Choosing a metal roof isn’t always as simple as picking the one that looks the nicest. Visual appeal is definitely a key component in choosing a roof, but there are more details you should consider before installing one, such as the material it’s made from. This guide will take you through four of the different types of metal roofing materials, from their similarities to their unique attributes.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an affordable and eco-friendly material commonly used in metal roofing systems. It also has a strong resistance to extreme temperatures, rust, and corrosion. Newcomers to the metal roofing might think that if the metal is soft and malleable, then it won’t provide the right protection. However, this is not the case. Aluminum is a very malleable material, and this improves its ability to protect your home. If you’re an eco-friendly household, you’ll also appreciate that aluminum roofing is 100 percent recyclable and is made of 95 percent consumable products.
Copper
Copper metal roofing will cost you more than aluminum, but with that cost comes with some incredibly useful benefits. First, it’s very durable, meaning it will have no problem standing its own against the elements. Second, it’s very lightweight, so it won’t add unnecessary stress to the structure of your home. Similar to aluminum roofing, copper roofing is malleable and eco-friendly. However, although all metal roofing is long-lasting, copper is one of the longest-lasting metal roofing materials on the market.
Zinc
Similar to copper roofing, zinc roofing is a costlier option than aluminum. However, this is due to a number of factors, such as its malleability and low maintenance requirements. These are characteristics that copper and aluminum share, but zinc’s malleability lends itself to some unique, stylish designs. Because of this, zinc is one of the most visually appealing metal roofing materials on the market.
Steel
Steel is a more affordable option than other materials, but there’s a far more unique aspect to steel roofing, which is its many forms and finishes. Steel roofing is available in stainless, stone-coated, galvanized, and galvalume. Those last two options are finishes in which the steel is coated with an additional type of metal, typically zinc or aluminum or both. The reason for this is that it improves the steel’s durability and corrosion resistance.
As you can see, while these different types of metal roofing materials share some common attributes, each one has a unique benefit that sets it apart from the rest. If you’re a homeowner in need of metal roofing companies in Madison, WI, we’re here to help. At Metal Roofing Systems, we have a wide range of metal roofs for Wisconsin residents looking to enhance their property’s eco-friendliness, protection from the elements, and visual appeal.