You may have noticed metal roofing, siding and other exterior products becoming increasingly popular. Is this simply a fad that will fade with time or is this the direction modern residential exterior products are headed?

While metal roofing and vertical board and batten siding have become a coveted appearance for homes, there are some serious advantages to these claddings over some that have been commonly used for decades in residential construction. These metal systems offer advantages in longevity, durability, appearance, energy savings, and more.

Although metal roofing has long been associated with agricultural applications, there is a growing field of niche; residential focused metal roofing and siding products that do not have concealed fasteners and utilize interlocking designs. Many of these systems are engineered to last 50+ years. These products are highly sustainable and can have their life expectancy expanded further by painting them 50+ years after service and exposure to the elements. This is astounding compared to the typical 18-to-25-year life expectancy of asphalt shingle roofing systems.

Exterior metal products have some of the toughest Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coatings. PVDF is a fluoropolymer plastic known for its chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and UV stability. Harmful UV exposure is the most consistent damaging element roofing products face and is what causes asphalt shingle roofs to break down. Fire safety is becoming a greater focus in homeowner purchasing decisions. The best way to achieve this is the use of non-combustible building materials. Some metal exterior systems are eligible for Class A fire ratings depending on underlayment and application. These exposed fastener systems also have unparalleled uplift resistance making them some of the most wind-resistant products available. This is attributed to many innovations in fastening methods and interlocking cladding that are not achievable with other exterior products.

Asphalt shingle roofs can begin staining and streaking as young as 10 years. This can be frustrating to see such a significant investment to your home become so quicky tarnished. The granulated surface of asphalt shingles offers a prime environment to attract and sustain biological growth that is responsible for these stains. The PVDF coatings previously mentioned do more than provide UV resistance. They also are one of the tightest man-made molecular bonds that create a surface that is resistant to fungus as well as streaks and stains caused by algae. From an aesthetic standpoint, asphalt shingles largely have a homogenous appearance from one manufacture to another. This is due to the prominence of “dimensional” shingles that emulate the appearance of a shake roof. With metal products, there are a variety of options between standing seam and formed shingles that can emulate tile, slate, shake or shingles.

Metal roofing products have long been a leader in energy efficiency when it comes to roof systems. Chances are, you have seen a silver metal roof installed on an agricultural structure. These reflective finishes play a key role in maintaining temperatures in these structures that are exposed to the sun. Modern metal roofing finishes can incorporate this same function, even in darker colors using reflective pigments. Besides this, many metal roof systems have an integral air space between the roof system and the roof deck that stops conductive heat transfer from the roofs surface to the structure below. The low thermal mass of metal also means that it quickly dissipates any gained heat back to the sky once the sun goes down. The same cannot be said for asphalt shingle roofs that retain heat and pass it to the structure. It is not uncommon for homeowners to experience energy savings because of installing a metal cladding. This, combined with the fact that some metal cladding can be made of up to 95% recycled material, makes a metal roof possibly the most sustainable option available.

If you think that a metal roofing or siding product may be a good fit for your home, call Solid Rock Roofing to find out more about these products and advantages.