Metal roofing is gaining popularity in Canada and the US, giving tough competition to traditional asphalt shingles and other roofing materials. However, many homeowners don’t need to learn more about the benefits of metal roofing for their homes. And many think all metal roofing is the same.
However, there are different types, so selecting the right metal roof for your home or building can take time and effort. Each type of metal roofing, from traditional copper to modern steel, has unique benefits.
This article will discuss the most common metal roofing materials simply. You can check out Londonecometal.com for professional support for your home.
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum metal roofing is the lightest among metal materials but is also softer. This makes it more prone to hail damage than steel, although it remains durable. Aluminum is a popular choice in coastal areas with heavy rainfall due to its corrosion resistance, particularly against salt corrosion.
Benefits of Aluminum Roofing
- Wind and corrosion-resistant: Aluminum roofing is a top pick for coastal homes because it prevents salt and sand corrosion. It’s super resistant to wind, making it perfect for hurricane-prone areas. Plus, installing one could score you a 10% to 20% insurance discount.
- Eco-Friendly: Aluminum roofing can include up to 95% recycled content and is often 100% recyclable. It allows installation over existing shingles, cutting down on material waste. Excellent roof options are also available for aluminum roofing, helping your home in warm climates stay cool and saving on energy use.
- Mouldable: Aluminum is flexible and easily shaped into different profiles, providing various design choices.
- Lightweight Roof: Aluminum is the lightest roofing material, weighing only 5 lbs per square foot. A lightweight roof is advantageous, putting less stress on your home than heavier materials.
Copper Roofing
As a premium metal material, copper roofing is highly sought after for its outstanding curb appeal and distinctive look. Its unique color and the greenish patina it develops globally make it easily recognizable. As a lifetime material, copper is frequently used in various architectural elements like flashing, gutters, chimney caps, bay windows, domes, and more, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your roofing.
Benefits of Copper Roofing
- Energy Efficiency: Choosing a copper roof benefits you by reflecting UV rays instead of absorbing them, helping to keep your house cool and saving you money on air conditioning during the summer months.
- Long-lasting: While the bronze color may change to shades of green over the years due to corrosion, copper roofs can last anywhere from 60 to 100 years, providing lasting durability. The natural patina that develops through oxidation gives it a unique appearance, enhancing curb appeal. Historical buildings featuring copper roofing prove copper can stand the test of time.
- Attractive Appearance: Copper roofing is chosen by many for its captivating and diverse look. The color changes as it patinas over time, creating natural variations that make each copper roof unique.
- Corrosion Resistance: The natural process of turning copper from a shiny penny to a blue-green color also provides corrosion resistance, ensuring that once exposed to moisture and patination, a protective layer forms, preventing rust. Copper is safe for you, especially near the ocean, as it won’t rust like steel and other materials.
Steel Roofing
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for premium metal roofing due to its strength. As an alloy made from iron and other elements, steel is widely used in construction, having been a standard material on commercial sites and now frequently used in residential builds. Besides being durable and long-lasting, stainless steel roofing boasts excellent corrosion resistance due to its chromium content.
Benefits of Steel Roofing
- Low Maintenance: Keeping steel roofing in good shape is easy, especially compared to other roofing types. Simply clear leaves, branches, and debris from the roof. All you need to do is wash the roof annually and conduct a yearly inspection after significant weather events.
- Fire Resistant: Steel roofing boasts resistance to rot, mildew, and issues with termites or rodents. A key advantage of steel roofing is its exceptional fire resistance of Class A, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to wildfires.
- Cost Effectiveness: Among the five major types of roofing materials, steel is the most budget-friendly, costing you 35% less than aluminum and one-third the price of copper or zinc. A properly installed steel roof can last 40-60 years or more, offering affordability and long-term value compared to non-steel roofing materials.
- Durable: The strength of a steel roof makes it resistant to cracking, chipping, or warping. It can withstand gale-force winds up to 140 mph and resist impact from falling objects, showcasing its durability.
Zinc Roofing
Zinc metal roofing is similar to copper as it adds a touch of elegance to your home with a developing patina over time. Unlike copper, zinc has self-healing properties, and the patina is a protective layer that fights corrosion.
Benefits of Zinc Roofing
- Built to Last: Zinc stands out as an exceptionally durable metal roofing material, with a lifespan exceeding 80 years. Its fire-resistant nature and ability to prevent mold make it an excellent fit for various climates.
- No Rust Concerns: Zinc’s oxidation process creates a protective layer called patina, shielding the metal from rust. This unique feature allows your roof to “heal” itself, reforming the protective layer if scratched or damaged. Remember that the patina causes the metal to darken gradually over time.
Tin Roofing
Surprisingly, “tin roofing” is frequently used interchangeably with metal roofing, steel roofing, or galvanized steel.
Tin is a standalone metal, and it’s rarely employed for roofing. However, tin roofing is made by coating rolled steel with tin. The tin and steel form a strong chemical bond, providing durability and resistance to cracking for the roof.
Benefits of Tin Roofing
- Lightweight: Tin is often likened to aluminum, as they both possess the quality of being lightweight materials. This similarity in weight makes the tin roofing a favorable choice for various uses.
- Easy Installation: When tin roofing was popular, its widespread appeal was attributed to its ease of installation. This characteristic made it a go-to option for those seeking a straightforward and uncomplicated roofing solution.
Final Thoughts
As you check out these different types of metal roofs, consider the costs of installing your roof and its long-term value. Some metals may cost more upfront but last a long time with little maintenance. Others might be cheaper initially but need more care over the years.
To make the best choice, talk to roofing professionals in your area. They can give you advice based on your home’s needs. No matter the material you choose, a well-picked and adequately installed metal roof, selected by you, can be a significant investment, providing years of protection and a good look for your home.
