Things to Know About Metal Roofing Sheets

Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular among Indian homeowners. For over a century, metal roofing has dominated the industrial sector. Metal roofing sheets provides the durability that only barns, factories, mills, warehouses, and other industrial buildings can provide.

So to give you a rundown on all things metal roof, whether you’re building a new home and haven’t yet decided what roof is best for your design, or it’s time for a new roof, and you want to explore all of your options before making a decision. Let’s know all about metal roofing.

What is Metal Roofing?  

Metal roofing sheets are used to cover our building’s walls and structures, which serve to protect the exterior design. The name explains what it does: it protects our roof from the elements. It is straightforward to maintain and is used for its overall durability. As a good-quality roofing product, it has many variants of key construction components such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc.

Besides homes with extremely flat roof pitches, metal roofing has become mainstream and is now a viable option for most homes. Metal roofs are not all the same. Shingle-style metal roofing products virtually indistinguishable from traditional asphalt shingle roofs are now available.

On the other hand, traditional metal roofing materials such as aluminum, standing seam, and corrugated roofs lacked the style, beauty, and versatility required for most residential buildings.

Metal Roofs Are Not Just a Novelty  

Stone-coated metal roofing was introduced in 1957 to bridge the gap between industrial durability and architectural beauty. Homeowners can now benefit from metal roofing’s durability without sacrificing style. And for a good reason, metal is now the second most popular roofing material on the market.

Metal roofing has started to enter the mainstream and is now a viable option for almost all homes, except those with highly flat roof pitches. Metal roofs do not all scream “metal.” Shingle-style metal roofing products are now virtually indistinguishable from traditional asphalt shingle roofs.

Metal roofing sheets was once only found on high-end, architect-designed homes. That is no longer the case. Because of increased availability and improved manufacturing processes, metal roofing is now in conventional homes. According to industry statistics published in 2017, metal roofing’s market share increased by about 3% per year for a few years. Metal roofing materials were used in about 15% of all roofing installations. At the same time, asphalt shingle roofing’s market share fell, accounting for about 59 percent of total roofing installed.

8 Things you need to know about metal roofing sheets 

Metal Roofing is the Most Energy-Efficient Roofing  

Because they reflect heat away from buildings, metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market. Take, for example, the metal hood of a car. Even if the sun’s heat is above and the engine is below, the metal hood will cool rapidly when the vehicle is parked in the shade, and the engine is turned off.

The metal hood dissipated the heat so well in minutes that the car felt cool to the touch. On the other hand, traditional asphalt roofs absorb heat like a sponge and radiate it into the home long after the sun has set.

Metal roofing has the highest hail protection rating.  

Underwriters Laboratories’ UL2218 Class 4 test is the industry standard for measuring a roof’s hail impact resistance. It can simulate the damaging impact of a 2-inch hailstone thrown from a height of 20 feet or more on a top. Roofing materials are classified as Class 1 through Class 4 based on their ability to withstand the impact of steel balls dropped from various heights. For achieving the highest possible Class 4 rating, the roofing material must be free of signs of fracture.

Metal Roofing Can Withstand Storms-Force Winds  

Wind damage to a roof occurs when the air pressure below the roofing system exceeds the air pressure above. This causes a push-pull force to work together to separate the roofing materials from the roof deck, also known as wind uplift.

When it comes to wind resistance, traditional roofing materials have significant shortcomings. Wood shakes, for example, split and loosen around the fasteners, making them extremely prone to wind uplift. Clay easily fractured clay tiles are also highly susceptible to wind uplift, with few warranties available.

Metal Roofing is best for Fire Protection.  

In any fire scenario, the roof is critical to your safety. All high-end products have the highest Class-A Fire rating available. This means that the metal roofing materials have proven resistant to the most severe Fire tests. They protect against flame penetration as stand-alone roofing products with excellent resistance to surface flame spread without needing additional underlying roofing materials or chemical treatments.

Metal is the lightest roofing material.  

Metal roofs typically weigh between 3,500 and 4,500 pounds, compared to 45,000 pounds for a comparable-sized asphalt shingle roof. The stone-coated steel is one of the lightest roofing materials on the market, weighing around 1.6 pounds per square foot. The benefits include:

• It provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio that reinforces the roof deck’s shear strength, which is especially important in cyclone and earthquake-prone areas.
• Eliminates the requirement for tear-offs and costly waste disposal costs for existing roof remodeling or refurbishment while diverting waste from landfills.

Metal Roofing is Environmentally-Friendly  

Aside from the last two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, metal roofing does not use petroleum-based raw materials like asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles, with an average lifespan of only 12 to 20 years, contribute 11-13 million tonnes of asphalt shingles to landfills yearly.

Existing Roofs Can Be Covered With Metal Roofing  

If local building codes allow it, metal roofs can be installed over your existing roof without tearing off the shingles. While shingle removal is the preferred method, tear-off is inconvenient and increases the cost of the job. Trapped water vapor is a potential issue with this type of installation. Moisture can accumulate between metal roofing and old roofing, causing mold and rot. On the other hand, Roofers can install a vented metal roof, which eliminates this potential issue.

Metal Roofing Does Not Attract Lightning  

You might believe that a metal roof attracts lightning, but facts and statistics contradict this. According to a Metal Construction Association technical bulletin, metal roofing does not increase the risk of a lightning strike.” It also states that metal roofing is less combustible if lightning strikes than traditional roofing materials like wood shakes or shingles.

Advantages of metal roofs:  

Metal roofs offer many benefits, including:

• Longevity. Metal roofs can easily last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, depending on the quality and type of metal, while traditional asphalt roofing materials have a life expectancy of 12 to 20 years.
• Durability. When properly installed, the metal roofs can withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour, will not rust over time, and may be impact-resistant. Furthermore, metal roofs do not necessitate the costly maintenance that other roofing materials frequently necessitate. However, they should regularly be inspected to ensure no repairs are required.
• Safety. Metal roofs will not spark and ignite into flames during an emergency, like a wildfire or lightning strike.
• Energy efficiency. Metal roofs tend to reflect the sun’s UV and infrared light rays, which contribute to radiant heat on the roof surface, which makes the place 25% cooler than any other roofing.
• Environmentally friendly. Metal roofs not only have a recycled content of 25-95 %, depending on the material used, but they are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life as a roof. In contrast, the majority of shingle tear-off waste — up to 20 billion pounds per year — ends up in the building-related waste stream.

Tips for Choosing Metal Roofing Sheets

Metal roofing has grown in popularity dramatically over the last decade. This popularity comes as no surprise given the benefits of metal roofing. However, if you are considering replacing or installing a new roof, keep in mind that it is a once-in-a-lifetime investment. Before you begin constructing the roof of your home, factory, or warehouse, you must consider various factors such as material, color, style, installation, and cost.

We make some fundamental suggestions about what makes a roof sheet the best quality,

MATERIAL

There are numerous metals to choose from when it comes to metal roofing. While aluminum and steel are the most common metal roofing materials, copper and zinc are also used in some applications.

STEEL

Steel metal roof sheets come in two forms –

Galvalume: Galvalume is a zinc, silicon, and aluminum-coated roofing sheet. These coatings protect the metal and are the primary form of oxidized steel. It is made from a mix of zinc, silicon, and aluminum. The composition of a Galvalume coat using these three elements is 55 % aluminum, 43.4 % zinc, and 1.6 % silicone.

Galvanized: Galvanizing is a popular roofing sheet widely used for corrosion protection. It has a thin zinc coat base metal that protects you from natural elements such as water, sun, etc. Galvanizing is made entirely of zinc. Its protection ability is less enhanced than that of Galvalume. When exposed to water, it performs poorly and is also less durable. It can rust after a certain period and is less attractive.

COPPER

Alloys of copper Roofs are one of the most durable metal roofing materials, with a lifespan of 50 years or more. It is made of a soft material that is extremely cold. This means you should not be subjected to loud noise during heavy rains. However, remember that a copper roof is significantly more expensive than a steel roof. At the same time, some people like the convertible, and many others dislike it. 

WEATHER BARRIER

In cold weather, use a heat pump. Roofing materials must be able to withstand whatever weather conditions arise. Because the roof of your shed is the primary barrier between you and Mother Nature, selecting a material that will reliably shelter your home is critical. It must withstand rain, snow, wind, and the sun for many years. Color tone may be an issue. A lighter-colored roof reflects more heat than a darker-colored roof. Consider light tones if you live in a hot climate. Consider dark tones if you live in an area where heat gain is more beneficial.

APPEARANCE

Because the metal roof and walls are typically apparent from the street, the appearance of a metal roof material will frequently have a significant impact on the formation of a building. The color, texture, and material should complement your structure’s exterior finish and style. The majority of new products are designed to look like original roofs. So be cautious and thoroughly test metal roofs before purchasing.

COST

One of the common misconceptions about metal roofing sheets is its cost. The cost of a new metal roof sheet can range from reasonably priced to prohibitively expensive. A new metal roof will cost twice as much as a traditional asphalt roof. While a metal roof is more costly than other roofing materials, keep in mind that it can outlast traditional roofs and requires minimal maintenance. As a result, metal roofs will save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

STRENGTH AND DURABILITY

Different materials have different levels of strength and durability. Weather elements in a given area can also impact durability. Some places get plenty of sunshine, while others get much rain. You want a metal roof sheet that offers adequate protection. During the winter, snow may accumulate above the roof. This means you need a thicker roof sheet that can withstand the load; otherwise, it will fall into your building.

Get yourself the best roof.  

If you’re searching for a roof that can withstand nearly anything Mother Nature offers without sacrificing style, it’s time to upgrade your roof. Contact ReZa Smart Build Inc, one of India’s leading roofing material providers, to obtain the highest quality polycarbonate, reap all of the above benefits, and more. Polycarbonates are excellent for skylights and other structures such as greenhouses, conservatories, patios, and carports. We strive to provide top-notch service to our customers by staying up to date on the latest roofing innovations and trends. Don’t hesitate to contact ReZa Smart Build Inc as soon as possible if you have any questions.