Choosing a Metal Roof

There’s a lot to be said for a metal roof’s snazzy looks and top-notch performance. The right roof can liven the home’s curb appeal and provide years of superior low-maintenance protection. Today’s residential metal roofing comes in a wide variety of styles and designs. Metal roofing materials are not only light weight but can be very energy efficient. And unlike asphalt roofs, which require re-roofing every 15 to 20 years, metal roofs won’t decompose. These roofs can withstand rain, fire, earthquakes and hurricane-force winds.

Although the initial investment in a metal roof is steeper than most other roofing materials, over time a metal roof can save a great deal of money and hassle. This is because there is no second investment in roof replacement, or the labor that comes with it. Metal roofs are practically maintenance-free, requiring only the occasional rinse with a garden hose. And most metal roofs come with a 30- to 50-year warranty. Insurance companies in certain states, like Texas, even offer discounts of up to 35 percent to homeowners with metal roofs.  

Metal roofing can be made of galvanized steel, galvalume

steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper or zinc alloy.

What to Look For

When selecting a metal roof, first make sure the product’s design is an appropriate match to your home’s construction. Most metal roofs require solid decking. Many systems are frequently installed over existing shingle roofs. Some can be installed over lathe boards or over wood shingles on lathe. Some new products can even be installed over existing slate and asbestos roofs.  

Next, choose a material that complements the décor of your home and neighborhood. You can find quality metal roofing with just about any appearance, whether it’s standing seam or a facsimile of shake, slate, tile or standard shingles. Some of today’s metal roofs are coated with a granular texture to look like traditional asphalt shingles.

Base Metal

Metal roofing is fabricated from a wide variety of metals, including galvanized steel, galvalume steel, aluminum, copper and zinc alloy—even stainless steel. The metals differ in properties, and the type used sometimes depends on the design of the roofing panel. Consider all the available options.  

Choose from traditional standing seam panels or a

facsimile of shake, slate, tile or standard shingles.

The sturdiest option, steel roof systems have a metallic coating of zinc, or a combination of zinc and aluminum, that is bonded to the steel at the factory to prevent rust from forming. This is followed by a coating of epoxy primer and a baked-on acrylic topcoat that adds color and protection. 

Aluminum products are extremely lightweight and commonly used in residential roofing. Aluminum won’t rust, but must still be coated for a finished appearance. The coatings are similar to those used on steel roofing. 

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Copper has a classic look rooted in centuries of use. It will never rust, it’s soft and easy to work, and it weathers naturally to a beautiful green patina. It’s also very expensive.

Zinc Alloys are specifically formulated for strength and durability, but this can also be a pricey option. 

The panels of metal roofs interlock with each other,

providing stiff resistance to high winds.

Product Design

As metal roofing grows in popularity it also evolves in technology, giving rise to new products. As you consider your options, research the products’ track record. Ask about the systems’ flashings and accessories. You want a product with a history of solid performance. For example, inquire how the valleys are installed. If your area is prone to freezing temperatures, it might be smart to choose an “open” valley system that carries water on top of the roof rather than a “closed” valley, which carries water through channels beneath the panels. The hidden channels have been known to clog with ice and snow, causing accumulated water to infiltrate the roof system.