The Best Types of Metal Roofs
When it comes to your roof, you want a stable and stylish option that will stand the test of time — both in terms of aesthetic design and endurance against the elements. Metal roofing systems are an excellent choice, and there are many different types of metal roofing to choose from.
If you’re wondering what type of metal roof is best for you and your home, Roof RX can help. We are dedicated to providing reliable, affordable and efficient roof replacement and installation services in Florida and offer quality metal roofing. Keep reading for our top metal roof recommendations.
Benefits of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are incredibly durable and have a longer life span than other roofing materials. While you will need to replace other roofing materials regularly, metal roofs can last approximately 60 years or more. Thus, purchasing a metal roof can save you money in the long run. Metal roof installations are also easy and fast and require low maintenance.
A considerable benefit of metal roofs is that they’re sturdy. They can withstand hail, heavy rain, snow and high winds and are also better at protecting homes from forest and brush fires. Most importantly, metal roofs promote safety for your home as they will not spark or ignite during a fire or lightning strike. Metal roofs also provide excellent insulation for your home, which can help reduce your heating and air conditioning bills. Because they reflect UV and infrared light, which contribute to surface heat, metal roofs prove highly energy-efficient.
Metal Roof Materials
Metal roofs can be made from several different types of material and can even be made from recycled metals. Most of the materials used for metal roofs are recyclable themselves and are widely available. The most common metal roof materials include:
- Copper: Copper has a unique and aesthetically pleasing appearance and is extremely long-lasting. Copper roofs also have a low melting temperature compared to other roof materials.
- Aluminum: An aluminum roof is long-lasting and resistant to saltwater corrosion. Aluminum is a great choice of material if you’re looking for a fast-reacting material that will adapt to coastal climates.
- Zinc: Zinc has the lowest melting point of all metal roof materials. Like copper, it is incredibly long-lasting and resistant to corrosion, and it can be molded and shaped easily.
- Steel: There are three variations of steel known as galvanized, galvalume and weathering steel. Steel has made huge advancements in recent years and can often mimic other roofing materials.
Whichever material you choose for your roof, Roof RX uses high-quality roofing materials for all our metal roof installations.
5 Types of Metal Roof Styles
If you’re considering purchasing a metal roof for your home, you’ll want to be familiar with common metal roofs. Metal roofs can come in various styles, attachments and finishes, which you can customize to fit your home’s unique aesthetic. Here are our top five choices for the best metal roof styles:
1. Standing Seam or Hidden Fastener Roofing
The fasteners that secure your metal roof can be hidden or exposed. Standing seam metal roof types, otherwise known as hidden or concealed fastener roof systems, have become increasingly popular for residential roofing. During installation, contractors interlock the roof panels at the edges to form a vertical seam. For residential roofs, the panels will snap together without exposed fasteners, which allows for expansion and contraction to mitigate changing temperatures.
Standing seam roofs also can reduce overall wear on your roof and prolong its life span in the face of the elements. Some people even choose to seal their steel roof panels mechanically for greater strength against wind uplift. The durability, flexibility and low maintenance requirements of standing seam roofs make them a fantastic choice for any home. Standing seam roofs also conform easily to any roof style.
2. Exposed Fastener Roofing
Exposed fastener roofs are the opposite of standing seam roofs. Upon installation, a contractor fastens the overlapping metal panels directly to the roof’s deck, and the fastener heads remain visible. Rather than hand seal or mechanically seal the panels, the contractor will leave the fasteners exposed and may paint them to match the roofing panels.
Like standing seam roof types, exposed fastener roofs are pest-, water- and heat-resistant and extremely durable. However, exposed fastener roofing often requires more frequent maintenance than standing seam roofing. On the plus side, exposed fastener roofing is typically more affordable than concealed fastener roofing and is a great economical option.
3. Stamped Metal Roofing
Thanks to newer technology, metal roofs are also available in sheets or shingles that can mimic other roofing materials so you can pick what matches the rest of your home’s design. Stamped metal roofing can replicate roofing materials such as slate, cedar shake, clay tiles, barrel tiles and asphalt shingle.
It can help you achieve the look and feel of these materials and styles with added durability and integrity. Due to the strength and longevity of stamped metal roofs, you also won’t have to worry about curling or cupping tiles or rotting wood over time like with other traditional building materials.
4. Metal Sheet Roofing
Sheet roofing is one of the most economical forms of metal roofing and is available in several different profiles. It consists of large panels or sheets of metal in varying lengths and widths that overlap with exposed fasteners. The contractor drives fasteners through the overlapping portions of the panels, the roof decking or the spaced sheathing below and positions a neoprene washer beneath the fastener head to ensure watertightness. Sheet metal roofs can offer a more historical look to your buildings, especially if you install them unpainted.
5. Corrugated Metal Roofing
Available in aluminum, steel or copper, corrugated metal roofing is another durable style built to withstand harsh weather. It is one of the oldest forms of metal roofing across the United States and is thin and lightweight. It features an iconic repeated wavy pattern from the raised ridges of the panels.
Contractors often install corrugated metal roofs over existing roofing, reducing the cost of removing old roofing. Corrugated metal panels typically overlap where a contractor fastens them into the roof deck’s structure. Corrugated metal roofing is also one of the lowest-cost metal roofs available.
Contact Roof RX for an Estimate
Whether you have questions, concerns or need a plan to renovate or replace your roof, you can trust Roof RX. We can help you find the best type of metal roof for your home that balances optimal functionality and aesthetic appeal. With so many different types of metal roof options, you are sure to find something that fits your home’s needs.
Roof RX provides trusted residential and commercial roofing installation across Florida. Contact us online or call today to schedule a free inspection and estimate for your metal roof installation!
Content
