The popularity of metal roofing has seen immense growth in recent years for several reasons. This industry is also blooming due to technology and innovative solutions coming up every single day. This has made metal roofing a great option to install in residential and commercial properties and improve the overall aesthetics and looks. This material is also known for its remarkable durability, long life, energy efficiency and versatility, and these features make it stand out from other options.
Before metal roofing installation, it is essential to understand the available options, as there are so many to choose from. You can read about the details of different metals and their features in this post, but let us first understand what metal roofing is.
WHAT IS METAL ROOFING?
Metal roofing is a roofing structure made of metal as the primary material. Since metal is used in the roofing structure, it becomes durable, eco-friendly and completely resistant to mould and mildew. Metal roofing suppliers use materials like aluminium, copper, corrugated metal, steel, tin, zinc, etc., as the top metal roofing material. The versatility of these metals combines with the creativity of metal roofing suppliers to make these materials available in various colours, styles and shapes to fit your property’s aesthetics. Apart from this, these materials are available in different price ranges depending on factors like the metal type, thickness, size of the roof, etc.
Upon researching, you will find some materials are expensive, but they are also better and longer lasting than average-priced materials. Moreover, they resist better against harsh weather conditions and other natural and unnatural atrocities.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF METAL ROOFING?
The metal roofing installation cost varies enormously based on several factors, and the most prominent one is the metal used there. The roof size, the property’s height and the complexities during installation also influence the price drastically. On average, any homeowner can expect to pay $11 to $24 per square foot for metal roofing installation. This cost includes material costs and the labour cost. As mentioned above, the materials used will influence the cost, like steel and aluminium are less expensive than exotic and premium materials like copper and zinc. Metal thickness and quality are other factors that influence the cost apart from those listed below.
The slope and complexity of the roof
The need for additional insulation
The cost of any necessary permits or inspections
METAL ROOFING TYPES
Let us quickly go through the features of the most common metal roofing materials offered by metal roofing suppliers, and the first name we cover is standing seam metal roofing.
STANDING SEAM METAL ROOFING
The average cost of standing seam metal roofing is between $15 and $24 per square foot, and this makes it a cost-effective option. The good thing is that it is a completely fireproof option for residential and commercial properties and ideal for use in bushfire-prone areas. This material is entirely recyclable, and since it is weather-tight, you can be assured that roof leaks will never emerge again. The average age is between 30 and 50 years, and with proper maintenance and repair work by metal roofing suppliers, it can stretch up to 75 years.
CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING
This trendy option available in Australia has its unique benefits and advantages. The first feature is the longer lifespan compared to other metal roofing solutions. Metal roofing suppliers can customise corrugated metal roofing based on your choice, architecture and aesthetics requirements. Maintenance and repair work is effortless, as this roofing solution has exposed fasteners used on the panels.
METAL SHINGLES
Another name given to metal shingles is the hybrid of asphalt and wood shingles, and metal roofing suppliers customise them to resemble the looks of the metal roofing material. Metal shingles are very versatile and an incredibly popular roofing choice for those searching for a budget-friendly, durable metal roofing right inside their budget. It is more affordable than the versions discussed above.
METAL TILES
The metal tiles used as metal roofing resemble the look of traditional materials like Spanish tiles, wood shakes and slates. It is a sustainable option as far as metal roofing is concerned and has a multiple-layer finish.
STEEL ROOFING
Steel is one of the most popular materials used in metal roofing installations. It is known for its strength, durability and inexpensive availability. Metal roofing suppliers can make steel even more robust, versatile and resistant to issues like corrosion, fading, rusting, etc., with various finishes and coatings.
ALUMINIUM
Aluminium is a highly acclaimed roofing material that has attained this reputation due to its lightweight nature. The top USP is that it is naturally resistant to corrosion and rust, and interestingly, it is more expensive than steel. At the same time, it is more durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance demanding than steel roofing. All these features make aluminium an ideal metal roofing material for properties in coastal areas and areas where saltwater and moisture-laden winds are very common.
COPPER ROOFING
Copper is categorised as a premium or high-end material known for its incredible durability and beauty. Being a premium material, it is more expensive than the metals discussed above and requires minimal maintenance. Two other options are also there, and the names are zinc and tin. The former is durable and naturally corrosion-resistant, and it gives a unique matt finish to any roofing structure. On the other hand, tin is a pocket-friendly and eco-friendly metal roofing material. It is a very lightweight, durable, easy-to-install and long-lasting roofing material.
WHICH METAL ROOFING IS THE LONGEST LASTING?
This is the primary question homeowners ask when selecting the metal roofing material. The age of different materials is different, and the overall life depends on several factors. The average life is between 30 and 40 years, but as said above, several factors come into the game to influence the cost and the overall life.
WHAT METAL ROOFING IS RIGHT FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Most metal roofing suppliers recommend metal shingles or colorbond roofing as the top residential roofing material. The reason is the versatility of the colorbond roof and the fact that this material is completely resistant to issues like cracking, chipping, peeling, rusting, etc. It is a non-combustible, termite-resistant, water-tight and highly secure metal roofing material. The most significant factor is that it is designed to withstand the harsh Australian weather due to its excellent thermal properties.
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