Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofing is one of the fastest growing parts of the roofing industry. Its popularity is increasing everywhere due to its many positive attributes. While a premium metal roof costs more initially than many other roofs, it can be a good investment in the long run. Not only are metal roofs long lasting, they can also increase a home’s resale value, decrease a home’s energy consumption (by up to 40%!), and in some areas, reduce the home owner insurance premiums immensely.

Non-metal roofs start to deteriorate as soon as they are installed and exposed to the elements. UV rays, high wind, and severe temperature changes can damage most other roofs, sometimes drastically decreasing their service life. The average life span of a NON-metal roof varies between 15 and 20 years. Metal roofs can last 2 to 3 times that long, depending on style, quality, and workmanship. In many cases, a metal roof can be the last roof you’ll ever install.

Metal Roofing comes in a wide variety of designs, colors, and styles. You can purchase metal roofing in shapes that imitate asphalt shingles, tile, wood shakes, as well as the common vertical seam styles. Metal roofing can come stone-coated and smooth. You can also get metal trim pieces to match the color of your roof, or get contrasting colored trim to offset the roof.

While copper and stainless steel are not unheard of, the most common types of metal used for metal roofing are steel and aluminum. Both are available in varying thicknesses but the most common are typically 24 gauge steel and .032” aluminum. Both are very durable and easy to work with, making them ideal for both the building owner and the installer

Metal roofs are very durable in that they are quite hail resistant and wind resistant (installed properly, of course). Another added bonus is that you can install them right over the top of an existing roof (some criteria have to be met to ensure a proper “fit”). You can walk on metal roofs without damaging them, but just to be safe, you should contact your contractor or the manufacturer of the metal roofing materials. Some special profile metal roofs can be tricky to walk on without damaging them.