A metal roofing sheet will be produced from either steel or aluminium in most instances. Other metals such as zinc and copper can be used, but this is relatively uncommon. Steel roofing sheets are the strongest option currently in mass production. They are usually corrugated to ensure that they are as strong as possible. A sheet metal roof made from steel will have a good strength to weight ratio, one of the reasons these sheets are used on some of the largest roofing projects. Steel roof sheets are also effective at resisting any damage which may be caused by direct impact to a roof. This is a great advantage during storms. These sheets will need to be treated before use to make them corrosion resistant. They are usually dipped in a liquid containing zinc, creating galvanized roofing sheets. This process will help to resist the damage caused by moisture, but will not remain effective indefinitely.

Aluminum roofing sheets are lighter than steel, though not as strong. They are also far less impact resistant. These metal roof sheets do however have the advantage of being naturally resistant to corrosion. Aluminium reacts with oxygen creating aluminium oxide, this forms a protective seal over the metal which is extremely effective. This property makes these kinds of sheets particularly useful in coastal areas where moisture in the air can damage other metals more severely, with its high salt content. Even a galvanised steel roofing sheet would begin to corrode in these conditions.

Any kind of all metal roof sheet will have the advantage of being completely fire resistant. This is very beneficial in commercial and industrial environments where dangerous production processes could increase fire risks. Being made from metal, these roofing materials are also resistant to attack by termites or any other insects which can cause significant damage to other kinds of roofing. If you own any kind of large building, there will likely some form of sheet metal roofing that will meet your needs. Whether you choose the strength of steel sheets or the lightweight design and resistance to corrosion offered by an aluminium roofing sheet, metal roofing offers a long lifetime and great value for money.

Applications

Steel roofs are proving to be popular choices for owners of both commercial and residential properties. The wide range of styles and colours now available make steel roofing materials a legitimate option for property owners in any location and with any price range. A steel roof can be made to order with each roof designed specifically for the individual property it will be installed in. Many commercial and industrial buildings make use of steel roofing materials due to their versatility, durability and resistance to fire and corrosion. A corrugated steel roof can often be seen in factories, offices and large agricultural buildings. Often the whole roofing system will be produced from metal including supporting beams and steel roof trusses.

In the past people have been hesitant about choosing steel roof sheets over some of the other options available due to the way they look, particularly on residential properties. The current range on offer means this concern is no longer valid and makes many kinds of metal roofs attractive to a much larger pool of potential customers. Steel roof tiles are now available along with large sheets which are designed to have the appearance of individual tiles and are particularly popular especially for private homeowners. They have all of the benefits of steel roofing systems but with the visual appeal of tiling. Because of the range of suppliers now in the market and the ability to order materials easily online steel roofing prices are also now very reasonable.

Advantages

All steel roofing options are safe and secure. They also have a lightweight design making them easy to transport and install. Steel roofing sheets have a particularly good strength to weight ratio making them extremely useful in some of the largest roofing projects that cover huge commercial and industrial properties. The strength of the materials makes them very effective at resisting wind and hail even where the very sheets are used. Corrugated steel roofing is particularly strong as the metal is strengthened in the corrugation process. This helps to increase the bending strength in directions parallel to the corrugations. Like all metal roofing materials steel has the highest levels of resistance to fire and sparks making it particularly desirable in environments where fire risks would perhaps be higher than normal.

Many steel roof panels have surfaces which are effective at shedding snow especially where the roofs are painted. This is obviously a huge benefit in areas which experience heavy snow fall. A small temperature rise will be all that is necessary to ensure that the snow is quickly removed. Cool-roof paints can also be used in areas which experience high temperatures to keep the building cooler. The surfaces of these roofs will often also have high levels of solar reflectivity which restricts the amount of the sun’s heat which is absorbed by a building.

Steel roofing panels are extremely durable and can often be found with lifetime guarantees. Stainless steel is naturally durable and other types of steel roof sheeting can be treated to give them the same long lifetimes but at lower costs. This is achieved with the use of zinc and aluminium which will oxidise and form a protective coating over the base metal. These metals often provide protection from the elements to increase the life expectancy of a galvanized steel roof. Because of the high levels of durability which steel roofing can offer it will typically require very low levels of maintenance when compared with other popular roofing materials. This means that it is generally a good long term investment.

If you live in the US there are further benefits to choosing a steel roof. It is possible to receive tax deductions because of the energy efficiency of metal roofing. The materials used will generally be highly reflective meaning that the costs of cooling a home with a steel roof are reduced due to the lack of sunlight being absorbed. This of course means less energy is consumed by the household.

More information relating to steel roofing and other metal roofing materials can be found here.