A metal roof is a long-lasting, low maintenance alternative to traditional asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles may have lower upfront costs, they are vulnerable to shrinking, eroding, and cracking, especially in regions of the country where they’re exposed to extreme weather conditions. Even when properly maintained and repaired, the life expectancy of asphalt shingles is significantly less than metal.
Metal roofing can last 50 or more years with minimal maintenance or repairs. When designed accordingly, they can withstand wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour and will not corrode or crack due to seasonal weather conditions. A metal roof is also fire resistant and energy efficient, reducing your cooling costs by 10-25%. A metal roof isn’t even any noisier than a conventional roof when it rains.
The most economical form of metal roofing, exposed fastener roofing, consists of overlapping panels that are fastened directly to the roof deck or framing through the face of the metal. They are called “exposed” because the fastener head remains visible once installed. However, fastener heads are painted the same color as the roofing panels to help make them less apparent. Most exposed fastener panels are typically 36” wide, meaning that fewer panels (and less labor) will be needed to cover the roof area.
Max-Rib is a low profile (3/4") panel that is very popular with homeowners across the country due to its aesthetic appeal and price point. This panel profile is also very common in the industry and many manufacturers offer this panel in a wide variety of steel substrates and coatings. Homeowners should make sure the product being installed on their home matches their long-term performance criteria. For residential applications, McElroy strongly recommends a Galvalume steel substrate with Kynar 500® (PVDF) coatings, which offer optimal performance and protection against fade and chalk.
McElroy’s R-Panel features a 1 1/4" major rib, 12 inches on center. With a bold profile, R-Panel is commonly utilized for residential roofing, primarily in the Southwestern region of the US. An optional Purlin Bearing Leg (PBR) rests on substructural framing or roof deck to provide support for fastening the panel lap.
A standing seam roof system, also classified as concealed fastener panels, utilizes a series of adjoining panels that are connected by raised seams (or vertical legs). Seam heights vary, but are typically 1 to 2 ½ inches tall and allow the panels to snap together without any exposed fasteners. In addition to providing a sleek, modern look, standing seam roofs allow panels to expand and contract with changing temperatures, helping them to last longer and cause less wear and tear on the roof deck. For residential applications, most standing seam panels snap together while others require mechanical seaming. Mechanical seamed panels provide greater strength and wind uplift capabilities.
Whether you’re building a new home or planning renovations, a metal roof can deliver long-term cost savings and comfort for your family. To explore your options and find the product that meets your aesthetic and budgetary needs, contact a McElroy Metal distributor or contractor in your area today. We can’t wait to help make your dream home a reality.
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Residential Metal Roofing Guide
All across the country, homeowners are ditching their shingle roofs and upgrading to metal! While residential metal roofing isn’t new, it is gaining in popularity because more homeowners are recognizing the many environmental and energy-related benefits that metal roofing has to offer.
This eBook was developed to help guide homeowners who have an interest in metal roofing but are seeking a little more knowledge and understanding before finalizing their decision. If that’s your situation, this information is for you.
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