Metal roofing has become quite popular in Huntington and the Tri-State area. Most metal roofs you see are steel, but you can also choose from aluminum, copper, and zinc. Metal roofing types have traditionally been more typical for commercial buildings, but many homeowners are turning to metals as an alternative to traditional asphalt shingle roofing.
Our team at Maycon Construction Services in Huntington, WV, provides a free consultation and estimate for residential metal roof repair, replacement, or installation. Call us today at 304-208-8978!
The Four Most Common Metal Roofing Materials
The type of metal roofing you choose for your home depends on your desired budget, appearance, lifespan, and location. Let’s look at the pros and cons of the four most common metal roofing materials.
1. Steel
You can purchase steel roofing in various colors, finishes, and panel types, allowing you to match the material to the style of your home. Besides its aesthetic versatility, steel has plenty of notable benefits compared to traditional roofing.
Steel roofing is weather-resistant and virtually watertight, depending on the panel type. However, it’s more prone to rust than other metal roofing types, especially in humid or coastal regions.
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Fire resistant
- Highly durable, with a long lifespan
- Relatively inexpensive
- Widely available
Cons:
- Heavy
- Prone to rust
2. Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight metal that doesn’t corrode, making it perfect for buildings on the coast where salt spray causes steel to rust. While lighter than other metals, aluminum is still very durable and long-lasting compared to other roofing materials. The metal is softer than steel, so it’s more likely to dent from hail or falling debris.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Available in various colors and designs
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons:
- More prone to dents
- More expensive than steel
- Harder to find than steel
3. Copper
Copper roofing is very costly, but its unique blue-green patina and extreme lifespan make it a desirable option worldwide. The exact color that copper develops into varies depending on the type of climate. Because of this protective, tinted layer, copper is resistant to corrosion and works well near the ocean.
Since copper is triple the price of steel, people often use it for accents rather than an entire roofing system.
Pros:
- Extremely long-lasting
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons:
- Very expensive
- More prone to damage
- Harder to find
4. Zinc
Zinc is similar to copper in multiple ways: both are expensive, color-changing, long-lasting, and desirable for their looks. Zinc also develops a protective layer that causes the metal to change colors and become rustproof. When it rains, zinc roofs sometimes get white streaks of chalky residue that some homeowners find unappealing.
Pros:
- Very long lifespan
- Beautiful appearance
- Rust-resistance
Cons:
- High upfront expense
- Chalky residue
- Lack of wide availability
Types of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing types vary in cost, appearance, and installation method.
Standing Seam (Concealed Fastener)
Standing seam metal panels are the most common type of metal roofing system. They have a modern appearance because of the concealed fasteners, making them popular for contemporary-style homes.
The edges of the panels have ridges that interlock with other panels, joining them tightly together. This seal makes standing seam panels very weather-resistant. They are more expensive than other panel types but also require less maintenance.
Exposed Fastener
Exposed fastener panels, such as corrugated metal panels, are the most affordable and easy-to-install metal roofing types. You install them by overlapping the panels and putting a screw through them to secure them to the roof.
The downside to exposed fastener panels is their lack of weatherproofing. As the metal expands and contracts over time because of temperature changes, the screw holes that penetrate each piece of metal get bigger. You’ll need to replace the screw for bigger ones every few years.
Metal Shingles, Slate, and Tile
You can also get metal roofing panels that imitate the look and texture of shingles, slate, and tiles. Metal shingles and tiles are more expensive, but you get the benefit of a traditional appearance and a long lifespan.
Contact Us at Maycon Construction Services for Roof Installation & Repair in the WV-KY-OH Tri-State Area
At Maycon Construction Services, we serve Huntington, WV, and the Tri-State area with outstanding skill and professionalism. For questions about metal roofing types or repair work on commercial or residential roofs, call us at 304-208-8978!
