Category: New Metal Roofs

All Steel Roofing has a protective barrier on both sides of the sheet called a metallic coating which protects against rusting. This is underneath and separate from any paint which imparts color to the product. There are two types of metallic coatings used:

Galvanized: This is 100% Zinc in various thicknesses depending upon the product usage.

Galvalume or Zincalume: A mixture of aluminum and zinc. (55 percent by volume aluminum)

Metallic coatings “sacrifice” themselves to protect the iron (Fe) in steel from oxidation when exposed to the air and moisture is present. Zinc is a more “active” metal than iron so it oxidizes first and forms a protective barrier — zinc oxide, before the iron (Fe) in the steel can become Ferric Oxide (rust). When zinc is combined with aluminum to form Galvalume there is even more protection in most circumstances.

Different Levels of Protection

There are differing amounts of metallic coating used on sheet steel depending upon its final product application. For agricultural applications, galvanizing levels called G-40 or G-60 may be used quite successfully. For houses, the MRA recommends a minimum of G-90 be used. This is in accordance with the Guidelines for Residential Metal Roofing published by the Metal Construction Association. The greater the number, the longer the protection against rust will last.

The numbers G-40; G-60; and G-90 refer to the ounces of zinc per 100 square feet of sheet steel coated (top and bottom). G-90 will have 90 ounces of Zinc- 45 ounces on each side per 100 square feet of roofing sheet steel.

Galvalume has a designation AZ-50 or AZ-55. These are equivalent levels to G-90 galvanized product. However, in many years of exposure testing Galvalume has proven to be up to three times more effective in preventing rust from appearing on the sheet steel.

Aluminum sheet does not require a separate metallic coating barrier since aluminum oxide, when it forms is not noticeable in most cases.

Thanks to Mary of Aliquippa, PA…the proud new owner of an Charcoal Blend Arrrowline Slate roof! Now, Mary’s house will never need another roof.

Arrowline’s Metal Slate roofing combines old-world charm and unsurpassed performance. It also has a lifetime warranty for as long as Mary owns the home. It’s even transferable! Learn more about Arrowline’s Metal Slate.

While Distinctive Metal Roofing installs stone coated metal roofing materials occasionally, we caution those living in heavily shaded/wooded locations against it due to potential mold and algae growth. With their heavily granulated surface that retains mold and algae, if you’re currently having problems with mold and algae growth on your roof, stone coated shingles are not the choice for you. Please keep in mind that asphalt shingle streaks are also caused by the large percentage of limestone as a filler material. Limestone is what black algae feeds on which means black algae streaks appear early in the life of an asphalt shingle. Stone coated metal roofing does NOT contain limestone (the granules on stone coated metal panels is crushed ceramic or granite) but the granular surface itself can be an issue.

With the explosion of folks who are fed up with shingles that fail prematurely and are considering metal roofing as a permanent solution to their roofing needs, the number one question is “How much is it?” While it would be great to be able to answer this question simply, consideration has to be given to the steepness and overall complexity of the roof, how many layers are present, what those layers consist of (only asphalt or is there slate or shake involved as well?), and what type of material you are considering. That said, a basic multiple of 2 – 3 times the cost of an asphalt roof can be applied fairly consistently. However, that provides a wide range which isn’t always useful or accurate until we get into more specifics of your home’s roof.

Often, during a phone conversation, we’ll take a look at the roof via satellite and provide you with a ballpark number, if possible. You can count on the fact that true, long term, quality residential metal roofing with concealed fasteners will not be 10% – 30% more than an asphalt roof. If you find pricing in this range, there’s something horribly wrong with either the material being used or the quality and integrity of the installation.

Another thing to rely on is that, if you’re staying in your home long term and need a roof today, you’ll have today’s cost and and at least double that number for another asphalt roof in 10 – 15 years. At that point, you’ve spent more than you would have on one metal roof and have had to go through the process of replacing the roof twice (more if you stay in your house long term). The appearance of the roof due to streaking, granule loss, and missing shingles due to blow off will be less than thrilling for half of that time and you’ll think to yourself “I really should have purchased a metal roof last time!”.

To conclude, the answer to the “how much is it?” question is “less expensive than continuing to replace your asphalt roof over and over again, and it’ll look great for a lifetime!” We always tell people, “we hope to see you again but it won’t be because of the roof”.

Thanks to Mike and Dana of California Pennsylvania on their new metal roof. Their beautiful new home will be protected for many decades to come by a KasselWood (Weathered Cedar) roof!