Metal roofing panels are an excellent option for residences since they are long-lasting and available in various forms. A few ways to classify the many kinds of metal roofs are by material, form, and style of panels, or installation fastening technique.
To help you choose the ideal metal roof for your requirements, this guide gives a general overview of each kind, including prices, advantages, and disadvantages.
Types of Metal Roofing Panel
Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing Panels
A metal roof with exposed fasteners is one where the fasteners are visible. Using screws and washers inserted through the metal’s face, the metal panels are secured in place. A screw-down panel is another name for it.
When the metal panels experience thermal expansion, there is no space for expansion or contraction since the fasteners are screwed through the panel. Exposed fastener metal roofs perform better over a garage, carport, barn, back screened-in porch, or anyplace else that’s not a heated living or working environment since they don’t expand and contract.
This is not going to prevent you from installing one in your house. But you should know that the lack of expansion and contraction will eventually cause a leak if you don’t undertake regular maintenance.
You now understand what a metal roof with exposed fasteners is. However, there are still specific issues with this type of metal roof that you should be aware of. Below are the three facts regarding exposed fastener metal roofs that every homeowner should know:
How to take care of a metal roofing panels with uncovered fasteners
Keep in mind that a metal roof with exposed fasteners cannot easily expand or shrink. Due to the lack of expansion possibilities, the problem develops as the screws wiggle out of the washer holes and exert pressure on the roof.
This means that to preserve your roof, your roofing contractor will need to replace the screws every five to ten years. If you put off doing this for too long, it will result in internal roof leaks and more severe issues, such as a powerful storm ripping off your metal roof.
Sadly, you won’t realize when this maintenance is necessary until it’s too late. For this reason, it is crucial for you to inspect your exposed fastener metal roof at least once a year.
The cost of a metal roof with exposed fasteners
Currently, experts consider the cost of an exposed fastener metal roof to be the most crucial information for homeowners. Therefore, evaluating your roof is necessary to provide you with an exact estimate. But we can estimate the cost per square foot for an exposed fastener metal roof.
Around $4.50 per square foot is what you should budget for when installing an exposed fastening metal roof.
The lifespan of an exposed fastener metal roof
Your exposed fastener metal roof’s lifespan is how many years you get out of it. An exposed fastener metal roof should last 20 years if erected correctly and maintained free of errors.
You might extend its life to thirty years by performing periodic maintenance. An exposed-fastener metal roof will, of course, occasionally not live up to its full potential.
Storm damage, faulty installation, or neglect might cause this. Nonetheless, you ought to get as much use out of an exposed fastener metal roof as you can, provided that you work with a top-notch roofing contractor.
Concealed Fastener Metal Roofing Panels
A specific type of panel that has hidden clips or fasteners behind the panels and an interlocking seam is a roof panel with concealed fasteners. The majority of these standing seam roofing solutions offer superior aesthetic quality.
For residential roofing, concealed fastener roof panels are a common choice. Many homeowners think that the hidden fastening looks better than the exposed fastener. The fasteners are hidden from view from the roof’s exterior after the roofing panels are installed.
Concealed fastener roof panels are more costly because they often include larger gauge metal roofing panels and standing seam profiles. Because of the way it looks, many homeowners choose this despite the greater expense.
Because you need to decide if it’s the best kind of roofing material for you, there are a lot more to understand about it. Let’s discuss the three main aspects of a concealed fastener metal roof you should know.
Components of a metal roof with concealed fasteners
It’s not simply the visible metal panels that make up a concealed fastener metal roof. A comprehensive metal roofing system is made up of many parts and materials.
To keep your metal roof leak-free, each part serves a unique purpose. When purchasing a hidden fastener metal roof, understanding these materials can help you comprehend the many components and break down the cost.
The following materials and components comprise a concealed fastener metal roof system, including roof decking, starter lock strip, underlayment (high heat ice and water shield), metal panels (steel, copper, aluminum, etc.), clips, Z bar, and ridge capping.
Lifespan of a concealed fastener metal roof
The longevity of a concealed fastener metal roof is the main factor attracting homeowners’ interest. In fact, it’s among the most durable roofing materials for residential roofs.
If fitted correctly, a concealed fastener metal roof should last for no less than thirty years. Under perfect circumstances, the lifetime could reach 50 years.
However, if the painted finish of the Kynar 500 is damaged or scratched during installation, the lifespan will be shortened. This causes new steel to rust by exposing it to airborne moisture.
Because of this, it is essential to your investment to work with a local roofing contractor who has expertise in installing concealed fastener metal roofs and who follows all the necessary safety procedures during installation.
The concealed fastener metal roof’s paint warranty
The primary functions of Kynar 500 are to shield the metal panels from the weather and prevent the color you select from deteriorating. However, after installation, a 30-year paint warranty is also included. A painted finish known as Kynar 500 is included with a steel concealed fastener metal roof. Major steel producers use a patented method to paint the panels of a hidden fastener metal roof with this finish.
The Kynar 500 painted finish has an outstanding track record of not just flaking off after 30 years. Once you reach the 30-year milestone, you really need to start saving money for a new roof.
Types of Metal Roofing Materials
Metal roofing panels may be constructed from several types of metal, and it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each material before making a decision.
Aluminum Roofing
Don’t allow the fact that aluminum is the lightest roofing material available to deceive you. Aluminum roofs are still quite strong. Compared to other roofing metals, aluminum has a superior strength-to-weight ratio. This implies that you may get the same strength without using a bulky material that is more difficult to deal with during installation.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Malleable
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons
- More prone to denting
- Expensive
- Limited color options
Copper Roofing
One of the most striking and distinctive features of copper roofing is its look. Over time, the copper will change color, taking on an aged look of blue-green or brown instead of the shine of a fresh penny. The climate to which it is exposed will affect the tarnish.
Pros
- Attractive appearance
- Extra long-lasting
- Corrosion Resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Traditional in appearance
Cons
- Expensive
- Less Availability
- Denting
Steel Roofing
The most prevalent usage of the word “metal roofing” is in reference to steel. When someone refers to “metal roofing,” they nearly invariably mean steel roofing.
Steel is an alloy. It is made of iron and other elements. Due to its low cost, extended lifespan, and ease of maintenance, steel roofing has long been a popular choice for commercial buildings. Still, it is also becoming more and more popular for residential ones.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Fire-resistant
- Rot-resistant
- Durable
- Inexpensive
Con
- Less resistant to corrosion
- Heavy-weight
Zinc Roofing
One kind of metal roofing that is long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and simple to mold into unique designs is zinc roofing. Zinc roofing comes in various colored treatments, but natural zinc has a shiny look that becomes blue or gray as it acquires an aged look. There is also pre-weathered zinc available for an instantly aged appearance.
Pro
- Long lifespan
- Stylish look
- Easily malleable
- Eco-friendly
Con
- Expensive
- Low resistance to corrosion
Conclusion
Choosing the right metal roofing panel for your home involves understanding the differences in panel types, fastening methods, and materials. Exposed fastener panels offer a more budget-friendly option and are ideal for non-heated structures, but they require regular maintenance. On the other hand, concealed fasteners are more visually appealing, have longer lifespans, and require minimal maintenance, though they come at a higher cost.
The best metal roof for you ultimately depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and long-term maintenance expectations. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can make a confident decision that balances performance, appearance, and value for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of steel roofing materials?
Steel or metal roofing is the most affordable type of metal roofing. Metal roofing is around one-third the price of copper or zinc roofing and costs about 35% less than aluminum roofing. Roof panels with visible fasteners typically cost between $2 and $4 per square foot. In comparison, those with standing seams usually cost between $3 and $5 per square foot.
How much does copper roofing cost?
Copper is a more expensive option compared to most other metal roofing materials. The only metal roofing material that is around the same price is zinc. The cost of copper roofing is almost three times that of steel roofing. Corrugated copper roofing ranges in price from $13 to $20 per square foot, whereas standing seam copper roofing costs between $15 and $25 per square foot.
