imitation slate roofing material

The Variety Of Metal Roofing Materials

Metal roofing materials include many metals in a wide range of colors, shapes, and designs. These durable and environmentally friendly materials are found everywhere, topping barns, warehouses, subdivision homes, and California dream houses. They offer every feature found in competing roofing materials and are more durable than any other type.

Steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys, which are made up of two or more minerals, are the main metals used in roofing. The most familiar and basic of these, and the most affordable, is steel. The high end stainless steel variety, of course, is more expensive, being rust proof and treated to weather beautifully. The price of aluminum is coming down; this option is lightweight, rust proof, and equally as durable. Copper is costly but prized for its longevity and its beautifully distinctive color as it weathers; copper also does not rust. An high priced but alluring choice is any one of the alloys, usually steel mixed with zinc, titanium, or other metals for rust resistance and strength.

All metal roofs are long-term gains, as they last for years and require little maintenance when properly maintained. Heavier gauge and more expensive materials require a greater initial investment, but last longer and wear better. They also perform admirably in all weather conditions, increase property and resale values, lower insurance rates, and earn tax credits.

Roofs fashioned of metal come with extended warranties and even longer life expectancies. Baked enamel finishes keep rust away and come in many pleasing colors. Steel shapes easily and a steel roof can now look just like Spanish tile, asphalt shingle, natural slate, or wooden shingles and cedar shakes. While looking like more conventional residential roofs, the imitation can be easier to handle and install, and can weigh less, needing less support or enabling the new roof to be laid over the old.

Wind, snow, hail, and lightening can all be resisted better by a metallic roof. Snow slides off more rapidly, heat reflects more efficiently, lightening is neither drawn nor repelled, but if it does strike, the roof will disperse the impact rather than suffering from one entry point. Metal also is impervious to insects and mold and mildew, it does not burn, and it does not rot.

Roof styles range from the traditional standing seam ribbing to contemporary sheets of roof that appear seamless. They work well on high or low pitched roofs, come in large sections for quick installation, or can be laid in individual units like other shingles. High or low profile, flashy or purely functional, metal can fit any need or design.

Do it yourself is possible with these materials, but it is wise to leave the job to professional installers, who offer warranties on the finished product and understand the stresses the roof will face in its long life. Metal expands and contracts, and all other materials used in the roof will need to allow for this. Insulation, interior climate control, and soundproofing are other facets of installing a roof.

Metal roofing materials can make beautiful statements as well as protect whatever they cover for the lifetime of the building.

About the Author

Find more details and information about metal roofing materials and how to find the best contractor for your project. When you are looking for a contractor that uses fiberglass roofing materials, be sure to ask about this when you call.

EcoStar®’s environmentally friendly, recycled roofing products showcased on HGTV

Roofing Construction & Estimating $26.36 Everything you need to know to estimate, build, and repair practically every type of roof covering: asphalt shingles, roll roofing, wood shingles & shakes, clay tile, slate, metal, built-up, and …

The Black & Decker Complete Guide to Roofing & Siding: Install, Finish, Repair, Maintain $3.94 "The Complete Guide to Roofing & Siding" provides everything the homeowner needs to know to maintain, repair, and install all types of roofing and siding. Siding materials covered include traditional wood lap siding, brick, concrete block, stucco and fiber cement, stone veneer, wood shakes, shingles, vinyl and aluminum siding. Roofing materials covered include asphalt and fiberglass shingles, metal raised seam roofing, tile and clay roofs, slate, cedar shakes and shingles, and flat membrane roofs. Unique among books of this type, this volume also includes a complete section on exterior painting and staining techniques, including the use of scaffolds, airless paint sprayers, and other rental equipment. >The book is organized with major sections on maintenance, installation, repair, and painting and staining. Within these sections, individual chapters present in-depth information on working with each roofing and siding material. The chapters on painting and staining offer a unique do-it-yourself presentation of decorating the exterior of your home, with complete information on how to plan color schemes and accessories. The chapters on roofing and siding feature easy-to-follow directions for installing the materials of your choice. >"The Complete Guide to Roofing & Siding" is an ultimate reference source for homeowners who take pride in the integrity and appearance of their home. >The Complete Guide series from the editors of Creative Publishing international is America’s best-selling and most comprehensive line of home improvement books.

Roofing Construction and Estimating $27.92 Everything you need to know to estimate, build, and repair practically every type of roof covering: asphalt shingles, roll roofing, wood shingles & shakes, clay tile, slate, metal, built-up, and elastomeric. Shows how to measure and estimate most roofs (including estimating shortcuts discovered by the author), how to install leak-proof underlayment and flashing, and how to solve problems with insulation, vapor barriers, and waterproofing. Over 300 large, clear illustrations that help you find the answers to all your roofing questions.

Tags: composite, imitation slate roofing material, material, news, roofing, slate

This entry was posted on September 20, 2005 at 9:42 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted in Slate Roofing Materials by admin No Comments Yet