5 Types of Metal Roofing in Demand

Metal roofing is often been called the “Cadillac of roofing”. It is by far, considered, the most functional and long lasting roofing type. Metal roofing does not only describe a specific product, rather an entire range of products. The term does not explain what type of metal roofing is being talked about, if it is steel, aluminum, zinc or copper roof.

Metal roofing can handle a huge range of requirements and design options. A total of 5 metal roofing types are in demand which are Copper roofing, Aluminum roofing, Zinc roofing, Steel roofing and Tin roofing.

In this article we will discuss the differences types of metal roofing, the differences and which one would be better in what condition, their durability, pros and cons. You can also consult  Metal roofers Sydney so you have a professional consultation before you decide which type of metal roofing would be better for your house in considering the weather conditions.

1.     Copper roofing

Copper is an extremely long lasting material that in fine environments can last for over 200 years. Copper roof is recyclable that makes it a wonderful green roof option. It is the quietest type of the metal roofs. Metal roofs now recommend proper traits that minimize noise from rain and hailstones.

Soft nature copper roof makes it easy to dent in the hail prone areas and it can even get punctured in a heavy hailstorm so it is not good for such areas.

2.     Aluminum roofing

Aluminum long lasting and is resistant to salt corrosion compared to the other metal roofs. It is said that aluminum is salt corrosion resistant but the fact is, it is highly active metal and reacts almost instantly to any weather conditions, because of these qualities aluminum metal roofs are recommended to use in coastal climates.

Aluminum is often used with a painted coating because it’s natural color is not as aesthetically appealing.

3.     Zinc

Zinc is extremely durable metal and has amazing qualities. It is able to use its patina to heal its scratches over time. Because of the natural properties of zinc it is recommended to use in the commercial projects.

Zinc is the greenest among the metals. It has a lower melting point compared to the other which means it takes ¼ of the energy to use it in the building than it takes in copper and steel. Zinc is 100% recyclable and chalking of zinc overtime is not considered an appealing aspect but it can be cleaned and controlled to an extent.

But it is also a soft metal and can be destroyed in heavy hailstorms.

4.     Steel roofing

Steel is an alloy made with iron and other elements, it is used in every aspect of building, steel roofing has been one of the most commonly found on a commercial construction site.

Steel is the most recycled material on planet making it a green roofing material in use. It is believed that the steel we use today is made entirely of recycled material rather than new.

Also steel is least expensive of the metal types. While also being a commodity, steel can be found on a much lower rate than Aluminum, Copper and Zinc so this makes steel affordable and available at greater amount than the other metals.

There are 3 primary types of steel roofing; Galvanized, Galvalume and weathering steel.

Galvanized steel is actually created by using a layer of zinc to protect the steel from corrosion. This coating helps extend the life of a steel panel and slow the corrosion process. It is the most commonly used type of steel and it is ideal for Sydney roofing.

Galvalume steel is similar to Galvanized it is a mixture of both zinc and aluminum. Aluminum better protects from corrosion in certain circumstances and galvalume provides better surface protection then Galvanized steel.

Weathering steel was originally designed for heavy steel industries like bridge construction. It is intentionally built with another layer of steel to protect the inner layer from rusting butit needs regular maintenance.

Steel is a highly flexible option both commercially and for residential metal roofing. It is easily available, durable and can cover for other metals.

5.     Tin roofing

Tin is a really old metal used in 19th century in the villages. It is no longer used for roofing purposes but it has many uses in science and technology.

All these 5 types of metals have their own advantages and weak points and it depends on your installer what he recommends depending on the location of your building and considering the stresses and strains it will be put through. Make sure to hire an experience roofing contractor who not only has work in metal roofing installation but also for  the specific metal you are getting installed.