Metal roof for residential homes?

daluu

I was just researching a bit online on metal roofing and found mentions of some benefits like long lasting compared to other roof types (40-50 years or more?), reflecting solar heat, lightweight, low/no maintenance.

But it mentioned about 2-3x cost of shingle roof.

I notice that you can get metal roofs now in designs that are similar to shingles, etc. though assume they cost more than simple industrial metal roofing.

I was just wondering if metal roofing is a small percentage of residential homes or if it's still significant. If small, is it because of upfront cost and/or stigma of having a roof that looks like industrial building?

The longetivity & low maintenance and new designs seem appealing if one could afford the costs.

joecaption

I see thousands of home with metal roofs. Drive along the roads in VT, NH, ME or anyplace in NC, SC, GA on the coast and there everywhere.

mae-ling

There are different styles/designs.

daluu

Thanks, nice to know. I don't think I see any in the Bay Area, CA (not popular or too expensive?) or their design is so well, you can't tell it's a metal roof. I mostly see shingles with an occasional few cedar shake, tile, and tar & gravel roofs.

One question though are metal roofs only for simple roof designs, or can they be installed on more complicated designs like one with intersecting (~90 degree) gables (of different pitches, 2:12 and 4:12), with a hog valley, quite a few vents, etc. The ones I see in online photos seem to show simple gable/hip roofs with not too many intersections & few vents sticking out.

Centex2011

We live in rural Texas and metal roofs are pretty popular. We also live an agricultural area where there is not much to block the winds, so I'm assuming not having hundreds of shingles to lift up in high winds is a major reason. That is why we are going to investigate metal roofing when that time comes (see my post on roof patch cement you started earlier).

As far as design, I have seen them on simple roof designs to roof designs with multiple gables and valleys and with multiple pitches. I have also seen varying colors, from the traditional metal/galvanized to red to white to green.

mae-ling

Can you share a link or pic of the style of metal you are talking about

Windows on Wash

I would put metal on my home everytime and they make a ton of profiles that can match any aesthetic.

I can shoot you some personal pictures if you send me an email (they are not online).

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jburd964

The cost is substantial but with proper care they can last forever. Here's mine.

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joecaption

Just Google metal roofing pictures. Thousands come up.
Some materals have 75, 100, and even life time warrentys on the finish.
If you have more money then you know what to do with you can even get stainless steel roofing.

It and be anyone one of at least 10 differant profiles.

Daniel Holzman

As in most areas of construction metal roofs come in a variety of cost zones, ranging from inexpensive corrugated metal to standing seam metal roofs, all the way up to stamped metal that looks like architectural shingles. One of the things I like about metal roofs is that they are very fire resistant, which is critically important in fire prone areas. They also shed snow nicely, and they are very resistant to wind uplift forces if properly installed.

I just got back from two weeks in Switzerland, metal roofs are very common over there, mostly high end standing seam or stamped metal look.

daluu

What do you mean by proper care? Can you elaborate?

roofermikeinc

Roofing contractors in Miami can now offer a mill-grade standing seam Galvalume roof for the same price as Altusa Clay Tile. About 5 years ago a few local manufacturers had their own systems Miami-Dade approved, thus eliminating a middle-man(suppliers)and dropping prices dramatically overnight.
Yes, 3-tab shingles go for $325/sq and metal starts at $625 but your comparing Yugos and Mercedes. 25yr vs 60yr.
If your staying in your house for a long time metal is the way to go. As conventional, oil based roofing systems become more costly, recyclable metal roofing will always be a smart choice.

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roofer-Mike-Inc

jburd964

The only thing that will damage a metal roof is neglect and rust. Proper inspection over time an a little Ospho( http://ospho.com/ ) will prevent any and all rust. The screws can be replaced as will as a new paint top coat.

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Gun control isn't about guns, IT'S ABOUT CONTROL.

OldNBroken

Metal can go on pretty much anything. You just have to have the right person installing it.

daluu

Just read up on metal roofs a bit more, and got some additional questions:

* what do you use for underlayment of metal roofs? Also any insulation for it (to dampen any sound during rains)?

* for metal roofs for reroofing, better to tear up old roof and put new or install metal roof over existing roof? Install over existing only as last resort to save costs & manpower? Just asking as some online resources mention you can install over existing to save cost/work and need to trash old materials.