If considering a new roof for one’s home there are a number of options available. Some of those options include the use of traditional asphalt shingles, concrete tile and metal roofing. Each of these types of roof have their own unique advantages as well as specific costs associated with their use.

For example if considering the use of metal roofing panels it is important to know about this type of roofing product, benefits associated with this choice and how the roofing panels are applied.

About Metal Roofing Panels

The use of metal roofing panels are a practical, earth friendly and economical way of roofing a business or residence. Typically, metal roofing panels are a combination of different metals. Those metals include aluminum, copper and zinc. Additionally, the blended metals are covered with 26 gauge steel.

This combination of metals makes for a light weight roofing product that generally weighs around one pound per square foot. In addition, the cost of metal roofing panels can range from .50 to $6.00 per square foot.

Benefits

There are many advantages associated with the use of metal roofing panels. Some of those advantages for the consumer are financial as well as time saving. This is because when an individual uses metal roofing panels as a roof covering they can anticipate that covering to last at least 30 years. This product longevity along with minimal maintenance can be a tremendous cost savings for the individual or business.

One other associated advantage when an individual installs metal roofing panels are the energy savings that the individual will experience. This also, in turn, represents a cost savings.

How Metal Roofing Panels Are Applied

Metal roofing panels are generally manufactured in long panels. These panels are then attached to the plywood that overlays the roofing frame. Generally, between the metal roofing panels and the plywood is a layer of felt. This felt helps to absorb the pelting sound of the rain on the metal roofing panels. Additionally, as part of the construction process, there is added insulation that is installed. This added insulation is installed between the plywood on the roof and the installed dry wall.

Also, the roofing panels made of metal may be corrugated. These corrugated metal roofing panels are usually made of galvanized iron. Corrugated simply means that the metal is pressed together to give the appearance of being folded. This process strengthens the product to make it more durable.

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A assortment of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, can be used to top a house. Location is a top concern when selecting materials, for example a sturdier material is used in areas prone to hurricanes or heavy snow fall. In the medical profession a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but in the world of homes it’s “owner know thy roof.”

A base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated granules are fiberglass asphalt shingles. This inorganic shingle is highly fire resistant and has a longer expected life than other shingles. This type of shingle does not absorb water, and it resists cracking. It also tends to resist high winds, as tested by the Underwriters Laboratories. Sounds like a winner!

An inorganic, three dimensional shingle is Architectural Shingle. Because it is multi layered it has depth and thus an appearance closer to wood or slate roofing. These shingles weigh more and cost more than most other shingles.

Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles. It is used on roofs with shallow grades, or on steeper roofs as a compliment to shingles. This roofing is most frequently used on industrial buildings. It comprises of a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. This roof is easy to install and will last a long time, 10-20 years.

Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. Zinc is used in the best steel panels. Like roll roofing this is more common on industrial buildings. It is durable, withstands fire, and lasts a long time.

Wood shingles are the oldest type of shingle.  Cedar is the most common wood used for these shingles, but many consist of a mixture of woods. These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. Wood burns. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but cannot eliminate it.

A roof has other elements in addition to the shingles.  These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of strips of sheet metal or roofing material used to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. The boot is a flashing made to fit around the base of a vent pipe. The boot is sometimes plastic. A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to help protect wood portions of the roof by shedding water. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Building paper helps keep water away from the wood frame under the shingles.

A great source of information on roofing materials is the Net. Ignore this info and you could be all wet.

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According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association residential metal roofing has become much more popular over the past decade. No, it isn’t that the corrugated tin barn roof look has come into style. New types of durable, light weight, and fire resistant metal roofs that look great are now on the market. Formerly only popular for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on on homes.

Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. In addition to those already mentioned, metal roofs are quick to install and great at reflecting the heat from the sun.  People think metal roofs make the home hotter because if they stand on a metal roof it’s hot. But the metal roof reflects the heat, that is why it it hot above the roof. If it is hotter on top, it is cooler down below the roof.

Most metal roofs are aluminum and/or steel, but copper and other alloys are as well used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some popular styles retain a unquestionably commercial look found by architects to give a home clean lines.

This is the real world and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs do have drawbacks which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. But this expense can be recovered if the homeowner stays in the home for a long time  and a metal roof aids to save on engineering and structural 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 is louder than other types of roofs. Utilizing sound deadening insulation can help minimize the extra noise of a metal roof. Just like it can a car, hail can dent softer metal roofs such as copper and aluminum roofs. Some metal roofs, however, are guaranteed against denting. Metal roofs can also be slippery when wet, something to keep in mind for gutter cleaning, inspection, or other maintenance that requires walking on the roof.  Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although once more they’re generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.

Do not be concerned about lightning strikes with metal roofs. Metal roofs do not attract lightning even though metal conducts electricity. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.

In this world of worlds in which we live, residential metal roofing is for certain to give, a homeowner a great roofing experience.

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