Factors to Consider With a Metal Roofing System

Experienced Commercial Roofing Services

Metal makes a very durable and long-lasting commercial roofing system. When manufactured and installed properly, metal roofing systems perform better and last longer than practically any other kind of commercial roofing system. Compared to other systems they can cost more. They range in cost from $5 to $12 per square foot. However, an owner of a building who is keeping it long terms can look past this initial higher investment since metal roofs can last 30-40 years while other types of commercial roofing system will have just a 15-30 year lifespan.

When choosing the kind of metal roofing that you want, property managers and building owners will have several things that they need to consider, including the weather in the area, the structural integrity and form of the building, local area building code requirements, and the pitch of their roof.

Choosing The Kind Of Metal For Your Roof

Zinc, copper, aluminum, and steel are the most common types of metals that are used for commercial roofs. Steel is coated or galvanized to protect it. On the other hand, aluminum is normally anodized or painted to give it additional strength. Copper is very durable, has a long lifespan, and a great looking patina. Zinc is very popular since it has a low-gloss look and resists corrosion.

The gauge or thickness of the metal factors into the cost of the roofing system along with the ability of the building to handle structural loads. The gauge for metal roofing materials ranges from 3 up to 30 gauge, which translates to around $120-$350 per square (10×10 square feet) to be installed. A metal roof product made out of 26 gauge metal weighs around 0.9 to 1 pound a square foot, while a 29 gauge product will weight 0.60-0.65 pounds per square foot. Lower gauge metals are thicker and usually selected for their durability. However, their heavier weight makes it harder to install, and its greater thickness makes these metals harder to work with and bend.

The Connections And Configurations Of The Roof

Metal commercial roofing comes in multiple forms including vertical or horizontal sheets and panels that are used in commercial projects most often, along with shingles and tiles. The connections that are in between the panels may have different profiles which can affect the durability of the roofing system along with how much maintenance it needs. Vertical metal roofing panel options are batten seam, through-fastened, and standing seam. When it comes to standing seams, the edges of the two adjacent panels are brought together in a double or single fold that is perpendicular to the roof plane. The ribs of thorough-fastened panels are attached mechanically used washers and threaded fasteners. Batten seam roofs use wood strips at the panels joints. These are then flashed using a metal cap, and interlock with the panels.

Commercial Roofing Contractors You Can Count On

Underlayment and Insulation

Underlayment options include synthetic sheets, asphalt-saturated felt, and self-adhering membranes. With a more than 18-degree roof slope, single ply is used and two plies are used with an 18-degree or less slope. A slip sheet in between the underlayment and metal roofing might need to be used, to prevent the underlayment from sticking to the metal when temperatures are extreme.

Having a layer of insulation underneath the panels is especially important to minimize the thermal bridging and also to work as a sound barrier whenever there is hailstones or heavy rain. For installing on top of a solid deck substrate, there are rigid insulation boards that are installed, including polystyrene panels, expanded polystyrene, or extruded fiberglass insulation.

Code Requirements And Standards

Property managers and building owners need to check the location building codes for information on things such as flashing details, ventilation, roof pitch, load-bearing requirements fastening requirements, panel connection, and thermal insulation values for their projects along with guidelines that roofing material manufacturers and professional industry associations provide.

Taurus Elite Commercial Roof Systems, 512-332-4422, is a commercial roofing contractor based in Austin, Texas, and specializing in Commercial Metal Roof Repair, Commercial Metal Roof Restoration and Commercial Flat Roofing Services. We have been providing professional commercial roofing services to the area for over 20 years.