Metal roofing is a type of roofing material, which is made out of metal pieces or plates characterized by their high resistance to fire, abrasion, moisture, and weather. It’s also part of the construction envelope. It may be a mixture of aluminum, tin, zinc, and steel. Steel is the most common of all metals being used in roofing.
Asphalt shingles are the most common types of metal roofing materials. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as well as finishes. One can also purchase asphalt shingles pre-manufactured or assembled. However, one can also make his own. The main differences between assembling and making your own shingles are the number of nails and the length of time you will need to prepare the roof for installation.
Other roofing materials made of metal include asphalt shingles. This is made of crushed gravel or crushed stone, and the most common variation is the asphalt shingle. Asphalt shingles can also be created through a process called flash stamping. Metal sheets of various thicknesses, from one inch to five feet, are rolled on top of each other using steel hammers. A metal roofing nailer is used to keep the metal sheets together. Metal roofs are now often recycled material.
The advantages of metal roofing pros and cons are very similar to those of asphalt shingles. The only difference is the durability and resistance to weather and corrosion. Both materials are durable and resistant to ultraviolet rays, thus reducing energy costs.
The main problem with using metal roofs in areas prone to severe weather including hurricanes and tornadoes is the durability factor. Even when repaired, such as after an extreme thunderstorm, asphalt shingles can bend or break. The metal roofing pros and cons mentioned earlier, however, do not apply to this type of roof repair. In case of extreme weather, a few panels of metal may break off and become damaged, but these panels are usually easily repaired.
Some homeowners, however, are reluctant to repair old metal roofs. One reason for this is that they believe that it will be more costly to replace the panels. Fortunately, metal roofing materials are available in numerous colors and styles. You can even have panels custom-made to match your home. If you opt for this option, you may want to contact Roofing Las Cruces NM in your area to inquire about the best color match possible.
Another concern of many homeowners is the safety of their family members from falling debris and flying insects if there is hail damage to their roof. Metal roofs are more resistant to flying objects, such as hail, than asphalt shingles are. Unfortunately, metal roofing materials are still vulnerable to hail damage. However, most experts agree that the risk of a roof being damaged by hail is slim compared to the risk posed by falling debris.
Regardless of the issues involved with using standard shingles on your roof, the bottom line is that you can have your cake and eat it too. Metal roofing materials provide flexibility in terms of both design and installation. These benefits also make them very economical to use, especially if you choose to replace or repair damaged sections. The key to properly using metal roofs is to determine their suitability for your particular location and your particular roof needs.
Of course, installing metal roofs is not without environmental benefits. There are many environmental advantages to choosing metal roofing as opposed to asphalt shingles or other less eco-friendly roofing systems. First, metal roofs are far more durable. This means that they will last longer than standard shingles.
They are also much more resistant to the elements. For example, metal roofing is far more resistant to fire and is far less likely to burn down (compared to vinyl and other types of roofing). This is an especially important consideration in a situation where you have neighbors who have different types of fires – like wood and gas – who may decide to take an unsecured fire to your house. Also, metal roofing is more flexible in terms of shapes, so it can be installed in places where other types of roofing would not fit.
Additionally, zinc and aluminum are two of the most commonly used metals for metal roofs. These materials can be combined with another metal, like aluminum or copper, to achieve all of these benefits – but typically require welding and additional cost for shaping. Galvalume, however, is an all-metal roofing material that requires little or no added welding for installation or shaping. So in the long run, it may well be a better overall investment to go with galvanized steel and zinc instead of galvalume.