Steel Panels Pros and Cons - South Shore Roofing
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Roof Panels

According to South Shore Roofing, a roofing contractor in Savannah, Georgia, steel roof panels have both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of steel roof panels

Longevity

Steel roof panels last longer than other roofing materials with well-maintained roofs lasting up to 100 years. Galvalume – discouraged for animal confinement – and galvanized coatings, which consist of aluminum and zinc, will ensure your roof does not have rust, which is why manufacturers offer between 40-year and 50-year warranties, known as “Lifetime Warranties”).

Durability

Steel panels last long because of steel’s natural hardness as a substance, which is why steel is the recommended roofing material for houses in areas with extreme weather conditions. For instance, in hail-prone areas because of its impact-resistance, in hurricane zones for its wind-resistance, and forest fires prone areas because of its fire-resistance. A roof’s strength depends on the steel roof panel’s thickness, which is measured in gauges. If the number is high, that means that the steel is thin. For example, 29 gauge is lighter than 28 gauge, and 26gauge is lighter than 24 gauge.

Energy Preservations

Roof panels made of steel save much more energy than other roofing materials that are common, such as asphalt shingles. The steel’s energy efficiency can be categorized under “radiant heat block” and under “solar reflectivity”. What that means is that steel’s properties make it so that the heat bounces off it, as opposed to what asphalt does, which is absorb the heat. That serves two purposes: to keep your home cool during the summer and to keep it warm during the winter. That also translates to not having to use your air conditioning system when the heat gets in, nor does the heating system need to work as hard when the warm air tries to escape.

Aesthetics

Steel roof panels will make your roof pleasing to the eye because of their clean, architectural look and vibrant colors. It will make them look modern or classic.

Environmentally-Friendly

A steel roof made from recycled material and is 100% recyclable after a long and useful life of 100 years is environment-friendly. Even when metal is blue, black, or red – it is actually “green.”

Disadvantages of Steel Roof Panels

Styles

Using steel roofing panels limits your style options. Most steel roofs are made with 2 feet or 3 feet wide steel panels that are either smooth with straight seams or with little ridges. Some manufacturers offer metal shingles, but they are much more expensive.

Cost

Steel roofing’s upfront cost is prohibitive. Although some steel panels are cheaper than shingles (for example, the ABM Panel), some others can cost up to five times more. Their long lifespan mitigates the upfront cost in the long-term.

Colors

Steel panels limit your color options. Even where some manufacturers offer dozens of colors, the options are still more limited than shingles. Except for copper, it is hard to replicate the colorful look of shingles with panels.

Installation

If you are a do-it-yourself fanatic, steel roof panels are not for you. Installing steel roof panels can be tricky or downright dangerous unless you know what you are doing. If you want to know more about this topic, don’t hesitate to contact South Shore Roofing the best construction company.

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