Types of Metal Materials Used in Roofing:
1. Steel: Steel is one of the most common materials used in metal roofing due to its strength and affordability. It can be coated with various finishes, such as galvanized, galvalume, or painted, to enhance its resistance to corrosion.
2. Aluminum: Aluminum roofing is lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for homes in coastal areas or regions with high humidity. It is also environmentally friendly as it is fully recyclable.
3. Copper: Copper roofing offers a distinctive and elegant appearance that ages gracefully over time, developing a natural patina. Copper is a premium choice often used on high-end or historical properties.
4. Zinc: Zinc roofing is known for its malleability and corrosion resistance. Like copper, it develops a protective patina as it ages, providing long-term protection and a unique aesthetic.
Your Metal Roofing Options:
Exposed Fastener systems:
Recently (since the introduction of polymers) roofing has taken a turn for the worse, the introduction of polymers such as caulk, silicone, roof cement and rubber washers has gotten out of control in the industry. Before such polymers, roofing plumbers were forced to create flashings out of sheet metal to create a waterproofing barrier, techniques that were once taught from journeymen to apprentice have mostly been lost to the industry partly caused by the adoption of polymers. Although exposed fastener systems are the cheapest option for "metal" roofing, they have the shortest lifespan because the polymer washer used to fasten the panels tends to dry out and become less effective. Exposed fastener panels can only be installed on 6/12 slope or greater and are suggested for siding.
Snap Lock systems:
Snap lock profiles are created in several different styles and are mostly varied by their seam height. Common snap lock profiles come in a 1" seam height and a 1.5" seam height. Some snap lock profiles include a built-in screw flange, while others require a cleat to hold the panel to your roof substrate. Snap lock systems are a better long-term solution for roofing than exposed fasteners, but lack the versatility provided by a double lock profile, and often rely on polymers to prevent water intrusion. Connections of the panels in snap lock are limited to the design and always leave a gap between pieces, snap lock panels are rated for 4/12 or greater slope
Double Lock systems:
This style of roofing is the most traditional option of metal roofing, dating back to the roman empire. Historical buildings commonly use this style of roofing and have been chosen for their durability and longevity. Although double lock profiles have been used for hundreds of years and are the hardiest of options, they are the least installed product of them all, due to the complexity required to install and the tools required. Double lock roofing has the most amount of literature available, mostly foreign because they are still very common worldwide including European and Russian regions. The production of a double lock roof is the longest of the options and provides the most versatility to make connections, and possibility of watertightness even in submersion. This variety of roofing is the most proven and time tested of all. Double lock panels are rated for .5/12 slope if installed properly.
