[fa icon="calendar"] 04/23/2017 / by For its DIY use in the 19th century, and its ability to remain a part of our vernacular long after it left, Tin could be fondly considered the Willy’s Jeep of roofing. Metal roofing can be a great option for your home because it does all three, and it does them extremely well. Tin was introduced as a canning material, which was then adapted by rural DIYers by flattening out the material and using it as a shingle when other materials were not available. Weight. Copper is an extremely long-lasting metal that in ideal environments, can last well over 200+ years. When compared to other metals, steel is also the least expensive. This post may contain affiliate links. Steel’s primary advantage over other materials in this list is it’s flexibility of use and cost. Tin: An affordable option and easier to lay than shingles, tin is the most commonly used type of metal roofing. In this article, we will break down the differences in metal roofing material options, and the pros and cons of each material, profile, and source. G-60 steel not really recommended for use on residential homes, but can be a good fit for a roof of a shed, garage, or a barn. Just as your car will dent if a golf ball hits it, a metal roof can dent if large hailstones fall on it. Copper is an extremely soft metal, which makes it among the quietest types of metal roofing. Tin — Often referring to steel, used prior to World War II. Steel and aluminum, the two most common metals used in residential roofing, are both designed to hold paint finishes well. Stay with us here. The outer layer of aluminum reacts with the oxygen in the environment, creating a layer of aluminum oxide, which effectively seals the inner layers of the metal from any future corrosion. Steel — Three variations: galvanized, galvalume, and weathering steel (Corten). Each of these metals … amzn_assoc_linkid = "fed726c60c88d738e7784c819bb73fbc"; Most home insurance companies will write a home with a steel or metal roof. Copper — Extremely long-lasting, very soft with low melting temperature, 2. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Residential metal roofing is available in numerous colors, styles, materials and finishes. The roof on your house needs to be strong, sturdy, and reliable. Along areas where water flows, this often leaves a chalk residue that many find unappealing. If you install this type of roof, be sure manufacturer’s instructions are followed precisely. Minimal roof pitch. HomeTips articles may contain links to Amazon.com and other partner programs that provide helpful products and services. This lower melting point means that processing the Zinc for use as a building material requires up to a ¼ of the energy that it takes to process steel or copper. Unlike conventional roofing, some metal shingle systems are installed from the top down, eliminating the need to walk on them. Expansion & contraction. Explore the … For some, the sound of rain tapping on the roof is romantic and homey. Steel, Copper, and Zinc metal roofing materials also have their own pros and cons. The main downside to Zinc is the chalking effect from an aesthetic point of view, and the price. If Copper is the Range Rover of roofing, then Aluminum is easily considered to be the Dune Buggy of roofing. Whether you want inspiration for planning an exterior home with a metal roof renovation or are building a designer exterior home from scratch, Houzz has 29,049 images from the best designers, decorators, … Zinc is also a very soft metal, and can be easily damaged by hail or high winds depending on the panel or shingle design. Metal Roofing, Leaking. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips. As a green solution, it is both easily accessible and highly recyclable. Zinc is not cheap. 5. The softer nature of Copper Roofing also means that in hail prone regions, it may be easily damaged. This really isn’t the case, and many instances have been documented where lightning has struck trees or other high objects located near metal roofs rather than the roofs themselves. The weight of 29-gauge metal roofing may differ, though, depending on the type of metal that you choose. Let's take a look at the most common types of metal roofs for houses. Though metal roofs are good at guarding against a fire that approaches from outside a house (such as from flying sparks and embers), they are not ideal for fires that start inside a house. This rapid reaction is actually what protects it so well. An accomplished contractor can install these quickly. How often? While the common perception of Aluminum is that it's not effected by corrosion, the reality is that it's a highly active metal and almost instantly reacts to atmospheric conditions. In fact, steel is the most recycled material on the planet, making it an incredibly green building material to work with. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Copper and aluminum roofing, which are much softer than steel, are more prone to denting. Sustainability. It's a common sight in mountain regions with high snow volumes, and is a preferred solution in regions prone to hail. Metal roofing has often been called the “Cadillac of Roofing.” Depending on your opinion of that particular manufacturer, this comparison could be less than flattering. No matter what the weather’s … Each of these metals has their advantages and weak points. by Don Vandervort, HomeTips © 1997 to 2020, Metal Roofing BenefitsMetal Roofing Drawbacks & Disadvantages. If metal roofs are the SUVs of roofing, Copper roofs are the Range Rovers of their class. Zinc is also 100% recyclable and available in most local markets, making it an extremely green material, even compared to Copper or Steel. The natural properties of Zinc make it a favorite for commercial projects due to its ability to be easily formed and manipulated into amazing shapes. Zinc — Extremely long-lasting, resistant to corrosion and lowest melting point, 4. Colors, Who remembers the original Humvee? … Generally, roofs made from … 5 Types of Metal Roofing Materials - Pros & Cons. If your roof is stripped off and a storm is on the way, shortening the process by a day or two may offer a critical advantage.