Metal Roofing Contractors WI

Metal roofing contractors are in no short supply—and with good reason! There are many benefits that come with making the switch and investing in a metal roof. In this article, we will explore the different types of materials typically chosen to build metal roofs, which material is best, and how to choose the best metal roofing contractors for your property!

While it’s likely no surprise that metal roofs are made out of—news flash—metal, there are several different types of metal that often are seen perched atop a happy home. Most contractors choose to work with stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, or copper roofs—but there are different pros and cons for each type of metal. Read on for the basics on the differences between materials so you can decide which direction to go with your upcoming roofing project.

While not every roof is as striking in color as a copper roof, especially after it’s first been installed, zinc roofs offer a clean-looking finish that is also known to acquire a pleasant-looking patina over time that can actually help protect it from damage. Here are the primary pros and cons of opting for zinc over other metals for your roof.

Pros

·      One of the most durable metals, with a lifespan of up to 100 years

·      Distinctive, bluish-grey signature patina

·      Very little maintenance required

·      Better for the environment than asphalt

Cons

·      It can take a long time for the patina to “mature” and look its best

·      Zinc is one of the most expensive roofing materials

·      Takes a team of skilled metal roofing contractors to do the job right

Arguably the most popular roofing material, stainless steel roofs are widely spread in the United States thanks to the abundance of the material, which can be mined within the States. Some of the highlights of opting for stainless steel include:

Pros

·      Save money on electricity bills by reducing heat escape

·      More reflective than asphalt roofs, keeping temperatures within regulated

·      Durable

·      Simple, clean, attractive finish

·      Relatively affordable and abundant metal

Cons

·      There are only a few styles of stainless-steel finish to choose from—either panels or shakes

·      They require some expertise to install and generally require contractors

·      Limited number of colors to choose from and no natural patina

Known for its bold look that changes dramatically over time from a warm orange to a matte turquoise, copper roofs offers a more unique look for metal roofing and comes with a certain set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

·      Beautiful, distinguished look

·      Require little upkeep and resist corrosion

·      Easy on the environment

·      Durable and one of the less easily damaged metal roofing materials

Cons

·      Copper does not insulate sound as well as other metals, and can easily be penetrated by outside noise vibrations

·      Cost–it is one of the more expensive roofing materials

·      Copper has been known to expand and contract with temperature extremes if not properly installed

Less reflective than most other metals, aluminum is still a popular choice for roofing materials for a number of reasons—though it does have its drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of aluminum roofing:

Pros

·      Offers better resistance to wind damage than other roofing materials

·      It is lightweight and easy on the structural integrity of the house

·      Many different aesthetics to choose from, with the ability to match any architecture

·      Ecologically responsible

Cons

·      It is slightly less durable than other, heavier metals like stainless and can dent relatively easily

·      Initial upfront cost

·      Slightly shorter lifespan than metals like stainless steel

Of course, when it comes to choosing a metal roofing material, you have your decisions ahead cut out for you. Between your budgeting concerns and desired aesthetic, it’s important to match the right material for your roofing needs. For example, if you live in an area prone to hailstorms or thrown twigs or branches, aluminum might not be the way to go—and you might want to end up with something a little more like copper. However, copper does come at a price…so you’ll want to factor that in when deciding. Here are the average costs of each respective type of metal roofing material per square foot:

·      Zinc costs between $6-$18 per square foot

·      Stainless Steel, in contrast, costs between $8.50-$16.00 per square foot

·      Copper—generally considered the priciest, copper roofs tend to cost between $14-$30 per square foot

·      Aluminum offers a much broader range of price points depending on if you opt for shingles or panels, ranging between $2.20-$12 per square foot

It’s no secret that metal roofing is built to last—however, with several different roofing materials to choose from, a forward-thinking homeowner will have to decide whether they will be looking into investing in looks and aesthetic quality, durability, affordability, or some combination of these. The bottom line is, a metal roof should last you at least 50 years—and even up to a lifetime, if properly installed and maintained. So, what are you waiting for?

If you’re looking for the best metal roofing contractors in Wisconsin, contact the seasoned experts at Absolute Roofing today to spark a conversation, or browse our portfolio of previous work here!