Metal roofs bring homeowners a wide range of benefits and advantages over more traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, clay tiles and shake. But just because something is called a “metal roof” doesn’t mean it’s exactly the same as the next metal roof. Let’s look at some of the elements that go into the construction and application of metal roofing materials.

Different metals

There are several types of metals commonly used for metal roofing. Each has its pros and cons. Steel is the strongest metal roofing material and is thinner than aluminum or copper.

It comes in a variety of grades, each of which will influence the roof’s performance over the years. Minimum recommended grades of steel for metal roofing are G90 and AZ50.

While steel is ultra-strong, if you live in salty coastal areas or areas with acid rain, aluminum and copper are more suitable than steel as neither material is susceptible to red rust and salt decay. Aluminum and copper also are easier to work with and therefore are available in more intricate designs.