A metal roof is a roofing structure made of metal sheets or tiles with its high strength, durability, and permeability characteristics. It forms an integral part of the construction envelope of a building. Steel, zinc, and copper alloys are most often used in manufacturing a metal roof. These materials are cost-effective and are capable of withstanding extreme climatic conditions. Thus they form the primary material required in manufacturing a metal roof.
Metal roofing is very useful in preventing damage due to hail, high winds, ice and snow accumulation, etc. It also prevents the entry of moisture, dust, snow and ice onto the home and is thus a protective layer. Roofs made of metal are usually referred to as recyclable roofs. They can be recycled when they have served their purpose. This ensures that they are used for another purpose.
Though metal roofing has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is that metal roofs are vulnerable to degradation due to hail, ice, snow, and rain. Hence it is necessary to prevent this deterioration by regularly cleaning them. Cleaning can be done manually or by using a power washer.
Another disadvantage is that metal roofing is not a renewable resource. Though it can withstand most climatic conditions, it cannot grow back, no matter how much recyclable material it acquires. Thus over time, the asphalt tiles that make up a metal roof will start showing signs of wear and tear. Moreover, once the roof starts to deteriorate, it cannot be repaired. Thus a continuous investment in recycled material is needed.
Though there are other materials which have a longer lifetime, such as fiberglass, it is not practical to use such materials in a home if one’s budget does not permit an expensive standing-seam roof. Standing-seam roofs are generally installed only on commercial buildings. A standing-seam roof can last as long as 20 years before requiring replacement, though this depends on many variables such as roof design, construction, weight use and so on.
Tin Roofing Pros and Cons Compared to Other Materials It is comparatively lightweight and affordable. Moreover, it can resist all weather conditions, and thus, one can use them in even harsh climates. Moreover, the lifespan of tin roofing is much longer than other materials like asphalt and clay tiles. One major advantage is that tin roofing can be easily recycled, thus leading to minimal environmental pollution. This is particularly important when one considers the growing concerns about the contamination of drinking water reserves around the world.
Metal Roofing Cons While galvanized metal roofing can be used in any climate, the most suitable choice is during the summer months. During summer, climates with very little or no wind may lead to considerable loss of heat and energy through the use of galvanized Galvalume. As mentioned earlier, this is because Galvalume consists of zinc and hence the metal is affected by corrosion at its joints.
Galvalume is also a very good choice for those living in areas with extremely cold climates since it is a very effective insulator against cold temperatures. However, because the zinc coating begins to dissolve with prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, Galvalume may not be the best choice for use on roofs in northern regions. Furthermore, the use of Galvalume may be subject to periodic re-coating due to its surface corrosion problem. It can be a challenge to find a proper galvanized Galvalume solution for a given roofing application. Thus, it is always advisable to carry out proper research and analysis before proceeding with any metal roofing application.
