Over the past few years, metal has been increasingly recognized as a viable construction and reroofing option. It has become the intelligent choice for homeowners and building owners across the country. There are many reasons for this increase in popularity: life expectancy, performance, architectural aesthetics, environmental aspects and installation benefits of reroofing.



Over the past few years, metal has been increasingly recognized as a viable construction and reroofing option. It has become the intelligent choice for homeowners and building owners across the country. There are many reasons for this increase in popularity: life expectancy, performance, architectural aesthetics, environmental aspects and installation benefits of reroofing.

The life expectancy of metal roofing is one of the most important factors to consider, and its weather resistance and durability make it a preferred material. A quality finish of KYNAR 500® or HYLAR 5000® contributes to this characteristic. Also, metal has a multi-generation performance, meaning it can be recycled after its initial use or installation.

Outstanding Performance

During its life expectancy, metal provides outstanding performance characteristics. It does not attract mold and does not allow algae to grow.

Metal is reflective; depending on the color, solar reflectivity can lessen heating and cooling loads. Metal, due to its thin profile, can disperse heat easily. A metal roof is virtually maintenance-free, if it is installed properly. It does not fade and individual shingles do not decompose. Metal roofs are highly wind resistant - most metal profiles are UL580 Class 90 rated. Some profiles are ideal for hurricane environments.

Snow loads and ice damming can be minimized due to the snow-shedding properties of metal. Steeper pitched roofs also release the loads quicker, creating less of an opportunity for ice to build up. Certain profiles allow for installation and high performance on low-sloped roof planes 1?2 -3: 12. Ponding water is eliminated and drainage can be easily directed with a properly installed metal roof system. Metal is a noncombustible and highly fire-resistant material. Metal is ideal for areas where forest fires are a threat and neighborhoods where homes are located close to one another.

The varieties of metal profiles available on the market today offer many options that contribute to the architectural aesthetics of a home. The architectural impact of a home can be easily improved with the addition of a metal roof. Design profiles are not limited to traditional standing seam panels or "flat" looking materials. Metal is manufactured in styles such as shingles, tiles and standing seam in a large spectrum of colors. The material chosen - such as painted aluminum or steel, copper and zinc also can add a unique character to the appearance. Other roof materials can be imitated with metal, but without imposing characteristics such as weight, a short life expectancy, tendency to support algae or mold growth, and low reflectivity. Roof geometry can be easily altered for practical or aesthetic purposes. The designer, installer and homeowner are given the freedom of choice of different styles and profiles without sacrificing performance.

In today's society, environmental concerns have become a consideration with building materials across the board. Metal contains post-industry recycled content and is 100 percent recyclable. The solar reflectivity can help lessen heating and cooling loads, reducing energy consumption. The low weight of the material can also help minimize substructure material.

Roofing in the residential market is primarily in the reroofing sector. The general benefit of reroofing with metal is that it can be installed directly over most roofing materials. This eliminates tear-off cost and inconvenience. This can also eliminate asbestos removal costs and the layer of original material acts as extra insulation.

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