Tupac De La Cruz, Roofing Solutions
31 Aug 2021
If you’re looking for a strong, durable, long-lasting roof system with “green” properties, you’ve come to the right place. Metal roofing dates to the 1700s and is an extremely capable roofing material for commercial buildings.
Metal roofs easily can withstand harsh weather conditions—some have Class A fire ratings. They last for decades—up to 50 years and beyond. And, they contain recycled content and can be 100% recycled, savings tons of roofing waste from landfills. In addition, they are aesthetically pleasing. Metal roofing is available in numerous materials, shapes and configurations. Metal roofing even comes in a variety of colors to personalize your roof.
When building owners want an attractive and long-lasting roof covering, chances are they choose a metal roof. But with so many options to choose from, deciding on the best metal roof for your building can be overwhelming.
I. Types of metal roofing
II. The two main kinds of structures
III. Advantages and caveats around metal roofs
IV. Six tips for choosing a metal roof
Metal roofing comes in a variety of materials, and each has its pros and cons:
Low-slope metal roof systems have slopes less than 3:12 (meaning the roof rises 3 inches for every 12 inches of its horizontal run) and consist of interlocking panels called standing-seam panels that run vertically along the roof surface.
A standing-seam metal roof system is also referred to as a “concealed” system. The design helps to drain rain and snow, eliminating leaks associated with built-up (multiple layered) roofs. The panels generally come with a painted or clear acrylic finish. For retrofit projects, a subframing system is attached to the existing flat roof surface to provide a minimum slope.
Steep-slope metal roof systems have slopes greater than 3:12 and generally fall into one of two categories—structural or architectural.
Structural metal roofs are installed over open framing, but they also can be installed over solid roof decks. Structural systems come in various styles, including vertical standing-seam panels (fastened to underlying purlins with hidden clips), or corrugated panels or tiles (attached with exposed fasteners through panels).
A corrugated metal panel roof system is also referred to as an “exposed” system because the fasteners are exposed. These products overlap or interlock for a watertight fit.
Architectural metal roofs require a solid substrate—such as a plywood, concrete or metal roof deck--beneath them. Architectural metal roof panels come in a variety of styles, including standing-seam panels, corrugated panels or tiles, as well as a variety of horizontal metal panels. Most architectural metal roofs are coated with a paint finish available in many colors to add an individualized aesthetic to your building.
Because they have steep slopes, these types of metal roofs accelerate the rate of water run-off, reducing debris, mold and mildew. At the same time, according to the Metal Construction Association, they are less likely to experience staining from acid rain or ultraviolet degradation than nonmetal steep-slope roof systems.
Metal roof systems offer many benefits, including:
Despite metal roofs’ many benefits, they could have some drawbacks:
All types of metal roofs are strong, durable and long-lasting, so which one should you invest in? Following are six tips to help you get the best metal roof installed:
1. Do your own research to familiarize yourself with galvanized steel, Galvalume, stainless steel, aluminum and copper roofing materials.
2. Know the unique aspects of your building and decide which materials will work for your building’s location and needs.
3. Determine what factors are important to you, including:
a. Cost
b. Metal strength (consider your building’s climate, ultraviolet and weathering exposure, rainfall and other extreme weather events like hailstorms or hurricanes your building will endure)
c. Weight your building can withstand
d. Sustainability
e. Energy-efficiency
f. Availability of materials
4. Make sure your metal roofing product has been tested, labeled and listed with a testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratories, FM Approvals or Intertek to meet rigorous wind, fire and impact-resistance rating requirements.
5. Partner with the right roofing contractor who will install your metal roof correctly. Poor workmanship can be a disaster down the line. Before you spend your money, spend some time to make sure you are hiring a roofing professional. A price too low should raise a red flag. A low bid sometimes means low-quality work.
Check with your state’s consumer protection agency (www.usa.gov/state-consumer) to make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. Check to see whether the contractor is a member of any local, state, regional or national roofing associations, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (nrca.net). And ask about worker credentials and whether they are ProCertified® to install metal roof systems. For more tips on prequalifying a professional roofing contractor, visit www.everybodyneedsaroof.com.
6. Schedule routine roof maintenance to keep your new metal roof in tip top shape. Talk with your roofing professional to set up routine roof checkups. Some metal roofs will need recoating after the finish wears off, and your roofing professional will know when to perform this service. Otherwise, corrosion can occur.
When you install a metal roof system, you’ll save money in operating costs while reducing your impact on the ecosystem. Whether your roofing goal is a great return on investment, many years of problem-free performance or taking an environmentally responsible approach, metal roofs make sense.
There are many commercial metal roof system options. When you’re ready to discuss your needs and budget, contact us at 1 -855-955-ROOF and we’ll help make your metal roof installation a reality. We have over 16 years of experience installing metal roof systems that last for decades, which you can check out in our gallery of metal roof installation projects.