Choosing the best type of metal roofing for your newly constructed home or the renovated one is super overwhelming for homeowners. Most people leave the decision to the constructors, as they believe interior designers and contractors have a better idea about which roofing will be the best for homes.

Types of Metal Roofing

Whether it is a residential or commercial property, choosing the right metal roofing is incredibly important, as it sets the ambiance of your place. The roof you choose for your home should not only be aesthetically appealing, but it must be robust enough to withstand weather and temperature fluctuations.

If you can’t choose between different metal roofing, this post is for you. We have compiled a list of the best metal roofing available in Edmonton, with their pros and cons. Let’s take a look:

1. Copper Roofing

If durability is your main concern, copper roofing makes the best choice for your residential or commercial building. Metal has been used in the construction industry for centuries. In fact, many buildings have copper roofs built hundreds of years ago. That’s how durable the material is. A copper roof can last for more than 200 years given proper maintenance. It is also a great choice for eco-friendly customers, looking for sustainable and green roofing material.

Copper is the softest metal for roofing. While that makes it the quietest one among all, it also implies that copper is more prone to damage than other metals. There is a possibility of the material denting when it is exposed to hailstones. But, that’s much better than harder metals that get totally punctured.

Copper is your ideal pick for all types of roofing requirements—whether it is a small apartment or a corporate building that needs robust roofing.

Coming to the downside, copper is one of the most expensive metal roofing options out there. People mostly avoid copper roofing, as it is much more than they need for their home. Note that copper can expand and contract when there is a sudden temperature fluctuation in your area. Although this can be addressed with the shingles and panels, extreme temperatures can damage your copper roofing. So, you need to consider the temperature and weather in your home before installing copper roofing.

2. Aluminum Roofing

If you live in an area that receives a coastal climate, use aluminum roofing for your house. As compared to other metals, aluminum has great resilience. The material is designed to withstand temperature and weather fluctuations seamlessly. The best part is that aluminum offers a high level of salt resistance. One quality that sets aluminum roofing apart from other materials is its atmospheric reaction.

Aluminum reacts with oxygen, forming Aluminum Oxide, which creates a strong layer of sealing. This protects your roofing from damages due to corrosion. The material is best for people looking for robust roof structures for their residential properties, but look-wise, it is not very appealing. That explains the coating used on aluminum roofs. Most homeowners in Edmonton install a coating on aluminum roofing to give it a better look.

Aluminum roofing is expensive, as expensive as copper. Although it is great at corrosion and salt resistance, the fact that it’s an expensive metal for roofing makes it a less suitable option than other metals. That’s also the reason why aluminum is installed in thin thicknesses. Too thin panels do not make a great choice for buildings that remain exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year.

3. Zinc Roofing

Zinc’s ability to be shaped into nearly any object makes it people’s favorite for commercial work. This explains why most commercial buildings in Edmonton have zinc roofing. Not only for offices and corporate areas, but zinc is the most suitable choice for your residential properties as well. Zinc has the ability to last for over 100 years without showing any sign of premature wear and tear. This makes it the best metal for your building’s roof.

Another advantage of zinc is that it is 100% recyclable and has a very low melting point, lower than copper and steel. It goes without saying that these properties make zinc a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious customers.

Coming to the downsides, zinc is not cheap. In fact, it is as expensive as copper. You need to hire professional and trained contractors to install zinc roofs to reap the best benefits of the metal. Besides that, zinc doesn’t look as beautiful as copper and aluminum-coated roofing. The metal could leave a white chalky residue after rainfall or snow, ruining the aesthetics of your home. In addition, zinc happens to be incredibly soft. There is a chance high winds or unfavorable weather can damage it (especially if the shingles are loose and aren’t installed properly).

4. Steel Roofing

Steel is a common and most popularly used metal in commercial and residential properties. The steel used in the construction industry today is recycled steel, instead of new. Being one of the most easily recyclable materials, steel has become customers’ favorite for roofing. The recyclable property also makes steel an incredibly sustainable and green material.

The biggest advantage of steel is its reasonable price. Steel is available for a very low cost, much lower than copper and aluminum. It is also available in large amounts, making it the most suitable choice for budget-conscious buyers. It is also one of the green metals for roofing. So, people planning to go green with sustainable product choices should consider steel roofing for their houses, office, and other buildings. Steel is also a great pick for homeowners living in areas prone to hailstones. Because of its resilience and durability, it is considered the most suitable choice for homeowners.

Bottom Line

While each of the above-mentioned roof materials comes with its set of advantages, the decision often comes down to the cost. Steel is affordable, eco-friendly, durable, and aesthetically appealing. For more information about roofing and types of metal roofs, call us at  +1 780-710-9990 or contact us through the Contact form. They offer a complete range of commercial and residential roofing services.