Metal Panel Roofing - Value Conscious & Great Performance
A house’s roof is a major part of any construction plan and one of the most important structural aspects. Homeowners who are concerned with getting the most for their money and who are looking for long-term roofing alternatives which are both beautiful and practical are gravitating more and more to metal panel roofing. Copious research has shown that this option has become enormously popular in the last ten years.
Metal roof panels have shown an ability to stand up to the elements, and provide low life-cycle costs and longevity with the least amount of maintenance. Additionally, manufacturers are expanding their metal roofing options in a wide variety of finishes, profiles and colors which enhance building aesthetics. Advances in coatings and finishes have facilitated the formulation of cool metal roofing that adds to the roof’s energy-saving properties and can reduce the costs associated with heating and cooling the building.
In discussing metal residential roofing numerous questions arise during design development and with the abundance of metal roofing products on the market, it is very important to understand the complexities of the various roofing systems. Only by specifying the appropriate roofing system, underlayment, substrate and finish will the complete potential of a metal roof be realized.
There are two fundamental types of metal panel roofing, which are classified according to the method in which the roof resists water. This is determined by the slope or the pitch of the roof. The first type is the structural roofing which features water-resistant panels and is used on low-slope roofs. Architectural or non-structural roofing is designed in such a way that water sheds quickly, and requires steeper slopes.
In a structural roof, panels can easily be fastened to the building structure and are able to reach across necessary structural supports. The panels are attached using a floating clip system that allows for thermal expansion and contraction when needed. These thermal changes influence all materials so the structural panels are made to accommodate the roof accordingly.
If your roof is compiled of structural metal framework and purlins then it is likely that a structural metal panel roof system would work for you. You want to be able to support the structural load that will be placed on the roof so if you live in an area prone to high winds or heavy snow then it is easy to install the panels over the existing material such as metal, plywood or an oriented-strand board combination.
Roofs are very important structural features. Value aware house owners are looking for long-term roofing solutions which contain aesthetics and performance together. Everyday, more consumers are choosing metal panel roofing technology. Metal roof paneling has been proven to withstand all sort of weather, lasts a long time, and requires little to maintain. There are many questions that come up when you are talking about metal residential roofing. Structural roofing is useful on roofs with a lower pitch as the panels themselves are water resistant. Non structural roofing, which is also called architectural roofing, can only be used on steeper slopes.
- Ryan McCall