Roofs usually come in two kinds of material classifications: Those that are made of metallic materials and those that are made from non-metallic materials. Traditional roofing materials are usually non-metallic, ranging from wood and clay to asphalt and ceramic. They are usually thought to be more romantic and aesthetically pleasing, and are usually used for residential buildings. On the other hand, metallic roofing materials look more industrial and practical, with their uses commonly restricted to commercial and industrial settings.
Metallic roofing materials usually come in standing seams and lap joints, although these days, they have also come in the form of shingles wherein they are made to look like traditional non-metallic roofing materials like ceramic or clay tiles or wood shakes. These latter designs have made metallic materials look more pleasing, so they can look more appropriate for houses and other residential structures.
The standing seam type of roofs is usually used in commercial structures and utilizes clips for attachment. Since they look nice, this is now commonly used in houses as well, especially on porches and awnings. On the other hand, lap joint metallic roofs are getting popularity because they are easier to install and they cost less than standing seam roofs. The cost of lap joint material is comparable to other non-metallic materials such as fiberglass.
The rising popularity of metal as a material in new roofs can be attributed to their long life expectancies and their environmental friendliness. Comparing non-metallic and metallic roofing materials will show that the latter is more ‘green’ because aside from being more durable, they are also more lightweight, fire resistant, more capable of reflecting heat, more resistant to tearing and wind damage, recyclable, non-polluting and can be installed over existing roofs .They are more cost-efficient as an old roof doesn’t need to be torn down if metallic material is to be installed. Because of their high resistance to wear and tear, the cost of roof repairs is also minimized.
Equipment such as diamond blades can easily cut through both metallic and non-metallic roofing materials, but in terms of precision, obviously non-metallic materials are more expected to produce some sort of residue even when cut by the most advanced tools available. Take note, though, that homes that want to imbibe a wooden cabin, chalet, or cozy look through wooden shingles would need carbide saw blades for precise cutting.
Metallic materials for the roof also have a few drawbacks. For one, they can be noisy, as hail, rain, and falling objects can create a ruckus when falling on metallic roofs that do not have insulation. Speaking of noise, high temperatures may cause the metallic material to pop, which causes a noise that can bother some people.
Hail may also dent metallic roofs that are not that strong. Alas, not all local contractors may be expert in installing metal roofing or in using advanced tools like diamond blades, and familiarity with its installation and usage of advanced equipment are a huge advantage for an outstanding metal roof to be properly installed.
However, weighing the good and bad in metal roofing will show that the pros (longevity, environmental friendliness and costs) weigh the cons. For homeowners who want more endurance and permanence in their homes, metal roofing may be considered the best option with a matching lower cost in maintenance. The initial investment may be a bit more than non-metallic materials, but the benefits in the long run makes metallic roofs worth considering.
Image Credit: wikipedia
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