Metal roofing is a mainstream, feasible option for nearly all homes. Homeowners are swayed by metal roofing’s strength, longevity, and sustainability. There are various metal roofing options, ranging from galvanized steel to copper, aluminum, zinc, and more. They also come in beautiful styles to compliment your home or neighborhood.
Steel is the most common type of metal roof. It is affordable, durable, and weather-resistant. Steel can also have a galvanized or galvalume coating. Other metal roofing materials include copper, aluminum, zinc, and tin. Copper is the most expensive, but they outlast most other roofing materials.
Although once relegated to upper-class homes, metal roofing is now more affordable and readily available to the masses. The broad range of metal materials can be overwhelming for homeowners. So, we’re taking you through the advantages and disadvantages of the seven most common types of metal roofs to help you decide which roof suits your home. (Related: 6 Types of Roofs in Florida and the Pros and Cons of Each One)
7 Types of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a durable, energy-efficient alternative. Better yet, they are customizable in terms of texture, color, and finish, allowing you to find a complementary style for your home.
While the term “metal roofing” typically refers to steel, there are several other high-quality metal roofing materials. Here are the 7 common types of metal roofs, including their pros and cons.
Steel Metal Roofing
Steel is the most used metal roofing material – it is affordable, low maintenance, and long-lasting. This high-quality material is commonly used on commercial buildings, but it has gained popularity in recent years in residential homes.
One of steel metal roofing’s advantages is its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It lasts up to 40 years and can withstand high winds, heavy rain, fire, and snow accumulation. Steel roofing is also exceptionally versatile.
A drawback to steel roofing is that it’s less corrosion-resistant than other metal roofing materials like copper, aluminum, and zinc. Steel isn’t ideal for coastal homes or areas with excessive moisture. Steel roofing is also the heaviest metal roofing material, putting additional weight and strain on your home’s structure.
BENEFITS
Durable and fire resistant
Longevity
Cost-effective and low maintenance
DRAWBACKS
Greater weight
Less corrosion resistant than other metal roofing materials
Galvanized Steel Roofing
Galvanized steel is manufactured by applying a thin layer of zinc to help prevent the underlying steel from rusting and corroding. Galvanized steel metal sheets and roofing panels are the most common steel metal roofing types.
Steel roofing is a durable, highly cost-effective option that withstands weather damage. It can last 50 years or longer. Galvanized steel can mimic other metals’ appearances, making it a customizable and common choice among homeowners.
Even though galvanized steel helps slow rust and corrosion, the roof will need repainting and maintenance to cover rusty spots. If the zinc layer of the steel becomes scratched or damaged, the exposed area becomes vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
benefits
Customizable and cost-effective
Longevity
Weather resistant
drawbacks
Greater weight
Requires maintenance and zinc repainting
Less corrosion resistant than other metal roofing materials
Galvalume Roofing
Like galvanized steel, galvalume roofing consists of steel sheets or panels with a metal coating. However, the steel is hot dipped in aluminum, zinc, and silicon instead of using zinc.
Galvalume lasts up to twice as long as galvanized steel. It offers enhanced protection abilities against rusting and corrosion, especially with water exposure. Unlike galvanized steel, galvalume steel is “self-healing” and prevents rust from spreading.
However, galvalume needs to be carefully paired with other building materials to prevent galvanic corrosion. Some metals that shouldn’t be used with galvalume include copper, concrete, brick, and mortar.
benefits
Longevity
Self-healing and corrosion resistant
drawbacks
Possibility of galvanic corrosion
Copper Roofing
Copper has been used for roofing for thousands of years thanks to its sustainability, versatility, and beautiful aesthetic.
Copper roofing is attractive and immediately boosts your home’s curb appeal. Copper can easily be bent into any shape, making it ideal over arches, front porches, bay windows, or low-sloped areas. And thanks to new tools, technology, and installation techniques, copper roof installations are easier than ever before.
The primary disadvantage of a copper roof is also the primary reason homeowners don’t get one – the cost. Copper roofs are incredibly expensive. However, a copper roof’s longevity and low maintenance make it a worthwhile investment (if your budget allows it).
Copper roofs tend to outlast conventional roofing materials, sometimes lasting over a hundred years. It is also recyclable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, making it the perfect choice for green building.
benefits
Durable and versatile
Low-maintenance
Aesthetic
Resistant to corrosion and energy efficient
Environmentally friendly
drawbacks
Incredibly expensive
Ability to contract and expand
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing is a lightweight, malleable, and corrosion-resistant material available in panels and shingles. This unique material is ideal for unusually shaped roofs and coastal homes.
Although lightweight (roughly ⅓ the weight of steel), aluminum is highly durable, has an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio, and lasts 40 to 60 years. It is easy to transport and install and puts less stress on your home’s structure.
Aluminum is also an energy-efficient and eco-friendly option as it cools down faster than steel roofing, helping you cut the electricity bill in the summer.
The biggest drawback to aluminum roofing is its ability to contract and expand and the steep prices. However, homeowners do not need to worry about the material expanding if they use roofing contractor experts to install the roof. Aluminum is also more prone to dents from hail, walking on the roof, or falling branches.
benefits
Durable and lightweight
Low-maintenance
Resistant to corrosion and energy efficient
Environmentally friendly
drawbacks
Expensive
Ability to contract and expand
More prone to dents
Zinc Metal Roofing
Zinc is a naturally sourced element formed into sheets, panels, shingles, or cladding roof tiles. Few roofing materials match the durability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness of zinc. Zinc roofs last well over a hundred years, even in some of the most extreme environments.
Zinc roofs require minimal attention after installation. It offers one of the most attractive finishes, gradually transforming from dark gray to a blueish-light gray color due to an oxidization process called patina. The patina process protects the roof from rust and weathering.
The biggest disadvantage of a zinc roof is the high cost. And like any other roof, a professional must properly install zinc roofing to prevent corrosion and leaks.
benefits
Durable and low-maintenance
Fire-resistant and energy efficient
Environmentally friendly
drawbacks
Expensive
Ability to contract and expand
More prone to dents
Tin Roofing
Tin is a rarely used metal type for roofing. It used to be popular in the 1800s because of its lightweight and maneuverability. However, its popularity rapidly declined after being replaced by more durable steel and aluminum roofing.
benefits
Lightweight
Easy installation
drawbacks
No longer used
Final Thoughts
Metal roofing has become highly desirable amongst homeowners as it lets you say goodbye to frequent, costly home repairs. When choosing which metal roofing material is best suited for your home, ensure you carefully consider your budget and desired curb appeal.
Other factors include the roofing material’s longevity, maintenance, curb appeal, durability, and energy efficiency. (Related: Energy Efficient Roofing: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Making a Deposit)