Metal roofing and siding have surged in popularity in recent years, and for good reasons. Renowned for their strength, longevity, and aesthetic appeal, these components offer a compelling alternative to traditional materials like asphalt shingles or wood. However, choosing the right metal roofing or siding involves several crucial considerations.
Let’s explore five key factors that can help you make an informed decision or reinforce that you’ve chosen wisely.
1. TYPE OF METAL
The type of metal you select will significantly influence the performance, aesthetics, and cost of your roofing or siding. Each metal has unique properties, so it’s essential to align your choice with your specific needs and budget.
- Steel is a popular choice due to its strength, affordability, and wide availability. Steel can be further categorized by whether it is stainless steel or traditional steel with a coating and, if so, of what material.
- Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for coastal environments due to its ability to withstand salt spray. Aluminum is also highly reflective, contributing to energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs.
- Zinc is another excellent option, offering exceptional durability and a unique aesthetic. Zinc naturally develops a protective patina that shields it from the elements.
When choosing a metal type, consider factors such as:
- Budget: Steel and aluminum generally typically have a lower price point than zinc or stainless steel. However, it’s essential to focus on value when making this type of long-term investment.
- Desired Aesthetic: Each metal possesses a unique appearance, ranging from the traditional appeal of steel to the modern aesthetic of stainless steel to the distinctive patina of zinc.
- Environmental Conditions: Coastal environments may benefit from the corrosion resistance of aluminum, while areas prone to heavy snowfall might favor the strength of steel.
2. RUST AND WEATHER RESISTANCE
The ability of your roofing or siding to withstand the elements is paramount, especially given the long-term investment involved. Rust and weather resistance are crucial factors that can affect the lifespan and performance of your metal installation.
- Galvanization: This process involves coating steel with a layer of zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion. The thickness of the zinc coating directly impacts the level of protection.
- Galvalume: This aluminum-zinc alloy coating offers superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional galvanization. Galvalume is particularly effective in coastal environments due to its enhanced resistance to salt spray.
- Paint Systems: High-quality paint systems provide an additional layer of protection against the elements. Look for those specifically designed for metal roofing and siding, offering UV protection, colorfastness, and resistance to chalking and fading.
- Natural Protective Coatings: Certain metals, like zinc, develop a natural patina over time that acts as a protective layer against corrosion. This self-protecting characteristic contributes to their exceptional longevity.
When evaluating rust and weather resistance, consider the following:
- Climate: Harsh climates with high humidity, salt spray, or extreme temperatures call for materials with superior corrosion protection.
- Warranty: Reputable manufacturers offer warranties against rust and corrosion, providing peace of mind.
- Maintenance: While metal roofing and siding require minimal maintenance, periodic inspections and cleaning can help prolong their lifespan and performance.
3. MATERIAL STRENGTH AND DURABILITY
The structural integrity of your metal roofing or siding is vital for withstanding wind, snow, hail, and other potential stresses. The strength and durability of the metal play a crucial role in ensuring your installation’s long-term performance and safety.
- Gauge: The thickness of the metal is measured in gauges, with lower gauge numbers indicating thicker metal. Thicker metal generally offers greater strength and dent resistance.
- Profile: The shape and configuration of the metal panels also influence their strength. Corrugated profiles, for instance, provide enhanced rigidity and load-bearing capacity.
- Fasteners: The type and quality of fasteners used to secure the metal panels are critical for ensuring structural integrity. Corrosion-resistant fasteners are essential to prevent rust and ensure the installation is strong and secure.
- Wind Resistance: Metal roofing and siding are inherently resistant to wind uplift, but certain profiles and installation methods can further enhance their wind resistance. When selecting materials and installation techniques, consider local building codes and wind load requirements.
- Impact Resistance: Hail and other impacts can pose a threat to roofing and siding. Some metal roofing products are specifically engineered with impact-resistant features to minimize hailstorm damage.
When assessing material strength and durability, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Local Weather Conditions: Areas prone to high winds, heavy snowfall, or hailstorms may require more robust and impact-resistant materials.
- Building Codes: Adhering to local building codes ensures that your roofing or siding meets the required standards for structural integrity and safety.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Choose reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality metal products with proven strength and durability.
4. PAINTED VS. UNPAINTED
The finish of your metal roofing or siding impacts it in several ways, from aesthetics to maintenance requirements and overall performance. Both painted and unpainted options offer distinct advantages and considerations.
- Painted Metal: You can choose from an array of colors to complement your architectural style and personal preferences. High-quality paint systems provide additional protection against the elements, enhancing the lifespan of your roofing or siding.
- Unpainted Metal: Leaving your metal roofing or siding unpainted showcases the material’s natural beauty, allowing it to develop a distinctive weathered aesthetic over time. Unpainted options also often require less maintenance.
As you weigh the benefits of painted and unpainted metal for your project, consider the following:
Desired Aesthetic: Painted metal provides greater design flexibility with many color options, while unpainted metal offers a natural, evolving appearance.
Maintenance: Painted surfaces may require periodic touch-ups or repainting to maintain their color and protective qualities, while unpainted metal typically requires minimal maintenance.
Cost: Unpainted metal may offer a slight initial cost advantage, but with high-quality paint systems, the long-term maintenance costs of painted metal can be minimal.
5. DESIGN OPTIONS
Some people are surprised by the large number of profiles and textures available for metal roofing and siding. They’re thrilled to learn they can choose from a wide range of options to enhance the architectural style and curb appeal of any structure.
Visit our Products page, and you’ll see a long list of options with names like Sinewave, B-Deck, Box Rib, V-Beam, and others. This extensive portfolio gives you the flexibility to customize your metal installation to achieve your desired look.
- Panel Profiles: Corrugated, standing seam, ribbed, and flat panels offer distinct visual appeal and performance characteristics. Corrugated panels, for instance, lend a traditional or industrial aesthetic, while standing seam panels provide a sleek, modern look.
- Textures and Finishes: Some metal roofing and siding products feature textured or embossed surfaces that mimic the appearance of other materials, such as wood shake or slate. These options provide design versatility while retaining the benefits of metal.
- Custom Fabrication: For unique architectural designs or historical renovations, custom fabrication allows you to create bespoke metal panels tailored to your requirements.
When exploring design options, think about these factors:
- Architectural Style: Choose panel profiles and textures that complement the architectural style of your project.
- Personal Preferences: Express your unique style and create a visually appealing exterior that reflects your taste.
- Local Guidelines: If applicable, ensure your design choices comply with local guidelines or regulations.
By carefully considering these five key factors, you can confidently choose metal roofing and siding that meets your aesthetic preferences, performance expectations, and budget. With their exceptional durability, longevity, and design versatility, metal roofs and siding offer smart, sustainable, and stylish choices.
EXPERT GUIDANCE TO AVOID “PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS”
If there’s a downside to the array of metal roofing and siding profiles, colors, and other features, it’s that it can be hard to choose between them. Of course, that’s a good problem to have!
At Corrugated Metals, Inc., we understand that so-called “paralysis by analysis” can occur, making it difficult to decide and move forward with a project. The good news is that our team can help you assess your wants and needs and choose the ideal roofing or siding material for your needs.
We also provide detailed information on our website to help you make your decision. That includes answers to frequently asked questions and descriptions and photos of some featured projects to get your creative juices flowing.
So, if you’re planning a roofing or siding project, we encourage you to spend some time on our website learning about your options and contact us if you have questions at any point during your research. We’re happy to answer them!
FINAL THOUGHTS
There are several decisions to make when selecting metal roofing or siding materials. One thing you don’t have to ponder is whether opting for metal is a good idea.
CMI has been in business since 1887, and our extensive experience has shown that decision-makers who choose metal roofing or siding are invariably happy with that decision. Of course, putting a roof or cladding on a structure is an investment, so we always advise people to consider their options carefully. We want every customer to be thrilled with the look and performance of their finished project.
Please reach out to us at your convenience if you have questions or to request a quote.