As homeowners, we often find ourselves faced with a plethora of choices when it comes to materials, designs, and systems for our homes. One decision that can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality of a home is the type of roofing system to install. Among the various options, metal roofing systems have garnered considerable attention for their durability, energy efficiency and diverse designs.
It is a popular choice for homeowners who want a durable, attractive, and energy-efficient roof. Professional roofing contractors can install a metal roofing system in various styles, including standing seam, corrugated panels, or shingles.
In this blog, we will decode the basics of metal roofing, including the types, components, and installation steps. So, let’s get started.
Types Of Metal Roofing Systems
There are five main types of metal roofing systems. Each type has a different appearance, performance, and cost. Here is a brief overview of each of them:
Standing Seam
This is the most common type of metal roofing system, consisting of long, vertical panels that are joined by raised seams. The seams are hidden or concealed by clips or rails, creating a smooth and seamless look. Standing seam metal roofing is durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain.
It also offers a variety of colour and finish options. However, it is also the most expensive type of metal roofing, and it requires a skilled installer to ensure proper alignment and sealing of the seams.
Corrugated
This type of metal roofing system features wavy or rippled panels that are fastened to the roof deck with exposed screws or nails. The corrugations add strength and rigidity to the panels, making them resistant to denting and impact. This type of roofing is common for commercial and industrial roofing.
Corrugated metal roofing is also lightweight, affordable, and easy to install. However, it is also more prone to rusting, leaking, and noise than other types of metal roofing.
Ribbed
It is similar to corrugated, but it has more pronounced and evenly spaced ribs that run across the panels. The ribs create a distinct pattern and texture on the roof, adding visual interest and dimension. Ribbed metal roofing is also durable, lightweight, and affordable.
Metal Tile
Metal tiles are made of stamped or pressed metal sheets that are shaped into various tile designs, such as Spanish, Roman, or flat. Metal tiles are also coated with stone granules or paint to create a realistic and colourful appearance. Metal tile roofing is attractive, versatile, and fire-resistant.However, it is also heavier, more expensive, and more difficult to install than other types of metal roofing.
Metal Slate
This type of metal roofing system is made of stamped or pressed metal sheets that are cut into slate-like shingles. Metal slate is also coated with stone granules or paint to create a natural and elegant look. Metal slate roofing is beautiful, durable, and fire-resistant.
Components Of Metal Roofing Systems
A metal roofing system is composed of different components that work together to form a protective and functional roof. While the components may vary depending on the type of metal roofing system, the basic ones are:
- Roof decking: This is the wooden or metal base layer that supports the metal roofing panels. It is usually made of plywood, OSB, or metal sheets.
- Underlayment: This layer of material provides an extra layer of protection against moisture, ice, heat, and noise. It must be installed over the roof decking and under the metal roofing panels, following the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.
- Metal roofing panels: These are the main components of the metal roofing system, made of metal sheets or coils that are shaped into different profiles, such as standing seam, corrugated, ribbed, metal tile, or metal slate.
- Fasteners: These are the hardware that secures the metal roofing panels to the roof decking. They can be either exposed or concealed, depending on the type of metal roofing system.
- Trim: This is the metal accessory that covers the edges and corners of the metal roofing system. It provides a finished and aesthetic look, as well as a barrier against water and wind.
- Sealant: This is the material that seals the gaps and joints of the metal roofing. It prevents water, dirt, wind, and other elements from getting in between the metal roofing panels and the trim.
Installation Of Metal Roofing Systems
The installation of a metal roofing system requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. It involves measuring, cutting, bending, fastening, trimming, and sealing the metal roofing components.
Also Read: The Importance Of Professional Installation In Industrial Metal Roofing
The installation process may vary depending on the type of roofing system, but the general steps are:
Prepare The Work Site
This involves setting up a safe and organized work area, removing the old roofing material (if necessary), inspecting and repairing the roof decking, and gathering the tools and materials needed for the installation.
Apply The Underlayment
This involves unrolling and laying the underlayment over the roof decking, overlapping the edges and ends, and securing it with nails or staples. The underlayment must be flat and wrinkle-free, and it must cover the entire roof surface.
Install The Trim
This involves cutting and bending the trim to fit the roof edges and corners, and fastening it to the roof decking with nails or screws. The trim must be aligned, and level, and it must cover the underlayment at the eaves and rakes.
Install The Metal Roofing Panels
This involves measuring and cutting the metal roofing panels to fit the roof length and width and fastening them to the roof decking with screws or clips. The metal roofing panels must be aligned and overlapped, and they must cover the trim at the eaves and rakes.
Install The Ridge Cap
This involves measuring and cutting the ridge cap to fit the roof peak and fastening it to the roof decking with screws or clips. The ridge cap must be aligned and overlapped, and it must cover the metal roofing panels at the ridge.
Apply The Sealant
This involves applying the sealant to the gaps and joints of the metal roofing system, such as the seams, fasteners, trim, and ridge cap. The sealant must be compatible with the metal roofing components, and it must be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.
About Us
At Stahl Roofing, we are a family-owned and operated business that has been providing metal roofing solutions to Edmonton and surrounding areas since 1989. We value our customers, safety, and excellence. Whether you need a new roof, a roof repair, or a roof inspection, we are ready to assist you.
Get in touch with us today for a free estimate and consultation.
