
Experience the Stability of Metal Roofs
When you live in the Spring, Texas area, or have a commercial structure here, you know that it needs to be built stable and strong, including the roofing. From the blistering UV rays of the Texas-heated sun and the hailstorms and high winds, a metal roof installation is a popular choice for many.
What types of metal are best for a metal roof installation?
The most common type of metal for metal roof installation on homes and commercial properties include:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Galvalume
- Stainless steel
- Zinc
Corrugated galvanized steel may be the most common and durable. This metal roofing is typically a steel sheet that is coated with zinc and rolled into corrugated sheets. Sometimes, aluminum, zing, or silicone-coated steel types of metals are used for a metal roof installation.
What goes underneath a metal roof?
There are three types of underlayment commonly included with a metal roof installation. It is installed before the sheets of metal and is attached to the roof deck or sheathing. The three types of underlayment are:
- Felt
- Self-adhering membrane
- Synthetic sheet
The professional roofing contractor you choose will advise you which of these is the best for your home or commercial structure metal roof installation. Do you need plywood under a metal roof?
Yes, it is recommended with a layer of roofing felt or other underlayment material on top.
Can a metal roof installation be done over asphalt shingles?
Technically, yes it is possible for a metal roof installation to be over an existing asphalt shingled roof if permitted by local building codes. An experienced roofing contractor will get those clarifications when they quote the job. Yes, not removing the existing roofing material is a money and time saver, but the manufacturer of the metal may not honor any warranty. This should be clarified with your roofing contractor.
How long does it take to install a metal roof?
The cost of a metal roof installation will depend on the size of the roofing surface and the type of metal being used. Other factors that can affect the cost are any repairs needed as the installation is taking place.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
While a metal roof installation is worthwhile, there are some disadvantages to having a metal roof as well, including:
- The upfront cost.
- The noise level if proper installation with insulation is skipped.
- Contraction and expansion cause the fasteners to loosen and need replacing.
- Patching a metal roof installation will have inconsistency in color match.
What is the biggest issue with metal roofs?
A common problem with improper metal roof installation is typically when the underside hasn’t been coated prior to installation. This corrosion occurs when water molecules are trapped between the panel and the insulation or underlayment. The corrosion causes the metal to weaken, rust forms, and the roof becomes weak and is likely to leak.
Is a drip edge necessary on a metal roof?
Yes, a drip edge is needed on a metal roof installation. This is a layer of protection from the possibility of wind damage, common with storms in this area, by creating an overlap between panels that keeps the panels from uplifting.
Should you use a vapor barrier under a metal roof?
Yes, a vapor barrier should be included with a metal roof installation to keep water from being trapped inside the wall. When water gets trapped, it produces moisture, leading to mildew, mold, and rot as well as minimizing the thermal performance.
Does a metal roof need an air gap?
Yes, a metal roof installation should have an air space underneath to help with energy savings year-round. The recommended air gap is no less than half an inch, the more gap, the better the ventilation. This has been shown to provide 97% result in radiant heat for commercial or residential structures.
In a metal roof installation, are furring strips necessary?
If the metal roof installation is over existing roofing material like asphalt shingles, furring strips are necessary because of the thermal contraction and expansion. On an asphalt shingle roof, without the furring strips, the asphalt granules rub the metal, causing corrosion and rust. Additionally, furring strips will provide additional air ventilation.
Topping It Off
A metal roof is more than just an aesthetic roofing material for homes or commercial structures. It provides fire resistance and energy savings and can be a bonus of a property value increase. Additional benefits include:
- Proven lifespan expectancy of 50+ years.
- Beautiful colors and styles for homes and low-profile commercial structures.
- Provides maximum wind resistance.
- Fire resistance.
- Energy efficient, ideal in hot summers.
- Low weight eases the strain on the structural integrity.
These are positives in a metal roof installation that should be considered when comparing the pricing and warranty with other roofing materials.
For a metal roof installation in Spring, TX, only choose the roofing experts that you can trust. Give us a call at 832-704-2817 to get started today!