Take a Closer Look at Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is becoming a very popular material for roofing due to its durability and beauty. It not only comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, it is highly fire resistant and needs very little, if any, maintenance. Metal roofing materials may include steel, aluminum, tin, copper, or even a combination. It is estimated that metal roofs will last 40-50 years.

In the past, steel roofing was mostly used on commercial, industrial, and farm buildings, but today's technology has made it both practical and economical to use for residential applications. If you are considering replacing your roof, consider metal as a possibility.

Metal roofing comes in many styles, such as:

• Vertical Panel or Standing Seam Metal Roofing
• Metal Tiles
• Metal Shake
• Metal Shingle
• Copper Roofing

Standing seam metal roof is made of many interlocking metal panels, placed vertically from the ridge of the roof downwards. The most common style used is galvanized steel, found in roll-form metal, metal sheeting, or metal panels. Standing seams provide the ultimate durability, being puncture resistant and withstanding the most extreme forces in nature.

Metal tile roofing comes in a wide variety of styles and colors that will last for generations.

Metal shakes are attractive roofing panels that mimic the natural beauty of cedar. They offer a lightweight alternative to more traditional shake products with high performance, longevity, versatility, and beauty.

Metal shingles have a distinctive look of smooth, uniform slate tile. If you appreciate a classic refined appearance, these are the shingles you will want to provide you with outstanding performance and value.

Copper roofing is not only decorative, it is durable and is becoming very popular. With time, this style of roofing will age to a classic patina finish that speaks of historic beauty. It is perfect for accenting bay or bow windows, as an accent to roofing over a porch, patio, or addition, or as a cupola or steeple style roof.

If you think metal is far too commercial looking for your home, take a closer look at these extremely durable, weather tight, fire resistant, easy to install metal style roofings. Metal roofing is fast becoming a very popular option for today's homes.

Aluminum Roofing to the Rescue

Aluminum roofing is not only one of the least expensive types of roofing material available today, but it also provides many benefits. Aluminum has been found to reflect heat. So what does this mean if you have an aluminum roof? It means less expensive energy bills.

Before aluminum hit the roofing industry, builders were mixing gravel and asphalt sprayed with a pigment that was meant to reflect the heat. This was not only time consuming but costly. In 1984 a new type of reflective aluminum was brought in, sprayed during the manufacturing of aluminum roofing, this inexpensive and lightweight material known as aluminum flake or chips, was found to be very effective in reducing a building air conditioning power use.

Aluminum chips are now being used in the U.S, U.K, Singapore and Bahrain. On roofs, these chips currently cover over 33 million square feet. By reflecting 70% of the sun's rays, a savings in BTUs is currently valued at $5.9 million. With the use of aluminum roofing and its heat saving chips savings could reach 50 billion kWh. With the added feature of these aluminum chips, aluminum roofs are now expected to double their life expectancy.

Metal roofing is known as the most energy efficient material that can withstand wind, hail, fire, rain, and rot better than any other type of roofing material. The cost of adding an aluminum roof may seem high, but the maintenance and durability of this roof is well worth it. Metal roofing was once only used on commercial building, but with the availability of styles now offered, homes are finding it smarter to use as an energy saver. The aluminum roof is expected to become more and more popular among homeowners and is expected to grow as homeowners learn the benefits of having a metal roof.

Steel or aluminum roofs are now manufactured to look like tiles. Offered in several colors, steel has many benefits. Home insurance may go down with the selection of aluminum or steel roof since it is virtually fire proof. This type of roofing has a preventive rust coating and will keep your home pleasantly cool during the summer months. Metal roofs are found to be much lighter in weight, so usually not extra roofing support is needed. Many steel and aluminum roofs come with a 50 year warranty.