Builders have used metal roofs for centuries, but in the last few decades, their use has grown significantly. The structural design of metal roofing varies from one width or corrugation to another, but with a wider selection of colors, today’s metal roofs have come into their own.
Manufacturers have designed and fabricated metal to resemble shakes, shingles, slate and tile. You can check with your Toms River roofing professional for the latest products.
Metal roofs are made of steel, aluminum or copper. Up to 95 percent of the metal is made from recycled material, making it environmentally friendly. Manufacturers take these metals and finish them with a metallic coat to prevent rust formation and then bake on a paint finish.
Steel products are coated with galvanized zinc or a mix of aluminum and zinc, called Galvalume or Zincalum, which comes in several thicknesses.
Copper is used in its natural state without coating or painting because it weathers without corroding. Aluminum products do not need coating, but they are painted.
There are four primary benefits of using metal for a roofing material. First, its longevity is unmatched. Manufacturers offer non-prorated warranties of 50 years, even a lifetime. The claim is that these roofs will last from two to four times longer than an asphalt shingle roof. The homeowner can recoup the expensive initial cost over that time. Because of its significant advantages, homes with metal roofs have greater value than those with other materials.
Second, the metal roofs are lightweight, contrary to what many believe.
Roofers can even directly install them on existing roofs.
Third, when coated with a specially formulated cool pigment, the material reflects solar energy away from rather than radiating heat into the home’s attic.
Last, metal is by far the best material to use to prevent the fire spreading from hot embers from a fire at a neighbor’s home or a wildfire. Check whether your insurance company will give a discount on homeowner’s insurance for a metal roof.
There is much misinformation spread about metal roofing material that may dissuade some from seriously considering its use.
Metal only conducts electricity; it does not attract it, so it will not increase the chance of a lightning strike over any other material. Metal roofs are not noisier when it rains or hails than other roofs. They may even be quieter. It takes an enormous hailstone to dent a strong metal roof; a regular hailstorm will not damage it. You can walk on a metal roof if you know how to do it safely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Metal roofs have no effect on the home’s temperature in the cold. Insulation is what keeps a home warm.
While metal roofing is initially more expensive, many homeowners have decided that only needing to put one roof over a home for the lifetime of the house, combined with the other significant advantages, makes the decision easy. The roofing experts at Fortified Roofing of Toms River NJ can answer your questions about skylights or roof repairs.
Term explained by roofing company Fortified Roofing, Toms River NJ:
Galvalume or Zincalum
Steel roofing material is galvanized, using one of two processes. Coating with zinc, called Galvalume, or with a mix of aluminum and zinc, called Zincalume, are the two processes. Zincalume lasts longer. Thickness affects the length of service. The Metal Roofing Association recommends no less than G-90. For Galvalume, the recommendations are an AZ-50 or AZ-55 designation.
Toms River FAQ about roofing:
Will a metal roof attract algae or bacteria that make stains on the roof?
A metal roof is the ultimate solution to avoiding those ugly black streaks forever. Metal is toxic to algae and bacterium. One of the most significant advantages of choosing a metal roof is that you only install one roof every several decades, no more than two in a century. You will then be able to forget about those bacterial growths for the rest of the roof’s life.
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If you would like to ask a question regarding roofers, a new roof installation, roof leak repairs, skylight options or gutters and downspouts please contact Fortified Roofing today!
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