Metal roofs are popular for their incredible longevity, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and affordability. Since metal roofing comes from sheets or coils, the roof can form different shapes, lengths, and sizes to create many types of metal roofs. Common types of metal roofing materials are aluminum, zinc, and copper, with each boasting unique features, pros, and cons.
Do you plan to install a metal roof in your next home improvement project? Understand the available metal roofing materials to select the best. Discover the common options.
1. Aluminum
Aluminum is the best option if you need an extremely durable metal roof material that is also easy to install. Aluminum shingles are also resistant to extreme weather changes and corrosion. The shingles can stay intact for many years if you maintain them well, even in hot coastal regions.
Most importantly, aluminum is a versatile material that you can paint or change the original shape and design without affecting the initial appeal.
Cost is the only drawback of aluminum shingles. On average, you can spend up to
$14.70 per square foot to install the best quality aluminum shingles. Nevertheless, the cost is often worth the service you get because you don't usually need long-term maintenance fees.
2. Steel
Steel is a readily available and affordable roofing material. Steel comes in two primary materials, which include galvanized and galvalume. The galvanized option contains a mixture of steel and zinc to prevent corrosion. The galvalume option uses zinc and aluminum also to prevent corrosion.
Steel is a highly flexible roofing material that can fit well in both cold and hot areas. From its low costs to its availability and durability, you can rely on steel for your roofing projects.
3. Copper
Copper is likely the oldest type of metal roof. With energy efficiency and durability being the top considerations for roofing, copper has increasingly become popular in modern roofing projects.
Copper is a lightweight material, a feature that makes the roof easy to install and transport. The material is highly flexible; hence, you can easily mold it into different roofing designs.
Besides, copper has a striking architectural beauty that adds value to your house. For example, you can always choose a copper roof if you wish to sell your home. The only drawback of this roofing material is the high installation costs, although you can negotiate a favorable price from your roofing company.
4. Zinc
Zinc is your ideal metal roof material if durability is your priority. Zinc is well known for its impressively long lifespan, as well as little maintenance and repairs. The zinc alloy is a naturally soft material that makes the final zinc metal roof quite sturdy and malleable. Should you decide to remove the roof, you can still recycle the zinc roof because a pure zinc material is 100% recyclable.
The zinc material's primary downside is that zinc possesses a chalking effect, which might affect your house's aesthetic look. Regularly clean the zinc roof to maintain your roof's curb appeal. Alternatively, you can paint the roof to prevent the chalking effects.
You can use zinc roofs in any house design, whether traditional or modern. You only need to work with an expert roofing contractor for the best results, mainly if you reside in windy areas.
Note that each type of roofing material above has its upside and downsides. Carefully review each of the options before you invest. If possible, consult a roofing contractor to help you select the ideal metal roofing materials for your needs.
Cochran Construction Company offers sustainable and cost-effective roofing services.
Contact us today for help with your roofing project.
