Considering installing a metal roof? That’s a great idea! For one, metal roofs are extremely durable and weather-resistant, so they’ll be in use for a long time in your home! We’re all for metal roofs, but we still like to encourage people to consider what they’re investing in and to understand it more or less before they dive into buying it. So, in this article, we’ll give you some things that you need to know about metal roofs before buying one.

What types of metal roofing are there

Nowadays, there are so many metal roofing options, with each type of metal having its own unique characteristics and strength qualities. For a long time, metals like corrugated metal, aluminium, or standing seam metal were used. But, they weren’t always the most suitable option, especially on the eyes. 

Thankfully, in 1957, stone-coated metal roofing was created, offering homeowners the best of both worlds: a pleasing aesthetic and durability. Steel is also a very popular option for roofs. For example, AMJ Metal Roofing in Brisbane often uses high-quality Colourbond steel for its roofs. 

Stone-coated metal roofing 

We touched on stone-coated metal roofing above. This kind of roof tile or board is designed with natural stone stuck to a high-quality steel sheet. The benefit of this is that it provides a naturally appealing aesthetic while keeping the strength of the steel in it. 

Stone-coated metal roofing has the added benefit of being able to mimic any of the other roofing materials you like. For instance, you can purchase stone-coated metal roofing that looks like asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or wooden shakes. 

Metal roofs have the best hail rating

If you live in an area that’s prone to getting hail, metal roofing is a fitting choice. Hail can be unpredictable. At times, it may come down in small sizes, and at others, you could get huge hail hitting your roof. With other roofing materials like clay, the hail could cause it to chip and eventually lead to a leak. 

In comparison to these other materials, metal roofing has a far better hail resistance. The UL2218 Class 4 test (a common test to assess the strength of a roof material) was conducted on metal roofing sheets and the results proved that metal roof sheets are highly effective against hail.

Metal roofs are extremely durable in bad weather

In addition to being able to withstand hail, metal roofing is also a great option for a variety of climates, especially windy areas. Wind damage to roofs is generally caused by harsh winds and a difference between air pressure below the roof and above it which work together to lift the roof off its frame.

We’ve seen this in many places where the entire roof has lifted off a house. In most cases, this happens with materials that aren’t strong enough to handle the pressure placed on them. For instance, wood shakes tend to split and loosen around the fasteners, which provides them with more play and space for wind to gather underneath them. This is where steel comes in. Steel is a hardy material that doesn’t always bend easily based on its size and thickness.  With a steel roof, you don’t need to worry about the steel getting damaged or your roof flying off in strong winds. 

They’re non-combustible

Another benefit of steel is that it is a non-combustible material. Wooden or thatch roofs pose fire risks, while metal roofs, on the other hand, have a Class A fire rating, meaning that they won’t burn like other materials and won’t assist the fire in spreading either. 

Helps save energy

As you well know, metal can get super hot when exposed to direct sunlight, so much so that you could cook an egg on it. While many people think that a metal roof would make your home hotter, the opposite is true. While metal roofs can heat a home substantially, their inherent properties actually reflect heat upwards away from the building below. As a result, this should make the building below slightly cooler. So, when summer comes, your home should be naturally cool, saving you on spending excessive electricity bills.

It needs to be cared for properly

Metal roofing needs to be cared for properly. Let’s say you live near the ocean and decide to install standard steel sheets as your roofing. These roof sheets will offer you all the benefits that come with metal roofing; however, because you live next to the ocean, they stand the chance of rusting if they are not well maintained. When installed, the roof should be sealed with a rust-repellent solution like roof paint or primer. From there, every few years, you’d need to apply the same solution again to ensure that it stays rust-free, 

Final Thoughts

Choosing to buy metal roofing might be one of the best investments you can make in your house. But before you purchase your materials, consider what roof style you’re going for and what the weather is like in your region. These factors are essential to consider when choosing a roofing material. 

In case you missed!