofing materials which absorb sunlight, metal roofing materials actually reflect the sun’s rays, meaning you need less energy to keep it cool. This has been shown to reduce energy costs by as much as 40% on hot summer days. In addition, certain kinds of pigments can actually re emit heat back into the air, which in the long run saves you even more. Remember, the less heat that enters your house, the less heat you have to remove through air conditioning. This is especially important if you live in hot, sunny areas.

Life Cycle Costs

Unlike other roofing materials which need to be maintained and replaced every few years, metal roofing materials are widely known for their longevity. The metal roofing cost may seem intimidating at first, but in the long run you could actually wind up saving money, not to mention all the time and energy it takes to replace worn out shingles. Metal roofing materials last for decades, typically with a guarantee.

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While the advantages of metal roofing materials far outweigh the disadvantages, for the sake of honesty and so that you can make an informed decision about metal roofs, I will discuss the minor drawbacks of metal roofing.

Metal Roofing Cost

The biggest drawback to metal roofing materials is definitely the cost. But that should be expected - you always get what you pay for, after all. While the initial cost of metal roofing is high, the cost over time is actually quite low. So if you plan on staying in your home for more than a couple of years, you’re likely to make money in the long run. However, the sticker shock that can accompany the initial price is sometimes enough to scare away the weak at heart.

The Thermal Cycle

It’s a fact of nature that everything expands when it gets hot and contracts when it gets cold. However, metal tends to do this more significantly than other materials. Most roofing systems will come with fasteners to counter any movement of the metal roofing material. Still, these fasteners could come loose over time.

Safety Issues

Metal roofs can be somewhat treacherous to walk across, which might complicate things if someone needs to access the chimney. Most modern systems can be walked, but it’s always important to contact the pros who installed your roof first. Depending on the pitch of the roof and other factors, there may be a correct way you should be following. In addition, you need to be extra careful when walking on the roof after a storm - metal gets slippery when wet.

Denting or Scratching the Metal Roof

It’s possible that the metal roof could get dented or scratched if placed under extreme conditions. Most roofs are guaranteed by their manufacturers for years. But like anything else, over time their finish will begin to fade. Metal roof colors need to be bold and strong in order to be most effective and aesthetically pleasing. Some upkeep and maintenance may be necessary in the long run to ensure that the quality of your roof stays pristine.

Modifications Could Be Difficult

Installing metal roofs is a costly and precise job no matter how it is undertaken. Some kinds of metal roofing materials are installed in large sheets or sections all at once. These are more difficult to replace than single shingles or units in other roofing systems. Since it’s far less likely that your metal roof will get damaged, this most likely will not be an issue, but it’s always best to prepare for the worst. In addition, it may be difficult to match the specific materials used to make your roof should you need to remodel in future decades. Metal roof installation is always costly, so it’s best to be absolutely sure about a modification before you attempt one.

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Beyond the choice in metal roofing materials, there is also the critical choice of style. While the practical advantages of metal roofs are well documented, if they weren’t aesthetically pleasing, then they’d be just as undesirable as if they did not perform well at all. Fortunately, a wide range of style and variety exist for potential customers to choose from.

Metal Shake Roofing

Metal shake roofing is roughly analogous to regular old wooden shake. This means that the metal roofing material has that classic authentic look of wood. You’ll get to choose from multiple colors as well, such as blacks, red, and browns. The metal is far more durable and lasting than its wooden counterpart, so you get the best of both worlds.

Metal Roof Shingles

This roofing type mimics the classic look of smooth slate tiles. This distinct style is really quite elegant, and often seen on roofs with wide areas. The charm of regular slate with the benefits of metal roofing is certainly an attractive choice. With metal roofing shingles you also have the choice between a wide variety of paints to color the shingles to your liking.

Metal Roof Tiles

Metal roof tiles are distinctly noted by their classy curves and graceful style. They are a huge improvement over the regular roofing tiles which they mimic as they are lightweight, strong, and durable. This is a huge improvement over the heavy, fragile tiles you regularly would get. And since color is determined by a coat of paint, the choice is yours.

Metal Roof Panels

This traditional metal roofing material is finally available for residential buildings after having long been reserved only for larger commercial structures. Thanks to the wonders of technology, these are finally affordable enough for the average home. Just splash on your favorite color paint and you’re set to go!

Finishes

Applying a finish can add that final touch of style to your metal roof. In addition to standard painted finishes, you can generally find metallic and granular finishes available. Metallic finishes are basic natural metal colored paints. They give a metal roof a classic look. Granular finishes have been styled to make your metal roofing materials appear like asphalt, which can have a definitive aesthetic appeal.

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