Indianapolis Metal Roofing Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the very best metal roofing possible, it’s hard to beat copper. This material is strong, offering optimal function for more than 50 years given proper maintenance, and is resistant to hail, fire, and mildew. It also doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance, so taking good care of it won’t come at a loss of time of finances, either.  Because it reflects light, copper is also highly energy efficient, especially in warmer climates as it works to keep your home cooler. That translates to reduced energy costs of up to 25%. And, of course, it’s a highly attractive metal, both in its new, bronze hue as well as the aged green patina it settles into over the years. Copper’s relatively few drawbacks include noise (if installed over an open frame), the tendency of the material to expand and contract, and cost.

If getting as many years out of your roof as possible is your main goal, corrugated metal roofing is a good option. If you opt for aluminum or steel, you don’t have to worry about corrosion at all, either, which is good news because corrugated metal happens to be incredibly strong – without fears of rust, this kind of roofing could last up to 100 years or more when properly installed. It’s also an incredibly flexible metal that manages to retain enough “toughness” to make it through even adverse weather conditions with minimal damage. The biggest drawbacks of this kind of metal roofing are the relatively steep slope needed to ensure water and snow fall off of the roof quickly as well as the expense of the material. You should also make sure to speak with your roofing professionals to ensure that they’re using corrugated metal that has been treated to resist corrosion if it’s not steel or aluminum.

There is a lot to love about steel roofing. The material is very eco-friendly, first of all, thanks to its ability to be recycled. Beyond that, it’s an affordable and flexible metal that offers buyers all manner of designs to select. Much like the other metals in this list, it’s also very durable and resistant to fire, corrosion, and insect infestations, making it a great option no matter the climate.

Stone-coated steel is a hybrid material that offers the best of two different worlds. Stone roofs are often quite attractive and draw the eye of many buyers, however they aren’t the most resilient of materials and can also be quite expensive due to the labor-intensive process of manufacturing and installing them. Metal, as we’ve seen in other descriptions, is a durable material that can last for decades, but it doesn’t have the same “rustic charm” that stone does. Stone-coated steel roofing consists of steel sheets finished with a layer of stone over the top. This allows them to give the appearance of traditional stone shingles while providing the durability and long lifecycle of steel.

The pros and cons of metal shingle roofing should be considered an extension of the pros and cons of the metal from which they are created. Copper shingles, for example, will look fantastic but be rather costly while corrugated metal shingles will last an incredibly long time but potentially stuffer from corrosion issues if the material has not been treated. One big advantage of metal shingle roofing is the ability to achieve the same style offered by traditional asphalt shingles while adding to the lifetime of the roof significantly. There are also many different styles and colors of metal shingles available – it is highly unlikely you won’t find something that suits your tastes.

The standing seam metal roof is an interesting style that is quickly rising in popularity, thanks in part to its unique design. As the name suggests, standing seam metal roofing is comprised of flat metal panels that are flanked on either side by vertical raised edges. These edges are designed to connect with other steel panels, leaving a raised “seam” spanning the roof vertically once installation is complete. This style of roofing can be both eye-catching and low profile depending upon the type of metal and even the style of standing seam roofing you select. While the most common type of panel in this style is, as mentioned, flat, there are curved options that follow the same principle. It’s also available in an array of different colors and metals.

Exposed fastener metal roofing is an economical style that features metal panels fasted to one another via fasteners through overlapping panels. Instead of using a standing seam, in other words, exposed fastener roofing utilizes a fastener like a nail that is pounded into the metal plates directly into the structure below. The fastener is left exposed, though typically painted the same color as the metal being used and doesn’t look quite as seamless as the other options in this section. Still, it is an affordable metal roofing option that looks fine and keeps the roof firmly adhered to your home.