There are several types of industrial and commercial roofing materials. In this 5 part series we cover each of the following: EPDM, thermoplastic, built-up, modified bitumen, and metal. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages and any of them can be the right choice depending on your building, climate, and budget.
In this installment, we look at our final material for commercial buildings: metal roofing.
What is a Metal Roof?
As early as the 1700s, builders were using tin on roofs. Though interest in metal roofing has fluctuated since then, in recent decades it has come on stronger than ever. Metal is a favorite roofing product for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings for many decades. Generally they are made of interlocking metal panels placed vertically over the roof surface. Metal roofs are made from a variety of metals and alloys. Some of the materials used include galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, terne (zinc-tin alloy), and stainless steel.
Metal Roof Pros
Here are a few reasons metal roofs are in popular demand.
- Low lifecycle costs
- Conserves energy
- Reduces facility air conditioning needs
- Reduces facility lighting needs
- High sustainability
- Can improve property value on site
- 20 to 40 year warranty is common
- Do not require laying surface, can be applied directly to roof joists
- Lightweight
In addition to these advantages, low slope metal roofs are usually airtight and extremely weather resistant. Metal roofs allow water to run of very efficiently. This is why roofers and building managers lean towards metal for commercial buildings.
Metal Roof Cons
Of course, there are some drawbacks to metal roofs, such as:
- May glare or appear very shiny
- Expansion and contraction may limit effective water protection
- Lower grade materials may corrode when exposed to coastal conditions
- Can be expensive, depending on the metal
Which metal is best?
When determining which metal is right to use for your commercial building, it is best to consult your local roofing contractor to make sure you are getting the absolutely best product for your specific situation. However here are a few guidelines to follow:
- Galvanized steel is prone to corrode when exposed to moist salt spray (coastal locations)
- Galvalume steel (coated in copper and zinc) lasts longer but is more expensive than galvanized
- Steel is normally the lowest costing metal roof material, and therefore, most popular
- Aluminum is a close second due to higher costs, but greater longevity
- Copper is a wonderful metal which could last an eternity, however, it is prohibitively expensive
- Copper and zinc will not rust nor be negatively impacted by weathering
Metal roofs offer several attractive benefits to the building manager, however, there are situations in which they are not the best choice. It is important to be well informed and researched before deciding which material to use.
When you are deciding what material to use for your commercial building, you should consult with an experienced, licensed roofing contractor. All Weather Tite of Port Charlotte, Florida, is a GAF Master Elite® certified roofing contractor. This guarantees that we are fully licensed, fully insured, have a proven reputation for quality, and are committed to ongoing professional training. Check out the commercial roofing section of our website. You can request a free estimate and we will be happy to explain your options regarding recoating your roof. Our expert services cover all aspects of roofing from new roofs to minor repairs.