The Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Roof Panels

Steel Roof Panels have advantages and disadvantages.  Let’s look at a few of them.

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Advantages of Steel Roof Panels

1. Longevity

Perhaps the main advantage of steel roof panels have over other roofing materials is longevity.  Asphalt shingles are very popular, but just in North America mostly.  In Europe and other parts of the world – where the houses are hundreds of years old – homeowners are not interested in putting on a roof that they will have to replace in 20 years or less.

The greatest enemy of bare steel is rust.  But the inventions of Galvalume (not recommended for animal confinement) and galvanized (great for residential) coatings that consist of aluminum and/or zinc, have greatly increased steel’s ability to defy rust.  On top of that, specially engineered paint systems that allow manufacturers to offer 40-year or even 50-year warranties (often called “Lifetime Warranties”).  Even a paint default does not signal the end of the roof because it can be painted again and again as needed.  Did you know that well-maintained steel roofs have been known to last well over 100 years?

2. Durability

Another reason that steel panels can last so long is their durability.  Steel is by nature a hard substance, and steel roofing is actually the recommended roofing material in hail-prone areas because of its impact-resistance, as well as in hurricane zones because of its wind-resistance, and in areas subject to forest fires because of its fire-resistance.  The strength of the steel roof panel is usually tied to its thickness (measured in gauges).  The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel.  (Example: 28 gauge is heavier than 29 gauge, and 24 gauge is heavier than 26 gauge.)

Note: Some roof manufacturers will deceptively advertise the thickness of their painted panels instead of the bare steel… which will obviously mean a heavier gauge reading without an increase in strength.  (Example: After the paint is applied, the steel might cross the minimum tolerance threshold of 27 gauge classification, while the bare steel was only 28 gauge.)  Make sure you always ask the manufacturer if the gauge is measured before or after the paint.

3. Energy Efficiency

Steel roof panels are more energy efficient than other common roofing materials such as asphalt shingles.  We can categorize the energy efficiency of steel roofing under “Radiant Heat Block” and the subcategory “Solar Reflectivity.”  While asphalt shingles absorb radiant heat, the physical properties of steel cause the radiant heat from outside (during the summer), or inside (during the winter) to bounce off steel roof panels.  Meaning, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard when the heat is trying to get in, and your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard when the heat is trying to escape.

In addition to general radiant heat block, most colors of steel roofing are better reflectors of radiant heat from the sun than asphalt shingles are.  But some colors are even better than others.  The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) shows the percentage of radiant heat reflected.  Compare white-painted steel with an SRI of 83% to a light-colored shingle that might only be 22% reflective.

Note: Most of the panel colors available at A.B. Martin are Energy Star approved and qualify for the Energy Tax Credit.

See also: Why You Should Want a Metal Roof in the Winter

4. Aesthetics

Other advantages of steel roof panels include their clean, architectural look and vibrant colors.  For these reasons, steel roofs are growing in popularity among homeowners.  They like the unique look that can be modern or classic.

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5. Environmental Friendliness

It’s almost not worth saying after talking about a steel roof that lasts for more than a lifetime, but, in contrast to other roofing products like asphalt shingles made from toxic materials that usually can’t be re-purposed and are dumped into a landfill after only 20 years of service, a steel roof that’s made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable after a long and useful life does seem like the more responsible choice.

Metal is “green” even when it’s blue, black, or red.

Disadvantages of Steel Roof Panels

1. Styles

Style options are limited with steel panels.  Asphalt shingles are made to resemble wood shakes or slate.  Most steel roofs, on the other hand, are made with 2 ft or 3 ft wide steel panels that are either smooth with upright seams or corrugated with little ridges.  Some manufacturers offer metal shingles, but they are frightfully more expensive.  Which brings us to the next disadvantage.

2. Cost

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage to steel roofing is the upfront cost.  Although some steel panels (like the ABM Panel) are actually cheaper than shingles, other panels can cost 2x, 3x, or 5x as much as shingles.  This upfront cost can be hard to swallow.  But it’s hard to deny that, given their long lifespan, steel panels are going to cost less in the end.

See also: Does a Metal Roof Cost More to Install?

3. Colors

Color options are also limited with steel panels.  Though some manufacturers offer dozens of colors, the options are still more limited than shingles.  Plus, shingles are often multicolored to replicate the look of slate or wood shakes.  With the exception of copper, it is hard to replicate that multicolored look with panels.

4. Installation

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you might be frustrated by the last disadvantage – installation.  Shingles are relatively easy to install yourself.  On the other hand, installing steel roof panels can be tricky or downright dangerous unless you know what you are doing.  That means it is best done by experienced professionals with specialized tools.

Need a Pro?  Search our contractor database.

1. Metal Roofs are Long-lastingMetal roofs will stand the test of time and long outlive their asphalt counterparts. Depending on the type of metal you use—tin, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, etc.—the roof will be either more or less durable. However, all metal roofs can easily last at least twice as long as an asphalt roof, and some might even endure for hundreds of years.2. Metal Roofs are SafeMetal roofs are fireproof, making them one of the safest types of roofing available. However, one concern that often gets voiced is on the topic of lightning. Sometimes people assume that metal roofs are a target in an electrical storm, but this is not the case. Most buildings with metal roofs aren’t tall enough to become a true target. In addition, buildings with metal roofs get grounded. This means a safe conduit is provided for any electric current that does hit, which eradicates the possibility of the building getting damaged.3. Cost-effectiveIt’s true that you’ll spend more outright on a metal roof over one constructed with asphalt tiles. However, in the long run, metal roofs are the more affordable option. A metal roof is generally a once in a lifetime expenditure, whereas asphalt roofs need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. In addition, there’s typically less maintenance involved with a metal roof, which will also save you money.4. Energy efficientLighter coloured sheet metal roofs refract heat, thereby making your home less expensive to keep cool in the hotter months. However, most of us in Scarborough and the GTA are more concerned with the high cost of heating in the winter. But metal roofs can help with this too, as they are in fact excellent insulators. In sum, when it comes to roofing materials, metal is one of the most energy efficient choices.5. Environmentally friendlyDid you know that the steel content in a metal roof is composed of up to 56 per cent recycled content? Additionally, metal roofs can themselves be entirely recycled, making them a very environmentally friendly option. This stands in stark contrast to asphalt roofs. North American landfills currently hold more than 20 billion tons worth of asphalt shingles, which will take approximately 400 years to break down.All the roofing supplies you need in Scarborough No matter what materials you ultimately decide to use for your commercial or residential roofing project, Danforth Roofing Supply Ltd. has the quality products you need to get the job done. Contact ustoday with any questions about our products, or simply visit us at one of our two Scarborough locations. We also offer a variety of roofing products, including metal roofing and asphalt roofing. Contact us today.

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