With only a few months down in 2021, thesheet-metal roofingmanufacturing industry in the US has a market size of $1.2 billion. Metal roofs are in and not just for commercial properties. Considering residential metal roofing? You’ve come to the right place.
Read our guide on five things you need to know about metal roofs for residential homes.
1. The Types of Metal Roofs for Residential Homes
Residential metal roofing describes a range of products, not just one thing. This is because there are many different types of metal roofs!
You may think of a metal roof and instantly envision steel in your head. However, there are plenty of other material options. Choosing a material shouldgetbased on your home’s location and the surrounding environmental area.
The pros and cons of each material are as follows:
Copper Roofs
Copper metal roofing pros and cons date back centuries. This metal is long-lasting and can becompletely recycled. For those who make it a point to think about the environment as much as they can, copper roofs are a great option.
Copper roofs aren’t as loud as other materials because it is a soft metal. Through modern installation processes, any metal roof can get insulation that minimizes noise.
Because copper is soft, hail and other hard materials can easily damage a copper metal roof. It’s not all bad news if hail comes. A large enough hailstone could puncture a harder metal instead of just denting it.
The downside of copper isthat it is a more expensive option. Another thing to consider if you opt for this type of residential metal roofing is that it can expand and contract with temperature swings. With the right shingle or panel, this is controllable.
Aluminum Roofs
An aluminum roof has more strength and durability than other materials. Those in areas with coastal climates should take advantage because aluminum has resistance to salt corrosion.
Aluminum is an active metal that reacts to the conditions around it. This rapid reaction is what keeps it protected.
Many choose to paint over aluminum roofs because they aren’t as attractive as other metal roofs. However, the durability makes it worth it.
Similar to copper, the downside to aluminum is that it comes with a larger price tag. The price of aluminum is not stable as it will depend on the current market. Because it’s a pricier option, the use of aluminum is thinner.
When considering an aluminum roof, you must think about the environmental strains it will endure. Places with high hail, winds, or other strong stresses can lead to damage.
Zinc Roofs
Zinc can stay strong for 100 years or more. It is often used forcommercial projectsbecause it is easily manipulated, but it can work for residential roofs as well. Over time, Zinc may not be appealing but it can be controlled and cleaned.
A huge benefit of this material is that it is the greenest roofing metal available. Because zinc has a low melting point, it requires less energy to make compared to other metals. It is also a completely recyclable material that you can find in many markets.
The cost of Zinc itself is high. To take advantage of this roofing material, you must have a professional install it. This leads to an even higher price overall.
Zinc is a soft metal that can get easily damaged. In areas where water flows, a chalky residue is left behind making zinc look unattractive.
Steel Roofs
Steel is made from iron and other elements. It is becoming a more popularoption for residential roofing. Most of the steel used today is made from recycled material, a plus for the environmental aspect.
Steel is the least expensive metal and you can find it in a greater amount. Among steel roofs, there are three main types. Those being galvanized steel, galvalume steel, and weathering steel.
Steel roofs can actually mimic other materials like zinc and copper. This makes them an ideal solution to go with and they also come with long warranties.
Steel can be used for more weather environments including those with high winds and hail. Homes in the mountain regions often choose steel roofs to protect their home from volumes of snow.
2. Are Metal Roofs for Residential Homes Better Than Traditional?
Using metal roofs for residential homes is a newer idea. The interest comes from four benefits; appearance, ease of installation, durability, and cost.
Metal roofing can look like cedar, slate, or other materials. Many enjoy the appearance of metal roofs because they come in many different colors and styles. Traditional roofing looks the same and doesn’t have a unique factor.
Metal roofing is a different process than traditional so it may be harder to find an installer. However, this doesn’t mean the process is difficult. In fact, the ease of installation is a huge reasonfor the popularity of metal roofs.
Metal roofing can withstand debris that traditional roofing can’t. They also have coatings that can prevent rot, fading, and rust which makes them more durable options.
You won’t have to worry abouta lot of repairs or maintenance when you have a metal roof. They are generally easy to keep up with.
Metal roofing is a more expensive option than shingles, but they last a lot longer. This makes the cost worth it in the long run. Plus, they areenergy-efficient options.
3. Benefits of Residential Metal Roofing
There are different benefits of residential metal roofing for specific metal types. What are the benefits overall?
The long-lasting benefits of having a metal roof for your home include:
- Performance expectation of over 50 years
- Multiple styles to match a home
- Wind resistance interlocking panels
- Fire resistance
- Keeps homes cooler/energy efficiency
- Preserves structural weight because of lightness
Of course with pros, there comecons of metal roofs.
4. The Cons of a Residential Metal Roof
You may be surprised to hear that there aren’t many cons of metal roofing. Each type of metal will come with its own set of challenges.
As discussed before, the cost of metal roofs is more expensive when compared to traditional ones. In the end, you’ll get your return on investment because the roof lasts longer. The process of installing a metal roof is also longer because metal is configured to meet the size of your roof.
Metal roofs are best for those who are living in their forever homes. This could be seen as a con if you move in the future. A metal roof is an investment.
Without extra steps to ensure that noise is not an issue, having a metal roof is loud. This is especially true in areas of the home that are sensitive to noise. By taking additional steps, you must put in more money.
5. Residential Metal Roof Styles
We’ve discussed how the advantage of a metal roof is that they come in different styles. So what are those styles? A metal roof can mimic a lot of looks to create a matching style for your home.
Shingle, Shake, Slate, and Tile
With metal roofing comes shingle, shake, slate, and tile profiles. If you want to reap the many benefits of a metal roof but prefer the traditional look, this option is for you.
Metal shingles mimic the look of standard shingles and can blend in neighborhoods. A metal shake will look like a hand-split cedar shake. They last longer than wood shakes but have a great resemblance.
Metal slate profiles come in copper, aluminum, and steel varieties. They cost less than real slate but replicate the same natural look.
Tile profiles come with exposed fasteners and have an attached batten grid. They are made in large sheets to help with a faster installation process.
Standing Seam
Standing seam is a common look for residential metal roofing. If you want to go for a distinctive yet contemporary look, consider this roofing style. A major plus of the standing seam is that it compliments all styles of homes.
Because residential roofs are smaller than commercial roofs, selecting a small panel width is advisable. This style of metal roofing commonly comes from galvalume or galvanized steel.
Plenty of standing seam systems come with an array of flashings. This helps prevent error when installing. It can also ensure your roof stays watertight over the years.
Colors on Colors on Colors!
The last point we want to make about the style of metal roofs is that there are plenty of colors to choose from. You can go with a traditional brown or gray or get bold and choose a bright blue or red roof. The design aspect is completely up to you.
Reap the Benefits of a New Metal Roof
You should want the best for the home you’re living in. That means taking care of the roof for years to come. By choosing residential metal roofing, your roof will last, match the style of your home, and be easy to maintain.
What are you waiting for?Contact ustoday to get a free estimate for your residential roof.
