A Homeowner's Guide to Choosing the Right Metal Roof

Many homeowners prefer metal roofs for a range of reasons. They are durable, energy efficient and available in many options and they require little maintenance, among other advantages. However, the fact that metal roofs come in several options means you'll still need to do more to find the one that works best for your home. There are plenty of things to consider in this regard. Here are some of the most significant when considering metal roofing materials.

The Type of Metal

Steel and aluminium are the most common, but you can also find zinc and copper, which are often considered high-end options. While all the metals are strong, steel is usually the strongest. That means it will perform better when it comes to impact resistance. If you live in a region that experiences frequent hailstorms, a steel roof would be an excellent choice for your home to prevent dents and dings. Steel also has low thermal expansion. That means the material won't expand or contract as a result of extreme temperature changes. This is an advantage because continued expansion and contraction can lead to increased noise, oil canning and increased maintenance requirements on the exposed fasteners. Therefore, if you live in a region that experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, steel will be your best option.

However, steel is usually susceptible to corrosion. That makes it unsuitable for use in places such as the coastal regions. Nevertheless, you can choose stainless steel that doesn't corrode, but this will come at an extra cost.

Aluminium is the best alternative to steel especially when it comes to corrosion resistance. The metal performs better in this regard. It's also lightweight, which means transportation and installation will be much easier. Unfortunately, it's susceptible to denting and thermal movement. That is, it contracts and expands more than steel.

Zinc and copper are also other options you can consider. Zinc has self-healing properties, meaning it will prevent against scratching, panel markings and even corrosion. Copper, on the other hand, is among the most aesthetically pleasing metal roofs you can find. The only major drawback of zinc and copper roofs is that they are usually very expensive.

The Colour of the Roof

Since the roof is among the first things someone notices on your house, it's imperative to choose the right colour. For the best results, choose a colour that complements the elements of the exterior design of your home including your windows, doors, siding and even landscape.

You should also have energy efficiency in mind when selecting your metal roof colour. Generally, lighter colours such as white, peach, beige, light blue, light green and light bronze are more energy efficient. They reflect the solar radiation, making them excellent choices if you live in a hot region.

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