Metal Roofing Materials

Steel Roofs

Steel roofing is most widely used metal roofing material today. The steel industry is very well developed in United States, which makes steel, a strong and flexible metal and an abundant commodity, a good material of choice. Steel is a cost effective and affordable metal roofing material for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Modern steel metal roofs come in G - galvanized steel, and galvalume coated coils, and profiles. Many steel shingles roofing profiles are made from galvanized steel, while sheet metal coils used for standing seam are made from galvalume a higher quality coated steel. More details about differences of galvanized steel vs. galvalume will be available at the bottom of this page as an additional resource on a different site. There are also stainless steel metal roofing profiles used mostly for high end commercial and institutional roofing projects. The high cost of stainless steel makes it a rather rare choice for residential roofs.

Tin Roofing

Tin roofs used to be installed in United States for a very long time. Tin roofs are usually installed by tin smith craftsmen who would install tin roofs in field on residential homes in America. Tin Roofs are still being installed, but they do require regular tin roof coatings to be applied over the tin roof to help preserve good condition of the tin roof, and prevent corrosion.

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is a pernament metal roofing material that is not affected by the natures elements, salt, and oxidation. Unlike steel, aluminum can last as long the building itself. The paint finish may fade, but the roof will remain.

Copper Roofing

Definitely on the expensive side, copper roofing offers traditional beauty and reliable protection. The natural beauty of unpainted copper, gives your roof a classic look that never goes out of style. Similar to aluminum, copper roofing can last for a very long time. The lifespan of over 120 years is not uncommon for a copper roof. After the installation of a copper roof, the weathering process occurs: the shiny copper changes its color to weathered green, which is known as patina color, another distinct sign of the copper roof. Although, it is not a main stream commercial roofing product, copper is still frequently installed on prestine residential homes. Copper is an expensive material, and installing copper sheets in an involved process; it requires mechanical attachment, and soldering, which explains the high cost of installing copper roofs. Now, it costs a little bit less to install copper shingles instead of vertical copper sheet panels, because process of installing copper shingle is the same as it is for steel and aluminum. Thus, you would only pay for the difference in material costs.

Zinc Roofing

In many ways similar to copper, zinc roofing has the potential to last for a very long time, but it does come with a price tag. Expect to pay about the same as you would for copper roofing materials.

Iron Roofing

Also, not in the main stream by any means, Iron roofs belong to metal roofing materials, and feature similar profiles as steel metal roofs.

Additional Resources

Metal Roofing Prices - Provides overview of metal roofing materials and prices. Explains the difference of G - 90 galvanized Steel vs. Galvalume Steel roofing sheets.

Roofing Materials - Covers conventional roofing materials and explains their expected life cycle and comparative costs.

Metal Roofing Products - Buy Metal Roofing Materials on-line at MetalRoofingStore.com.

Metal Roofing Materials - Explains common types of metal roofing materials, and provides roofing material price references.

Metal Roofing Materials - Guide on Learn about Metal Roofing.