Residential Metal Roof Types

Determining the best roofing material for your residence in Baton Rouge doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. We’re here to tell you that metal makes an excellent roof for these three good reasons:

• Longevity – A typical metal roof can last as long as 70 years when properly maintained. The longest lasting metal is copper, which has a lifespan of 100 years.
• Energy-efficiency – You get to save up to 40% in cooling costs with a metal roof over your head. One can further lower down energy bills by applying elastomeric coatings.
• Solar installations – If you’d be interested in photovoltaics to have a renewable energy source, metal roofs accommodate these additions. Contractors will mount the panels on a metal roof with ease.

These are just some of the strengths to appreciate about metal roofs. But today will be a bit different. Top Team Roofing & Construction wants to dive deeper by sharing with you the different types of metal roof sheets.

It’s not enough to know that you need a metal roof. Familiarizing yourself with the types of metal roofing systems in terms of materials and styles helps you to be satisfied with your final choice. Let’s get started.

Metal Roofing Materials

While steel is one of the types of metal sheets for roofing in the commercial industry, now it is being used on many homes. Weighing less than most materials, steel roofs will help maintain the integrity of your home structure. Roofing contractors use only little structural support, unlike slate and clay tiles that tend to be extremely heavy.

You also contribute to a better planet by using this environmentally-friendly roof. Steel roofs come from recycled materials. In North America, steel is commonly reused. If we compare steel with other types of metal roof sheets, it’s also the most affordable.

To make steel roofs last longer, they are treated or coated with zinc-aluminum. Such treatment helps a steel roof resist corrosion.

Aluminum roofs are available in unique profiles. They can also be coated to achieve energy-efficiency and a specific color.

Among the various types of metal roof sheets, aluminum is the most versatile in terms of profile. If you love the timeless appeal of wood, the mysterious look of slate, or the historic vibe of tile, aluminum roofs can imitate these architectural profiles.

Not just that; aluminum roofs make an environmentally-friendly choice. Their production only has a minimal carbon footprint. How long do aluminum roofs last? They last anywhere 30-50 years. Coatings are also available for aluminum roofs to boost their reflectivity and add a unique color to these roofs.

Speaking of roofing color, we wrote a guide on choosing the best shades for metal roofs.

Ever heard of a roof that boasts of self-healing capabilities? Most likely not! But if you’re looking for such roof, consider zinc roofing. Scratches on a zinc roof disappear over time. Homeowners who live in harsh climates may want to install a zinc roof for its relatively strong material.

Zinc panels also naturally form a protective patina, similar to copper. Because of this, zinc roofs can last up to 100 years. And if you’re interested in rainwater collection, know that zinc won’t contaminate water. Plus, you can recycle zinc!

This is what a newly installed copper roof looks like. Notice the warm bronze color.

Copper roof surpasses other roofing materials in terms of beauty. Most roofs may look less appealing as they age, but copper takes on a unique appearance. It starts off with a bronze color which indicates that it’s still new.

Over time, bronze slowly turns into green. This greenish color is also known as patina. Patina is actually beneficial in that it protects the surface of copper from corrosion. To appreciate patina, look at the Statue of Liberty.

As you can tell, copper is extremely durable. It’s also the most expensive metal. One square foot costs you about $13 for labor and materials.

Metal Roof Panel Styles

Now that we discussed the four types of metal roof sheets, we’ll move on to specific styles. Some people assume that metal roofs are plain boring in appearance. This is not true. As we mentioned earlier, a metal roof like aluminum imitates the look of other premium roofing systems.

Consider the following metal styles to suit your Baton Rouge LA home:

A standing seam style achieves a contemporary or modern appearance. But despite this, it beautifully matches homes with a rustic vibe. One recognizes a standing seam roof by its vertical panels. It looks as if the panels that connect with one another are standing.

Standing seam metal roofs create attractive shadow lines. They also promote positive drainage so you shouldn’t worry about ponding water and roof leaks. The problem with standing seam roofs is that they easily acquire dents when hit by hail. But despite this, they’re still way more durable than regular asphalt shingles.

Corrugated metal roofs are recognized for their rows of folds that look like waves.

These types of metal roof sheets existed since the mid-1800s. Corrugated metal roofing styles are recognizable for their wavy appearance. While a corrugated roof is the main preference for industrial facilities, some homes use it because it’s economical and affordable.

But what about their durability? Their strength depends on the thickness of the panels. The thicker the panels, the stronger they become. Homeowners need to re-coat, tighten the fasteners, and maintain them regularly to prevent damage.

A lot of people consider tile as the best type of metal roof because it closely emulates the aesthetic appeal of concrete and clay roofs.

The best part is that metal roofing tiles are much lighter in weight. Roofers will be able to install the tiles in a shorter period of time. Because they’re light, they have a good seismic performance. Meaning, they’re less likely to sustain damage during earthquakes.

Would You Like a Metal Roof for Your Home?

After reading this guide on the various types of metal roof sheets, would you think of getting one? Each material and style has its own features and strengths. But overall, metal roofs make an excellent investment for people who want long-term savings.

If you’re interested in more information, and if we failed to answer some questions you had in mind, get in touch with us.

Finally, Top Team Roofing & Construction, your #1 Baton Rouge LA company, offers quality and reasonably priced metal roofing installation services. We partner with only the best manufacturers in the industry. We aim to exceed your expectations with a metal roof that lasts.