Metal roofing sheets include those made from copper, zinc, aluminium, tin, and steel. To help you decide which roofing sheets are right for your project, we share the pros and cons.
Copper Roofing Sheets
Copper is one of the oldest types of metal roofing sheets and has been used for hundreds of years. It is also very long-lasting; however, it is one of the softest metals, and this means it is prone to dents caused by hailstones. Any roofer must take care not to drop tools onto the surface because this may puncture the copper. This expensive metal puts it in a place where it is impractical for many building owners.
Zinc Roofing Sheets
Zinc metal roofing sheets can be moulded into shape easily and provide a good level of durability. However, the chalking effect of zinc is something that many building owners do not find aesthetically pleasing. To prevent this, regular maintenance is needed. Add this fact to a similar price point as copper, and zinc clearly isn’t for everyone.
Aluminium Roofing Sheets
Aluminium metal roofing sheets resist salt corrosion well, and this makes them a suitable choice for coastal buildings. This also has a high price, although not as high as copper. Due to the cost, aluminium metal roofing sheets are often thinner and prone to damage from extreme weather.
Steel Roofing Sheets
Steel is a metal alloy (a combination of metal elements) and is used widely in buildings. This material gained popularity first on commercial buildings and later on residential buildings, as the benefits became more widely recognised.
The first of these benefits is recallability. Steel is recycled more than any other material on the planet. Most steel products today are made from recycled metal. With businesses and homeowners heavily factoring sustainability into their buying decision, steel hits the right green credentials.
When it comes to cost, steel metal roofing sheets are the least expensive, most readily available, and highly durable. Technologically advanced painting systems also bring them to market in a range of colours. This can be used to mimic other metals mentioned here.
Types Of Steel Roofing
The roofing sheets are manufactured in a number of forms, including box profile roofing sheets, which have a clean, modern look, suitable for residential buildings and commercial buildings such as warehouses, factories, and offices. In addition to this, the product can include an anti-condensation film on the inside or insulation.
Corrugated steel roofing sheets are another option, and one that has been used on agricultural buildings and workshops for decades. The shape of the corrugation maximises strength, meaning it will stand the test of time.
The steel roofing sheets are typically available with coatings including galvanised, Plastisol, and polyester. These coatings work to protect the metal roofing sheets from corrosion and abrasion:
- Polyester-coated metal roofing sheets – Polyester provides a gloss finish. Although aesthetically pleasing, this can easily be scratched during unloading and fitting if not handled with care.
- Galvanised steel roofing sheets – Galvanised steel is created by adding a layer of zinc. This slows the corrosion process and extends the life of the product.
- Plastisol-coated steel roofing sheets – Plastisol is PVC rolled onto the steel, which is pre-prepared with a primer paint. The result is exceptionally durable roofing sheets that do not scratch easily or fade over time. Plastisol-coated steel roofing sheets are usually offered with an extended guarantee of 25 or 30 years.
To find out more about the advantages of steel roofing sheets, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our customer care and sales team.
