Metal Roofing Facts
If you are considering installing a new metal roof on your home or commercial property here are the most essential metal roofing facts.
- Steel is the most frequently used material in both residential and commercial applications, mainly due to its lower cost.
- Steel roofs need to be coated with a special protective (galvanic) coating to prevent corrosion. – Galvanized and Galvalume steel roofing systems are pre-coated by the manufacturer and do not require any further coating.
- It is typically possible to install a metal roof over an old roof, thus eliminating the extra cost and hassle associated with the shingle tear-off (be sure to consult your contractor about the possibility of “over-top” installation for your specific roof). — This is generally possible because metal is an extremely light-weight material.
- Unlike many other roofing materials, a metal roof can easily be installed in the winter.
- Metal roofs come in two general styles: vertical panels and interlocking shingles
- Many modern styles of metal shingles are manufactured to imitate the look of slate, clay tile, cedar shake, and in some cases even the traditional look of asphalt shingles.
- Metal roofs such as aluminum or steel shingles can last for 50 years and often longer, while copper and zinc roofs can often last well over 100 years. – This means that a typical metal roof will last about 3-7 times longer than a typical asphalt shingles roof, which usually needs to replaced every 12-17 years.
- Metal roofs offer the best protection against ice, snow, and ice dams.
- Metal roofs will not rot, split, crack, dry-out, chip, warp, leak, unlike all other common roofing materials.
- Generally metal roofs require none or minimal maintenance.
- Metal roofs can be cleaned with water.
- Metal roofing is the only TRULY green material in the roofing industry, because it uses the least amount of resources during the manufacturing process, contains no petroleum by-products, and can always be recycled.
- A metal roof will not increase the likelihood of your home getting struck by a lightning.