Metal Roofing

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Metal roofing is the top finishing layer of the roof made of any metal sheets or plates. Metal roofing is generally applicable to private houses and other low-rise buildings, including those with complex roof design.

There are several kinds of metal roofing classified by various criteria.

Material

Copper: the most expensive, but plastic material, though strong and durable (can be used up to 200 years) through patination.

Aluminium: comparatively affordable and soft metal, easy-bending and suitable for complex roofs, unsusceptible to corrosion of decolouration with time. Service life – up to 150 years.

Ti-Zn steel or galvanised iron: low-cost material, though susceptible to corrosion which requires extra treatment with protective polymers.

Combined coating, e.g. galvalume – a compound of zinc, aluminium and silica with high thermal resistance potential.

Shapes and installation methods of roofing elements

Seam roofing: consists of elements made of galvanized steel sheets and rolls and can be either with or without a polymer coating. Seam, or seam joint, is a type of joint between metal roofing sheets. According to the execution method and assembly technique, the seams can be either horizontal or standing, single ordouble. Generally, the seams are made using manual or electromechanical seamers. And there are also self-locking seams that require no tools for assembly whatsoever.

Metal tile is a roofing material in the shape of stamped sheets imitating ordinary ceramic tiles. It is lightweight, durable and easy to install, which makes it the most common roofing nowadays. It can be of various finishingtints and textures according to the applied decorative and protective coating.

Decking – profiled metal sheets. Profiling or corrugating improves the rigidity of the roofing material, so that the roofing can withstand high loads without deformation. The best application is flat roofs.

 

Metal roofing materials may vary by the size of individual parts (sheets), thickness and quality of metal, applicability to various ambient conditions.

Accessories

Like any other roof covering, metal roofing requires accessories to provide additional functionality (e.g. water drainage, avalanche prevention, etc.) and to look harmoniously and complete. Metal roofing accessories include:

  • Hanging gutters
  • Outlets
  • Drainage pipes
  • Brackets and relevant elbows
  • Planks of various kinds: ridgecaps, peak flashing, eaves flashing
  • Fasteners for ventilation and chimney stacks, TV and radio antennas