To some extent, steel roof panels’ lifespan is their primary benefit over competing roofing materials. In North America, asphalt shingles are widely used. Homeowners in Europe and other parts of the world, where the average age of a property is hundreds of years, are not interested in installing a roof that will need to be replaced in the next two decades.
Rust is the most detrimental condition for uncoated steel. Steel’s resistance to rust has been vastly improved by the development of coatings composed of aluminum and/or zinc. These coatings, are known as Galvalume (not recommended for animal confinement) and galvanized (excellent for residential), respectively. In addition, manufacturers may now provide 40- or even 50-year warranties (often referred to as “Lifetime Warranties”) because of newly developed paint processes. In the event of a paint failure, the roof can be repainted as many times as necessary. Steel roofs, when properly cared for, can survive for more than a century.
This is due in part to the fact that steel panels are extremely resilient. By virtue of its inherent hardness, steel roofing is the material of choice in regions prone to hailstorms, hurricanes, and wildfires. As a rule, the thicker a steel roof panel is, the more durable it will be (measured in gauges). Steel with a lower gauge number is thicker than that of a thinner gauge. A heavier gauge number indicates a heavier metal (28 gauge is heavier than 29 gauge, 24 gauge is heavier than 26 gauge, etc.)
While asphalt shingles are a prevalent roofing material, steel roof panels are more energy efficient. Steel roofing’s energy efficiency falls under “Radiant Heat Block,” with “Solar Reflectivity” as a subset. The physical qualities of steel cause radiant heat to be reflected off of steel roof panels, while asphalt shingles absorb radiant heat from the sun (during the summer) or from the interior (during the winter). So, when the heat is trying to get in, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, and vice versa when the heat is trying to get out.
Steel roofing, regardless of color, is superior to asphalt shingles at reflecting the sun’s heat and at preventing the transfer of heat from the roof to the interior. However, there are some hues that are superior. The SRI measures the amount of solar radiation that is reflected back into space. As an example, a light-colored shingle may only be 22% reflective, while white-painted steel has an SRI of 83%.
Kenosha County, WI Steel Panel Roofing
The architectural appeal and eye-catching hues of steel roof panels are two more benefits. This is why steel roofs are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. They appreciate the versatility of the design, which may be either contemporary or traditional.
After discussing a steel roof that lasts for over a lifetime, it may seem unnecessary to point out that it is the more environmentally responsible choice when compared to other roofing products like asphalt shingles, which are made from toxic materials, cannot be reused, and are discarded in a landfill after only 20 years of service. There is no color that prevents metal from being considered “green,” as blue, black, and red metals all fall under this category.
Some metal roofs, if placed properly, can withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour, won’t corrode or crack, and may be impact-resistant as well (depending on which product you choose). Furthermore, unlike many other roofing materials, metal roofs don’t need the frequent, expensive maintenance that most other roofs do.
There are a wide variety of roofing materials to choose from, whether you’re installing a roof on a brand-new construction or giving an old one a much-needed facelift. Metal roofs, however, are appealing regardless of the type of roof you have because of their durability, low maintenance requirements, and high-efficiency ratings. Galvanized steel, galvalume steel, weathering steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and tin are all viable options. Panels come in three distinct varieties: granular coated, pre-formed, and vertical seam. Shingles, slate, tile, shakes, and vertical panels are just a few of the design options available. Make sure the metal roofing product you purchase has been through stringent testing for wind, fire, and impact resistance and has been labeled and listed by a reputable agency such as UL, FM Approvals, or Intertek. Installation may also differ based on local building codes, manufacturer specifications, and other factors.