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| What are the main features and benefits? |
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To the Homeowner
aesthetically pleasing roof designs and colors
long lasting and durable
non-combustible
energy efficient
low maintenance
resistant to decay, discoloration and mildew
environmentally caring
excellent qualities in wind resistance, and
water, snow and ice shedding
upgrade home appearance
better resale value
To Builders
competitively priced in a stable market
faster installation and occupancy
wide selection of designs, colors, sheet
thicknesses and finishes
a full compliment of matching trims, flashing
and formed accessories
used for steep or low slope roofs
consistent in quality
light weight
easy to work with
will not warp, curl, or split
an excellent method for re-roofing existing
roofs
To Architects
a broad spectrum of design opportunities for
high and low slopes, dormers, valleys, mansards,
and complex roof profiles.
a wide variety of colors, shapes, textures and
shadow patterns low life-cycle cost
fire resistant the opportunity to build both
quality and enhanced appearance into the home
good technical design support from the steel
roofing industry
Environmental Benefits:
made of 100% recyclable materials
coil coating process is efficiently and
ecologically managed
conserves valuable landfill area in re-roofing
projects by eliminating the requirement for the
disposal of the existing roof
excellent product for "sustainable" construction
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 Where can I buy a steel roof? |
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Steel roofing is normally purchased through distributors
(e.g. building supply stores or lumber yards). Please
contact us to provide
a dealer near you.
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| How much does it cost? |
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Cost is determined on a number of things:
Amount of product you will need to complete the roof
will have an effect on the total cost. Depending on how
large the project is will be a large factor in price
range.
Complexity of roof area is another factor in determining
price. (i.e. valleys or transitions, dormers, number of
hips, etc.)
Style type of the roofing desired; whether this is
standing seam, vertical rib, or tiled, all different
types of style vary in price.
Color and paint system can also impact the cost of steel
roofing costs.
Because metal roofing is a premium, longer life home
product, you can expect the initial cost to be more than
an asphalt shingle roof would cost. However, no matter
what kind of metal roofing style you choose, its life
cycle cost will be less. In the long run, a metal roof
is less expensive than tile, cedar shake and slate
roofing.
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Where can I get an estimate? |
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To get an estimate you will need to contact a roofing
applicator. Please contact
us for a
dealer near you. We also suggest to
hire a professional to do the job. A dealer nearest to
you would be able to suggest an applicator in your area
that can quote on doing the job.
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| How can I find a contractor? |
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Yellow pages (A contractor that specializes in farm
buildings may have the most steel roofing experience)
Inquire while pricing out the cost.
Always ask prospective contractors for references on
jobs done in steel.
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| Is it necessary to strap the roof first before installing the steel roofing? |
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Not always. Some roofing requires strapping to fasten
down their products, so we should be consulted before
application.
In a re-roofing application strapping can
be useful to provide better anchorage to the roof
trusses and to level out the roof surface. There is also
some advantage to having an air space behind the
roofing, consult us about the product type.
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| Are steel roofs heavier than other roofs? Do they
require additional structural support? |
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Contrary to popular belief, steel roofing is very
lightweight compared to other roofing materials.
Depending on the system, it can be up to 50% lighter
than some asphalt roofs.
No additional support is
needed. In fact, steel roofs can be light enough to be
installed directly over existing roofs without stripping
off the old material at a significant cost savings.
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Does the installer have to remove the existing roof? |
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In some cases, strapping can be installed directly over
top of the existing roof. Not only does this save the
time and labor involved in stripping the old roof, but
it also eliminates disposal costs and keeps hundred of
pounds of roofing materials out of landfills.
Your individual contractor will have to evaluate whether this
is a suitable option for your house.
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| What colors are available? |
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Steel roofing is available in a rainbow of colors. Click here to see our
color variations.
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| What styles are available? |
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Residential steel roofing is available in a
number of styles and types. In addition to
profiles that are distinct to steel (like
standing seam, vertical rib and corrugated),
many steel roofing styles replicate other
traditional roofing materials including shingle,
slate, clay tile, and cedar shakes.
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| What types of paint coatings are available? |
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Paint coatings that are available include modified
polyester, fluorocarbon (Kynar), and PVC (plastisol)
coatings. The choice of a paint system will depend on
the architecture of your roof, the local environment,
and the desired performance.
Contact us to discuss the
options with you and help you to determine which paint
type would be most suitable for your particular home.
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| How long will it last? |
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While the life span of any building product will depend
on the aggressiveness of the local environment, studies
show that you can expect a steel roof to last at up to 2
to 3 times longer than a regular asphalt shingle roof.
In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60
years and beyond, where the average life span of an
asphalt roof would be 12 to 20 years. Asphalt begins to
deteriorate as soon as you expose it to normal weather.
Asphalt shingles are also subject to biological attack
from mold and other destructive organisms. A metal roof,
on the other hand, is inorganic and will never
decompose. A steel roof will last even longer with
minimal maintenance (e.g. periodic washing). Post
painting when necessary will also extend the product life.
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| How well do steel roofs stand up to severe weather? |
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Steel roofs are designed to meet or exceed the strict
wind and water penetration standards set out by the
local building codes. Extensive testing is done to
ensure they comply with these requirements.
In addition,
steel roofs have some special characteristics that make
them exceptionally resistant to severe weather. It will
not chip or crack like slate or tile from hail or ice.
Steel is good for preventing excessive snow build-up and
ice dams.
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| How will my steel roof stand up to Wildfires? |
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Steel is a non-combustible material and will not spread
fire. Consequently, it will resist the heat from
windblown sparks that are commonly associated with
wildfires, keeping your home safer.
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| Is it noisy when it rains? |
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Steel roofing not only provides strength, but also when
coupled with high build finishes, absorbs and deadens
much of the noise. With the home insulation standards of
today, you should not notice any difference in noise
levels between roofing materials.
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| Will a steel roof heat up the attic? |
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The characteristics of metal are such that it absorbs
and dissipates heat quickly. As with any material, color
is one of the governing factors related to reflectivity
and absorption. Metal roofing on your home should not
affect your energy requirements, and could in fact
reduce it.
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| How will a steel roof affect the resale value of my home? |
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Steel roofing makes economic sense and adds to the value
of your home. Your roof's long life, durability, low
maintenance requirements, and lasting aesthetic appeal
will all be strong selling points. Prospective buyers
will take notice of this feature when the time comes for
you to sell.
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| What sort of maintenance is required on a steel roof? |
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Very little maintenance is needed for steel roofs. The
roofs can be periodically washed to remove any debris.
In the long term, occasionally repainting your roof will
extend its life by decades.
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| Can a steel roof help prevent snow build-up and ice dams? |
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One of the great features of a steel roof is its ability
to shed snow and prevent ice dams from forming. Ice dams
are notorious for causing ceiling leaks and can result
in thousands of dollars worth of damage.
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| Will I have problems installing accessories like satellite dishes? |
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Methods of installing accessories like satellite dishes
on steel roofs have been developed, and are easily
followed. Your contractor or local building supply store
should be able to give you specific instructions.
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| Does a steel roof attract more lightning? |
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No. Lightning is no more of a concern for a steel-roofed
house than for a house with any other type of roof.
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| Will a steel roof affect reception inside my house? |
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No. Steel roofs have no notable effect on reception.
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| Why steel? |
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Steel has been successfully used for roofing on
commercial and institutional buildings for over 50
years. This long track record has shown steel roofing to
be an attractive, versatile, and durable product, with a
lifespan 2 to 3 times longer than conventional roofing
products.
In addition, over the product life cycle,
steel roofing is extremely cost effective. Residential
construction is just beginning to realize the numerous
benefits of steel roofing. A steel roof will add a
distinctive elegance to your home while providing this
host of additional benefits. |
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| Are steel roofs environmentally friendly? |
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Since it is 100% recyclable, steel is an inherently
environmentally friendly material. Recycled steel is
used extensively in the production of new steel.
Therefore, not only does each steel roof contain a
portion of recycled material, but it can also be
completely recycled at the end of its useful life.
Steel roofs help keep hundreds
of tons of used roofing material out of our landfills each year.
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