It’s hard to find a fault with something that can last generations and require minimal upkeep throughout its lengthy lifespan. Metal roofing profiles have seen renewed interest for lasting 50–70 years, given yearly inspections, maintenance, and the right underlayment and sealing.The options are abundant when it comes to metal roofing, but a homeowner doesn’t need all of them. They only require the right one. As someone who’s tried and installed them all throughout his career, James Kenton can help you there. Explore this website for his metal musings.
Keep reading to discover the pros, cons, configurations, and more of various metal roofing profiles.
Standing Seam Roofing
Standing seam roofing possesses a seamless appearance. It does not feature visible seams over the roof exterior but does have raised seams at regular intervals. However, it is a low-profile design, meaning the sleek look isn’t entirely impenetrable.
· Pros
Standing seam roofing is known for lasting 50 years or more. Thanks to the raised seams that prevent water infiltration, it has amazing moisture resistance.
It is the quintessential metal roofing profile, requiring little maintenance, and has a modern aesthetic that would appeal to owners of contemporary homes.
With just the right reflective coating, you can reduce heat absorption and improve the energy efficiency of this roof.
· Cons
Standing seam roofing tends to have a higher upfront cost than other metal roofing types, and we aren’t even accounting for the labor costs, which are also very steep.
You see, standing seam panels require professional installation. Their fastening technique has to account for the expansion and contraction of the metal panels and prevent attachment fatigue.
That said, the expense is an investment in the longevity of your roof, preventing you from spending more on repairs and maintenance down the line.
Corrugated Metal Roofing
Corrugated metal roofing has a pattern James Kenton can only describe as “wriggly, linear, and ridged.” The signature look is what most imagine when they hear the word “metal roofs.”
· Pros
Corrugated metal roofing can be very cost-effective and appealing to look at. That’s probably why they have so many applications outside roofing. The corrugated pattern is also seen around raised garden beds, at bars, outdoor showers, fencing, and what have you.
You can easily DIY the installation of this roofing profile, sparing yourself the labor expense. Just have lots of roofing nails on hand because this roofing requires more than your average amount of nails to pin down to maintain the minimal profile.
Unlike standing seams, corrugated metal roofing complements traditional and contemporary architectural styles. You can make it from steel, aluminum, and even alloys to perfectly fit your residential or commercial structure.
The roof also features excellent water drainage and wind deflection properties.
· Cons
Unfortunately, corrugated metal roofing might succumb to the very elements it fights sooner than standing seam roofing, especially in case of poor installation. It exposes the fasteners and seams much faster, reducing the energy efficiency of your indoors.
You may control the above with installation, but you’ll have to prevent rusting with proper maintenance. Corrugated metal tends to oxidize much faster in harsh climates.
Ribbed Metal Roofing
Some people confuse corrugated roofing with their ribbed counterparts. The two are technically similar, but their appearance couldn’t be more different.
For one, corrugated metal roofing goes in a zigzag pattern. You cannot describe ribbed metal roofing with that word. For another, ribbed panels have raised ridges interrupted by enough flat space to not be like the wriggly pattern on corrugated metal roofing.
· Pros
Ribbed metal roofing is a budget-friendly choice. Everything from the material to the labor shouldn’t hurt your wallet too much. The installation process is so straightforward you can do it yourself!
Like corrugated roofing, ribbed panels have applications outside roofing. They are quite versatile but are usually applied to agricultural and industrial structures.
If James Kenton could change anything about ribbed roofing, it would be this. He would happily install it on more residential structures, not least because of its excellent water drainage capabilities.
· Cons
Ribbed roofing may offer a different, lower level of water resistance than standing seam roofing. The panel may rust faster due to this, combined with poor maintenance and harsh climate conditions.
Moreover, the lack of versatility may have something to do with the panels having limited design options for residential use compared to more decorative metal roofing profiles.
Shingle Metal Roofing
Metal shingles are many homeowners’ first option because they are lightweight and not as difficult to install nor as bad insulation-wise as standing seam roofing. They are perfect for those more concerned with curb appeal than energy efficiency.
· Pros
Shingle metal roofing mimics the appearance of traditional asphalt shingles. If you’re used to those already, metal shingles can be a step up while aesthetically not offering too much of a departure from what you already have.
How, you ask?
Metal lasts much longer than asphalt, you see. If asphalt shingles can last up to 40 years, their metal counterparts can last at least 40 years and a maximum of 70 years with adequate care and maintenance.
Also, unlike asphalt, metal shingles don’t absorb water. They shed it as soon as it hits their surface, further sweetening the deal for homeowners.
· Cons
Although installing metal shingles is much simpler than installing standing seam roofing, the process is still moderately complex enough for you to require the cavalry (read: metal roofers).
Like standing seams, metal shingles are typically more expensive at the outset. Unlike them, they aren’t the most long-lasting metal roofing profiles, not without proper maintenance, and certainly not in harsh climate conditions.
James Kenton believes that the choice of metal roofing profile should be based on a thorough assessment of your needs, budget, climate, and aesthetic preferences. Weigh the pros and cons of metal roofing or learn from the best in the business.
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