The Variety Of Metal Roofing Materials Available
Metal roofing materials include many metals in a wide range of colors
, shapes, and designs. These durable and environmentally friendly materials are found everywhere, topping barns, warehouses, subdivision homes, and California dream houses. They offer every feature found in competing roofing materials and are more durable than any other type.
Metals used are mainly steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys, which are metals made up of two or more minerals. Steel is the most basic and can be the most affordable, although high end stainless steel roofs, with their rust proof finish treated to weather beautifully, is more costly. Aluminum, which is coming down in price, offers a lightweight, rust proof, durable roof. Copper is more expensive but is showy when installed and weathers to a beautifully distinctive shade; it, too, will not rust. The alloys, mainly steel mixed with other metals for rust resistance and strength, also are an expensive but alluring option.
In buying roofing, the heavier gauge and more expensive grades require a greater initial investment, which is regained as time goes by with low maintenance costs, improved performance in keeping out all sorts of weather, an increase in property values, more favorable insurance rates, and tax credits.
Metal roofs are extremely durable and come with extended warranties on materials. Steel will rust, but there are many baked enamel and other finishes that can be laid over steel to handle this problem. Steel and the other metals can also be shaped easily. A steel roof can be indistinguishable from clay tiles, cedar shakes, slate tiles, or asphalt shingles. The metal roof, while identical in appearance in color and texture, may be much lighter in weight. This can make it possible to lay a new roof over an older one without adding to the structural strength of the building.
A metallic roof reflects the sun's heat in summer, absorbs it in winter, sheds snow and ice as soon as the temperature rises, is safer during thunderstorms, and does not blow off or up or apart in winds of tornado mph. It is not flammable, insects don't eat it or breed in it, squirrels can't chew it, and mildew can't mold it.
There are as many styles as there are color choices and material preferences. The traditional standing seam and the seam capped or batten roofs seen on old houses are still popular, but there are new styles as well. The seams can be high or low profile, or invisible to give a sheer, contemporary look. The sections, large or small, can be crimped, over-lapping, or laid on in individual sections just like other shingles.
People can purchase the supplies and do the installation themselves, but putting such a large investment in the hands of professionals is probably a wise choice. Contractors offer guarantees on their work and are trained in the methods best suited to achieve results that will be satisfactory for decades. Metal is not a stable substance, but expands and contracts with heat and cold, and all accessory building materials must accommodate this natural flex. Other considerations are insulation and soundproofing.
Metal roofing materials can make beautiful statements as well as protect whatever they cover for the lifetime of the building.
by: Dola Raheem
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