In the area of Ohio where I live, we are surrounded by many small German villages that were originally settled back in the early to mid 1800's. As you drive through them, you see that many of the homes still have their original metal roofs, and if they have been maintained these roofs provide the same level of protection well over a hundred years later. The technology has obviously changed over the years, but those homes are proof as to why an increasing number of homeowners are choosing metal to protect their homes. The lifetime of protection, durability, and other benefits make it an ideal residential roofing solution.
For more information on the benefits of metal roofing visit my lens: Benefits of Metal Roofing, or website: AskToddMiller.com. Here I wish to outline the different options you and other homeowners have when choosing a metal roof. Like I said before, the technology has changed significantly over the years. Metal is no longer confined to looking like the vertical seam panels you have seen on countless pole barns, but metal now creates the most beautiful roofing systems available. The types of metal roofing we will cover here are agricultural panel, standing seam, stone-coated steel, and press-formed shingles.
Agricultural Panel
Agricultural Panel roofing systems are the products many of us have traditionally associated with metal roofing. Most barns are roofed using this product because it is low cost, relatively durable, and optimum performance is usually not required. Agricultural panels are manufactured using roll forming equipment and are given the look of vertical seams, but rather than having a true seam, the panels are overlapped and fastened by screwing through the face of the panels into the roof deck or rafters. These roofing systems are sufficient for many agricultural and industrial applications, but as you can imagine the exposed screws will eventually leak. For this reason, I do not recommend for this system be used for residential applications.
Standing Seam
Standing Seam roofing systems have the same vertical look as agricultural panels, but the panels are installed with a true seam and concealed fastener. There are countless versions of these panels, all different panel widths, seam heights, methods of fastening, and types of seams. Commercial buildings usually use panels between 18" and 24" wide; standing seams that are designed for residential use are usually about 12" wide. Seam heights can range anywhere from 1.25" and 2". The quality of these systems varies depending on the method of fastening, type of seam, and paint system. The lower quality panels will usually be coated with a polyester paint system, as opposed to the higher quality panels will use PVDF based paint. Much of the industry has stopped using polyester paints in roofing application due to its issues with fading and chalking when exposed to the elements. For more information on the types of standing seam systems visit my lens: Quality Standing Seam Roofing
Stone-Coated Steel
Stone-Coated Steel roofing was invented in the middle of the 20th century hoping to provide greater protection for traditional steel roofing systems. The coating of bitumen and stone is similar to the coating used on today's asphalt and composition shingles. The coating comes in a variety of colors on a variety of profiles, creating a very attractive roof system. The steel itself is very durable and in most applications can adequately protect your home, but unfortunately the coating suffers the same downfalls when applied to steel as when it's applied to traditional asphalt and fiberglass. Granule loss, streaking, staining, fading, and organic growth all diminish the roofing systems beauty after a period of time. This is the only type of metal roofing not also made in aluminum; the gauge of aluminum necessary to support the weight of the coating is not cost effective.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are the fastest growing and most diverse segment of the metal roofing industry. Kaiser Aluminum and Alcoa Building Products were among the first companies to begin manufacturing press-formed metal shingles in the 1950's; they are no longer players in the industry but their products are still being manufactured today. Utilizing modern press technology, steel and aluminum can be made to look like traditional wood shakes, architectural shingles, slate, and tile roofing products, while still providing the benefits of metal. The majority of the shingle products utilize PVDF paint systems-the best paint systems available. The quality between products is differentiated by the intricacy of the panel, the quality of accessories, the locks, and the fastening method. Feel free to visit my companies' websites to see the shingle products we make: Classic Metal Roofing Systems and Kassel and Irons.
I hope this lens provided you with valuable information about the different types of metal roofing available today. When it comes time to reroof your home, I encourage you to look at metal roofing and see if it is the right decision for you and your home. As always feel free to leave any questions in the Questions section below or email me at todd@asktoddmiller.com, and I will respond as soon as I can.
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