Metal Roofing: What’s Your Type?

Construction professionals know that metal roofing systems are increasingly popular with building owners. Whether you’re a contractor, a materials purchasing expert, or another stakeholder in a construction project, you want to ensure that the roof meets project specifications, stands the test of time, and is aesthetically pleasing.

Consequently, it is crucial to understand that you have options in the material you use. Steel, zinc, and aluminum are the most common metal roofs. You should also know the pros and cons of each material so that you can make a well-informed decision. Installing or replacing a roof is a significant investment, so it’s vital to do your research before purchasing roofing products and moving forward with a project.

This article delves into the different types of metal roofs, explaining their advantages. It also addresses their disadvantages. That’s crucial, as every material has drawbacks you should consider.

The information below is valuable for anyone designing, building, or maintaining metal roofs. The knowledge and experience of the CMI team are also excellent resources. We are always happy to answer questions about metal roofing or siding. Please contact us if you would like to know more about our products and expertise in custom roll forming and metal corrugating.

BACKGROUND: METAL ROOFING BENEFITS

You are likely familiar with the general benefits of metal roofing if you’ve previously worked with these products. However, for those new to metal roofing systems, here is a summary of why they are in demand with building owners, property managers, and other stakeholders.

Metal roofs provide the following benefits:

• Ease of Installation: Metal roofs are relatively lightweight compared to other roofing materials, making them easier and quicker to install. This can result in lower labor costs for contractors and faster project completion times for building owners.
• Longevity and Durability: Metal roofs have a longer lifespan than traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles. Consequently, they may require fewer callbacks for repairs and replacements, reducing the overall maintenance costs for contractors and building owners. Additionally, metal roofs are highly resistant to weather elements such as wind, rain, and hail, which can help minimize damage and insurance claims.
• Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs can improve the energy efficiency of buildings by reflecting solar radiant heat and reducing cooling costs during hot weather. This characteristic can lower utility bills for building owners and tenants, making metal roofs an attractive option for environmentally conscious businesses or homeowners.
• Low Maintenance: Compared to other roofing materials, metal roofs require minimal maintenance. This means fewer service calls for contractors and reduced downtime for commercial building owners. Additionally, metal roofs are resistant to rot, mildew, and pests, further decreasing the need for ongoing maintenance and repairs.
• Fire Resistance: Metal roofs are highly fire-resistant structures. This feature provides peace of mind to commercial building owners, especially those operating in areas prone to wildfires or industrial hazards.
• Design Flexibility: Metal roofs come in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes, allowing contractors and building owners to customize the building’s appearance to meet aesthetic preferences and branding requirements.
• Sustainability: Metal roofing materials are often made from recycled materials and metal roofs are recyclable at the end of their lifespan. This makes them a sustainable choice for commercial building owners looking to reduce their environmental footprint, meet green building standards, and please their environmentally conscious customers or clients.

Maximizing these benefits requires expert installation and, of course, selecting the right type of metal roofing product.

PROS AND CONS OF VARIOUS METAL ROOFING MATERIALS

Overall, metal offers tremendous versatility and outstanding performance as a roofing material. But what are the pros and cons of various metals? Below are the details for four of the most common metal roof products — steel, zinc, and aluminum.

You will see that they share many characteristics. However, they also differ in various ways, so you should carefully consider your metal roofing material choice.

Steel metal roofs

Pros:

• Strength and Durability: Steel roofs are highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, high winds, and hail. They are also resistant to damage from fire, mildew, and pests, making them a long-lasting roofing option.
• Longevity: Steel roofs have a long lifespan, often 50 years or more, with proper installation and maintenance. This longevity can result in significant long-term cost savings for building owners.
• Low Maintenance: Steel roofs require minimal maintenance over their lifespan. They do not crack, warp, or rot like other roofing materials and are resistant to corrosion and rust. Occasional cleaning and inspections are typically all the care needed.
• Energy Efficiency: Steel roofs can be coated with reflective paint or pigments to improve their energy efficiency by reflecting solar radiant heat. The coating can help reduce cooling costs during hot weather, making steel roofing a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
• Versatility: Steel roofing comes in many styles, colors, and finishes to complement any architectural style or design preference. It can mimic the appearance of other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or clay tiles.
• Environmental Friendliness: Many steel roofing products contain significant recycled content. Additionally, steel roofs can be recycled at the end of their lifespan, reducing their environmental impact and contributing to sustainable building practices.

Cons:

• Initial Cost: Steel roofing offers long-term cost savings but may have a higher upfront cost than other roofing materials.
• Susceptibility to Corrosion: Steel roofs are resistant to corrosion and rust but can be susceptible to corrosion in specific environments, particularly in coastal areas or areas with high levels of air pollution. Proper installation and maintenance, including regular inspections and repairs, can help mitigate this risk.
• Expansion and Contraction: Like other metals, steel expands and contracts with temperature changes. Improper installation or inadequate allowance for expansion and contraction can lead to structural issues over time, such as buckling or warping of the roof panels.

Zinc metal roofs

Pros:

• Longevity: Zinc roofs have an exceptionally long lifespan, often 50 years or more, with proper installation and maintenance.
• Low Maintenance: Zinc roofs require minimal maintenance over their lifespan. They are naturally resistant to corrosion, rust, and mildew, which means less time and money spent on repairs and upkeep.
• Self-Healing Capability: Zinc has a unique self-healing property. Minor scratches and imperfections can gradually recover due to the natural patina that forms on the zinc surface.
• Design Flexibility: Zinc is a malleable material that can be easily formed into various shapes and profiles, allowing for a high degree of design flexibility across many architectural styles.
• Sustainability: Zinc is an eco-friendly material. It is 100% recyclable and has a lower environmental impact than many other roofing materials.

Cons:

• Upfront Cost: Zinc roofing tends to have a higher initial cost than other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles.
• Expansion and Contraction: Zinc expands and contracts as the temperature changes. Failing to install a zinc roof properly can lead to structural issues over time.
• Patina: Zinc roofs develop a patina over time. The process can take several months or years, and some building owners don’t like the appearance.
• Compatibility Issues: Zinc can react with certain materials, such as copper, lead, and concrete. This reactivity can lead to staining or corrosion, especially if the roof isn’t installed correctly.
• Softness: Zinc is a relatively soft metal. Consequently, it can be susceptible to denting or scratching from hail, falling branches, etc.

Aluminum metal roofs

Pros:

• Lightweight: Aluminum is one of the lightest roofing materials available, making it easier to handle and install than heavier materials. This can result in lower labor costs and faster installation times for contractors.
• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion and rust, even in harsh environments such as coastal areas or regions with high levels of air pollution.
• Minimal Maintenance: Aluminum roofs require little Unlike other roofs, they don’t crack, warp, or rot and are resistant to mildew and pests.
• Energy Efficiency: Aluminum can be coated with reflective paint or pigments to reflect solar radiant heat. This can help reduce cooling costs during hot weather, making aluminum roofing a sustainable and cost-effective option.
• Earth-Friendliness: Aluminum roofing products often contain a significant amount of recycled content. Building owners can also recycle them at the end of their lifespan, reducing their environmental impact and contributing to sustainable building practices.
• Design Versatility: Aluminum roofing comes in many styles, colors, and finishes, making it compatible with a wide variety of architectural styles. It can mimic the appearance of other roofing materials, providing building owners with the aesthetic they want without sacrificing durability.

Cons:

• Initial Cost: Aluminum roofs typically cost more initially than roofs made from other materials, such as asphalt shingles.
• Softness: Aluminum is soft compared to other roofing materials. Consequently, aluminum roofs may be susceptible to denting or scratching.
• Expansion and Contraction: Like other metals, aluminum expands and contracts as temperatures change, which can cause structural problems over time if installers don’t follow best practices.

Final Thoughts

This article provides a strong foundation for your metal roofing material decision. However, many factors affect a particular material’s real-world benefits and drawbacks. The roof’s design, the environment where you’re installing it, and other project aspects will play a critical role in a roofing material’s performance.

That’s where our team’s expertise comes into play. We can discuss your needs and provide recommendations based on our experience with a long list of happy customers and countless successful roofing projects.

Let’s discuss your goals and how metal roofing can help you achieve them. Contact CMI today.