A metal roof is a roofing system made from metal piece, or tiles. It is a component of the building envelope. 

Disadvantages

• Steel roofs can rust, and need maintenance to prevent corrosion.
• Copper and lead roofs can be targeted by metal thieves.
• The high heat conductivity of metals (particularly copper and aluminum) requires careful incorporation of insulation into the roof structure.
• Cellular and radio reception may be negatively impacted.

Applications

Metal roofing can be used for residential or commercial buildings. The same material used for metal roofs can be used for siding as well.

Metal roofing in retrofit applications

Metal roofing can be applied over an existing roof.

MATERIAL TYPES

Corrugated Galvanized Steel

This describes the original product that was wrought iron–steel sheet coated with zinc and then roll formed into corrugated sheets. This product is still used today in most areas. The newer push of modern architecture and “green” products has brought these products back to the foreground.

A blend of zinc, aluminium and silicon-coated steel, sold under various trade names like “Zincalume”, “galvalume”,etc. Sometimes left in the raw zinc finish, but more widely used as a base metal under factory coated colors.

Stainless Steel

Available for harsh conditions and/or as a distinctive design element. Usually roll-formed into standing seam profiles.

Copper

Copper roofs offer corrosion resistance, durability, long life, low maintenance, radio frequency shielding, lightning protection, and sustainability benefits. Copper roofs are often one of the most architecturally distinguishable features of prominent buildings, including churches, government buildings, and universities. Today, copper is used in roofing systems, flashings and copings, rain gutters and downspouts, domes, spires, vaults, and various other architectural design elements.  Copper could be reused because of its high value in recycling and its variety of potential uses.

Aluminum

One of the longest-lasting metals, but somewhat expensive compared to steel products. Aluminum roofs are very lightweight, corrosion-resistant, have high natural reflectivity and even higher natural emissivity, increasing a building’s energy efficiency. Aluminum products with Kynar paints easily last over 50 years. The newest innovation is anodizing of the aluminum coil stock for use in architectural details and standing seam panels. The anodized layer is intimately bonded to the metal and is not normally subject to weathering and wear.

Stone Coated Steel

Panels made from zinc/aluminium-coated steel with acrylic gel coating. The stones are usually a natural product with a colored ceramic coating.