Metal Roofing Styles

Despite the numerous advantages that various types of metal roofs offer, the majority of homeowners today still naturally connect residential roofs with asphalt shingles.

A broad product that encompasses a vast range of diverse materials, sizes, colors, and styles is known as metal roofing. With so many different kinds of metal roofs available, it is worthwhile to examine their advantages so you can decide which one would be best for your upcoming roof replacement.

Two Main Types of Metal Roofing

Hidden Fastener Roofing

Exposed Fastener Roofing

Which metal roof is right for your residential home?

You can pick between standing seam and screw down panel metal roofing systems. A standing seam metal roof is the best option for residential buildings, although both types of metal roof systems have their place in the roofing industry.

The two different types of metal roofs’ capacity for expansion is the primary reason for its better suitability to residences.

The panels of a standing seam metal roof system are mechanically or physically sewn together at the seams (ribs). A clip that holds the panels together and permits them to move back and forth freely when the metal expands and contracts due to heat is located under each rib.

On the other hand, screws that are screwed straight through the panel are used to install a screw-down panel metal roof system (also known as an exposed fastener). There is no room for expansion or contraction as a result.

The screws ultimately wallow out the holes in the metal panels since they have no room to expand and contract, and you will occasionally have to pay to replace the screws with the next larger sized screw.

Can you put a metal roof on your house that screws down? Yes. However, it will cost more to maintain and have a higher risk of roof leaks.

Types and Styles of Metal Roofs Their Pros and Cons

Standing Seam

Due to its slick design, long lifespan, and waterproof construction, standing seam metal roofing is a popular option. Standing seam metal roofing offers a wide range of advantages that you cannot get with asphalt shingles or other natural roofing materials, despite being a more expensive roofing alternative. Standing seam metal roofs can be completely customized to fit the desires of each homeowner.

A lot of consumers have become ardent supporters of metal roofs in general due to its longevity. People choose architectural standing seam as their preferred metal roofing because of this same lifespan.

A paneled system with hidden fasteners is used. In other words, the panels feature a large flat area with a leg on either end. The raised seams on these vertical legs actually hold the roofing structure together. Standing seam panels are frequently used for both walls and roofs because of how dependable they are. Of course, the former is more typical in domestic architecture.

Standing seam panels come in many different varieties. You can select between the following options depending on the style and steepness of the roof as well as the surrounding environment:

The snap lock

The mechanical lock (single and double)

The batten panel (tee seam, snap cap)

The nail (fastener) flange

Manufacturers of standing seam metal roofs frequently offer weather-tight warranties to reassure prospective customers of its dependability. In addition to providing safety, this roofing system has a very contemporary, streamlined appearance and offers a great deal of creative flexibility.

Shake-Look

For generations, roofs all around the world have been covered with roofing shakes, commonly referred to as hardwood shingles. Since it offers a more traditional appearance as opposed to the contemporary aesthetic of a standing seam metal roof, many people are drawn to this type.

Fortunately, shake-inspired metal roofing panels now allow homeowners to combine the classic appearance of hardwood shakes with the advantages of metal roofing. Despite the fact that metal shake roofing isn’t as watertight as standing seam roofing, a correctly built metal shake roof can help safeguard your property for many years.

Tile Look

Tile roofing is another well-liked roofing design, particularly in warmer areas. There are currently metal roof solutions inspired by the style of tile roofing that are far more durable and simpler to maintain than the traditional tile roofing, which was only made of natural materials like clay or concrete.

Despite the fact that all metal roofing options will cost more than conventional asphalt shingles, tile-inspired metal roofing is frequently more affordable than some other forms of metal roofs for homes.

Metal roofing with a tile-inspired design is renowned for its durability, even when exposed to wind, fire, rain, and hail. Consider tile-inspired metal roofing as one of the most cost-effective roofing alternatives available when comparing various types of metal roofs.

Slate Inspired

Traditional slate roofs frequently cost more than other roofing materials because natural stone is an expensive resource. Due to the weight of slate, which may put a lot of strain on roofs, strengthened rafters are needed to increase roof longevity.

Instead of adding weight and pressure to the structure of your home, slate-inspired metal roofing gives homeowners the opulent beauty of natural slate roofing.

Corrugated

Corrugated metal panels have historically been utilized extensively on barns and shacks due to their more traditional appearance. However, they have a different look now that galvanizing technology has really taken off in the roofing sector.

Hot-dipped galvanized steel that has been cold-rolled to produce a corrugated pattern on the panels is the material used to make corrugated metal roofing.

The finished product is made stronger, more rust-resistant, and more aesthetically pleasing thanks to the processes of galvanization (dipping it in zinc) and corrugation (basically bending the sheets to produce grooves and ridges). You next use screws to secure these roll-formed panels to your roof, giving you a lovely, long-lasting roof.

Corrugated metal panels have expanded their application after a makeover, this time being used to cover the roofs of both residential and commercial structures. In fact, a lot of people claim that these panels give any kind of construction a traditional vibe. Additionally, they appear to blend in nicely with more contemporary architectural components like fiberglass.

Corrosion resistance and great energy-saving effectiveness are the main reasons why corrugated metal roofing is so well-liked by consumers. Additionally, the panels are environmentally benign because more than one-third of them are made of recycled steel.

Zinc Roofing 

Zinc is a remarkable metal that can endure for more than a century and use its patina to mend nicks over time. Due to its innate ability to be easily moulded and manipulated into remarkable shapes, zinc is a choice for commercial applications. Zinc can be cleaned and managed to some level even though the metal’s tendency to chalk with time is not thought to be very attractive.

Zinc is one of the most environmentally friendly metals for roofing. Compared to other roofing metals, zinc has a lower melting point. Due to its lower melting point, manufacturing zinc for use as a building material uses up to one-fourth as much energy as processing steel or copper. Even in comparison to copper or steel, zinc is completely recyclable and offered in the majority of local marketplaces, making it a very environmentally friendly substance.

The expense and the cosmetic chalking effect of zinc are its two significant drawbacks. Zinc costs money. In truth, zinc and copper are frequently equivalent. Zinc, like copper, needs to be installed by a professional in order to fully benefit from its advantages as a building material.

If left untreated, zinc, like the majority of bare metals, will patina into a blue/grey look. This frequently produces a chalk residue that many people find unpleasant around regions where water runs. In addition, zinc is a very soft metal that, depending on the panel or shingle design, can be readily harmed by hail or strong winds.

Aluminum Roofing

For use in coastal settings, aluminum metal roofs are frequently highly recommended. This is mostly because aluminum is less likely than other metal roofing materials to corrode when exposed to seawater. Although it’s a popular misconception that an aluminum roof is immune to corrosion, the truth is that it’s a highly active metal that responds almost rapidly to climatic conditions.

The reason it is so well protected is because of this quick response. A layer of aluminum oxide is formed when the oxygen in the environment reacts with the exterior layer of aluminum roofing material. This layer successfully protects the metal’s interior layers from further corrosion. Since the natural patina that develops on aluminum over time is not often seen as being aesthetically pleasing, painted coatings are frequently employed on aluminum roofs.

Similar to copper, aluminum has drawbacks, most of which are financial. Although it may provide better corrosion protection, it is also more expensive than alternatives that use aluminum as a coating. An aluminum roof’s price range varies as a commodity according to the market. The cost of this metal often falls between between copper and steel. Aluminum is frequently utilized in much thinner thicknesses than steel because of its lower cost.

Although the strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum roofing material is higher than that of steel, the cost issue frequently leads to panels that are too thin for their surroundings. This can cause damage to the roofing material in areas with intense environmental pressures like hail, high winds, or high temperatures. It is essential to choose the proper design by accurately assessing the environmental stresses that your aluminum roof will experience.

Copper Roofing

Copper roofs, widely regarded as the father of metal roofing, have been in use for hundreds of years. In optimal conditions, copper is a very durable metal that can endure well over 200 years. Additionally 100% recyclable, copper roofs are excellent choices for green roofs.

Due to its exceptional softness, copper is one of the quietest metal roofing materials. All metal roofing is now advised to use adequate substrates and insulation to reduce noise from rain or hail at the same level thanks to improved installation techniques. Due to its softer nature, copper roofing may be easily damaged in areas where hail is common. Because copper is a weaker metal, hailstones can easily dent it. Although the aesthetic value is decreased, it performs better than a tougher metal since a large enough hailstone would penetrate the roof rather than just dent it.

It is incredibly pricey. This raises what seems to be a copper downside. Copper’s propensity to expand and shrink in response to temperature changes is another drawback. While this is manageable with the right panel or shingle, it must be carefully taken into account when selecting this metal.

Galvanized Steel

The most popular kind of steel roofing is galvanized steel, which uses a zinc covering to keep an inner layer of steel from corroding.

Weathering steel is made up of two layers of steel and is the least used type of steel roofing material. Rusting is intended to safeguard the inner layer by shielding the outer layer. This kind of metal roof is typically just used as an accent piece to add some personality to a house because it is made to rust.

Stainless Steel

One of the metal roofing alternatives available to consumers for their new or replacement roof project is stainless steel roofing. If built properly, stainless steel, which is incredibly robust and resilient, should last for many decades.

The ability of stainless steel to resist corrosion is another benefit that will prolong the life of the roof. Of course, the drawback is that stainless steel roofs are among the most expensive roofing materials available.

Roofing materials consisting of steel that has been alloyed with chromium can be used to create stainless steel panels or shingles. The end product is a metal that is extremely durable, corrosion-resistant, and capable of withstanding any force applied to it (or dropped from the sky).

The roofing is kept looking great and has a characteristic grey finish thanks to the application of a rust and corrosion-preventive layer on the shingles or panels.

Galvalume® Metal Roofing

To preserve the inner steel layer of the roof, galvalume steel employs a combination of aluminum and zinc rather than a zinc coating. The final product has a more consistent appearance because to the aluminum’s improved corrosion resistance.

Steel Roofing

An alloy, steel is created from iron and other components. Steel roofing, which is used in every element of construction and has frequently been one of the materials most frequently encountered on a commercial construction site, is increasingly frequently used in residential construction. The majority of the steel we use today is created from recycled materials rather than new, despite the fact that the initial development of steel can be a more energy-intensive process than the creation of a metal like zinc. Steel is really the most recyclable material in the world, making it a very eco-friendly building element.

Steel is also the cheapest metal when compared to other metals. Even though it is a commodity, steel is frequently significantly less expensive than aluminum, zinc, or copper. Compared to the other metals on this list, steel is therefore more both inexpensive and accessible.

There are three main types of steel roofs: weathering steel, galvalume, and galvanized steel.

In reality, galvanized steel is made by coating an inner layer of steel with zinc to prevent corrosion. This coating aids in extending the lifespan of a steel panel and reducing corrosion. The most popular type of steel roofing material is galvanized steel.

Similar to galvanized steel, galvalume steel utilizes an alloy of aluminum and zinc as a coating rather than one made largely of zinc. In some conditions, aluminum offers superior corrosion resistance to galvanized steel. It also has a smaller, smoother spangle for a more uniform appearance. Galvalume provides superior surface protection than galvanized because of its aluminum composition, but it is more prone to cuts and scratches.

A type of steel called weathering steel was initially intended for use in heavy steel industries, such as bridge construction. To safeguard the inner layer of steel, an outside layer of steel is intended to rust. In terms of how the patina process works, weathering steel roofing is comparable to aluminum, however it requires more time than aluminum. It’s crucial to keep in mind that weathering steel does purposefully rust and isn’t intended to be utilized as a structural alternative for steel roofing. It is frequently used in accent roofs or with the express awareness that rusting will occur and that ongoing maintenance is required.

Over the past 50 years, steel roofing has made significant progress and can now be used to imitate copper, zinc, and other more expensive metal roofing materials. This is accomplished using paint methods that provide a painted outcome that mimics the aged patina of metals like copper, zinc, or even weathered steel. These options are great for remodels, restorations, and new construction projects because they frequently come with lengthy warranties.

The affordability and versatility of steel make it superior to the other materials on this list. Steel has always been the go-to material for both commercial and residential buildings due to the greater cost of alternative metals, and this trend seems to be continuing.

It is both simple to use and extremely recyclable as a green option. It is among the hardest metal alternatives, so it can be utilized in a variety of weather conditions and performs well in strong winds and hail. It is a typical sight in mountainous areas with a lot of snowfall, and it is the go-to fix in areas where hail is a problem.

When it comes to commercial and residential metal roofing, steel is a very versatile material. Steel is the workhorse of roofing materials due to its wide variety of applications, accessibility, affordability, and level of durability.

Victorian Shingle

The Victorian Shingle is a vintage metal shingle that was inspired by Victorian-era stamped and embossed patterns from the 1800s. Victorian has a hidden fastening system, is water-shedding, and has a conventional Galvalume mill finish.

Diamond Shingle

Metal shingles known as “diamond shingles” come in sheets or individual pieces. All four edges of each component interlock to conceal fasteners.

What is Stone Coated Roofing?

The advantages of metal roofing are combined with the appearance and feel of traditional shingles in stone-coated steel roofing.

This sort of roof is constructed of pre-manufactured, rolled roofing sheets in gauges 24 and 26, just like other metal roofing materials. As with other metal roofing materials, it also features a rust-proof covering.

As its name implies, manufacturers cover steel roofing panels with a thick stone coating to give them the desired visual quality.

5V Metal Roofing Panels

The low maintenance requirements and incredibly simple installation of 5V are to blame for its widespread use. These roofing panels are moreover incredibly light and highly reflective. They are thus a fantastic option for a typical home in warmer climates.

5V panels are incredibly well-liked, largely because to how simple they are to install. It really just entails evenly spaced single screws with rubber washers through the tops of the lower profile ribs. Screws also run along the valley’s eve, ridgeline, and border.

The fact that 5V is available in a wide range of colors is another characteristic that undoubtedly elevates it to the status of a desirable roofing material. Although that is a fantastic choice to bear in mind, customers must be aware that the colors do have a tendency to deteriorate with time. Although the panels themselves won’t get weaker as the color fades, it’s crucial to remember that they are constantly exposed to the sun. However, to be on the safe side, professionals advise choosing the silver-looking natural galvalume finish.

R-Panel Metal Roofing

R-panel metal roofs are frequently chosen by clients looking for a cost-effective roofing solution. Choosing them indicates lower labor and disposal costs because to how simple their installation method is. R-panels thereby significantly reduce the cost of the complete roofing project.

Similar to 5V panels, R-panels are available in a range of colors, which can give the roof a more attractive overall appearance.

R-panels are specifically not intended for hot locations. Despite being simple to install, the screws tend to corrode when exposed to heat. The roof may consequently start to leak and corrode. Additionally, after being exposed to the sun, the paint would begin to fade.

Many homeowners choose to install R-panels on their roofs despite all the potential drawbacks. Just regular upkeep and painting as required and recommended. In reality, to address the majority of problems with this kind of roof, protective coatings might be a smart choice.

Tin Roofing

Enthusiasts in the United States and Canada frequently ask for tin roofing. Metal roofing, steel roofing, or galvanized steel are all used interchangeably with the word “tin roofing.” Tin is a sort of metal that isn’t frequently used for roofing. Like copper or zinc, tin is an element in and of itself. Tin was first utilized as a canning material, but when alternative materials weren’t accessible, rural do-it-yourselfers smoothed it out and used it as a shingle.

The usage of aluminum as a DIY building material was phased out when it replaced tin roof sheets as the industry standard for containers. In truth, galvanized steel or aluminum is typically meant when the term “tin roofing” is used in modern contexts rather than actual tin roof sheets.

Tin Roofing may be jokingly compared to the Willy’s Jeep of roofing because of its DIY appeal in the 19th century and its capacity to persist in our idiom long after it disappeared. Tin is no longer a popular choice for building materials, and tin roof sheets have all but disappeared, despite the fact that metal still has a wide range of applications in science and technology.