Choosing the Right Metal for a Roofing Project
It seems with each day that passes, metal roofing is showing up on more and more homes and businesses throughout America. The reasons are many – superior strength, long lifespan, eco-friendly and great looks, to name just a few. When we say “metal roof,” however, we’re not just talking about a single material. There are several excellent choices in the type of metal used in metal roofing projects. Let’s look at three of them.
Galvalume
Galvalume is a special coating used on some metal roofing materials. Developed by Bethlehem Steel in the 1970s, this coating is comprised of aluminum & zinc alloys with silicone added, and is applied to sheets of carbon steel. The result is a single material with the characteristics of several strong metals.
Galvalume roofing material is available in a wide array of colors and is among the least expensive metal roofing products. The addition of zinc infuses it with exceptional strength, while the aluminum element is great at resisting rust. It’s not uncommon to get up to 60 years of performance without any major corrosion issues. A Galvalume roof can be installed over an existing roof (no cost for roof-removal) and is 100 percent recyclable.
Steel
Few resources we pull from the earth are as strong as steel. A sturdy steel roof when professionally installed is a sound investment for both homeowners and businesses. It’s virtually indestructible, and it maintains its good looks for 60-plus years with only minimal maintenance required.
Pricier than some other metal roofing styles, steel is widely used in many applications because of its strength and ability to withstand corrosion and breakdown. A steel roof also holds up amazingly well in weather events ranging from extreme high and how temperatures to destructive gale-force winds. Heat and cold cycles don’t cause expansion and contraction as they do with other roofing materials. The reflectivity of steel acts as an insulator, keeping the hot rays of the sun from turning the roof into an oven.
Aluminum
Aluminum is among the more popular roofing materials, particularly in areas near bodies of saltwater. Like other metal roofing, aluminum is very strong and holds up for decades in widely fluctuating climate cycles and high winds. It resists corrosion and rust brought on by salty air and other natural elements. It has a mid-range price point among metal roofing styles.
Aluminum roofing is lighter and thinner than most other metals, making it easier for contractors to shape and install. But don’t let these specs fool you – aluminum roofing is ultra-strong and durable, mimicking the strength of many thicker metal roofing products. When installed near oceans and other areas of saltwater, aluminum outperforms both galvalume and steel roofing.
If you’re considering a new metal roof and want to know more about the choices you have in materials, contact the metal roofing experts at Advanced Aluminum of Lakeland, Florida. We build the roofs used by top contractors throughout our region, and we can help you make the best decision for your home or business. Reach us any time at (863) 648-5787.