Metal Roofs, What Are The Different Types?

showing a standing seam metal roofing system.

People are phasing out their asphalt shingles to metal roofing and for good reasons. Metal is one of the most durable and long-lasting materials that you can easily get from the local builder’s depot.  However, there is more than what meets the eye when choosing a metal system for a home or property.  Knowing the different styles and materials used in metal roofing will help property owners make a decision on which one will fit the home’s design.  Homeowners should also be aware of the local weather and to choose a system that will perform best in those condition.  So what makes a good metal roof?

If you’re going to make the transition towards metal roofing, it’s best that people are aware of the wide variety of metal roofs that are available in the market.  We’ll have to discuss the advantages and drawbacks when using metal for a new roof. First, we have to look at the different types of metal roofs before moving to the different materials that are used.

Metal Roofing Styles

First and foremost, we have to look at the different styles of how metal roofing is mounted on your roof. This is paramount in making sure that your roofs are in good condition since certain mountings are used for different purposes. 

Standing Seam Metal Roofing 

Standing seam roofing is one of the most popular types of metal roofing.  The name comes from metal panels being interlocked together on the edges of the panels which forms a ‘standing’ seam that protrudes off the panel.  If you are looking for standing seam roofs you should find genuine standing seam systems that use a concealed fastener method for installation.  Standing seam roofing is superior and because of this standing seam roofing is highly sought-after.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

As the name suggests, an exposed fastener roof does not have a concealed interlocking system like a standing seam roofing.  If you have a tight budget this system is affordable and reliable.  This system is mounted with the head of the fasteners being exposed. The fastener is mounted through the metal and into the roof’s structure. This type of fastener and mounting system is usually used in industrial and agricultural buildings. 

Shingle Metal Roofing 

Metal roofing can also come in the form of shingles, tiles, and shakes.  This system will have the same look and texture as naturally-cut stone tiles or shingles.  Then there is metal roofing that has a top layer manufactured with stone for texture. 

Consult your local roofing contractor on which of these materials will look best on your roof.  Standing seam metal is the best choice in terms of style and durability. The concealed interlocking system of standing seam metal gives it added durability and protection against different weather conditions. 

Materials For Metal Roofing 

Next, we’ll need to know the wide variety of raw materials that are used to manufacture metal roofing. 

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum roofing has been used in a number of harsh weather conditions and terrain. In most cases, aluminum is used in coastal areas around the country since it is highly resistant to the effects of seawater. One of the drawbacks of aluminum is that you’ll need to paint it to preserve the natural shine and glow. 

Zinc Metal Roofing

This raw material has been considered one of the most durable and highly-sought-after metals in the building industry.  Zinc is known for being incredibly adaptive and versatile, it has been used by the military for a number of military vehicles. Like every other metal in the industry, zinc is known for being malleable and can be used for a number of different roofing styles. If you’re keen on recycling materials, zink is 100% recyclable and one of the ‘greenest’ materials in the market. 

One of the drawbacks of using zinc is that it has a chalking effect which can last for years unless attended to by a roofing expert. Having a multitude of different advantages has also made zinc one of the pricier options in the market. 

Steel Roofing 

This roofing material is made from a variety of different elements, iron being the main raw material.  Used in almost any building project, steel roofing is highly reliable as a material and is one of the most common forms of metal roofing.  If you’re keen on the recyclability of your materials, then steel roofing is one of the best materials to use for your roof.  Central Roofing is a top rated, licensed and experienced roofing contractor that can help.

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Matt Kowalis

Matt Kowalis

Marketing Manager for Central Roofing LLC

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About Central Roofing

Central Roofing is a top quality roofing company in Sullivan, IL that likewise operates in Mattoon and Champaign, and the rest of Illinois. We offer a wide array of roofing services to property owners like you. We have been the leading go-to roofing company of homeowners, business owners, and property managers for almost a decade now here in Illinois.

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