May 9, 2024
Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing: An Insight Into Its Advantages and Types

Metal roofing has gained a lot of popularity in the recent times for its durability and longevity.
Types of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing comes in various types based on the material used for its construction. Some of the major types are:
Steel Roofing
Made from steel sheets, steel roofing is one of the most common and affordable Metal Roofing options. it is lightweight yet durable. Steel is coated with different materials like zinc, aluminum etc. to prevent corrosion. Some popular steel roofing options are terne coated steel, galvalume steel etc.

Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum is lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant. It does not rust. Hence, aluminum roofing has higher longevity than steel roofing. But it is more expensive than steel. Both plain and colored anodized aluminum sheets are used for roofing.

Copper Roofing
Renowned for its beautiful appearance, copper roofing has a lifespan of over 50 years. Though it is expensive initially due to the high price of copper, it has lower maintenance costs. Both patterned and solid copper sheets are used by roofing contractors.

Zinc Roofing
Zinc is also corrosion-resistant and has a lifespan similar to copper. It undergoes various coatings for enhanced durability. Both commercial and residential buildings utilize zinc metal roofing.

Titanium Roofing
Titanium is the strongest and most corrosion-proof metal used for roofing but is also very costly. It finds applications in highly corrosive industrial environments.

Advantages of Metal Roofing
Following are some major advantages of opting for metal roofing:

Durability
Metal roofing is highly durable due to the corrosion-resistant nature of metals used. With proper maintenance, the roof can last over 50 years. This makes it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Fire Resistance
Most metal sheets have good fire resistance ability due to their non-combustible nature. This provides an additional protective layer to buildings.

Energy Efficiency
The high emissivity properties of metal allow roofs to radiate absorbed heat away. This keeps the building interiors cooler and reduces air conditioning costs. Metal roofs also have high reflectivity to sunlight.

Weather Resistance
Metal roofs can withstand extreme climatic conditions like high winds, heavy rains, and snow loads very well due to their strength. This keeps the structure internally protected.

Recyclability
At the end of their lifespan, metal roofing materials retain a high scrap metal value and can be recycled. This makes the whole lifecycle environmentally friendly.

Aesthetics
Various metallic colors and styles allow customizing metal roofs aesthetically. Some even mimic the look of regular roofing materials like wood.

Low Maintenance
Metal roof requires very less maintenance generally. Minor repairs are easy to do compared to other materials.

Warranties
Most reputed metal roofing manufacturers provide strong warranties and guarantees for their products further adding to the total value.

Popularity across Climate Zones
Metal roofing installers get consistent work across all regions as these roofs have applications in almost all climate conditions nationally.

Rise of the New Metal Roofing Market

With the growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in the construction industry, the market for metal roofing has seen a steady rise globally. Various factors have contributed to its wider acceptance:

Innovation in Designs
Manufacturers constantly innovate to introduce new aesthetically appealing metal roofing styles closely mimicking traditional materials like wood shingles.

LEED Certification Alignment
The green attributes of metal roofing help buildings gain LEED points for certification. This has boosted demand from the commercial sector.

Weather Durability
Proof
Severe natural disasters in recent times have highlighted the failure risks of lesser durable roofing materials. This endorses metal roofs.

Increased Budget Allocation
With strong business cases for long term cost-savings, commercial clients and homeowners now spend more initially for metal roof installations.

Growing Infrastructure
Metal roofing is a preferred choice for large industrial, warehouse buildings due to the ability to withstand tough weather conditions and minimal damage risks.

Government Regulations
Stricter building codes and fire safety norms in some regions nudging shifts towards non-combustible metal roofing options.

Popularity of DIY Installation
Easy self-installation kit options energizing the smaller residential metal roofing channel as well.

Changing Consumer Perceptions
With established legacy brands and new startup entities promoting benefits aggressively, consumer mindsets are transforming rapidly favoring metal roofing.

The market size for metal roofing materials has been growing at a steady CAGR globally and experts project this positive trend to continue as construction trends prioritize sustainability further in the future. With continuous enhancements, metal roofing is certainly here to stay dominating non-metallic competitors.

Metal roofing presents a versatile solution for all climate needs with superior durability and performance characteristics. Multiple product variants allow customized solutions as well. With lower lifetime costs and strong warranties backing the materials, metal roofing makes for a prudent investment. Its growth prospects seem promising with the ongoing industry transitions favoring sustainable construction practices.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it