When it is time to replace your old roof or put a roof on a new structure, metal roofing might be a more aesthetically pleasing option than asphalt shingles. Roofing made of metal is impervious to wildfires, hail, and storms. Depending on the environment and the metal used, it has a lifespan of fifty years or more.
Metal roofing has the capacity to deflect solar radiation. Such a money saver for those living in warmer regions. The process involved in metal roofing installation is a difficult and there are a lot of risks involved especially for homeowners who are doing DIY installations. This outline should help you get started. An expert installation is highly recommended and should be entrusted for a job of this magnitude. If you opt to employ a roofing company to install your metal roof, be sure they have expertise with roof repairs, are fully insured (including worker’s compensation), and have all necessary licenses and permits in your state.
The different kinds of metal roofs must be understood before proceeding with the roof repair & replacement procedures. Tin, zinc, steel, aluminum, and copper are among the most popular and readily accessible choices for metal roofing. Cost is only one factor among several that differentiates one metal from another. A good illustration of this is the cost difference between steel and copper.
Metal roofing is not only versatile in terms of material, but also in terms of form, with three distinct panel types to choose from: through-fastened panels (also known as “corrugated”), modular panels, and standing-seam (or “crimped”) panels.
The most prevalent and accessible metal roof material is corrugated metal panels with through fasteners. They may be set up on top of purlins or roof sheathing. Not only do the panels come in a myriad of colors, but there are also custom designs that can be cut with the details like drip edges that lend a decorative touch. They may also be put over wood battens or solid sheathing.
Standing-seam panels are the most difficult to install and should be left to roofing professionals.
Protection from the Elements with Tin Panels
The oldest roofs that are still standing today are not built of tin, despite the fact that the name “tin roof” is widely used to describe them. Roofs constructed of tin were often fabricated from another metal (such steel or iron) and then coated with tin. Tin’s initial bright gray finish dulls with use. It is possible that the underlying metal may corrode if there is an absence of a tin layer.
Although tin-coated steel roofs are not often used these days, existing tin roofs may be re-coated with modern specialty coatings.
Zinc Panels
Zinc’s malleability and low cost make it a popular metal for standing seam and crimped panels. It has a built-in resistance to the elements, meaning it will not rust. In time, zinc fades to a drab blue-gray tint. If built correctly, zinc may endure as long as 100 years in certain climates.
Stainless Steel Panels
Among metal roofing materials, steel has the best strength-to-cost ratio. Steel roofing is strong and durable, making it an ideal choice in snowy and hailey regions. However, rust easily forms on bare steel, which is why galvanized steel roofing is the most popular form of steel roofing.
One such choice is galvalume (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminized_steel), a material made from zinc, aluminum, and silicon. In order to extend its life, steel is often painted, and it may be purchased in the form of through-fastened panels, modular panels, or standing seam. Steel, when built correctly, has a 30- to 50-year lifespan, depending on the weather.
Metallic Aluminum Panels
Aluminum is more costly than steel while being lighter and more resistant to corrosion. As a result of its resistance to corrosion from salt water, it is well suited for use in areas with acidic rain and along the seaside. Although aluminum has a natural resistance to corrosion, it is still best protected with high-performance coatings for maximum durability. It is not a smart choice in hail-prone areas because of how quickly it dings.
Panel choices for aluminum include both modular and standing seam. Aluminum, if built correctly, has a 30- to 50-year lifespan, depending on the weather.
Copper
Copper roofing, the costliest metal roofing choice, is often selected for its aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, it is the most long-lasting, making it a viable choice in a wide range of temperatures. Because of this, copper is often allowed to develop its natural patina over time rather than being covered. Copper panels may be either modular or standing seam. Copper, when correctly fitted, has a potentially infinite lifespan, depending on the conditions.
Take a Rooftop Measurement
Whether you are installing a metal roof using prefabricated corrugated panels from a hardware store or making a custom order, it is important to know the roof’s square footage so that you can obtain the appropriate length and quantity of materials.
Estimate the square footage of your roof and multiply it by 1.1 to get the total order size.
If possible, purchase panels that are long enough to span the whole distance from the roof’s crest to its eave. If you want to ensure a perfect color match between your metal roof and roofing screws, it’s best to purchase both at the same time. When putting up a metal roof, it’s important to make sure everything is plumb and straight.
Take Down the Old Roof and Fix the Leaks
In theory, a metal roof may be installed directly over asphalt shingles, but in practice, this is seldom done since it is far more efficient to remove the old roof entirely and then install the new one. Sheathing and flashing may be inspected for damage and replaced before continuing with the project if the old roof is removed first. The likelihood of a leak will be reduced if the sheathing as well as flashing are examined prior to the installation of the new roof.