Metal Roofing: 5 Types, Pros, Cons, Cost & More

As a roofing contractor I and my team often have to deal with indecisive customers confused between the different types of metal roofing.

If you are planning to install a metal roof over your commercial or residential property this is the article for you.

The five types of metal roofing are Tin, Copper, Steel, Zinc, and Aluminum.

In this article, we will see each of these types in detail along with their pros and cons, costs, life span, and more.

What Are The Different Types Of Metal Roofing Materials? 

Metal Roofs can be classified into the following five types, depending on the material used to construct the roof:

Zinc Roofing- Zinc roofing is popular for sustainable construction and is known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to reflect heat. It is also easy to install and maintain.

Copper Roofing – Copper roofing is a premium option that offers a long lifespan, durability, and resistance to corrosion. It is also known for its natural patina that develops over time, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Tin Roofing- Tin roofing is lightweight, durable, and often used for residential and agricultural buildings. It is also known for its resistance to corrosion, fire, and extreme weather conditions.

Galvanized Steel Roofing- Galvanized steel roofing is affordable, durable, and resistant to corrosion. It also reflects heat pretty well, keeping the inside temperatures maintained.

Aluminum Roofing- Aluminum roofing is also lightweight, and durable. It is known for its resistance to corrosion and ability to reflect heat. Installation and maintenance of this roof are not complicated. It is suitable for coastal regions due to its high resistance to saltwater corrosion.

Zinc Roofing 

Zinc roofs can last up to a century, they are the most durable metal roofing option available in the market. However, zinc roofs are extensively seen throughout Europe but not so much in North America.

Zinc is expensive but strong. So homeowners looking for a resilient roofing material should pick zinc roofing.

Pros:

• Zinc roofing is a popular option for sustainable construction.
• It is highly durable and resistant to corrosion.
• Zinc roofing is also energy-efficient as it reflects heat, helping to keep the buildings cool.
• It is also easy to install and maintain.

Cons:

• Zinc roofing is more expensive compared to other metal roofs.
• It requires special installation techniques and regular maintenance.

Average Cost Of Zinc Roofing

Although zinc is known for its durability, longevity, and aesthetics. It is expensive. The cost of zinc roofing can range from $9 to $15 per square foot with installation.

Copper Roofing 

Another long-lasting roofing material other than zinc is copper. Copper too lasts a century or perhaps more with regular care and maintenance.

Along with being durable it’s lightweight and forms a beautiful bluish-grey zinc carbonate coating when oxidized which looks aesthetic.

Pros:

• Copper roofing has a long lifespan, typically lasting around 100 years.
• It is naturally resistant to corrosion and pests.
• Copper roofing develops a natural patina over time, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
• It has high thermal and electrical conductivity, making it energy-efficient.
• It is also 100% recyclable.

Cons:

• Copper roofing is a premium option and is one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market.
• It requires special installation techniques and regular maintenance.
• It can be noisy during rain and hail storms.

Average Cost Of Copper Roofing

Copper is a high-end metal roofing option that is relatively rare, which can contribute to its high cost. The average cost of copper roofing can range from $15 to $20 per square foot including installation.

The cost can also be influenced by factors such as the complexity of installation and the location of the project.

Tin Roofing 

When rolled steel is coated with tin and used for roofing, we refer to it as tin roofing. Lately, tin roofing is rare as there are better metal roofing options available. Today the term tin roofing refers to steel roofing or aluminum roofing in the market, as tin roofing is mostly outdated.

Pros:

• Tin roofing is lightweight and durable, making it a great option for residential and agricultural buildings.
• It is resistant to fire, and extreme weather conditions.
• Tin roofing is also an affordable option.

Cons:

• Tin roofing can dent easily and is not as strong as other metal roofing options.
• It requires regular maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion.
• It can also be noisy during rain and hail storms.

Average Cost Of Tin Roofing

Tin roofing is a more affordable metal roofing option than copper, but it is still more expensive than some other materials. Tin roofing can cost anywhere from $5 to $12 per square foot along with installation.

Galvanized Steel Roofing 

Galvanized steel roof is nothing but a steel roof coated with a protective layer of zinc. It is also referred to simply as a galvanized roof. Steel is dipped into hot zinc to coat the roof with a thick or thin layer of zinc.

This process not only makes the steel more durable but also gives it a stellar look.

Pros:

• Galvanized steel roofing is a popular and affordable option.
• It is highly durable and resistant to corrosion.
• Galvanized steel roofing is also energy-efficient as it reflects heat, helping to keep buildings cool.

Cons:

• Galvanized steel roofing is heavy and requires solid structural support.
• It requires regular maintenance.
• It can also be noisy during rain and hail storms.

Average Cost Of Galvanized Steel Roofing

Galvanized steel roofing is popular and affordable. It can cost anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot including installation. The cost may vary depending on several factors.

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is one of the lightest roofing materials out there. But don’t let its light weight fool you as it is also one of the strongest metal roofing options.

It’s malleable, so it can be shaped into any shape you want, and is also suitable for most climates.

Pros:

• Aluminum roofing is lightweight and durable.
• It is highly resistant to corrosion and suitable for coastal regions because of its high resistance to saltwater corrosion.
• Aluminum roofing is also energy-efficient as it reflects heat, helping to keep buildings cool.

• It is also 100% recyclable.

Cons:

• Aluminum roofing can be more expensive than other metal roofing options.
• It requires special installation techniques and regular maintenance.
• Prone to denting

Average Cost Of Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is also a popular metal when it comes to roofing, but it is usually more expensive than galvanized steel. The cost of aluminum roofing and its installation can range from $8 to $12 per square foot.

The cost may vary depending on the quality of Aluminum you pick, your region, and the contractor you choose.

Conclusion

We hope this article has offered you the information you seek about metal roofing. If you have any more questions our comment section is always open. If you wish to read more blogs like this one, check out our blog.

Also, if you need a professional hand to maintain or install a metal roof call us anytime!

Leak-Stop is a one-stop destination to meet your roofing-related requirements. We offer roof repair, replacement, maintenance and inspection services all over GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District).

We offer a free inspection to first-time clients. Connect with us TODAY at 1 866 777 0084 for immediate assistance!