Considerations For Usage Of Metal Roofing Materials In An Effective And Useful Manner
Posted by Lawrence Cunningham on Thursday, December 3, 2009
Under: roofs
There are a number of considerations for usage of metal roofing materials on homes and buildings that need to be taken into account whenever this versatile and extremely durable material is employed to provide overhead cover a structure. For sure, these kinds of roofs are making a comeback in popularity that they haven't seen in a number of years.
As far back as the late 18th century, a variety of different metals were in wide usage when it came to their use as the primary covering on many a notable structure in the country. Examples of famous buildings that have a metal roof include Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello. Roofs made of this durable material are extremely fire retardant and virtually free of the need for maintenance.
Additionally, a good metal roof is rated very highly in terms of energy efficiency. Many studies have shown that those who have metal roofs on their homes safe over 20% on their annual energy bills. If that wasn't enough to recommend metal as the prime roofing material, consider that it is also high in recycled content, with around 65% of the roof generally made from recycled metal.
When one compares the total weight of a roof made of metal to the total weight of the roof composed of common composition shingling, the metal roof can actually weigh less. This means that it can be installed directly over the old roof, with no need to tear up the old roof and then dump it into a landfill, or example. Popular metal roofs today mainly consist of standing-seam steel.
In terms of ease of installation, it is not the case that a metal roof is all that easy to install. Laying it down and piecing it together is a bit more than what the typical do-it-yourself person may be able to handle, so it might be a good idea to have a professional do the installation. And it can cost more up front for a metal roof, so keep that in mind.
The above is important to remember in coming up with a cost-benefit analysis when it's time to put one of these roofs on because, in certain cases where the cause of the roof is spread out over a number of years, it can make more sense to go with the material like composition shingling or other popular choices. Still, metal roofing materials can last an extremely long time, which may be the best benefit of all.
As far back as the late 18th century, a variety of different metals were in wide usage when it came to their use as the primary covering on many a notable structure in the country. Examples of famous buildings that have a metal roof include Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello. Roofs made of this durable material are extremely fire retardant and virtually free of the need for maintenance.
Additionally, a good metal roof is rated very highly in terms of energy efficiency. Many studies have shown that those who have metal roofs on their homes safe over 20% on their annual energy bills. If that wasn't enough to recommend metal as the prime roofing material, consider that it is also high in recycled content, with around 65% of the roof generally made from recycled metal.
When one compares the total weight of a roof made of metal to the total weight of the roof composed of common composition shingling, the metal roof can actually weigh less. This means that it can be installed directly over the old roof, with no need to tear up the old roof and then dump it into a landfill, or example. Popular metal roofs today mainly consist of standing-seam steel.
In terms of ease of installation, it is not the case that a metal roof is all that easy to install. Laying it down and piecing it together is a bit more than what the typical do-it-yourself person may be able to handle, so it might be a good idea to have a professional do the installation. And it can cost more up front for a metal roof, so keep that in mind.
The above is important to remember in coming up with a cost-benefit analysis when it's time to put one of these roofs on because, in certain cases where the cause of the roof is spread out over a number of years, it can make more sense to go with the material like composition shingling or other popular choices. Still, metal roofing materials can last an extremely long time, which may be the best benefit of all.
In : roofs