If you are remodelling or in the market for a new roof, why should you consider a metal alternative?

What Options Are There?

Today, metal roofs come in a variety of different materials and configurations, allowing you to select very precisely according to the type of building, your budget and even your geographical location.

For example, you can choose from galvanised steel (which comes in different thicknesses), galvalume steel (which is slightly more expensive but comes in aluminium or zinc coated), stone coated steel, copper or stainless.

Geographical Issues

Note that galvanised steel is not recommended if you should live close to the ocean, as it can eventually corrode in these environments. If you do live in coastal areas, then you may be better off looking at aluminium for your choice of roof.

Cost Considerations

If cost is a significant option, then galvanised steel is likely your best choice. It's certainly the most frequently used in both commercial and residential situations due to this factor. Aluminium is slightly more expensive and also very popular. It's very durable and will last typically a lot longer than steel, but has the advantage of being much cheaper than the premium metals like copper.

However, copper can last for hundreds of years and is as such the most durable of all options. This type of roof has a fairly large budget and many people choose copper just for accenting or certain architectural elements, such as a bay window cover.

Installation Advantages

You may not know that it's possible to put a metal roof on top of your existing roof, which can save a significant amount of money in the destruction phase. Metal is a very lightweight material and is therefore suitable for installing over the top of shingles. You also have an advantage if choosing to replace your roof in the wintertime, as most contractors will be able to install a metal roof at this time of year, relatively quickly.

What Styles are Available?

There are a variety of different styles available for metal shingles and these are often manufactured to imitate the look of slate or tile. You can choose from a very large number of colours, which can even be customised to your particular liking. There are far more colour options available for metal then there are when considering asphalt shingles.

Life Cycle Cost

Finally, remember that metal roofs are extremely durable and have a long lifespan. This means that they have a low "life cycle" cost. You may spend a little more when you install a metal roof as opposed to an asphalt shingles alternative, but in the long run you will definitely save money.

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