No doubt a roof is far more than just a shelter and you’re going to agree with that. I’m talking about the looks and designs with sustainability and properties to bear all kinds of weather with ease. That’s where metal roofing comes in and truly changes the game for homeowners.
But wait, There are a number of metal roofing materials with tons of styles, so how do we know what’s going to be the best choice for us? When I say best it means one that’ll be perfect in terms of looks and sustainability against the hard conditions as well.
So in this detailed and very informative guide, we’ll go through some of the popular types of metal roofs with the materials and styles so you can make a choice without a doubt. So I hope you’re ready for that. Let’s go.
Types of metal roofs
As I said there are numerous types of metal roofs, So let’s try to understand each one of them and then we’ll move towards choosing the materials and styles. This will make the learning process much easier for you and you’ll be able to choose the best fit for you.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
The standing seam metal roof is the first type of metal roofing. It is known for being extremely durable and has a sleek appearance. Whether you’re looking for your home or business property, it doesn’t matter as it can suit and add charm to any place. It comes with modern and elegant designs that give you no chance on looks.
The clean lines with even panels goes well with different types of building, so it doesn’t matter how your building is designed. I know colors are also very important and you’ll be surprised that standing seam metal roofing comes with different classic shades like black, gray, or earth tones. Even if you want you want to make a bold statement with vibrant colors, you can go with this option as well.
You may ask, what about the finishing? Well, that makes this metal roof more interesting because you can have matte, metallic, and glossy finishes. So what more can you ask for?
Corrugated Metal Roofing
This is one of the most unique types of metal roofs. Do you love rustic and patina looks? If the answer is yes, Corrugates metal roofing is the ideal option for you. It has all those rustic looks and with time it develops patinas and you know how cool they look. This type of metal roofing is widely popular in rural and countryside areas. Because it can align there.
Moreover, if you’re considering it for your industrial property then it’s going to be a better choice. You can cover large roofs like warehouses and factories with it because of its abilities. On top of that, you can leave the metal exposed or paint it with matte finishes for an edgy look. For the colors, you can choose that match with your existing color scheme or you can go with contrasting hues.
That’s where the corrugated metal roofing gets an edge over the other types of metal roofs, and that is its mixing ability with wood, stone, or glass and creating a striking contrast. This gives it the absolute wow factor.
Corrugated metal roofing can be coated with reflective materials to get low energy consumption which is so crucial for factories and warehouses. These coatings not only help to reduce heat absorption but also have a sleek, polished appearance. So overall it leans towards the industrial look but can be a great fit in rural and countryside.
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Stone-coated metal roofing.
It’s a combination of metals with clay tiles or wood. This roofing option has gained a lot of popularity worldwide due to its unique features and benefits. The stone-coated metal roofing is a good choice for homeowners who love the classic and more traditional look. As it has all of those properties they want.
Moreover, if you’re living in coastal areas then it’s going to make life easier for you because it’s very durable and never gets rusted. On top of that, Stone-coated metal roofing is a great fit for commercial buildings, as it has those aesthetics and good looks.
If we take a look at the cost, It’s a surprise as the initial cost of stone-coated metal roofing can be higher than some other roofing options. However, its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements can cover these higher upfront expenses. So not a bad deal.
One thing I forgot to mention is that, If you hate the rain sound when it drops on the metal roofs, consider the stone-coated metal roofing.
Types of metal roofing material
Now we’ve discussed some of the popular and common types of metal roofs. Let’s move to the materials and see why these are important and why we should consider the materials according to our needs.
- Aluminum Roofing
- Copper Roofing
- Tin Roofing
- Zinc Roofing
Aluminum Roofing
When it comes to metal roofing materials, Aluminum stands out because of its versatility, sustainability, and durability. It’s incredibly lightweight compared to other roofing materials like asphalt shingles or clay tiles. This makes it easier to handle during the installation process and puts very little stress on the structure of your building. So, if you don’t want a heavy roof, this is the option to go with.
You’ll be surprised to hear that, According to Decra, metal roofs can reflect 70% rays of the sun back into the atmosphere and what’s even more interesting is that aluminum roofing is considered the best when we compare it with other types of metal roofs in terms of heat reflection.
This can lower energy consumption and result in lower bills as well. So a great deal, right? One thing I would mention is that aluminum can be noisier than other roofing materials during heavy rain or hailstorms. That’s why you may need proper insulation.
Copper roofing
Copper roofing is mainly used for its looks and patinas. It’s also one of the oldest types of metal roofs that is been used for centuries and also provides a luxury look. Don’t think you are taking a risk on durability if you consider copper roofing, as it’s very strong and sustainable in terms of corrosion, rust, and all kinds of weather.
Actually, copper roofing is for those who want an elegant and totally different look. Consider it as a long-term investment as it can add charm to your building.
Keep an eye on its drawbacks. Copper is heavier than some other roofing materials, so it may require additional structural support. While many love the patina that develops on copper, some homeowners may not want this but of course, proper maintenance can slow down the patina process.
Tin Roofing
Moving to the next metal roofing material which is tin. There are chances you might have not heard about it because it’s not as popular as the other types of metal roofs but that doesn’t mean it’s not suitable, has many issues or is not even a good choice.
Tin roofing is known for being such a cost-effective option out there and that makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who don’t have a huge budget. You can say It offers durability without breaking the bank. Like other metals, it can also fight against heavy rain and high temperatures.
On top of that, tin is also very resistant to rust and corrosion. Let me tell you something very informative about tin roofing. You can install and set up it by yourselves because it’s lightweight and easy to do. So why not have a DIY project as well?
Like all of the other materials, Tin also has a drawback which is dents. This is because tin is relatively softer than other materials.
Zinc Roofing
Here comes the most expensive but also the most reliable option when it comes to types of metal roofs. You may have seen zinc metal roofing in commercial, industrial, and as well as residential buildings because of its benefits. It is often combined with other elements, such as copper and titanium, to create different zinc alloy compositions. These alloys increase the material’s strength and durability while maintaining its ability to resist environmental factors.
You’ll find zinc roofings quite bright and more appealing than others. Like copper roofing, it also gets grey patinas which are far better than that one. So overall zinc is the best and most durable material than any other.
As I said it’s not a cost effective option so you have to choose according to your budget.
Metal Roofing vs. Other Roofing Materials
For me metal roofing is a clear winner as it offers much better durability and sustainability. You never need to worry about rain and stormy weather because metal roofs have the ability to take care of that. Also, you don’t need to get the money out of your pocket because of repairing as they have longer lifespans as well.
Let’s add more butter to the toast, the metals are very good reflectors of heat and can reduce your cooling costs at a reasonable level. Especially if you compare it with asphalt shingles, metal roofs are the rock.
Conclusion
We have broken the ice and now let’s sum up all the things in a short paragraph. Metal roofs are far better than other types of roofs and when you try to find out what’s better metal roofing material then the clear winner goes to Zin roofing. It can be quite expensive than others but it also offers much more durability.
In the end, the choice is yours. You have to make it according to your needs and the overall structure of our property.
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