Table of content: 1- Metal Roofing
2- Metal Roofing Products
3- Types of Metal Roofing Materials
4- Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles
5- Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing
6- Conclusion
Metal Roofing: A metal roof is simply a roofing system made using metal pieces, tiles, or panels. A metal roof is a part of the roofing envelope which is the physical separator between the inside and outside of the building and is designed to provide resistance to air, water, heat and sound.
Metal Roofing Products: concealed fastener panel accessories
1- Closures
2- Flat sheets
3- Roof jacks
4- Tape sealer and sealant
5- Underlayment
6- Touch up paint
7- Tools
8- Vents & Hardware
Commercial and industrial accessories
1- Bolts and Washers
2- Clips
3- Closure strips
4- Doors
5- End trim and straps
6- Flat sheets and coils
7- Instillation
8- Grips
9- Roof jack
10- Rubber grommet
11- Sliding door hardware
12- Light transmitting panels
13- Touch up paints
14- Strand
15- Tape and sealant
16- Ventilators
17- Windows
Exposed fastener panel accessories:
1- Closures
2- Doors
3- Flat sheets
4- Sliding door hardware
5- Roof jacks
6- Tape sealer and sealant
7- Touch up paint
8- Vents and hardware
Standing seam roof accessories:
1- Backup plates
2- Clips
3- Tape and sealant
4- Tools
5- Ventilation
Fasteners
1- 10, 12, 14, 0.25 diameter fasteners
2- Sockets
3- Special fasteners
Types of metal roofing materials:
1. Copper- Extremely long-lasting, very soft with low melting temperature
2. Aluminum- Long-lasting, resistant to salt water corrosion
3. Zinc- Extremely long-lasting, resistant to corrosion and lowest melting point
4. Steel- Three variations: galvanized, galvalume, and weathering steel (Corten)
5. Tin- Often referring to steel, used prior to World War II. No longer commonly applied. And pros and cons of each are as follows.
Metal roofing has often been called the “Cadillac of Roofing.” Depending on your opinion of that particular manufacturer, this comparison could be less than flattering. In reality, a metal roof doesn’t describe a specific product, rather an entire range of different products. The term itself does not even explain whether you are speaking about a steel roof, aluminum roof, zinc roof, or copper roof. Given metal roofing’s reputation for being able to handle a huge range of requirements and design options, a better comparison might be that metal roofing is the “Sport Utility Vehicle of Roofing.”
In this article, we will break down the differences in metal roofing material options, and the pros and cons of each material, profile, and source.
Types of Metal Roofing Materials
When you hear the phrase “metal roof,” your thoughts likely go towards a steel roof, but the term encompasses a much larger variety of materials. Depending on your location and environment, the type of material will be a crucial first step in deciding which direction to go. While an aluminum roof is an excellent option for resisting rust in salty, coastal regions, it’s durability factor can be much lower than other materials. Steel, copper, and zinc metal roofing materials also have their own pros and cons.
Copper Roofing – Pros & Cons
Considered to be the grandfather of metal roofing, copper roofs have been used for centuries around the world. Copper is an extremely long-lasting metal that in ideal environments, can last well over 200+ years. Copper roofs are 100% recyclable too, making them wonderful green roof options.
Copper is an extremely soft metal, which makes it among the quietest types of metal roofing. However, with modern installation practices, all metal roofing now recommends proper substrates and insulation that minimize noise from rain or hail at the same level. The softer nature of Copper Roofing also means that in hail prone regions, it may be easily damaged. As a softer metal, hailstones will easily dent the copper. While this lowers the aesthetic value, it also performs better than a harder metal that, with a large enough hailstone, will puncture rather than simply dent the roof.
If metal roofs are the SUVs of roofing, copper roofs are the Range Rovers of their class. This brings up an apparent downside to copper. Like the Range Rover, it is extremely expensive and depending on your needs, may be more than you need to get the job done. Another negative aspect of copper is its tendency to expand and contract with swings in temperatures. While this can be controlled with the proper panel or shingle, it does need to carefully be considered when choosing this metal.
Aluminum Roofing – Pros & Cons
If copper is the Range Rover of roofing, then Aluminum Roofing Materials are easily considered to be the Dune Buggy of roofing. Stay with us here. Take a Volkswagen Beetle, pull off the doors, the roof, and all unneeded features. Seal off the essentials to prevent salt spray, add a roll cage, and upgrade the suspension. Throw some nice sand tires on the thing and take it for a cruise along the beach… you now have the vehicle that best describes the strength and corrosive durability of an Aluminum roof.
Aluminum metal roofs are often highly recommended for use in coastal climates. This is mainly due to aluminum’s resistance to salt corrosion compared to other types of metal roofing materials. While the common perception of an aluminum roof is that it's not effected by corrosion, the reality is that its actually a highly active metal and almost instantly reacts to atmospheric conditions.
This rapid reaction is actually what protects it so well. The outer layer of aluminum roofing material reacts with the oxygen in the environment, creating a layer of aluminum oxide, which effectively seals the inner layers of the metal from any future corrosion. This process is similar to an A606 Weathering Steel process, but in a much faster time frame and with longer lasting protection. Aluminum roofs are often used with a painted coating as it’s natural patina over time is not typically thought of as aesthetically appealing.
Like copper, aluminum’s downside often comes down to cost. While it can offer a better protection against corrosion, it's also more expensive than comparable solutions that use aluminum as a coating. As a commodity, an aluminum roof's price range fluctuates depending on the market. Typically, the price for this metal lies somewhere in the middle between steel and copper. Due to its price, aluminum is often used in much thinner thicknesses than steel.
While aluminum roofing material’s strength-to-weight ratio is higher than steel, the factor of cost often results in panels that are too thin for their surroundings. In regions with high winds, hail, or strong environmental stresses, this can result in damage to the roofing material. Properly identifying the environmental strains that your aluminum roof will face will be crucial in choosing the right design.
Zinc Roofing – Pros & Cons
Who remembers the original Humvee? An extremely durable and dependable machine that could take you anywhere you needed to go, yet at a pretty price. This is Zinc in a nutshell.
Zinc is an amazing metal, able to use its patina to heal scratches over time, plus stay strong for over 100 years. The natural properties of Zinc make it a favorite for commercial projects due to its ability to be easily formed and manipulated into amazing shapes. While the chalking of Zinc over time is not considered an appealing aspect of the metal, it can be cleaned and controlled to an extent.
While the Humvee was not exactly a “green vehicle,” Zinc could be considered one of the greenest metals available for roofing. Zinc has a lower melting point than other roofing metals. This lower melting point means that processing the Zinc for use as a building material requires up to a ¼ of the energy that it takes to process steel or copper. Zinc is also 100% recyclable and available in most local markets, making it an extremely green material, even compared to Copper or Steel.
The main downside to Zinc is the chalking effect from an aesthetic point of view, and the price. Zinc is not cheap. In fact, Zinc often is comparable to Copper. Like Copper, Zinc also requires expert installation to properly make use of its advantages as a building material.
Zinc, like most bare metals, does patina into a blue/grey appearance if left unpainted. Along areas where water flows, this often leaves a chalk residue that many find unappealing. Zinc is also a very soft metal, and can be easily damaged by hail or high winds depending on the panel or shingle design.
Steel Roofing – Pros & Cons
Steel is an alloy, made from iron and other elements. Used in every aspect of building, steel roofing has often been one of the most common materials found on a commercial construction site, and is now often incorporated into residential builds. While the initial creation of steel can be an energy-intensive process compared to a metal like Zinc, the recyclability and availability of the metal alloy means that most of the steel we use today is made from recycled material rather than new. In fact, steel is the most recycled material on the planet, making it an incredibly green building material to work with.
When compared to other metals, steel is also the least expensive. While also being a commodity, steel is often priced at a much lower rate than Aluminum, Zinc, or Copper. This makes steel both affordable and available at a greater amount compared to the other metals on this list.
There are three primary Steel Roof types: Galvanized, Galvalume, and Weathering Steel.
- Galvanized Steel is actually created by using a layer of Zinc to protect an inner layer of steel from corrosion. This coating helps extends the life of a steel panel and slow the corrosion process. Galvanized Steel is the most common form of Steel Roofing material.
- Galvalume Steel is similar to Galvanized, but rather than using a primarily Zinc coating, Galvalume uses a combination of Aluminum and Zinc. The Aluminum better protects against corrosion in certain environments compared to Galvanized, and also provides a smaller, smoother spangle for a more uniformed appearance. Due to its Aluminum qualities, Galvalume offers better surface protection than Galvanized, but is vulnerable to scratches or cut edges.
- Weathering Steel is a form of steel that was originally designed for use in heavy steel industries like bridge construction. An outer layer of steel is designed to intentionally rust, protecting the inner layer of steel. In effect, Weathering steel roofing works similarly to Aluminum in the patina process, although unlike Aluminum, this process takes a longer period of time. It's important to remember that Weathering Steel does intentionally rust, and is not designed to be used as a structural solution for steel roofing. It is often used in accent roofs, or with the expressed understanding of the rusting process and the need for regular maintenance.
Steel Roofing has made huge advancements in the past 50 years and can now be used to mimic Copper, Zinc, and other more expensive metal roofing materials. This is done through paint systems that create a painted solution to match the natural patina of a Copper, Zinc, or even the Weathered Steel look. These solutions often carry long warranties and make ideal choices for remodels, restorations, and new builds.
Steel’s primary advantage over other materials in this list is it’s flexibility of use and cost. Because of the higher prices of other metals, Steel has been the primary solution for both commercial and residential projects, and that trend looks like it will continue in the future.
As a green solution, it is both easily accessible and highly recyclable. As options go, because it is among the hardest metal options, it can be used in most weather environments, and works well in hail and high winds. It's a common sight in mountain regions with high snow volumes, and is a preferred solution in regions prone to hail.
Steel is a highly flexible option both commercially and as a residential metal roofing option. For its diverse range of uses, its availability and cost, and the durability it provides, Steel is the Jeep Wrangler of roofing options.
Tin Roofing – Pros & Cons
Tin Roofing is an often-requested item by enthusiasts around the United States and Canada. The term "tin roofing" is used interchangeably with metal roofing, steel roofing, or galvanized steel. In fact, tin is actually a rarely used type of metal for roofing. Tin itself is an element, like Copper or Zinc. Tin was introduced as a canning material, which was then adapted by rural DIYers who flattened out the material and used it as a shingle when other materials were not available.
When Aluminum became the standard for containers, which replaced tin roof sheets, so went the use of it as a DIY building material. In reality, when you hear reference of "tin roofing" in modern times, this is normally referring to either a galvanized steel or aluminum material rather than actual tin roof sheets.
For its DIY use in the 19th century, and its ability to remain a part of our vernacular long after it left, Tin Roofing could be fondly considered the Willy’s Jeep of roofing. While it still has many uses in science and technology, Tin is no longer generally used as a building material option and tin roof sheets have been virtually phased out.
Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles
Metal roofing systems offer many benefits over traditional asphalt shingles, including:
- Increased longevity
- Cost efficiency
- Higher quality material
- Extreme-weather performance
- Contemporary, sleek appearance
- Extensive warranties
- Environmentally friendly
Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing:
Is metal roofing right for your home? This expert guide reveals the benefits and drawbacks of metal roofing and compares metal roofing to other roofing materials to help you make an informed decision.
If you are in the market for a new roof, the roofing material you choose will make a huge difference in your new roof’s cost, look, performance, maintenance, and durability. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, composite tile, concrete tile, metal roofs…all of these options vary greatly.Here are the pros and cons of metal roofs, comparing it to other materials. Then, after the discussion of benefits and drawbacks, we’ll dig deeper into whether a metal roof is right for your home.
Metal Roof Benefits
Metal beats out conventional roofing materials in several ways:
Metal Roofing Lasts A Long Time
A properly installed quality metal roof should last from 40 to 50 years, sealing out water, surviving high winds, and easily shedding snow. The fact that metal is resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot pays off big in longevity.
For comparison, the following list shows how long other roof materials are expected to last, according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Please note that harsh climate conditions, poor workmanship, and damage from severe weather can shorten any roof’s expected life.
- Asphalt shingles—20 years
- Fiber cement shingles—25 years
- Modified bitumen roofing—20 years
- Wood shingles and shakes—30 years
- Tar and gravel (flat roof)—20–25 years
How long does a metal roof last?
Metal roofs can last 50 years, depending on climate conditions, workmanship, or unforeseen damage. About the same as:
- Simulated slate—50 years
- Real slate—50+ years
- Clay/concrete tile roofing—50+ years
Most major metal roof manufacturers back their products for 20 to 50 years. Products with painted finishes typically have a 30-year limited warranty. Materials finished with extremely durable resin-based polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coatings have 50-year warranties. (Kynar® is the trade name of one very popular PVDF coating.)
Metal Roofing Is Lightweight
Metal roofing weighs from 1 to 3 pounds per square foot, depending upon the thickness and profile of the material. It is one of the lightest of all roofing materials. By comparison, here are typical weights of other roofing materials:
- Conventional asphalt shingles — from 2 to 3.5 pounds per square foot
- Textured (architectural) asphalt shingles— from 3.5 to 5 pounds per square foot
- Wood shingles and shakes—from 3.5 to 4.5 pounds per square foot
- Clay or concrete tile—5.5 to 10 pounds per square foot
Because metal roofing is lightweight, you can save on the engineering and building of the supporting structure. In fact, if you’re building a new house or a new addition, you can often downsize or reduce the number of roof support members because of metal roofing’s light weight.
Can Metal Roofing Go Over Existing Shingles?
As long as the existing roof surface and the decking beneath it are sound, flat, and free of rot, metal roofing can usually be applied over the top of one old layer of asphalt shingles. Check local codes and the manufacturer’s specifications before doing this.
Of course, tearing off the old roof so you can start with flat, sound sheathing certainly gives you a much cleaner starting point. But leaving the old roof in place also has advantages. For example, it:
- Decreases labor and haul-off expense of stripping the old roof
- Leaves an extra insulation barrier for increased energy efficiency
- Minimizes the debris and disruption to your home and yard during the project
- Adds additional sound insulation for rain and hail
A Metal Roof Installs Fast
Metal roofing materials are sold as large “standing-seam” sheets or in multiple-shingle sections that are 12 to 36 inches wide. Standing seam sheets are typically 3 feet wide by 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 feet long. You can also get custom sizes.
An accomplished contractor can install these quickly. If your roof is stripped off and a storm is on the way, shortening the installation process by a day or two may offer a critical advantage. Obviously, there is also considerable cost savings if you can ease and shorten the duration of roof installation.
Metal Roofing Doesn’t Catch Fire
Because metal roof materials are noncombustible, they typically have a Class A fire rating (the most fire-resistant rating). Flying sparks and embers will not set them on fire.
Just be aware that part of a roof’s overall classification depends on materials beneath the surface that could ignite in intense heat, too. Most metal roofs applied over a combustible material such as wood shingles have a lower, Class C rating for this reason. (See notes under “Metal Roofing Drawbacks” regarding problems in the event of a house fire.)
Metal Surfaces Reflect Heat
Metal reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimizing midday heat gain. This reflective characteristic means you save energy needed for air conditioning during the day. In fact, federal rebates are offered for metal roofing that has appropriate pigmented coatings that meet EnergyStar requirements. You can get a 10% tax credit up to $500 (not including labor).
Regarding the insulation value of metal roofing in both heat and cold: Though the material itself is low in insulation R-value, metal roofing can be applied over foam insulation that has very high R-values. In addition, many systems utilize a dead-air space between the metal surface and roof deck beneath it to minimize heat transfer, increasing energy efficiency.
Metal Panels Can Go On Low-Pitched Roofs
Most metal roofing materials can be installed on gently pitched roofs without leaking. Minimum roof pitch for metal shingles is typically 3-in-12—this means the roof rises 3 inches for each horizontal foot. Some standing-seam roofing can be used on 2-in-12 roof pitch or, in some cases, even as low as 1-in-12.
In comparison, most asphalt or roof shingles can’t be used on a roof with a lower pitch than 3-in-12 (in some cases, 4-in-12) and materials such as tile require a slope that is 4-in-12 or steeper.
Metal Is Great At Shedding Snow & Rain
Metal roofing is practically impervious to rain and snow because of the way the panels interlock and because the surfaces are hard and slippery. In addition, dark tones of metal roofing quickly warm to the sun, encouraging snow melt.
Steel Roofing Is Environmentally Friendly
Manufacturing asphalt uses petroleum and fossil fuels. Also, asphalt roofs require replacement every 15 to 20 years, so nearly 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are dumped in US landfills every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
A Metal Roof Stands Up to Tornadoes & Hurricanes
“Many metal roofing systems have been tested and proven to withstand winds in excess of 140 miles an hour, which is the equivalent to an F2 tornado and provide protection against impact damage from debris.” say’s Todd Miller, Vice Chairman of the Metal Roofing Alliance.
According to the Palm Beach Post, metal roofs proved to be the most hurricane-resistant. “If the roofers used the correct attachment method, either screws or clips, the wind will have a difficult time getting underneath metal roof panels.”
Metal Roofing Drawbacks & Myths
Though metal roofing offers many pluses, a few drawbacks are worthy of mention. For the most part, metal roofing manufacturers have improved their products to address or solve many of these concerns, so it’s important to separate the myths from the drawbacks that are real.
Is Metal Roofing Noisy?
Yes, it will probably be noisier than living beneath a thick slate or tile roof in a heavy rainstorm or hailstorm. But the idea of noise being a problem may be more myth than reality. It depends on construction.
Metal shouldn’t be noisier than thinner materials such as asphalt or wood shingles. The fact is that rain and hail can drum on any thin membrane.
But noise can be controlled both by using quality materials that have structural barriers to minimize the drumming effect, by applying the metal over sound-deadening insulation and solid plywood sheathing, and—where possible—by having an attic between the roof and your rooms.
Do Metal Roofs Attract Lightning?
This is a myth. Many people assume that because metal conducts electricity, it also attracts it. This really isn’t the case, and many instances have been documented where lightning has struck trees or other high objects located near metal roofs rather than the roofs themselves. Just the same, metal roofs should be grounded by a lightning protection company.
If a metal roof does get struck by lightning, it will disperse the energy and be far less likely to burn than a wood roof.
High Initial Cost—Yes, but
Okay, you’ve landed on the biggest drawback of metal roofing: initial cost. Metal roofing costs about the same as other premium materials—from about $150 to $600 per square (100 square feet).
For the sake of comparison, here is a list of typical price ranges for metal roofing and other common roofing materials for an average size home:
- Metal roofing (steel) – $5000 to $13,000
- Metal roofing (copper) – $10,000 to $25,000+
- Asphalt-fiberglass shingles – $4000 to $7000
- Wood shingles and shakes – $10,000 to $20,000
- Concrete tile – $8000 to $23,000
- Clay tile – $12,000 to $30,000+
- Synthetic slate – $12,000 to $30,000
- Natural slate – $18,000 to $60,000+
Because of the material’s long-term durability, the trick is that you ultimately save the difference (and more) if you stay in the house for a long time and you save on seasonal maintenance. Then again, if you plan to move in a couple of years, you probably won’t get a reasonable return on your investment unless your future buyer recognizes the long-term value of the roof.
Add up all materials and labor and divide this sum by the number of years the roofing is expected to last to estimate your roof’s cost per year.
Metal Can Dent
Okay, if a golf ball hits your car, it will leave a dent. If you live in Texas or somewhere that has hail the size of golf balls, the hail will probably dent your metal roof, especially if your roof is made of a soft metal such as copper or aluminum.
If you think heavy hail would be a possibility in your area, choose a roof material that is guaranteed not to dent. Or choose metal roofing shingles, metal roofing shakes, or roofing that has a pattern or ribbed structure that gives it rigidity. Always, choose 24- or 26-gauge steel for maximum durability.
You Should Avoid Walking On Metal Roofs
Though you shouldn’t have to walk on a roof that doesn’t leak, there may be occasions when a plumber needs to snake out a vent pipe or a chimney sweep needs access to the chimney flue. You have to be very careful when walking on most metal roofs—both to avoid damaging or denting the roofing and to keep from slipping off.
You can walk on some metal roofs but not all of them. Whether or not they will dent from foot traffic depends on how the particular product is made and the type of construction supporting it. As you might imagine, metal can be very slippery when wet.
Some painted metal roof finishes can peel, chip, fade, scratch, or chalk, although nearly all premium products are guaranteed for at least 30 years. Walking on some types, particularly those with a granulated-stone surface, may cause surface wear. Installers must be careful not to scratch or dent the roofing during installation, and panels must be treated with care. Unlike conventional roofing, some metal shingle systems are installed from the top down, eliminating the need to walk on them.
Modifying Panels Can Be Difficult
Metal roofing materials installed in large panels are more difficult to replace if damaged than individual shingles. Also, if you remodel or add on to your home 10 or 20 years from now, it may be difficult to match the material.
Installation Is Not Foolproof
Installing a metal roof should be done by someone with plenty of experience. Unlike an asphalt shingle roof, a wood shingle roof—or most other roofing materials—metal roofing is a material that fewer roofers are trained and practiced at installing.
A metal roof must be installed correctly. If it isn’t, you can have major problems with condensation beneath it and/or leaking.
Some manufacturers or distributors require that their products be installed by professional metal roofing contractors who have been accredited by taking a few factory-taught classes.
Roof panels with exposed fasteners are particularly vulnerable to improper installation. If screws attach through the flat surfaces (rather than the raised ridges), rain water can run down the roof and seep into the screw holes. For this reason, special resilient washes must seal around screw heads. If you have this type of roof installed, be sure the manufacturer’s instructions are followed precisely.
To find a good metal roofing contractors, ask friends and neighbors who have had similar roofs installed (though they may be hard to find because metal roofs are relatively uncommon). You can search online sites such as Yelp, HomeAdvisor or Networx. Be sure to check out reviews and look at photos of completed jobs.
Metal Expands & Contracts
Metal expands and contracts as it warms and cools. This can cause the roof to have a wavy effect on hot days or, over time for fasteners to pull loose. To remedy this problem, most new metal roofing products have fastening systems that accommodate movement.
Difficult for Firefighters
Though metal roofs are good at guarding against a fire that approaches from outside a house, such as from flying sparks and embers, they are not ideal for fires that start inside a house. With a serious house fire, firemen may need to cut through the roof to put out the fire. This job can be much more difficult and take longer if the house is capped with a metal roof.
Our Summary Recommendations
Most of today’s houses are topped by asphalt fiberglass shingles. In fact 4 out of 5 U.S. roofs are, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). Asphalt-fiberglass has become the dominant American roofing material for many good reasons, as discussed above.
But the popularity of metal roofing is gaining on asphalt. According to Building Design + Construction, in recent years, metal roofing materials “have achieved double-digit market share growth while the market share of asphalt shingles has dropped slightly.” Underscoring this growth, Renee Remey, Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance say’s, “Our research shows that metal roofs are now the second most popular roofing choice among homeowners.” [Citation]
If your budget can afford the initial cost of metal roofing and you plan to stay in your home for a long time, metal can prove to be a very solid investment. This is particularly true if you live in an area that is prone to storms or wildfires and your home’s architecture lends itself to metal roofing. Bottom line: Metal roofing is a very durable, effective, lightweight choice that is relatively quick to install by professionals.
How Would Metal Roofing Look On Your House?
Another major consideration before seriously considering a metal roof for your home is what it would look like.
Go through photo galleries that metal roof manufacturers offer on their web sites to see houses that resemble your home’s style to get a feel for how metal roofing would look on your house. Also, check out the metal roof visualizer, where you can upload a photo of your house and see what various types of material roofing would look like on it.
Conclusion
While each of the five types of metal roofing materials have their advantages, in the end, the choice often comes down to cost. Copper can be aesthetically the most appealing of the metals, but also the most expensive. Zinc is the greenest of the materials due to its low melting point, but is also very expensive. Aluminum roofs offer a great solution in coastal regions, and is less expensive than Copper or Zinc. Steel is the most used of the materials, making it less expensive and affordable as a metal roofing option for homeowners as well as commercial builds. Tin had its day, but now often refers to galvanized steel when spoken about in terms of roofing.
Each of these metals has their advantages and weak points. Choosing the right metal to use for roofing comes down to the installer you choose, the location of your build, and the stresses and strains it will be put through. Make sure to always hire experienced roofing contractors who not only have worked with metal roofing, but the specific metal you choose to use on your next project.
