Out of all the roofing materials available on the market today, metal is very arguably the most effective. Metal roofs are not only more durable longer-lasting than other types of roofs, but are more energy efficient as well.
Of course, you can’t break all metal roofs down into one category. There are metal roofing materials of all kinds, with each kind providing its very own benefits drawbacks.
There are, in general, 5 supreme metal materials for roofing. These include copper, aluminum, steel, tin, zinc.
Let’s discuss them, shall we?
1. Copper
Cooper is a metal which is typically used on roofs for decorative reasons. Because of its bronze color, it gives a touch of prestige to whatever roof it’s used on.
Pros
1. Relatively Quiet
Because copper is such a soft metal, it makes relatively little noise when rain or sleet is falling down on it.
2. Weather-Proof
Copper is not only rust-resistant but inflammable as well. This allows it to thrive through forest fires, rain, snow, whatever else comes its way.
3. Aesthetically-Pleasing
There is certainly an argument to be made for copper being the most attractive of all metal roofing materials. In fact, it’s most typically used for decorative style purposes.
4. Lasts for a Lifetime
Copper roofing is some of the toughest roofing there is, capable of thriving functionally aesthetically for hundreds of years.
Cons
1. Very Expensive
With exceptional durability comes a very high price to pay. Copper is the most expensive out of all metal roofing materials.
2. Can Be Damaged by Hail
Because it’s so soft, copper is extremely susceptible to hard falling matter such as hail. If you live in a stormy or heavily wooded area, your copper roof will show damage.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum is used for almost everything, roofing is no exception. Aluminum roofing is often used on coastal properties because of its weather-resistant capabilities.
Pros
1. Rust-Proof
Aluminum is completely-rust free, allowing it to thrive through rain storms, snow storms, other similar occasions.
2. Easy to Form
As a fairly soft metal, aluminum can be easily manipulated to fit specific roof angles. It can also be shaped into a of different designs.
3. Priced Reasonably
While it’s not as cheap as steel, aluminum is also not as expensive as copper. Though its price fluctuates over time, it’s typically pretty reasonably priced.
4. Extremely Lightweight
Out of all metal roofing materials available, aluminum is the lightest. This is a positive because it takes unneeded stress off the property’s structure.
Cons
1. Not Aesthetically-Pleasing
While it’s very durable relatively inexpensive, aluminum is not the most aesthetically-pleasing metal you’re going to find. It’s typically used for practical purposes only.
2. Can Be Damaged by Hail
Like copper, aluminum is a soft metal. Because of this, it is extremely prone to damage from falling objects such as hail tree branches.
3. Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is a cheap material which is often used for residential roofing purposes. Designed in a of different styles, it adds a touch of charm to every home it graces.
Pros
1. Inexpensive
Out of all of the metal materials on our list, galvanized steel is the least expensive. Many use it as a budget alternative to aluminum.
2. Environmentally-Friendly
Galvanized Steel is an alloy made out of a of different recycled metals. Because of this, it takes very little energy to produce.
3. Variety of Styles
Not only does it hold paint well, but galvanized steel can also be shaped to accommodate a of different styles.
Cons
1. Very Noisy
As the hardest of all metal roofing materials, galvanized steel makes quite a bit of noise when coming into with rain.
2. Corrosive
While it holds up fairly well in dry areas with little rain, galvanized steel is far too corrosive to hold up in rainy coastal areas.
3. Heavy
Galvanized steel is extremely heavy compared to other metals, meaning that it will place quite a bit of stress on the structure of its property.
4. Galvalume Steel
Galvalume steel is an alloy which is coated with aluminum zinc. Less corrosive than galvanized, it’s used on both commercial residential properties.
Pros
1. Anti-Corrosive
Because it’s coated with aluminum, galvalume steel is almost completely resistant to rust.
2. Extremely Durable
While it’s susceptible to scratching, galvalume steel is, structurally, a ridiculously durable metal. It’s just not designed for aesthetic purposes.
3. Very Strong
As one of the heaviest roofing materials, galvalume steel offers superb strength. This enables it to hold up in heavily wooded areas where falling branches are a normality.
Cons
1. More Expensive Than Galvanized
While it’s cheaper than copper aluminum, galvalume steel is still a little more expensive than galvanized.
2. Not Easy to Mold
Galvalume steel is almost impossible to shape mold. It usually has to be used in the same shape that it’s manufactured.
3. Lack of Style Variety
Because it can’t be easily shaped, galvalume steel offers essentially no style points.
5. Zinc
Zinc is a soft, but attractive metal that is often used for residential roofing purposes. It’s considered to be very environmentally-friendly.
Pros
1. Easy to Mold
Like aluminum copper, zinc is an extremely soft metal. This makes it very easy easy to shape mold.
2. Extremely Durable
Zinc is a very durable metal which has been found to last on rooftops for over 100 years.
3. Environmentally-Friendly
Because it’s so easy to mold, zinc takes very little energy to manufacture. Not to mention, it’s completely recyclable.
4. Relatively Quiet
Due to its soft state, zinc produces relatively little noise when coming into with rainfall.
Cons
1. Loses its Aesthetic as Time Passes
While it’s very durable structurally, zinc is not very durable aesthetically. As time passes, it develops a sort of chalk-like residue on its surface.
2. Prone to Damage
Because it’s so lightweight, zinc is highly susceptible to damage from rain, snow, wind storms.
Reap the Benefits of Metal Roofing Materials
Looking to install a metal roof on your home or commercial property? If so, we here at Davis Contracting have got you covered.
Located in Greenville, South Carolina, we are officially certified roofing contractors who know exactly which measures to take in order to adorn your property with a metal roof in a safe professional manner.
Contact Us today for a free estimate!
Read more about roof replacements: https://daviscontracting.org/8-signs-you-need-to-hire-a-roof-replacement-service/