Metal Roofing and Steel Shingles – What are they and how are they made?
Steel shingles are rapidly growing in popularity in the US due to their superior durability and sleek appearance.
Most residential metal roofing is made of steel or aluminum. The products are produced in large rolls at the steel mills, then are coated with a protective metallic coating that prevents rust. Rolls are painted at a coil coating plant then shipped to a roofing manufacturer where they are stamped into individual shingles using large presses.
Pros:
Durability: Metal roofs last a lifetime. Unlike an asphalt shingle roof, it is highly unlikely you will ever need to replace or even repair your steel roof. The average metal roof will last over 60 years.
Energy-Efficiency: Installing a metal shingle roof or standing seam metal roof will lower your energy costs. Metal roofing reflects heat effectively thus reducing cooling needs in the summer and insulating homes during the winter.
Lightweight: Metal shingles are the lightest material you can install on your roof. Steel shingles average about half the weight of their asphalt counterparts.
Perform Best in Extreme Conditions: Metal can stand up to extreme weather better than almost any other roofing product on the market. Which makes it a great choice for those living in the harsh winters of Wisconsin. Hail, extreme winds, and even fire are easily and thoroughly deflected by metal roofing.
Lifetime Value: Metal roofs offer a superior return on your investment! Steel shingle roofs retain their value better than asphalt shingles due to their superior resistance to wear and tear. A metal roof will also increase the retail value of your home and can even potentially lower your homeowners insurance costs.
Environmentally Friendly: Steel roofs are the most environmentally friendly option as they are 100% recyclable and significantly lower your energy bills by deflecting heat in summer while retaining heat in winter.
Variety: No matter what kind of roofing style, color or finish you’re interested in, there’s a metal roofing style to match. Residential metal roofing is made to look exactly like common roofing material – such as asphalt shingle, cedar shake, clay tile or slate roofing – only stronger and more durable. There’s certain to be a style and finish to match your home and neighborhood.
Cons:
Price: Although steel shingles prices have been steadily declining, they do still require a significantly higher initial investment than asphalt. However, once installed you’ll likely never spend another dollar on your roof again.
Estimated lifetime: A metal roof can last a lifetime, despite any extreme weather conditions, whereas asphalt requires reproofing every 10 to 20 years.
In a Nutshell While the initial investment for a metal roof is higher than most other roofing materials, you’ll save money over the life of the home. Steel shingles can last a lifetime. They can also positively influence the resale value of your home and can even lower your homeowner’s insurance and energy costs.
Fun Facts:
- This may seem counterintuitive, but a metal roof will not increase the likelihood of lightning striking your home. On the contrary, if your home were to be hit by lightning, your metal roof would disperse the energy throughout the structure safely, thereby reducing the potential for property damage or injury.
- Metal roofing isn’t combustible or flammable!
- There are copper and zinc roofs in Europe that have lasted over 100 years!
