Posted by: Caryn Colgan
http://www.networx.com/article/comparing-metal-roof-types
Metals are an excellent roofing material because they are durable, have an indefinite lifespan and are fire- and wind-resistant. Because metal roofs are available in a variety of colors, materials and styles, they can be integrated into the design of any home.
The National Institute of Building Sciences claims that metal roofs reflect up to 70% of the sun's heat and help keep homes cooler in hot climates. Since metal can be easily recycled and does not require the destruction of trees, metal roofs are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to use green building materials.
Aluminum
Aluminum roof materials are a wise choice for coastal regions since aluminum resists rust and corrosion. Since it is lightweight, aluminum roofing can be used to replace shingles without structural modifications. Aluminum is flexible and malleable, which allows it to conform to imperfections on the roof. Additionally, intricate designs can be stamped into metal sheets for a completely custom look on the roof or accents.
Steel
Galvalume steel is a superior roofing material because it is strong and resists corrosion. Steel roofing is often coated with either zinc (G90) or zinc/aluminum (AZ50) for extra long-term benefits. Galvalume is sold unfinished, aggregate-coated and painted. It has an indefinite lifetime and can be painted to maintain its beauty. It is lightweight and easy to install.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is durable and maintenance-free. The material is also resistant to corrosion and won't stain surrounding surfaces.
Terne Metal
Terne metals are produced by coating carbon steel, stainless steel and other metals with an alloy of zinc, tin and trace amounts of other elements to increase a metal's corrosion resistance by up to 10 times. It is lightweight and durable, but must be primed and painted. This metal roof option requires maintenance. Installers should use cleats rather than nails to install.
Zinc
Like other metals, zinc is maintenance-free and adaptable for many design styles. It never fades and is a non-corrosive, environmentally friendly product. Because it doesn't corrode, zinc is often used as a protective coating for steel and other metals.
Copper
Copper is considered to be a premium metal roofing material. As copper ages and oxidizes, its appearance changes from shiny copper to a green patina. Perfect for high-end homes located near saltwater, copper is not only beautiful, but resists corrosion and rust. According to Future Roof Systems, copper also is virtually maintenance free and wind- and earthquake-resistant.
Since all metal offers similar benefits, the decision of which material to use is dependent on the property owner's budget and design taste. Roofing materials are available in sheets or shingles in a variety of designs to complement any home and to suit the needs of environmentally aware consumers.
http://www.networx.com/article/comparing-metal-roof-types
Metals are an excellent roofing material because they are durable, have an indefinite lifespan and are fire- and wind-resistant. Because metal roofs are available in a variety of colors, materials and styles, they can be integrated into the design of any home.
The National Institute of Building Sciences claims that metal roofs reflect up to 70% of the sun's heat and help keep homes cooler in hot climates. Since metal can be easily recycled and does not require the destruction of trees, metal roofs are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to use green building materials.
Aluminum
Aluminum roof materials are a wise choice for coastal regions since aluminum resists rust and corrosion. Since it is lightweight, aluminum roofing can be used to replace shingles without structural modifications. Aluminum is flexible and malleable, which allows it to conform to imperfections on the roof. Additionally, intricate designs can be stamped into metal sheets for a completely custom look on the roof or accents.
Steel
Galvalume steel is a superior roofing material because it is strong and resists corrosion. Steel roofing is often coated with either zinc (G90) or zinc/aluminum (AZ50) for extra long-term benefits. Galvalume is sold unfinished, aggregate-coated and painted. It has an indefinite lifetime and can be painted to maintain its beauty. It is lightweight and easy to install.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is durable and maintenance-free. The material is also resistant to corrosion and won't stain surrounding surfaces.
Terne Metal
Terne metals are produced by coating carbon steel, stainless steel and other metals with an alloy of zinc, tin and trace amounts of other elements to increase a metal's corrosion resistance by up to 10 times. It is lightweight and durable, but must be primed and painted. This metal roof option requires maintenance. Installers should use cleats rather than nails to install.
Zinc
Like other metals, zinc is maintenance-free and adaptable for many design styles. It never fades and is a non-corrosive, environmentally friendly product. Because it doesn't corrode, zinc is often used as a protective coating for steel and other metals.
Copper
Copper is considered to be a premium metal roofing material. As copper ages and oxidizes, its appearance changes from shiny copper to a green patina. Perfect for high-end homes located near saltwater, copper is not only beautiful, but resists corrosion and rust. According to Future Roof Systems, copper also is virtually maintenance free and wind- and earthquake-resistant.
Since all metal offers similar benefits, the decision of which material to use is dependent on the property owner's budget and design taste. Roofing materials are available in sheets or shingles in a variety of designs to complement any home and to suit the needs of environmentally aware consumers.