Metal roofs are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. They offer a variety of benefits, including longevity and impact resistance.
Choosing the correct type of metal roofing is essential for your home or business. Knowing the pros and cons of each material can help you decide which option is best for your building project.
Exposed Fastener Roofing
Exposed fastener roofs are a popular choice among contractors and building owners due to their low cost and ease of installation. In addition, they are durable and hold up well in bad weather conditions.
Despite their many benefits, exposed fastener systems can also be problematic if installed incorrectly. For example, the panels often have numerous screw penetrations through them, which can lead to leaks in the long run.
In my neighbor’s case, this was a significant concern because of how expensive it would be to fix the holes in his roof. He avoided this issue by hiring a contractor who fastened the panels at the crimps instead of the flat/low areas (which is standard practice).
Consider an exposed fastener if you want a cheaper alternative to standing seam roofing. However, keep in mind that you may not be able to get a warranty with this type of system. It is essential to do your research and choose a metal roofing specialists Shippensburg PA who understands how to install it correctly.
Standing Seam Roofing
Whether you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency or keep your family safe from the elements, a standing seam metal roof is a great option. It’s an eco-friendly roofing solution, and it’s available in a variety of colors to complement various home styles.
The best-standing seam systems are manufactured using high-quality, first-run aluminum coated with either Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 resin-based finishes. These panels can last over 50 years with proper installation and maintenance.
The most important benefit of a standing seam system is that it’s a concealed fastener system, meaning there are no exposed fasteners on the panel’s surface. This means they’re not exposed to sunlight, moisture, and wind, which can cause the fasteners to rust or fail.
Shake Roofing
Shake roofing is a premium roof system made of natural wood materials (typically cedar or California redwood). It was a popular option during the colonial period and still has a reputation for style, class, protection and stability.
Two main shake types are hand-split, resawn, and taper sawn. Both styles provide a rustic appeal, though the hand split and resawn options are more naturally rustic.
Wood shakes are durable and reliable for any climate, especially in colder regions where wind or hail storms may damage other roofing materials. However, they are prone to mold and mildew growth, algae, fungal growth, insects, rot, and curling over time, so they should be inspected regularly for signs of damage.
Shingle Roofing
Shingles are rectangular pieces of asphalt, composite, or other roofing material attached from the base of a roof up to the ridge. They often overlap to provide full coverage.
A shingle roof is typically the least expensive and most common type of roofing solution. It is also one of the most durable.
However, shingles are susceptible to damage from wind and hail. Algae, mold, and mildew may also damage them.
On the other hand, metal is very fire-resistant and the most robust material available.
Another benefit of a metal roof is that it can be painted, giving you various options for aesthetics.
It is also much lighter than a traditional asphalt shingle, so it doesn’t add as much stress to your roof structure. This makes it a good choice for properties with severe weather conditions.