Metal roofing comprises about ten percent of the roofing done on residential homes. Metal roofing has been used for millennia. In ancient Greece, the roof of the Pantheon was copper.
Metal roofing in Fort Collins CO can be beautiful for the home. Copper is the most common metal used in roofing. It can be left with its original color or painted to better match the house. Metal roofs often convey heat into the house, so it’s important to have good attic insulation if you are considering metal for your roofing material. Copper roofs are also at risk from metal thieves. Copper roofing requires treatment every three to five years with an oil to keep their luster and prevent a patina from developing.
Another popular metal is corrugated galvanized steel. It comes usually in rolls that are attached to the roof by metal brackets. This is a “green” treatment and does not require much maintenance – just the occasional treatment to make sure it doesn’t rust. It can be painted with metal-specific paint to allow for stretching and compressing as the metal in the roof expands or contracts due to outside temperatures.
There are a variety of coatings that can be applied to a metal roof. While some homeowners want the metal left plain for its beauty, others want to paint the metal roof to better match the rest of the house. Ceramic coatings can change the color of the roof. They are usually made out of regular paint with ceramic balls mixed in. Ceramic coatings offset the added heat inside the house by reflecting heat back again. This treatment will have to be cleaned regularly since dirt and other obstructions will dull the ceramic surface and allow the heat to go back into the house again. Copper roofs also have the option of a clear coat of sealant, preserving the copper color and protecting the copper itself.
There are many options to go with metal roofing. Your contractor should be able to help you decide which one is right for your home. A new metal roof adds value and beauty to your home.
