Ah, metal roofs, an upgrade often overlooked until something goes wrong. Metal’s unique properties make metal roofing a dependable yet attractive choice for any building. Able to withstand extreme temperatures, metal roofing offers unrivaled durability, making it a smart choice for home and business owners alike. With metal, you don’t have to sacrifice looks for longevity – metal roofs come in all sorts of styles and hues, giving your building a look you want with the peace of mind that comes with metal’s impressive resilience. So put away your shingles and unleash the metal!
Many people gazing at a building with what appears to be a shaker style, ceramic tile, or slate roof may need to realize that they are looking at metal shingle roofs instead. Anyone hesitating to purchase a slate roof due to its fragility, a cedar shingle roof, poor performance in certain climates, or a ceramic top, with its potential to crack in a freeze/thaw environment, may want to consider a metal roof instead.
The History of Metal Roofs
The first metal roofs can be traced back to several hundred years B.C. Copper roofing was used on temples for its durability and beauty as it aged. Copper roofs, pitched in a Dutch fashion, would help to purify rainwater as it fell from the ceiling and was collected in metal barrels. Combined with their natural flame-retardant qualities, this roof style continued to be popular throughout Europe. Copper roofing also gained popularity in the Virgin Islands and is still associated with island homes.
Lead and waterproofing materials were used on roofs from the Roman ages on nearly all buildings. Throughout Europe and America, lead and copper were used in many public buildings and residential homes until the 19th century.
At this time, steel became a commodity, and the use of metal and metal roofing materials changed dramatically. Steel roofing tiles are extremely durable and can be shaped into various tile shingles and styles to complement any home.
Steel Roof Shingles and Styles
Many beautiful styles are being produced today in steel roof shingles. With its ability to be molded and painted in nearly any type, steel roofs can be a durable option to fit even historic homes.
Slate roofs, when left alone, can last up to 150 years. If repairs are needed on a chimney, however, or a satellite dish is being installed, the tiles can be loosened and cracked by the weight of someone on the roof. Slate-style steel roof shingles are durable enough to be walked on while maintaining the classic slate look.
Cedar shingle roofs are another attractive look with potential drawbacks for some homeowners. The wood roofs are not flame resistant and, if not treated properly, can be subject to rot and other damage from the elements. Steel shingles are available in the look of cedar shingles without these drawbacks.
The popular ceramic style roofs, typically seen in homes in the South and on the West Coast, are more and more frequently made of metal and painted the distinctive terra cotta color. This type helps the roof endure hurricanes, and other potentially damaging weathers, as the metal tiles are unlikely to crack or come loose in high winds.
Steel roof shingles do have some drawbacks, however. They are heavy, meaning a homeowner will need to evaluate their home for structural integrity before installation. They also retain heat, which can cause attics and floors directly under the roof to become extremely hot during warm weather.
Aluminum Roof Shingles
An aluminum roof is another 20th-century innovation, and aluminum is one of the lightest weight yet most durable materials on the market for roofing today. Aluminum shingles do not retain heat, crack, come loose, or rust; they can be walked on and installed over existing shingles, saving homeowners a great deal of money.
Aluminum shingles are available in fewer styles and finishes than other metal roofing materials are, making their appeal more from their functionality than from their looks.
While at it, why not check out these aluminum walkway canopies or wheelchair ramps that will most likely go well with the roof?
Metal roofs have a long and varied history, making them one of the market’s most utilized and variable roofing materials. Consider a metal roof for its durability, versatility, and long-lasting beauty to add value to any building.
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