Mastroofing logo

Call Us Now!
(610) 689-3737

logo

Mistakes To Avoid With Metal Roof Installation

Contact Our Team

*By submitting this form, you consent to receiving SMS messages from Mast Roofing & Construction, Inc.

Contact Us Today

Mistakes to Avoid With Metal Roof Installation

Thinking of a metal roof?

Have you considered a metal roof installation for your Pennsylvania home? It is a growing trend among homeowners these days and for several good reasons. Is metal roofing cheaper than shingles? Yes and no, but that isn’t one of the reasons that metal roof installation has gained popularity. 

When it comes to the costs of a corrugated metal roof installation, the materials actually cost up to 20% less than asphalt shingles per square. However, the savings are used up with the additional accessories like flashing, ridge caps, and screws, bringing the total cost within a few hundred dollars of an asphalt shingle installation. 

The cost savings come with lifespan savings. An asphalt shingle roof will give you up to 20 or 25 years, depending on the quality of the singles. A metal roof installation can often give you up to 100 years or longer when properly maintained. So over time, the metal roof installation is the less expensive choice. 

What are the different styles of metal roofing?

There are several advantages and pros to having a metal roof installation, like the longer lifespan we mentioned. They need minimal maintenance too, and believe it or not, they are energy efficient too. Choose the right color for the area where you live, and a metal roof will reflect the hot sun in the summer to keep your home cooler. Or it can absorb the sun’s heat and keep your home warmer in the winter. 

Here we list four of the most common materials used for metal roofing on homes around the country: 

Aluminum Metal Roof Installation: Aluminum is lightweight, making installation easier and faster, but it is also durable. The weight ratio is higher when comparing aluminum metal roofing to other types of roofing metals, giving you the same amount of strength.

Copper Metal Roof Installation: Copper metal roofing has a unique appearance that creates a focal point as it patinas over time. Starting out as shiny as a new penny, eventually changing to a blue-green in most cases, and sometimes, depending on the climate, a brown patina. 

Steel Metal Roof Installation: Steel metal roofing is what you will normally get when you ask for a metal roof installation. If you desire another type of metal, you’ll need to specify the type. Steel metal is an alloy that is made from a combination of several elements, including iron. More common among commercial buildings until recently. Because it is an affordable material, it has grown in popularity for residential roofing. 

Zinc Metal Roof Installation: Zinc metal roofing material is like copper and has that beautiful, unique appearance that patinas over time, changing colors. Many zinc metal roof installations are done with pre-patinated panels that haven’t developed a protective layer. 

Tin Metal Roof Installation: Looking for a “hot tin roof” for your home? You’ll get a rolled steel metal that is coated with tin and chemically bonded to the steel metal. This creates a durable metal roof that is resistant to cracking.

What colors does metal roofing come in?

Getting a new metal roof installation is exciting, and it is long-lasting. So you want to choose a color and style that will match your home’s architecture for years to come, even if you change the basic color of the house. Some recommended color selections based on architectural style: 

Modern style: Charcoal Gray, Matte Black, Regal White

Ranch style: Charcoal Gray, Dark Bronze, Solar White

Craftsman style: Ash Gray, Slate Blue, Sierra Tan 

Spanish style: Colonial Red, Terra Cotta

Cape Cod-style: Medium Bronze, Sandstone, Slate Gray

Victorian style: Charcoal Gray, Dove Gray, Hemlock Green

Barn or Farmhouse Style: Colonial Red, Regal Red, White

Can you paint metal roofing?

Yes. For all metal roof installations, following the proper prep work before applying the paint is necessary; the recommendation is to use an airless paint sprayer. This will give you a clean and even coating. Keep in mind that once it has been painted, you’ll need to repaint it every two to five years, depending on the thickness of the original paint applied, the climate, and the environment. 

What do you install under metal roofing?

The roofing contractor you choose to work with will discuss the options of what to apply underneath your metal roof installation. The most common and traditional material for roof underlayment is asphalt-impregnated, non-perforated underlayment. There are other types of felt underlayment the contractor may recommend including an organic reinforced and an inorganic reinforced choice.

What type of fastener is used for metal roofing?

It depends on which type of metal material you have for your metal roof installation. An experienced roofing contractor that does metal roofing will know the best type of fastener and recommended accordingly. Follow their advice, they’ve been there and done that. The choices are usually along these lines: 

Aluminum Metal Roof Installation – A stainless steel 304 screw in a matching roof color. 

Copper Metal Roof Installation – A stainless steel copper plated 410 screw.

Corten Metal Roof Installation – A dark brown painted stainless steel.

Metal Roof Installation – The zinc metal roof installation will require zinc plated screws, aka galvanized screws that are painted to match the roof panel color.

What is the best way to cut metal roofing?

Before you start your metal roof installation, the metal sheets should be cut to fit prior to installing. Fortunately, using a good pair of shears or snips isn’t as difficult as you may think. You may also be able to use a circular saw in some instances and always, plan the cuts before you make them so that you have the perfect fitting pieces for your roof. 

Topping Off This Metal Roof Installation Subject 

If a homeowner wanted to attempt a DIY metal roof installation, is metal roofing easy to install? It would be considered an advanced-level DIY project, but certainly possible. You would want to make sure you had the right safety equipment and follow the instructions that come with the metal roof installation materials, each type of metal will vary slightly on instructions. Always have the help of two or three others working with you. 

You should also keep in mind the manufacturer’s warranty stipulations. Many will not honor their warranty if the metal roof installation is not done by a certified, licensed roofing contractor. This could also affect your homeowner’s insurance should you have a claim later. Another factor to consider is if you ever sell the house, the prospective buyer’s inspection may raise a red flag of caution on the installation.

logo

Let's Talk About Your Project