The Common Types Of Metal Roofing Material

Metal roofs are enjoying a resurgence of popularity. That isn’t surprising since it can be made to look like any style of roof, is light weight, durable, fireproof, weatherproof and very available. Some manufacturers guarantee their metal roofs for over 30 years. Many types of metal roof will not need to repaired or repainted during its lifetime. There are several kinds of metal roofing material. Each one has its selling points.

Roof Of Steel

Steel is the most widely-used type of metal roofing material. It is usually coated or finished to protect it from rusting and corrosion. Often the coating is zinc which is then sealed. An epoxy primer coating can be topped by a baked on acrylic for color.

Steel has been used as a commercial metal roofing material and its technology has developed ways to make it durable in most conditions. It is heavier and more durable than aluminum and can be found in a wide variety of attractive styles.

Stainless steel is a very expensive metal roofing material. Of course it will never rust. For an aged appearance, it can have a coating that will age to a matt gray finish. Lightweight aluminum is popular as a residential metal roofing material. Treatments and coatings used on aluminum are similar to the ones used on steel. Its lightness saves on shipping costs and makes the need for structural supports less important in the home’s architecture. It naturally resists rust.

More traditional and expensive is copper. It has been used as a metal roofing material for centuries. It will not rust, does not need a finish added on and is malleable for easy shaping. Untreated, it will age to a greenish gray patina. It is also available with an acrylic coating to allow the copper color to last for the life of the roof.

All types of metal roofing material can be combined in various ways to create alloys that combine the best aspects of durability, weathering and beauty. Because of the additional manufacturing, they are usually more costly. Different styles and metals are better for different climates.

All types of metal roofing material reflect heat to save on air conditioning costs. In hot climates, the lighter colors are natural heat reflectors but coatings can be added to darker colors to boost their reflective powers. In any climate, for any style of home, metal roofing material will increase the value of a residence.

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