In a common way of thinking, metal roofs are considered to be traditional. But along with the times, they are again getting used often due to their distinct features. They are arguably durable, lighter compared to other roofing types, lesser maintenance, and energy efficient and fire retardant.Metal roofing can be seen on numerous homes. Due to its versatility, it can be installed anywhere and will require lesser time and effort, withstanding the worst weather conditions and would be easy to replace.
The aluminum and steel type of this metal roofing are currently the most widely used. Both can offer great lengths of durability and being lightweight as a bonus. Aluminum and steel are usually have a tile appearance. Even without support from rafters, they can be installed easily. However, the most expensive type can be of copper material as they can provide the best appearance of the three.
Aluminum types can mimic tiles, slate and cedar shakes. They don't rust. As a good benefit of using them, they actually lessen the sound of rain, to this fact remains the best turnaround choice for most metal roofing adopters.
For aluminum, they weigh about half a pound per square foot and 1.5 pounds for steel. This is the advantage of metal roofing as they can be installed over multiple sheets of shingles. With this kind of material, it would be optional to add roof rafters to get an added load.
Aside from the fact that it is easy to install, sheet metal roofing can be of shingles. It makes installation better and would cost lower. The quickness of installation can be advantageous when the weather can be unpredictable to lessen the time to where rain can be disastrous to an open-roofed house.Furthermore, they are also a good fire retardant. Metal roofing is a noncombustible material and can resist fire up to class A. Class A can be the ones that insurance companies give discounts due to the less probability of catching fire and having more time to extinguish them before things gets worse.
Some of the newer types of roofing have insulation foam on the bottom of the sheets to reduce radiant heat. The metal roofing pitch can be relatively low; usually it ranges from 3 to 12 inches. You can check the metal roofing's data sheet to make sure they can be installed on your home.
As discussed in Metal Roofing: A Buying Guide, sheet-metal roofing has become a very popular material for residential roofing. Sheet-metal roofing begins as "flat stock"--flat metal panels--that roofing manufacturers or fabricators form into roofing panels and components. With many types, manufacturers also apply a finish.
Some installers fabricate flat stock into roofing materials on site; of course, this requires the proper forming equipment. Problems with this method are 1) wide variations in the quality of the work, 2) limited possibilities for finishes, and 3) warranties are usually very limited-- one year or less. With site-formed roofing, you don't have the strength of a large manufacturer behind the product.
Manufactured sheet metal roofing is sold in large panels--normally 26-gauge coated steel that weighs about 1 pound per square foot. Other materials used include painted aluminum, solid copper, zinc alloys, and terne-coated stainless steel. Because of the large panel sizes, this roofing works best on large, unbroken expanses where minimum cutting is required.The two main systems are named after the method of joining panels together: "standing seam roofing" has a self-sealing, raised seam and "batten roofing" employs a wider cover cap. Special matching metal parts are made for ridges, hips, edges, and connections.
Sheet-metal roofing materials are typically priced by the square foot. Prices vary widely, depending upon the material and finish-- from a low of about $1.50 per square foot to about $6 per square foot. Figures typically include panel, fastening clips, caps, and all trims and flashings. If you ask for ballpark square-foot prices, be sure they're inclusive of all necessary parts.
To get bids, begin by calling the manufacturer. They will usually put you in touch with a local representative or installer who will bid--or arrange for several roofers' bids--on your job. Be sure to clarify whether or not labor and freight are included in the price. Because freight can be expensive, it usually pays to choose a manufacturer in your region.
Here's a closer look at some popular brands of sheet-metal roofing. Actual prices vary significantly from those given here...the best way to get prices is to request bids.
* Microzinc Roofing System from W.P. Hickman is manufactured from a zinc-copper-titanium alloy in both standing seam and batten systems. This metal weathers naturally, developing a gray patina in 6 to 18 months. It's beautiful and very expensive: materials run from about $4 to $6 per square foot, depending on quantity and freight.
* Follansbee Steel terne-coats standing-seam roofing for ease of soldering during construction and excellent paint adhesion. On standard steel, this finish-- a mixture of 80% lead and 20% tin--must be painted. But on stainless steel panels, it can be left to weather naturally (stainless steel won't rust). Stainless steel terne-coated roofing is both durable and beautiful--with oxidation, terne coating transforms from shiny metallic finish to a matt gray. This type of roofing material runs about $3 per square foot plus installation.
The lead content of the terne coating is a concern to some. Gloves are recommended for installers to protect against lead poisoning. During initial oxidation, some lead washes off the roof and traces may be detected in the soil around buildings.