Metal roofing styles have numerous benefits, including longer lifespans and minimal maintenance requirements, but they are never the first option for many homeowners. Most people think of shingles first when shopping for roofing material, even though metal is available in several sizes, colours, and shapes. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make the best solution. So, what types of metal roofs are there? Let our roofing Niagara experts answer this question below.
Metal roof material list
Copper roofing
Copper attracts attention because of its distinctive colour that changes with time. The colour will evolve as the material remains on the roof, with the new colours varying according to the location. The flexible material can withstand natural elements without an additional coating and does not add too much strain to the roofing structure. It is significantly lightweight but slightly heavier than steel.
Copper is available in various forms, including tiles, shingles, panels, and sheets. All options can endure freeze-thaw cycles, making copper a better roofing solution for areas prone to regular snowfall.
Pros
Copper roofing is easily noticeable – the diverse colour appearances when the material patinas only make it better. The chances of your roof looking like someone else’s are minimal.
The main advantage of copper is its durability, which is between 60 to 100 years. The roof can easily surpass the 100-year mark, as shown by many historical buildings with materials from around the world.
Corrosion resistance is another benefit. Exposure to moisture causes it to patina, which creates a protective layer that shields it from corrosion. You can confidently use it near the ocean.
Additional advantages of copper include:
- Energy efficiency
- Appears traditional
- Lightweight than slate or clay tiles
- Not susceptible to mould or mildew growth
- Resistance to fire and pests
Cons
The high price of copper roofing cannot accommodate homeowners on a tight budget. Most people only use it as an accent – not an entire roofing material. However, the pros make the high cost worthwhile.
Copper has the best longevity, but it is not dent-proof. It has a soft nature that can dent or scratch easily upon impact. Most materials have a thickness ranging between 16 and 20 ounces. The thicker option costs more, but it has enhanced resistance and cannot dent as easily.
The expensive nature of copper makes it a rare material that is difficult to source. Most manufacturers do not like keeping it in their inventories and will only manufacture on order. Order in advance if you are planning a project involving the roofing material to avoid supply delays.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a very durable material that is easy to install. It is lightweight and durable, with a strength-to-weight ratio higher than many other metal roof styles. The roofing can handle more pressure than other heavier alternatives.
Aluminum has fewer manufacturers than other metal roofing materials, so purchasing may be more challenging. The limited availability also influences the price- the costs may be slightly higher with the inclusion of shipping fees. Most people prefer other roofing solutions to aluminum, a factor that also affects availability. You may have to shop for a lengthy period before finding your preferred colour.
Pros
Aluminum metal requires minimal to no maintenance. You can choose any colour you prefer from the numerous options available. However, finding specific colour hues may be difficult.
The material is rust-resistant, making it suitable for properties in areas experiencing high rainfall volumes or those along the coastline. Sea salt moisture cannot damage the roof, unlike other options like steel.
With a weight of approximately 5 pounds per sq. ft., aluminum metal is one of the most portable roofing options in the market. Your home will not require reinforcement or endure too much structural stress.
The flexibility of aluminum is another advantage lacking in many other types of residential metal roofs. It can fit any roofing design.
Additional benefits include high energy efficiency, pest resistance, and fire resistance.
Note: aluminum mainly applies to architectural roofs and not structural ones.
Cons
Aluminum is not the sturdiest metal roofing material – compared to steel, which is sturdier and better able to resist impact. Falling tree branches, hail, or other objects can easily dent an aluminum roof. However, heavier aluminum tends to be more resistant, making it a better option if you prefer better strength, durability, and resistance to dents.
Steel
Steel is slowly gaining popularity as one of the best residential metal roofing for its strength and low cost. It is the first option that comes to mind when people think of metal roofing, despite the availability of many other metal roof materials.
Steel was more common on commercial properties than in domestic homes. However, its impressive lifespan and low maintenance make it a favourite among many homeowners.
Pros
Steel is not too demanding in terms of maintenance; you will not have to do much after a proper installation. The only maintenance required is removing debris like leaves from the roof to avoid clogging the gutters or holding moisture that can cause rusting. Experts recommend washing the roof surface or planning an inspection annually or after a heavy downpour.
Resistance to fire is another advantage of steel roofing. It does not support mildew or mould growth and will not accommodate insects or rodents. Being a Class A fire rating makes steel a good option for regions prone to wildfires.
Steel is inexpensive – it costs less than 35% of the price of aluminum and 1/3 of zinc or copper. With a durability of approximately 40 to 60 years, steel offers the most value compared to other metal roofing options. The long-term cost-efficiency is unmatched.
Additional advantages of steel roofing include resistance to cracking, warping and chipping. It also can withstand strong winds and high impact.
Cons
Steel roofs can rust easily and cannot last in coastal regions.
The metal is heavier than other options like aluminum and copper – it can strain the house structure.
Despite the long lifespan, durability depends on several factors, such as the finish, panel profile, and gauge.
Note: you can choose galvanized steel coated with zinc if you want to reduce vulnerability to rust. The zinc layer used as the coating can be thick or thin, depending on your preference and budget range.
Zinc
Zinc is often comparable to copper because of its durability and price points. The roofing enhances energy savings and can patina, just like copper. That means your roof can change colour with time, giving a unique visual element. You can buy pre-patinated zinc or use panels that have not yet developed the protective layer and do not change colour. Despite the many benefits, most people shy away from zinc because of its high cost.
Pros
Zinc brings an aesthetic appeal that you cannot underestimate. Exposure to moisture and carbon dioxide causes the formation of zinc carbonate, resulting in a blue-gray patina that makes it more resistant to corrosion. That makes zinc one of the few types of metal roofs usable in coastal regions.
A lifespan ranging between 80 and 100 years makes zinc a lifetime roofing material. You only install it once. It will not require regular repairs, maintenance, or replacement.
The material does not encourage mould or mildew growth.
Cons
You can only invest in zinc if you are financially capable. Its expensive nature keeps many homeowners from using it, even though its durability and strength make up for it.
Chalky residue can develop on the roof surface when zinc patinas and encounters running water. That can interfere with the visual appeal.
Very few suppliers stock zinc, making the material inaccessible in most cases. Many suppliers will have to ship the zinc after you order, which could delay your project.
Additional Types of Metal Roofing
Slate-inspired metal
Slate-inspired roofing is a better alternative to natural stone.
The metallic options do not have the disadvantages of natural slate, like high costs and heaviness. The material produces luxurious results without straining the house structure.
Tile-inspired metal
Tile roofing is most common in warmer regions. The original tile material had clay or concrete, but modern versions are the best types of metal roof tiles.
The metal options are durable, easy to maintain, and cost-efficient. It has superior resistance to rife, strong winds and hail.
Shake-inspired metal roofing
If you prefer metal roofing that looks like shingles, choose shake–inspired metal. The classic appeal works well on modern homes while providing the advantages of metal roofing.
The only potential downside is that it is not waterproof. However, proper installation can produce roofing that lasts in good condition for decades.
Standing seam
Standing seam has the advantage of being weatherproof.
Longer life expectancy, visual appeal, and versatility are additional benefits of the metal roof.
Tin
Tin roofing is steel that has been galvanized with steel and rolled. It is crack resistant and durable with a rustic appeal.
It is also lightweight and easy to work with, like aluminum. However, the material is no longer available.
What is the Most Common Type of Metal Roof?
Steel is a popular metal roofing material, but aluminum is the best metal roof for residential. Since preferences differ, the best solution is to compare the pros and cons of the different metal roofs before settling on one. Feel free to explore more on roofing with Niagara Roof Masters.
