Further Reading


Metal Panel Roofing - Why This Might Be Best For You

by Ryan McCall

The roof of a home is a key element of any building design and one of its most significant structural aspects. Value-conscious house owners seeking long-term roofing solutions that combine aesthetics and performance are increasingly turning toward metal panel roofing. According to much research, metal panel roofing has surged in popularity over the past decade.

Metal roof paneling has been proven to withstand all sort of weather, lasts a long time, and requires little to maintain. What is more, its makers have extended our choice of finishes, styles and colors to coordinate with and beautify our structures. Technological developments in coatings and finishes have made it possible to develop cool metal roofing which provides greater economy by decreasing energy use and therefore reduces the money we spend to cool or heat our buildings.

It's important to understand the complexities of the many different roofing systems, because the abundance of metal roofing products available today can cause people to have a number of questions when discussing the designing of metal residential roofing. The maximum potential of any metal roof will occur only when the appropriate roofing system, underlayment, finish and substrate are specified.

Two basic kinds of metal panel roofing exist, and these are categorized in accordance with the means by which their roofs resist water. The prime factor in determining that is a roof's slant or pitch. Structural roofing has water-resistant paneling and is manufactured for use on roofs with minimal slope. Architectural (or non-structural) roofing is created for use on sharper slopes so that the water is caused to drain off rapidly.

Typically, panels for a structural roof can spread across structural supports, which join at the building structure using clips. Thermal expansion and contraction is possible because of the floating clip system that fastens the structural panels to the roof. Structural panels and flashing need to be designed so that expansion can occur, because thermal contraction and expansion influences all materials to a certain degree.

When structural metal panel roofs are installed, they are usually fitted over a structural metal framing and purlins. It is important to consider the conditions the new roof will be facing when installing. For instance, if the roof will be subject to heavy snow or high winds, solid substrates such as metal decking, plywood, or oriented-stand board combined with ISO board insulation can be laid down first. This will ensure the roof will be sound enough to handle the load.

Roofs are very important structural features. Value aware house owners are looking for long-term roofing solutions which contain aesthetics and performance together. Everyday, more consumers are choosing metal panel roofing technology. Metal roof paneling has been proven to withstand all sort of weather, lasts a long time, and requires little to maintain. There are many questions that come up when you are talking about metal residential roofing. Structural roofing is useful on roofs with a lower pitch as the panels themselves are water resistant. Non structural roofing, which is also called architectural roofing, can only be used on steeper slopes.

Published May 13th, 2008

Filed in Home, Real Estate