A metal roof is a flat roofing structure made out of metal tiles or pieces, usually characterized by its extreme durability, impermeability, and fire resistance. It is also part of the construction envelope. The most common metal roofing materials are aluminum, zinc, and steel. The best qualities of these materials make them ideal for use in homes, industrial buildings, and offices.
There are some very distinct advantages of choosing metal roofing over other materials. For one thing, it is more durable and lasts longer than most other kinds of roofing systems. It is very resistant to temperature changes and has the ability to be molded into practically any form. Its corrosion resistance also makes it ideal for the military and even for industries. On the downside, however, metal roofs can be heavy and expensive. It can also be susceptible to damage caused by ice and snow, so maintenance should be regularly scheduled.
Now that the advantages of using metal roofing materials have been mentioned, it would be interesting to know what some of the cons are, especially compared to asphalt shingles. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of using metal roofs is the fact that metal roofs are susceptible to damages caused by water, wind and ice, which may reduce their durability. Apart from that, they are also vulnerable to the elements and weathering quickly, while asphalt shingles, even when left unprotected, can last more than 50 years.
Now that you know some of the pros and cons, you might want to know how to install your metal roofing. Before actually going through the process, make sure to obtain the proper installation instructions for the kind of metal roofing you want. Also make sure you consult with the manufacturer about how to go about having your roof installed. Usually, a metal roofing installation company will send someone to your house to assess the amount of work you will need and how long the whole process will take. In fact, before they install the metal roofing on your house, they will inspect the roof, take measurements and make a mock-up to estimate how long the actual installation process will take.
Now that you have chosen which material to use for your metal roofing, you need to choose whether you want to go for modular or prefabricated panels. As the name suggests, the modular roofing process lets you replace damaged panels as and when you require them. For example, if a panel becomes faulty after some years, you can easily replace it without disrupting the existing roof structure. However, prefabricated panels, on the other hand, are made in one factory, which makes it easier to replace damaged panels. But, you cannot change the design or color of the panels once they are already on the roof of your house, although you can ask for an upgrade at a later stage.
Once the company install the metal roofing on your house, you will need to make sure that it is properly aligned. Since the panels are bolted to the gutter and other support structures, their alignment has to be perfect to avoid damage to these support structures and your gutter. You can hire professionals from an aluminum metal roofing installation company to ensure that the alignment of the panels is good and you do not have to bother with it for a long time. On the other hand, if you want to install the aluminum roofing on your own, you will have to inspect the alignment of the panels on your own. It is not difficult to do this, but you must remember to be careful and take adequate precautions.
Another important thing to look out for when installing the aluminum metal roofing is the corrosion resistance ability of the metal roofing material. This can either be a negative or positive effect. If you find that the metal roofing is not able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as strong winds and storms, the possibility of its getting damaged is very high.
As for the pros, aluminum roofing panels are very easy to install and one can experience easy repair and cleaning, if needed. However, there is also the cons of installing this metal roofing material. The most obvious pro is that it is recyclable, thus making it friendly to nature. The biggest disadvantage however is that it is vulnerable to rusting and corrosion.