Anderson Roofing and Exteriors is a great choice for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s aesthetic. As well as reap the many benefits of a durable, energy-efficient, long-lasting product.
Unlike shingles, metal roofs resist mildew, moss, and fungus. They are also fire resistant, which greatly benefits those in wildfire-prone areas.
Durability is one of the top-selling points of metal roofing. A metal roof can withstand fire, salty sea air, extreme temperatures, and wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour. They also have the added benefit of lowering the risk of damage to your home from hail storms if you choose a roofing material that has earned an impact-rated class.
Durable metal roofing can be made from steel, aluminum, or copper. Corrugated or standing seam panels are popular for residential metal roofing due to their resilience and straightforward installation process. Steel roofing is typically galvanized to protect against rust and corrosion, while aluminum sheets are coated with a layer of paint. Stainless steel and other alloys are even more durable and rust-resistant but tend to be costlier.
The quality of its finish also increases the durability of a metal roof. Several options are available, but polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and silicone-modified polyester (SMP) are the top picks for their excellent color retention and chalk resistance. These coatings can also resist cracking, fading, and UV rays. However, PVDF coatings are softer and can be scratched.
Other elements that can affect your metal roof’s durability include the thickness of its sheeting and the way it is anchored to the roof frame. You’ll want to ensure that the roof’s fasteners are screwed through the face of the panel, which provides an extra level of durability against thermal expansion and contraction. Having an experienced professional install your metal roof can also help it perform at its peak.
Metal roofs offer the protection you need for your home or business while helping to maximize energy efficiency at the same time. This is achieved because they reflect much sunlight and radiation, making them far more effective than dark roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. In addition, they can hold natural heat much better than other types of roofing, which can cut your heating costs significantly.
Whether you opt for the classic look of shingle-style or standing seam, metal roofs are available in various colors and finishes that will complement any building design. White, light green, blue, and other cool shades reflect much sunlight, while darker hues absorb the sun’s energy. As a result, the roof’s surface can be up to 50 degrees cooler than traditional shingle roofs, dramatically reducing your cooling expenses.
In addition, metal roofs can be fitted with an insulated underlayment that will lower your energy costs and help your building’s interior comfortably cool. The combination of this and the fact that a cool roof works well with solar panels can mean considerable savings on energy bills while lowering your carbon footprint.
Depending on the color you choose, your metal roof may also qualify for a tax credit or other incentives designed to help offset the installation cost and encourage more people to invest in this green technology. While the initial investment may be higher than that of a conventional shingle roof, the value added to a property by this type of roofing is often more than worth it, especially over a long period.
Metal roofs have a life span far exceeding traditional shingle roofing materials. Manufacturers routinely offer 50-year warranties and even lifetime, non-prorated ones, meaning you will likely only need to re-roof your home twice in its lifetime, if ever. That longevity saves money in the long run and eliminates the hassle of re-roofing every 20-30 years, as is required for many asphalt shingle roofs.
In addition to their durability, metal roofs last longer because they resist hail and strong winds. Additionally, they weigh a third of as much as shingles, so there is less stress on the framing and other structural components. They are also impervious to rot, mildew, and insect infestation.
As with any roofing material, the lifespan of a metal roof can be impacted by the weather in your area. For example, a metal roof that isn’t protected from snow or ice dams could damage the sheathing and panels. Corrosion is another potential concern, which can be reduced with regular cleaning and maintenance.
The longevity of metal roofs is a major selling point for homeowners and can boost the resale value of a home. It can also help to reduce the amount of trash in landfills, as metal is 100% recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
Steel and 24 gauge aluminum are the two most common types of metal roofing, but stainless steel and copper are available for those with a higher budget. Stainless steel and copper are more durable than aluminum, but their price tag is steeper. They are perfect for accent upgrades but only part of roof systems, as they need the impact resistance of steel and 24 gauge aluminum.
Metal roofing offers a captivating fusion of durability and style, making it an ideal option for homeowners and architects. From sleek and modern to rustic and classic, there are multiple styles to choose from that can complement a wide variety of architectural design projects. When carefully paired with the right building materials, metal roofing can enhance the beauty of any structure.
Various aesthetic options allow designers to create a unique look that suits their taste and the project’s overall design. The most popular option is a standing seam roof, which features long panels that run vertically from the roof’s ridge to the eaves. The panels interlock with raised seams that provide depth and texture. These roofs can be constructed of aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper and are typically coated with a protective finish.
Homeowners and architects can also choose a more traditional metal roof that mimics the appearance of wood or slate. These shingles feature multiple layers of granules to create an authentic, durable, and energy-efficient look. Other shingle options include those designed to resemble sturdier natural materials, such as clay tiles or concrete shingles.
Aside from the numerous design possibilities, the aesthetics of metal roofing can be enhanced by the available color and finishing options. These coatings can protect the roof from weathering and provide a range of colors to complement the aesthetic of any property. Additionally, homeowners can add extra protection to their metal roof by choosing a product engineered to resist corrosion and impact damage. This additional layer of protection is a valuable benefit that can boost the value of a property and improve its resale value.
Metal roofing can be expected to last for decades if it is properly maintained. Regular maintenance includes cleaning dirt and grit off the surface, keeping it free of stains, mildew, bird droppings, and algae, and protecting it from weather-related damage.
These tasks should be done yearly or more frequently after severe weather and in the fall and spring when many leaves and debris may fall from nearby trees. The best way to do this is to hire a professional roofer specializing in metal roofing. Roof inspections can help spot problems before they become major, and these professionals have the tools and experience to climb the steepest of roofs safely.
In addition to surface maintenance, it is important to ensure the metal roofing system is well-protected from water leaks. This means using a waterproofing underlayment stuck to the entire roof deck and sealing around each fastener penetrating it. It is also good to use slip sheets, typically rosin paper, between the underlayment and the metal to prevent moisture from getting underneath the roof.
Finally, it is recommended to have the fasteners, rivets, and screws on a metal roof checked annually to ensure they aren’t loose, crooked, angled, or missing altogether. This is particularly important with exposed fastener systems, where the fasteners are in contact with the roof and may rust over time.
Other maintenance tips for a metal roof include avoiding unnecessary foot traffic on the roof, especially over flashings and skylights. This can cause dents and scratches, and it is recommended to only walk on flat areas of the roof that are clear of obstacles, such as d
