Residential metal roofing

According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association the popularity of residential metal roofing has skyrocketed over the last decade. Is it that the corrugated tin barn look has come into style, or did pixies and elves with metal roof stocks skew the results? No. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Formerly only popular for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on houses.

Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. They’re quick to install and excellent reflectors of heat from the sun. It’s a common misconception that because it’s hot on a metal roof it will be hot under the roof. But the metal roof reflects the heat, that’s why it’s hot above the roof. If it’s hotter on top, it’s cooler down below the roof.

Metal roofs are made mostly from aluminum and steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some architects stick to a commercial look because of its clean lines.

This is the real world, and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs also have drawbacks which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. Metal roofs are expensive, between $150 and $600 a square (100 square feet). But this expense can be recovered if the homeowner remains in the home for a long time, and metal roofs help save money by minimizing the need for maintenance of the supporting structure. Anyone who wants to know what life is like inside a drum can live in a house with a metal roof during a rain storm. A metal roof can be much louder than other types of roofs. But sound deadening insulation helps minimize this noise. Metal roofs, particularly aluminum and copper materials, are soft and prone to denting from hail stones. Some metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. When planning to walk on the roof for maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, keep in mind that a metal roof tends to be slippery when wet. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although again they’re generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.

A quick note on lightning for residential metal roofing is, don’t be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn’t the case, particularly when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.

When you wish upon a star, and residential metal roofing is where you are, look up at the shining light, and be happy your choice was right.

Metal roofing

Many people envision the “tin barn” look when they hear “metal roof”. But metal roofing has come a long way. Today metal roofing includes a variety of styles and materials so that the roof has style and visual appeal, while retaining durability, longevity, fire resistance and easy maintenance.

Metal roofs are made from a variety of metals. Some of these are the traditional aluminum and steel, as well as copper and a variety of alloys. Modern metal roofs can be formed into shapes that imitate Spanish tiles, wood shakes, and even slate. They can be given a variety of finishes such as granulated stone topcoats to complete a realistic imitation of many other materials.

There are some negatives to a metal roof. One consideration is the cost, with a typical square running from $150 to $600. Another is that metal roofs usually require professional installation and maintenance, which also adds to the overall cost. Despite these negatives many people feel that metal roofs have benefits that make them worthwhile. A properly installed and maintained metal roof can realistically last as long as the house. That means, over the typical life expectancy of a home, the cost of a metal roof is low compared to the cost of other types of roofs that might require replacement after 15 to 20 years.

Metal roofs are light, fifty to one hundred fifty pounds per square compared to seven hundred fifty pounds per square foot for tile or nine hundred pounds per square foot for concrete tile. Metal roofs don’t require additional support when installed over existing roofs. Metal roofs resist high winds, snow slides off them, and they are resistant to mildew, insects and rot.

Pitch is another issue of concern with roofs. Other types of roofs require a steep pitch to ensure water flow so that the roof won’t leak. The pitch for a metal roof can be more shallow, with a typical recommended minimum of 3-in-12, which is three inches of height for every horizontal foot. Consider the benefits of a flatter roof next time you have to climb onto it to clean the gutters, or retrieve a ball or Frisbee thrown there by a child.

Just as with other home projects that require a professional, the best way to find a metal roof contractor is through word of mouth. Ask neighbors or friends, or look for metal roofs around the neighborhood and ask the home owners who installed them. The Internet is a good source for pre-screened metal roofing contractors, as are architects who design homes with metal roofs. Also consider the National Roofing Contractors Association. Their number is 1-800-USA-ROOF.

A cat on a hot tin roof may not be a good thing. But if you want great roof for your home, remember that traditional wood and shingles are good, but metal is better.