If you are building a home or reroofing your current home and considering a metal roof, it’s helpful to know the various material options. There are a few major types of metal that roofing contractors typically use for roofing a home. Here are the different kinds of metal roofing materials.
Steel
Steel is perhaps the most common type of metal roofing material used for homes. Manufacturers use iron and other metals to create steel. The benefits of steel are that it is cost-effective, low maintenance, durable, fire-resistant, and long-lasting. The disadvantages of steel roofing are that it is heavy and more prone to corrosion than other metal materials. However, if you want the most affordable option, steel is your best choice for roofing.
Aluminum
Another popular metal roofing material option is aluminum. This metal roofing material is lightweight, putting less stress on your home’s structural elements than a material like steel. Aluminum is also malleable, allowing you to bend it into different shapes. However, this malleable quality also has a downside, making aluminum roofs more prone to denting. Understanding these pros and cons of aluminum roofing will help you determine if it’s the best choice for your home.
Copper
If you’re looking for a metal roof with more character, copper could be the way to go. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, copper may not be the right choice, as it tends to be the most expensive of the metal roofing materials. But aside from price, copper has many admirable qualities that make it a great material for your roof. Copper changes color over time into a beautiful blue-green patina that adds flair to your home’s design. Copper also has an incredibly long lifespan of up to 100 years. This material is also corrosion-resistant and will not rust, making it a good option in coastal areas.
Zinc
Zinc is similar to copper. Zinc will also patina over time, adding character to a home or building. This particular metal roofing material is more popular in Europe than in the United States because of its availability. While zinc can be an expensive choice for roofing, it is a stunning option that is corrosion-resistant and long-lasting. However, zinc does experience chalking when water runs over the material, leaving a white residue.
Keep these various types of metal roofing materials in mind as you determine the best option for your home’s roof. Once you select the perfect material, you can contact a roofing contractor to install it for you.
