Metal Roofing
Let’s start with the basics. There are 3 main types of metal roofs. The one you’re imaging in your head right now is standing seam, but that is far from the only option. There is a more cost effective option in “Barn metal” exposed fastener roofing. If you have ever seen a steel shed, you’ve seen exposed fastener panels. They’re great in a lot of ways and can be used either as roofing or siding. The third type is metal shingles. These are some of the most attractive options and vary widely in design, installation, and even materials.
Here is a quick comparison of roofing types from our old buddy Tom Silva from This Old House. This isn’t an in depth video, but it will give a basic footing to have a discussion about metal roofing.
Standing Seam
Standing seam metal roofing is the standard by which people usually judge a metal roof. It can last for 100 years depending on the material/coating and the installation. It has a iconic look that can’t be replicated. When it’s right for a home, nothing else will do.
Among the many types of homes that standing seam compliments well is the Cape Cod. Broad, low sloped sections over a porch, dormers that help to create visual interest and curb appeal, durability and an easy of maintenance on a steep roof that you probably don’t want to climb very often. This is where standing seam really shines.
It isn’t a style that lends itself to every home. Sometimes it simply doesn’t match the rest of the house. A great example of this is an English Tudor home. Tudors have a warmth to them that comes from a mix of materials and old world feel. Standing seam is a little sterile for the this application. For these types of designs, you’ve got to step out of the basic mold and explore the options that are offered by steel shingle products.
Metal Shingles
Here is where things get a little crazy. There are many products out there in this category, but that also means that you can accomplish a lot of different looks. We’ll get into products and applications based on your specific home if this style of roof is what you’re looking for. Here are a couple examples of the looks that you can achieve, but there are far too many to list here.
The video below is a good showcase of metal shingles with a slate look. Check it out!
Exposed Fastener / Screw Down / Barn Metal
Exposed fastener roofing can be a great and cost effective metal roof as long as you understand what it is and what it is not. The most common misconception and one that many in the industry are happy to go along with is that exposed fastener roofing is the same as standing seam. It’s not. All fasteners in a stand seam roof are covered from the elements. Exposed fastener panels have, well, exposed fasteners. These small screws have a small neoprene rubber washer on them that makes them water tight. If the screws are over driven during installation or simply exposed to sun and rain for years, these washers eventually begin to fail. If you’re diligent in inspecting these washers periodically, it’s not that big of a deal. Once the washers begin to fail, preferably long before, they can be replaced at a pretty low cost. If this maintenance is ignored, the panels will rust at the screw holes and leak. If it gets to this point, then you need to replace the panels. If inspected yearly and properly maintained, exposed fastener roofs will last nearly as long as standing seam.
Stylistically, they’re very similar to stand seam. Many homes would look great with exposed fastener roofing and of course out buildings like barns and work shops are perfect candidates for the the material.
