METALCON '23! LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER OCTOBER 18-20, 2023

If your home needs a new roof, you might be comparing the pros and cons of different roofing materials. After all, there are plenty of choices out there; from slate to asphalt, clay and metal, it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to find the ideal roof design for your home.
There was once a time when asphalt dominated the roofing industry. Although it’s still the most popular material due to its cheap price, metal roofs are gradually taking over. They are more durable and environmentally safe, and new technology and production processes are making metal more affordable and easier to install. Architects and construction companies prefer metal roofs over asphalt because it is weather-resistant. It also offers a sleek, clean look that other options just can’t replicate.
Today, it’s possible to install a metal roof on just about any home, and because there are so many different designs out there, you’re sure to find one that complements your house perfectly. Metal roofs can be shaped and colored to look like slate, clay, shingle or wood shake. This article will introduce you to the various categories of metal roofs and help you identify the perfect option for your residence.
Types of Metal Roofs
If you decide that metal is the smartest long-term investment, you’ll need to choose a style. There are several available, each with their own set of advantages. Here are a few options:
1. Standing Seam Panels – These panels are thru-fastened with longer lengths. They feature ribs that run from the roof ridge to the eave. The panels attach with gasket screws. This design is particularly popular in the southeastern United States. It also is common in mountain cabins and homes. In residential areas across the country, standing-seam panels featuring an attachment arm that’s hidden by adjacent panels are trending. This style is practical because it enhances weather-resistance and offers a clean appearance. The panels can be aluminum, zinc, copper or steel. Buildings with larger roofs might opt for longer-length, standing-seam panels. These surpass 20 feet and feature moveable, hidden clips that attach to the desk and to the roof-panel seam. This connection allows the panels to move slightly, which prevents damage from thermal contraction and expansion during the night and day.
2. Metal Shingle/Shake/Slate Panels – Metal shingle/shake/slate panels are interlocking, painted panels that come in standard dimensions and shapes. They are increasingly common in residential homes. Styles are available in zinc, copper, steel or aluminum and can mimic tile, shingles, slate or wood shake. Most often, hidden fasteners attach the roof panels to the deck. A 4-way interlock provides high wind resistance.
3. Stone Coated Metal Shingle/Shake/Slate Panels- Stone coated metal shingle/shake/slate panels come in standard dimensions. Some connect with fasteners and feature an acrylic coat that contains stone granules, but some are thru-fastened. Tile, shingle and shake designs all are crafted from 26-gauge steel. These panels can install over a counter batten or batten wood-grid system. Or, they can be placed over the roof deck.
Metal Roofs Offer Superior Water Shedding
The three designs featured here are called “water shedding” systems. With a slope at 3:12 or greater, these roofs will drain water faster than asphalt. If your roof design features a flatter slope, consider installing a “water tight” metal-roofing system. Selecting the right shape, color and panel design might not be a simple task. This is a long-term investment, so don’t start a construction project until you know how you want the final product to look and function. For help finding the right roof design for your home, contact Global Home Improvement at (877) 711-9850.