Metal Roofing Materials Basics

Cover your assets with long-lasting metal roof materials

Think of metal roofing materials and most likely an old barn beside the highway comes to mind. But metal roofs today are stylish, quick to install, and, most of all, long-lasting. Quality commercial metal roofing can last 100 years. Once you've installed metal roofing, you can cross off "roof" on your list of worries.

Choosing the right metal roofing material can be a little baffling. There are many different types of metal and many different styles of roof. Here, we'll go over metal roofing materials basics, including:

1. Know the difference between corrugated and standing seam metal roofing.

2. Discover your options for galvanized steel shingle roofing.

3. Seek out the custom metal roofing options that are out there.

 

Make the right choice between corrugated metal roofing and standing seam metal roofing

Corrugated metal roofing is the archetypal "barn roof," deeply wavy roofing that seems to be one large seamless piece. Standing seam sheet metal roofing is a series of flat panels with raised sides that lock together, and create long vertical lines on the roof. Both types of sheet metal roofing are sturdy and long-lasting. Choose standing seam metal roofing for a more sophisticated look and unparalleled water drainage, and corrugated metal roofing for outbuildings, when looks aren't as important.
Try: Go to the Metal Roofing Alliance's Ask-the-Experts forum for everything there is to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining corrugated metal roofing. At Standing Seam Roofing from Copper.org, you'll find a thorough discussion of standing seam roofing.

Lose the waves and lines of the traditional sheet metal roof with steel shingles

Corrugated or standing seam metal roofs are easy to pick out of a crowd, with their traditional waves or long seam lines. Galvanized steel shingles allow you to give your building a non-steel look because the small steel panels are painted and shaped to look like shake shingles. Steel shingles give your business a less industrial look without sacrificing durability.
Try: Learn about steel shingles, including quotes, styles, warranties, and brands at The Roofery. The Sustainable Building Sourcebook outlines the green benefits of using steel shingles rather than traditional asphalt shingles.

Fool the eye with custom metal roofing

A metal roof doesn't have to look like metal. You can find metal roof materials coated in stone, made of copper, or painted and texturized to look like wood. Custom metal roofing can help your building stand out in a commercial area, or fit into a more residential one.
Try: Find specs for seven different types of copper roof panels at CopperCraft. "The Stone Coated Steel Solution" at RSI goes in-depth on stone-coated metal roofing systems.

 

• While metal roofs can be installed by non-professionals, if you're using anything other than corrugated metal roofing it's best to call in the pros.

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