Commercial metal roofs are a viable material designed to provide an efficient solution for the complexities of commercial buildings. These roofs are long-lasting, professional-looking, and easier to maintain than most residential-style roofs. Before you buy, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Why Use Metal Roofing?
A metal roof has overlapping roofing panels fastened to open framing or, in some cases, a solid substrate. Some metal roofs use shingles, but that’s less common. More common are panels that are linked together to create a sturdy, durable roof. The most common style is a standing seam metal roof.
Some of the most common benefits of metal roofs for commercial structures include:
Metal roofing requires very little maintenance
Other roof types require routine maintenance and inspections. This may include replacing roof shingles and managing pot marks. None of this is a concern with most types of metal roofs. While an inspection every year or so is a good idea, most often there is nothing to do to these roofs.
Metal roofs are durable for all weather conditions
Metal roofs are durable surfaces that don’t take the wear and tear from weather often. They are less likely to suffer from roof damage from hail, falling tree branches, or even lightning. The hot sun doesn’t cause warping of the seams. Some roofs even withstand fires better than any other type of roofing material.
Metal roofs are environmentally friendly
Metal roofs are easily more environmentally friendly due to their long lifespan. Factors differ from one manufacturer to another, but most metal roofs contain 30 to 60 percent recycled materials. If you need to replace the metal roof at some point, it can be recycled itself as well. Some areas of the country offer green incentives for the installation of roofs like this.
Metal roofs can reduce energy costs
While asphalt shingle roofs absorb heat, metal roofs deflect it, helping to better manage the building’s energy usage. Heat transfer reduction like this is one of the most important ways to keep internal temperatures in the building controlled during the hot summer months.
Metal roofs pay for itself over time
Commercial metal roofs typically are more expensive than other roofing materials. However, the energy reduction and lifespan they offer can really help to cut down on its costs. This is the type of system most put in place and never have to invest in again.
Choose from a variety of colors and styles
Metal roofs can fit in with a company’s branding or image. They can be painted to match the surroundings. They are quite versatile when it comes to coloring. Some buildings benefit from a brightly colored roof (especially to aid in the defection of solar heat).
How Long Do Commercial Metal Roofs Last?
One of the biggest reasons to make the move to commercial roofing material is this one. When installed professionally using high-quality materials, these roofs last 60 to 80 years, with some lasting as long as 100 years. Now, warranties may not last that long, but most commercial roofing systems are not likely to suffer from sun damage and weather pounding on them like other types of roofing products.
The Costs Associated with Installing a Commercial Metal Roof
Costs for metal roofs depend on the style used, the scope of the project (such as how architecturally designed the roof is), and the overall size of the space. Pricing ranges from $7 per square foot installed up to $10 per square foot. Costs are higher for those with architectural detailing and insulation. Contact a Charlotte professional roofing company for more details on the costs and financing options for installing a roof.
Types of Metal Roofs
A range of metal roofing systems exist. Most commonly, the selection of a style depends on the surface of the roof, the area’s weather conditions, and the budget for the project. Here are a few examples:
Standing seam metal roof:
This type of roof is the most common. It is excellent for steep or low slopes. These also work on curved and architectural roofs.
Curved roofing systems:
These are beneficial when the roof has a curved architectural shape to it. They are designed at the job site to ensure a proper fit.
Exposed fastener panels:
This type of roofing system is more economical for some commercial projects. They have overlapping panels fastened directly to the roof deck or framing. The fastener heads remain visible once installed. This style typically has a wider panel than standing seam panels, which means fewer need to be installed, reducing costs.
Metal shingles and simulated tile:
This style incorporates a tiled or shingled roof look to it, but the entire roof is still made of metal. These are still panelized systems but add more of a decorative feel to the roof. Most people cannot tell that they are not individual shingles or tiles.
Insulated metal panels: Insulated metal panels (IMPs):
IMPs are a type of composite panel that has a metal exterior and an interior foam core. They are excellent when it comes to weather tightness and have a long fire rating. For buildings that need amplified climate control, this style of metal roof is essential.
What to Expect with Metal Roof Installation
Installation of a commercial metal roof is often done with careful precision. The existing roofing structure is removed and any repairs to the wooden structure are made. That’s critical because metal roofs can weigh a significant amount depending on the type.
The installers will then place the roofing system in place and fasten it directly to the roof structure. Depending on the style of the roof, panels are added one next to the other to create a water-tight seal. Some forms are prefabricated while others are fabricated on the spot, speeding up the installation process. The scope of the project determines the length of installation time, but most systems can be installed within a few days.
Metal roofing is a great choice for residential and commercial buildings. To learn more about metal roofing, contact us today.
