Metal Panel Roofing: Lasts Longer Than Traditional Roofing | Home Improvement

By RyanMcCall
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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 paneling has been proven to withstand all sort of weather, lasts a long time, and requires little to maintain. What is more, its makers have extended our choice of finishes, styles and colors to coordinate with and beautify our structures. Technological developments in coatings and finishes have made it possible to develop cool metal roofing which provides greater economy by decreasing energy use and therefore reduces the money we spend to cool or heat our buildings.

Metal tile roof panels can weigh as little as 125 lb, is a fraction the weight of real tile. As a result, walls, framing and other Substructure costs for walls and framing can be significantly reduced when metal tile roofing is used in new construction. Existing homes with asphalt shingle roofs can be easily upgraded to the look of tile without the weight concerns. Often, tile panels can be applied directly over the old roof with no need for tear-off.

It's important to understand the complexities of the many different roofing systems, because the abundance of metal roofing products available today can cause people to have a number of questions when discussing the designing of metal residential roofing. The maximum potential of any metal roof will occur only when the appropriate roofing system, underlayment, finish and substrate are specified.

The two basic types of metal panel roofing are differentiated by their method of water resistance. The pitch of the roof is the most important factor. 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. On these slopes, water will shed quickly.

Thermal enlarging and shrinking of structural panels will occur to some extent, which means that the panels and the flashing must be designed to encompass that. In general with a roof, structural panels are capable of fitting between the supports, and are connected by clips to the building structure. A hanging clip arrangement that attaches the panels to the roof allows for the enlarging and shrinking that can occur.

Structural metal panel roof systems are usually fitted over a roof assembly that includes structural metal framing and purlins. In areas having heavy snowfall, high wind-loads or when the owner requires a roof assembly, panels may be installed over solid substrates, like metal decking, plywood, oriented-strand board in combination with ISO board insulation to achieve the necessary structural load of the panel system.

And metal roof paneling is a green building option. Metal roof materials, unlike asphalt shingles, contain a high percentage of recycled content, which can be up to 100% in many aluminum products. An additional advantage is that these metals are easily recycled when their long life span is over.

About the Author

Everyday, more home owners are choosing metal panel roofing technology. Metal residential roofing has been proven to be durable and long lasting.

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