Sheet Metal
A metal roof, often referred to as a tin roof, is a roofing system made from metal sheeting or tiles. Metal sheet roofs are very affordable, durable, versatile and quick to install. Sheet metal can be used on residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural buildings. The same material used for metal roofs can be used for siding. There are many different profiles and styles available to fit most every building situation. Metal is fire and spark resistant, hail and wind resistant. Sheet metal roofs are generally maintenance free and environmentally friendly. An additional feature that is particularly advantageous in our Minnesota climate is that painted metal roofs are usually snow-shedding. Snow can usually collect when it is fresh and lighter weight. As soon as the ambient temperature rises a few degrees, the snow usually just slides off.
Sheet metal comes in many forms. Corrugated galvanized steel describes the original product that was wrought iron–steel sheet coated with zinc and then roll formed into corrugated sheets. This product is still used today in most areas. The newer push of modern architecture and “green” products has brought these products back to the foreground. Other options include: “Zincalume” or “galvalume” (a blend of zinc, aluminum and silicon-coated steel), stainless steel, aluminum, metal tile sheets, painted or stone-coated steel, copper (expensive for a roofing material; it is usually used for flashing or smaller, highly detailed areas such as entryways and bays).
Many different types of coatings are used on metal panels: anti-rust, waterproofing, heat reflective. They are made of various materials such as epoxy, ceramic and, more recently, materials developed through nanotechnology.
Application differs for metal roofing installation on new versus existing construction. On a new building, metal roofing is ordered per piece, whether an individual sheet, a piece of trim, or ridge material. In new construction, proper estimating results in very little waste. Sheets can be ordered at exact lengths, requiring less jobsite modifications. When a building is being remodeled with a sheet metal, roofing is usually easily applied over an existing roof. In situations where reducing the cost of labor is essential, it can be helpful to have this option.
