Standout Benefits of 3 Different Roofing Metals
Metal roofing has numerous advantages. However, some of these advantages stand out in some metals than others. Understand these standout features to help you choose the best metal for your roof. Below are three common types of
roofing metals and their outstanding advantages.
1. Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most widely available roofing metals. Below are some of its outstanding features.
It Is Lightweight
Aluminum is relatively lightweight compared to other roofing metals. Lightweight roofing material is beneficial since it reduces the risk of collapse, for example, when additional materials such as snow accumulate on the roof.
It Doesn't Corrode Easily
Corrosion doesn't damage aluminum as easily as it does other metals. Pure aluminum can corrode. However, the corrosion quickly forms a protective layer of aluminum oxide over the metal's surface. The protective layer prevents further corrosion to the underlying metal. Thus, aluminum is ideal for waterfront homes normally susceptible to corrosion.
It Is Malleable
A typical aluminum-roofing sheet is thin, lightweight, and relatively malleable. Thus, roofing designers can fashion the metal into different shapes or roofing designs. The malleability helps to increase aluminum roofing's curb appeal.
2. Copper
Copper is a premium roofing material. Below are some reasons people love copper roofing.
It Is Attractive
Many people find copper, which is reddish-brown, naturally beautiful. This natural beauty means you don't have to invest in expensive treatments to improve your copper roofing's curb appeal. Moreover, copper doesn't lose its beauty even when it ages. Aging copper acquires a blue-green color (due to oxidation and weathering) that many people still find attractive.
It Is Solderable
Copper is solderable. The solderability means you can join easily join other metals to your copper roofing. For example, you can solder other roof accessories, such as flashings, and make a tight connection with the roof.
It Is Soft
Lastly, copper is relatively soft. Copper's softness means it doesn't generate much noise, for example, during a heavy downpour or hailstorm. However, the material's surface is strong enough to withstand damage from harsh weather elements, such as hailstones.
3. Steel
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, with iron forming a higher percentage of the alloy than carbon. Steel, which is also a popular roofing metal, has the following benefits.
It Is Strong
Many people know steel for its strength. Steel's strength means that it doesn't break or deform easily. Steel roofing also withstands various weather elements, including extreme weather events. Thus, the metal is suitable for use in areas
that experience extreme weather variations.
It Has Low Thermal Expansion Properties
Most solids expand when hot and contract when cold. The constant expansion and contraction weakens materials and increases the risk of damage. Fortunately, steel doesn't expand or contract much, even with extreme weather. For
example, the metal won't crack even when the temperatures fall extremely low.
It Comes in Multiple Variations
Roofing manufacturers produce different variations of steel roofing products. Each of these variants has unique properties. The common ones include:
- Galvanized steel with a coating that slows down corrosion and extends the material's durability
- Galvalume steel, which is aesthetically appealing and even more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel
- Weathering steel that intentionally rusts so that the outer layer can protect the inner ones
Steel roofing products are also available in different finishes for different aesthetic shapes.
It Is Inexpensive
According to modernize.com , corrugated steel costs an average of $1.20 to $5.00 per square foot. That makes corrugated steel the most inexpensive form of metal roofing in the market.
Ratliff Enterprises, Inc., has been in the roofing industry for decades. Contact us for a consultation and quote on metal roofing or any other roofing service you may need.
