When selecting the right metal roofing material, CBI Tulsa believes it’s critical to understand some of the pros and cons of the various options available in the market. Zinc, stainless steel, copper, lead and aluminum are the most popular types of metal roofing. Many metal roofing types allow you to customize the roof based on style, price, and durability you seek.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is most popular for its high strength and relatively low prices. Steel offers durability, a long lifespan, environmental sustainability and lower long-term costs. The main disadvantage is that it can corrode, so manufacturers will normally cover them with an anti-corrosive coating such as zinc or zinc aluminum. Steel roofing material is considered ideal for residential, schools and business use.
Copper Roofing
Copper roofing has been used for centuries. Copper is soft, beautiful, malleable and fully recyclable, making it a great roofing material. It’ anti-corrosive properties mean it does not need any extra coating. Though copper is a bit heavier than stainless steel in the gauge used, it puts less strain on the structure as it is generally lightweight. It is also energy efficient, resistant to hailstones, fire and mildew. One of the main drawbacks, however, is that copper roofing is more expensive. Because it’s soft, it can also scratch and dent more easily.
Zinc Roofing
Zinc roofing has quite the aesthetic appeal. It looks great and complements the architectural qualities of a building’s design. Zinc has an impressive expected useful life and less need for repair or replacement. It’s also lightweight, adding no structural stress to the building and has a low energy consumption compared to other types of metal roofing. Its naturally soft properties make it easy for constructors to use hand tools. When considering zinc roofing it’s important to adopt a roofing design that prevents moisture from getting onto the roof’s underside, as zinc will corrode when exposed to underside moisture.
Lead Roofing
Lead is one of the most durable metals on the planet. It’s is easy to mold, which means you can get it in various shapes to suit the different types of building designs. Lead will also expand and contract with varying temperatures, allowing it to adapt to maintaining a buildings energy efficiency. It will not catch fire during a thunderstorm but it can melt under extreme heat. It’s strong resistance to atmospheric corrosion gives it a longer lifespan than other roofing materials. It is also resistant to sound and radiation, which is a very significant factor when considering the structural integrity of any building. Major drawbacks include the fact that it has a high price tag, it’s very heavy and extremely toxic when it breaks down after many years.
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum is strong, corrosive resistant and lightweight. Aluminum panels are also very easy to work with. Aluminum can also be easily painted or coated to give it a more aesthetic appeal and will not fracture during periods of freezing rain or hail. Overall, aluminum is highly durable and considered in the mid-range price level when compared to zinc and steel. Many contractors consider aluminum to be the roofing material of choice for small-scale residential projects and large-scale industrial properties.