If, after weighing the pros and cons of a metal roofing installation against other options, you have decided that a metal roof is the best choice, you now need to spend some time thinking about the type of metal you would like your roof to be made from in addition to the type of panels used to build it. The vast majority of residential metal roofing installations are constructed using either steel or aluminum due to the range of favorable characteristics these materials possess, but copper, zinc and titanium may also be used. London Eco-Roof is the leading metal roofing company in Toronto and Mississauga, producing roofs that offer the perfect combination of performance, aesthetics and affordability. During this article we are going to take a look at some of the different types of metal roofing installations, in addition to metal roof panel types.
Metal Roofing Installation Tips: Materials and Panel Types
Steel Roofing Installations:
Steel is probably the most commonly chosen material when a metal roofing installation is requested, with one of its major advantages being its strength relative to its weight. Steel roofs are extremely light, weighing only 1.5 lbs per square foot compared to 2.7 lbs for asphalt shingles and 9.3 lbs for concrete roof tiles, meaning less pressure is exerted on both the roof supports and your property’s foundations. During the production process a special metallic coating is applied to steel roofing to protect it against corrosion. This is applied before the roofing is given its final paint finish, and will usually be either galvanized (this is a 100% zinc coating) or Galvalume/Zincalume (which are mixtures of zinc and aluminum). When galvanizing a steel roofing installation a minimum thickness level of G-90 should be applied, with AZ-50 or AZ-55 the minimum for Galalume/Zincalume, according to the Metal Roofing Association (MRA). When these coatings react with moisture in the air they oxidize, forming a zinc oxide that has no affect on the appearance of the roofing. A steel roofing installation often represents extremely good value when compared to other options.
Aluminum Roofing Installations:
Aluminum roofs are produced in much the same way as steel roofs, except they don’t require the metallic coating since aluminum possesses its own oxide film, protecting it against corrosion. An aluminum roof will often cost you more than a steel roofing installation due to its natural ability to resist rust (which we just mentioned), and this type of metal roofing installation tends to be very popular in environments where salt is a factor, such as near the coast. Aluminum’s strength-weight ratio is even more impressive than that of steel and it is also generally thinner too (thickness ratings range from .023 to .040), allowing it to cool down quicker.
Copper Roofing Installations
If you are seeking a roof with a striking presence, a copper roof might just be the way to go. However, in addition to being one of the most interesting roofing materials in terms of aesthetics, it’s also one of the most expensive. It can also be prone to expanding and contracting as temperatures fluctuate, which could be an issue if you live in the Greater Toronto Area. Having said that, from a performance standpoint, copper scores highly. It’s resistant to fire, wind and water damage and tends to last decades once installed.
The Different Types of Metal Roofing Installation Panels
In addition to the possibility of using various metals in the construction of a metal roof, the way the roof is constructed can vary too. We are going to briefly look at a couple of the most popular types of metal roofing constructions.
Vertical Seam Panels
Vertical seam panels, also known as standing seam roofing, can immediately be told apart from other types of metal roofing panels due to their long length and ribs that stretch right from the eaves to the ridge of the roof. They are secured using gasket type screws and offer a very clean, simplistic look that is efficient at resisting the local weather conditions experienced in Toronto and Mississauga.
Modular Press Panels
These panels interlock with one another — often four ways — and hidden fasteners may be utilized to fully secure them into place. They are renowned for offering an impressive level of wind resistance and can be designed to mimic traditional roofing materials, such as slate or tile.
If you have any enquiries relating to a metal roofing installation, London Eco-Roof is the company to contact. Since we began in 2009, we have fast become the leading metal roofing contractors in Toronto and Mississauga, offering an unparalleled level of service.
