For centuries, metal has been one of the materials of choice for roofing. Several other construction materials have been used, such as straw, wood, concrete, asphalt, fibreglass shingles, plastic, asbestos, tile and even fabric. Even so, a long span roof has always been a popular alternative because it strikes a balance between cost, design and durability.
Today’s most value-conscious house owners are increasingly turning toward long-span metal panel roofing, considered the best long-term roofing solution that combines aesthetics and performance. Metal roofing is a perfect solution for all types of buildings, a house, a garage or any outdoor structure since it provides resistance against all weather elements. Metals are durable compared to other roofing materials and require less frequent maintenance and repair.
However, finding quality metal roofing is not as straightforward as it seems. This article will take you through four key considerations to finding the best metal roofing solution for your property. Continue reading!
Manufacturer
As per the experts at Roofing Industries, the quality of a product solely depends on the brand or the manufacturer, and metal roofing is no exception. There are several things to ask your roof contractor before getting your metal roof installed. For example, how long do they take to ship and deliver metal panels or sheets, the scale of their operations, do they provide after services, etc.? Before closing the deal with a metal roofing contractor, make sure you have done a thorough background check and previous work, read the customer reviews on their website, compare costs with other contractors in your area and so on. These essential things will give you peace of mind that your project is in the right hands.
Materials
Long-span metal roofing can be done with several materials like steel, aluminium, copper, tin and zinc. The most commonly used metal for roofing purposes is aluminium and steel; however, copper and zinc are used in some circumstances. Every material has its distinctive features.
Copper: It is believed to be the first ever metal roofing material and is referred to as the godfather of metal roofing.
Tin: It was first introduced in the 19th century and is the rarest and most unused metal for roofing.
Aluminium: It is considered the best material for roofing as it can withstand the harshest environments.
Zinc: Zinc is the favourite choice of contractors because of its ease of use and resistance to corrosion.
Steel: Steel is, no doubt, one of the most popular and widely used construction materials, which is commonly available in various forms like stainless steel, galvalume, and galvanised steel.
Cost
The cost of metal roofing depends on numerous factors like order specifics (width, paint type, seam, colour, panel profile), size of the roof, type of material, location, customisation (if any) and accessories. So, sticking to your budget when choosing a metal roofing solution is advisable. Going slightly above or below is normal, but if you add accessories and customisations to the roof, the cost will likely increase. Also, if you don’t have a fixed budget or you don’t stick to your budget, there are chances you will end up shelling out on things you never wanted to.
Warranty
As is with almost every consumer item, metal roofing also comes with a product warranty. It means the warranty of the assembly, the product and its appearance. Many contractors offer warranty about the rusting or breakdown of the substrate, different levels of degradation of metal roof paint (chipping, peeling and cracking), leaks in metal roofing, and installation errors. Make sure the long span roof contractor you choose provides you with a warranty stating that if there is any damage or breakdown in any of these areas, they will give you a free-of-cost replacement until a specific time. Having a good warranty can help you save a lot of money.
There is no denying that metal roofing offers tons of benefits. Still, you can reap those benefits only when considering all the abovementioned things before settling on metal roofing for your property.
