Buying Metal Roofing: A Guide Home Improvement Home Security by T J Krejci - March 30, 2016March 30, 2016 Buying Metal Roofing: A Guide Metal roofs have been around for centuries and with good reason; they are one of the most durable out there, capable of lasting up to several decades if properly maintained. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already set to buy a metal roof. You’re already on the right track, but if you want to make the most out of getting metal roofing, you have to start things right by choosing the right one for you. Picking the right metal roof for your home can be tricky so here’s a quick list of what you should keep in mind before spending anything on your new roof. Image – www.bigstockphoto.com/ Picking a Metal Anyone exploring metal roofing for the first time will be surprised to find that there are different material options to choose from. Yes, there are different kinds of metal roofing and they’re not just about designs or styles. Aside from galvanized steel that most people are familiar with, you also have aluminum, g-60, and alloys such as galvalume (a mix of zinc and aluminum). There’s even stone-coated steel and other less common options such as zinc and copper. Like other roofing materials, different metal roofs have different things to offer, although all are reliably durable. Copper, for instance, is the most durable, but it also comes with the heftiest price tag. On the other hand, steel is popular today because it is a cost-effective choice. Image – www.bigstockphoto.com/ Panels vs Shingles Metal roofs are usually available in two options based on style: as large panels or smaller, uniformly-sized shingles. What you should get will ultimately boil down to what you think will look better on your home. Take note that panels are commonly used on more modern-themed homes because of their minimalist look, while shingle-styled metal roofs are better for homes with more traditional styles. Choose Your Color The color of your roof will have a big impact on your home’s overall appearance, but it can also affect your property’s energy efficiency. Aside from simply picking out a shade that complements the rest of your home, keep in mind that light colors, such as white, cream, or beige, have the tendency to reflect back heat from the sun while darker colors go the other way and absorb more. Being mindful of how much heat your roof absorbs is important because it will affect cooling and heating strategies in your home. If you’re looking to keep passive heating at bay, then going for a light-colored metal roof will be a good idea, for example. Besides paint, you can also consider having your metal roof coated. Roof coatings are specially formulated so they work better than standard paint in reflecting back heat from the sun. At the same time, they reinforce the protective layer metal roofs have, making them ideal if you’re looking for long-term protection. There may be a lot to consider when you’re getting a metal roof but you’ll find that all the effort will be worth it in the end. To learn more about metal roofing, don’t hesitate to give your local roofer a call. Image – www.bigstockphoto.com/ Author Bio: TJ Krejci has been working in the roofing construction and restoration business for over 17 years. Having worked on both residential and commercial properties, he has a wealth of experience, which he shares on the JCB Roofing company blog. In his free time, TJ likes to spend time outdoors with his family and working on interior and exterior designs for his investment properties.