There are many different types of metal roofs - from different materials, like steel vs aluminum; to different panel designs, like exposed fastener vs standing seam. Every type of metal roof possesses its own advantages and disadvantages, and each one suits different building types, budgets, and aesthetics.
As a building owner or property manager, your roof is a large, long-term asset - so you can’t afford to make the wrong choice. Choosing the wrong material or panel style can impact your bottom line for decades, literally.
At GIDEON, we’ve installed millions of square feet in metal roofing over the last 20 years, and have counseled numerous building owners on the best type of metal roof for their specific needs. In this article, we’ll discuss every type of metal roof currently available and provide useful guidelines on how to choose the right one, depending on your budget, building use, location, and long-term investment goals.
We’ll start with the different types of metal: steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and tin.
Steel is a frontrunner in the world of metal roofing. It is appreciated for its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Galvanized steel is steel coated with a protective layer of zinc to resist corrosion and rust. In identifying a Galvanized Steel Panel you will notice large “flake” shapes throughout the entire panel. Galvanized Steel is found primarily in corrugated exposed fastener panels. These roofs have a good strength-to-weight ratio and are commonly seen in both residential and commercial applications. They're suited to a range of climates, but are especially effective in regions prone to severe weather. Typically, the cost of an galvanized steel roof ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the style.
Galvalume is a step up from galvanized steel. It's a steel sheet coated in an alloy of zinc and aluminum that creates exceptional resistance to rust - essentially offering the strength of steel with the superior corrosion resistance of aluminum. You can spot these panels because the finish is refined and does not have the flake shapes like a Galvanized panel. Most corrugated exposed fasteners and standing seam metal panels are Galvlume these days. It works well for agricultural buildings and industrial environments, but it can also be used in residential settings. Galvalume steel roofing costs a bit more than galvanized, ranging from $1.75 to $3.75 per square foot for materials, but the most popular choice for metal panel manufacturers.
Aluminum is lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for coastal areas where salt spray is an issue. It's also energy-efficient, reflecting more sunlight than traditional roofing materials, which can help keep your property cooler. Aluminum's natural flexibility makes it easy to form it into various shapes to match architectural styles. Due to its malleable nature, Aluminum metal panels will be damaged by hail more easily than a steel panel. Its price point can range from $3.50 to $7.00 per square foot for materials, making it a mid-range option.
Copper is the aristocrat of metal roofing; it's long-lasting, recyclable, and beautiful, and is chosen primarily for aesthetic appeal. As a copper roof ages, it develops a unique green patina that adds a classic look to the building. However, these advantages come at a cost —copper roof materials can cost between $15 and $25 per square foot and due to the complexity and skill level needed they are expensive to install. Most copper roof systems are one-off custom fabricated designs. It's most commonly used on historical buildings, churches, high-end residences, and unique buildings where aesthetics are paramount.
Like copper, zinc is a high-end roofing material. Although not the most popular metal roof system, it is highly resistant to corrosion, doesn’t require much maintenance, and boasts an impressive lifespan of 60 to 100 years or more. It also has the ability to 'self-heal' scratches over time. Given its durability and longevity, zinc is often used for roofs of government or institutional buildings and high-end residences. Zinc roofing typically costs between $13.00 and $24.00 per square foot.
Historically, 'tin' was a colloquial term for any type of metal roof, but nowadays it refers to a roof made of steel sheets coated with tin. These metal panels were often soldered together and custom fabricated by hand. Today, true tin roofs are uncommon due to the popularity of more durable and effective materials like galvanized or galvalume steel. But the term is sometimes still used in a generic sense to refer to steel roofs.
Beside the specific type of metal used, metal roofs also divide based on the shape and appearance of the panel and the way they are installed.
As the name states, in this kind of roofing, the fasteners penetrate the panels and are visible on the surface. Corrugated, R-panel, and PBR-panel roofs are all types of exposed fastener metal roofing. Although their installation is easy compared to standing seam roofs, they are not as weather-tight long term or aesthetically pleasing. They may be a practical choice for agricultural or industrial buildings, and all types of commercial buildings. Anyone working within a tight budget should consider an exposed fastener metal roof system.
Corrugated metal roofs consist of panels with wavy ribs. Metal roofs are always ribbed, as ribbing strengthens the panels. Corrugated metal roofs are made from galvanized or Galvalume steel, and are both durable and affordable. But most people don’t like their appearance, and they can be noisy during rain. These are ideal for industrial plants, commercial buildings, outbuildings, barns, or homes seeking a rustic aesthetic.
R-Panels are a more contemporary design than the corrugated style, characterized by their straight, linear ribs as opposed to rounded ones. The standard dimension of these panels is typically 36 inches in width, with the ribs standing 1 ¼ inches tall and spaced 12 inches apart. This design is the most common type of exposed fastener panel category.
The PBR-panel, an acronym for purlin-bearing rib, is an advanced type of R-panel. It earns its moniker from the "purlin-bearing leg," an extra lip found on the panel's edge that increases the overlap between the panels, making the roof more resistant to water.
Standing Seam metal roofs are the most desired of all metal roof systems. These panels are often specified by architects and roof designers and have become a major architectural design feature for today’s new commercial buildings, barndominiums, and high-end homes. Characterized by long, vertical panels with raised, interlocking seams that stand at 90 degree angles to the metal panel, standing seam metal roofs offer excellent leak protection and a sleek, modern look. Standing Seam metal panel systems are known to have a minimal number of exposed fasteners and less horizontal seams (the biggest cause of leaks) than an exposed fastener metal panel system, resulting in a longer service life without major maintenance or repairs. They are particularly suitable for areas with heavy snowfall as their design facilitates snow sliding off. While they offer considerable advantages, these roofs are more expensive due to the complexity of their installation. They are best suited for both commercial and high-end residential properties.
These panels made their debut post World War II. Emulating the look of traditional clay barrel tiles, concrete, or slate tiles, metal tile roofs offer the dual benefit of beauty and durability. These are cladding (water shedding) steep slope installed on slopes 4/12 or greater. These “cannot” be installed as a low slope application. They bring down the weight on the structure significantly compared to their traditional counterparts and are more resilient to the assault of the elements. These roofs are excellent for businesses seeking the charm of tile roofs without their associated maintenance and fragility.
Metal slate roofs combine the ageless elegance of slate with the strength and lightness of metal. They are a great alternative for those who desire the sophisticated look of slate without its weight or fragility. These roof systems are not commonly specified and require a high skill level for installation. However, mimicking the high-end appearance of slate also comes with a higher price tag. This style is a good fit for high-end commercial buildings aiming for a classic aesthetic.
Given the plethora of metal roof types available, how do you make an informed decision?
While every situation is unique, here are some factors to consider to help you clarify your decision:
From steel to zinc to copper, from standing seam to metal tile to corrugated, knowing your metal roofing understanding metal roofing types and options can be difficult. Now that we've demystified the world of metal roofing, give GIDEON a call. In a free, 30 minute consultation, our nationally-recognized experts can provide you with customized guidance for your roofing project.