Metal roofing has been around for a long time in the construction industry. Metal roofs are durable and require little maintenance. Metal roofing panels last an average of years before needing replacement.
Metal roofs can be identified by their two types: standing seam, and corrugated sheet metal. Standing-seam panels are less expensive than corrugated sheet metal and last about 10 years longer, but they both have similar advantages. Metal roofs are durable in all types of weather and can withstand extreme heat, cold, snow loads, and hail. Metal panels also maintain their integrity even when exposed to harsh sunlight. The roofing process does not require re-coating or painting like traditional asphalt shingles do every few years, another great way is metal is more cost-effective than other roofing materials.
Let’s Explore 5 Different Metal Roofing Materials
With so many choices available, deciding which metal roof is ideal for your home or property can be confusing. Each type of metal roofing material, from traditional copper to cutting-edge steel, has its own set of benefits.
Zinc – is an impressive metal that is used for metal roofs, capable of healing scratches with its patina over time and remaining strong for almost a century. Zinc’s inherent qualities make it a popular choice for commercial applications since it can be easily shaped and sculpted into extraordinary shapes. While the chalking of Zinc over time is not a desirable feature of the metal, it may be cleaned and managed to some extent.
Copper – copper roofs, known as the “grandfather” of metal roofing, have been utilized for millennia throughout the world. Copper is a very long-lasting metal that can survive for many years under optimal conditions. Copper roofs are also completely recyclable. Copper is a very soft metal, making it one of the quietest metal roofing options. All metal roofing now advises suitable substrates and insulation that decrease noise from rain or hail at the same level, thanks to improved construction procedures. Copper roofing’s softer nature also means that it can be readily damaged in hail-prone areas.
Tin – the terms “tin roofing,” and “metal roofing,” are all equivalent. In truth, tin is a metal that is rarely used for roofing. Tin, like copper and zinc, is an element. Tin was first utilized as a canning material, but it was later repurposed by rural developers who flattened it and used it as a shingle when other options were unavailable.
Aluminum – in near the coastal areas, aluminum metal roofs are frequently recommended. This is due to aluminum’s superior salt corrosion resistance when compared to other metal roofing materials. While it’s a common misunderstanding that an aluminum roof is resistant to rust, the truth is that it’s a highly active metal that reacts nearly rapidly to changes in the environment. It is exactly because of this quick reaction that it is so well protected. The exterior layer of aluminum roofing material reacts with oxygen in the environment to form aluminum oxide, which effectively seals the metal’s inner layers against future corrosion.
Steel – steel is a composite material made up of iron and other elements. Steel roofing has long been the most common material found on a commercial construction site, and it is increasingly being used in residential construction. While steel production can be an energy-intensive process when compared to metal like zinc, the metal alloy’s reusability and availability mean that most of the steel we use today is recycled rather than new. Steel is the most recyclable commodity on the globe, making it a very environmentally friendly building investment. Steel roofs come in three varieties: galvanized, galvalume, and weathering steel.
Steel Roofing (Lifespan: Average of 40 years)
Due to the eroded appearance such as peeling paint or indications of corrosion, even if the roof is still covering against the factors, the average is roughly 40 to 50 years with proper installation.
Standing seam metal roof panels are the most popular design. Raised seams keep them above the level of water flowing down the roof, reducing leaks and extending the life of the roof.
Copper Roofing (Lifespan: 50-100 years)
Copper roofing, which comes in shingles, panels, and trim, has a magnificent aesthetic with a lifespan of 50–100 years. The longevity of this metal roof is put at risk in two different ways. First, because copper is soft, hail will readily dent it. After removing the panel and replacing it, the dents can sometimes be bumped out.
The panels are also loosening up after decades of use, as well as thermal movement owing to expansion and contraction. Then a panel falls loose, and the following 80-mph wind catches it like a sail, causing irreversible damage.
Aluminum Roofing (Lifespan: Average of 50 years)
Aluminum roofing panels have a lifespan of 40-60 years. Aluminum as a material for the metal roof has strong corrosion resistance is the key to its long life. Aluminum is suitable for usage in all climates, although it is particularly well suited to coastal areas because it is less damaged by salt air than metal.
Tin Roofing (Lifespan: Average of 50 years)
Tin roofing under metal roof materials is considered to have an average lifespan of 50-70 years. A Tin roofing is more durable and requires less maintenance. Cleaning a metal roof, for example, is necessary once a year to ensure that no debris or filth can collect and cause water collection. Corrosion should be checked on fasteners. It is recommended that some of them be replaced if they are damaged. It’s also a good idea to check the flashing around roof penetrations to make sure it’s in good shape to meet more than the average lifespan.
Zinc Roofing (Lifespan: 60-100 years)
Zinc roofing built now will be replaced in the future based on a future homeowner’s taste for a particular style rather than a roof’s blatant failure. Farmhouses and barns with zinc roofs that are more than 60-100 years old are not uncommon in rural areas. The roofing isn’t always attractive, but it’s holding up against the elements. For a home in a coastal climate with hard winters that you wish to hand down to future generations, zinc might be the best option. Zinc has built-in durability due to its self-healing patina.
What Are the Factors That Affect Metal Roofing Lifespan?
The lifespan of metal roofs or roofing can be affected by a combination of things. These aspects should not be ignored if you want your roof to last a long time.
- Material
Since some roof materials are more durable than others, this is the most important issue to consider. Your roof can be made out of a variety of materials. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are extremely long-lasting. A range of metals, such as steel and aluminum, are available. They also have other advantages, such as being simple to maintain and highly energy efficient.
- Installation
The roof should be installed by a trained and professional roofing contractor. Sudden roof failures are caused by a variety of factors, including poor construction. Premature replacements and degeneration can result from installation flaws. Make sure you hire a contractor who knows what they’re doing and has a team of skilled workers on hand to finish the task.
- Weather Conditions
The roof protects the building from the elements, including natural ones. Extreme weather, on the other hand, can put a lot of strain on the roof and create damage over time, perhaps shortening its lifespan. This is why, while choosing a roofing material, you should constantly consider the weather conditions. The roof might be damaged by everything from severe rains to hailstorms to powerful winds.
- Slope
The slope of a roof is important because it controls how water is shed off the roof. It can also affect the house’s aesthetics and improve its overall appearance.
- Sun Exposure
Even though the sun is beneficial for health, it can be destructive to your metal roof. Excessive heat, especially if the ceiling is painted a dark color, can increase breakage. It is because dark colors absorb more heat, causing the roof to deteriorate. UV rays can increase roof deterioration and possibly cause cracks. It’s important to use materials that can withstand the sun’s rays. Furthermore, coatings for increased UV resistance can be applied to ensure that the roof remains healthy and durable for a long period.
- Ventilation
It improves the comfort of the area while also strengthening the roof. The metal roofs can deteriorate due to insufficient ventilation. This is particularly true when it comes to asphalt shingles. Heat and moisture can build up in poorly ventilated attics since there is no way for them to escape. From the inside, heat and moisture can harm the roofing.
- Age
At the end of the day, in talking about its age your roof will need to be replaced at some point. You can improve the lifespan of a roof by taking the instructions provided, but you won’t be able to have a roof that lasts forever. The passage of time will eventually catch up with you.
- Use
The way you use your metal roofs may have an impact. Placing large items on the roof, such as solar panels, can put a lot of strain on it and cause it to deteriorate more quickly. Similarly, surrounding elements, such as a large tree, can damage the roof by causing the branches to fall on it. This is why it is critical to protect yourself from the elements.
- Maintenance
Even the most durable roofs can be cracked and damaged due to poor maintenance. You must thoroughly inspect the roof to ensure it is free of damage. Maintenance is important for metal roofs since improper maintenance might cause the warranty to lapse, so be careful how you maintain the roof.
We Are Here for Your Metal Roofing Needs
Choosing the correct colors, paint systems, fasteners, gauges, and panels for your metal roof depends on the style of metal roofing you desire and the longevity you require. Metal roofing systems have existed since people first began constructing homes out of stone or wood, but there are now more options than ever before for this sort of material. TCI Bronx Roofing Contractors not only provides high-quality work at reasonable prices, but we also provide an unequaled range of options, from copper roofing the most expensive to steel roofs among the least expensive ensuring that we have exactly what customers require. For your metal roofs and other roofing needs use this link to get in touch with us RoofingBronxny.com.
Conclusion
While any one of the five types of metal roofing materials has its own set of benefits, in the end, the cost is typically the deciding factor. Copper is the most visually pleasing of the metals, but it is also the most expensive. Because of its low melting point, zinc is the greenest of the materials, but it is also the most expensive. In coastal areas, aluminum roofs are a wonderful option because they are less expensive than copper or zinc. Steel is the most commonly utilized material, making it a less priced and accessible metal roofing alternative for both households and businesses. It is also important to know and consider its lifespan and what could affect the metal roof lifespan.
