Roofing Info Source

Corrugated metal roofing is a metal sheet commonly used for industrial buildings, barns, car ports, and many other common structures. The sheets are formed in a pattern of alternate ridges and grooves similar to that of cardboard that you typically see in packaging. Its price is typically more expensive than asphalt roofing and regular multilayered metal roofing.  However, one must consider the fact that corrugated metal roofing lasts much longer than those other types of roofing.  In fact, it is entirely possible that you may never need to replace the roofing during your lifetime.  Accordingly, corrugated metal roofing is typically cheaper in the long run, often outlasting asphalt roofs by 3 or 4 times.

Roofing installation can be a complex process, especially if you do not have experience installing roofs.  If a leak occurs and is not noticed corrected immediately, it can cause havoc to the support structures of your roof, costing you even more in repairs. However, a professional roofing installer can tell you more about the various types of materials used for metal roofing which are available in the market. You will also get to choose from a variety of colors.  Again, after doing an assessment of your home, this contractor can tell you which roofing system is the best for your home. The contractor should know how to install corrugated metal roofing on your home to give the maximum protection for a longer period of time. Moreover, your local roofing contractor will should have access to merchants who supply roofing materials, and he will generally be able to obtain better prices for you, thus helping you save money.

How Do You Get The Best Roofing Contractor Or Installer?

You can start your search by searching the internet for roofing contractors in your area. You can also check with your neighbors and co-workers to see who they have used.  Many times you can also find local contractors just by paying attention while driving through your neighborhood, as many contractors place a small sign in their yard advertising their business.  Many times a local roofer operating a small roofing business is your best choice.  By following the above suggestions, you should be able to locate a number of reputable roofing contractors and reduce the possibility of getting an unreliable, inexperienced, or unprofessional roofing installer who lacks the necessary skills. Chances are, however, that you may not know what to ask a potential installer to help determine his or her qualifications and experience.  Asking the contractor the following questions will help you in making an informed choice:

 • For how long has the contractor been in this profession of installing corrugated metal roofing panels and sheets?

 • Does he or she typically sub contract part of the job?  Does he or she have employees, and if so, how many?  How many employees will he or she use for your job?

 • How experienced are the employees, and for how long have they worked for this contractor?

 • Which manufacturer or brand of corrugated metal roofing sheets do they prefer, and what are the reasons? (You may not know what the “correct” answer is, but you can certainly research his or her answer online to help determine his or her experience level).

 • For how long has this contractor been installing these particular roof brands?

 • What are their metal roofing prices for different sizes of roofs, and how do they determine their fee?

A good galvanized corrugated metal roofing contractor must do a physical audit of your proposed roofing design or the current roofing system before giving you any advice or recommendation. Be wary of contractors who quote you a price without seeing the structure first.  While he or she may be a great contractor, making your decision based on a quote obtained without actually seeing the subject property opens you up to the shock of additional fees during the job.  When you do obtain an estimate, it should include the following:

 • The company’s name; it should be bonded and licensed.

 • The type of roofing material that the company will supply and the metal roof cost,

 • Flashing details (materials used to ensure water-tight joints),

 • The payment schedule agreed to by all parties,

 • The coverage and the duration of the warranty of the contractor, both for materials used and for the installation.

Additionally, it is crucial to have roofing insurance, as this is a huge investment, whether it is roof replacement or just a repair. In addition, your roofing contractor should have the necessary insurance to cover any damage done on the property during the roofing process, any injuries or accidents that the employees may face, and any other damage to your property as a result of leaks.  A reputable contractor should have no problem supplying this information, and in fact should expect to supply it.

corrugated metal roofing and other metal systems

roofing, siding & trim

If you are the do-it-yourself type, it is highly recommended that you learn as much as you can about corrugated metal roofing before you try to tackle such a project.  You can learn a wealth of information online, by talking with an employee at your local hardware store, or in book form at your local book store or on amazon.  Here are two suggested readings from Amazon.  Although not restricted solely to information about corrugated metal roofing, they may provide valuable information to aid you in your project.

It is safe to say that many people live under the protection of zinc roofing, a building material that was first used by Americans in the early 1800s and has remained popular in Europe to this day. Although its popularity in the U.S. rose and fell, it has remained the roofing of choice for many home owners and builders. Let us take a look at the difference that zinc roofing can make.

Properties and Benefits

The zinc roofing panels used in construction today are actually made up of zinc, titanium, and copper in order to increase the tensile strength (max load it can support without fracturing) and malleability (ability to be molded and shaped without breaking) of the material.  This increased capability to support weight makes the roofing material very reliable in meeting the demands and specifications of various construction jobs.

Longevity

zinc roofing strips

Many architects prefer to build using zinc roofing strips because the material is very durable (damage and wear resistant). Zinc roofing sheets are resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for homes and buildings in many different parts of the world. This corrosion resistant characteristic is due to the ability of the metal to self-heal. Unlike iron that develops rust or ferrous oxide upon exposure to the elements, zinc develops a protective patina known as zinc hydroxylcarbonate. This patina forms a protective layer that prevents water, moisture, dirt and chemical substances from damaging the layer of zinc underneath. If the metal is scratched, it will simply reform itself over time.

Excellent examples demonstrating how well zinc can withstand the elements and time are some of the most historic buildings in France, Germany and Belgium. Many of the roofs that lined the skylines in the 19th century still exist today and are still useful. Installed properly, a zinc rooftop will last for many years and will still be serviceable 100 to 200 years later (more than four times that of regular sheet metal roofing). The material is also virtually maintenance-free, meaning it generally does not require special care or chemicals to prevent damage or slow down the process of normal wear and tear. The metal is so reliable that it is often used as a protective coating for other metals to prevent corrosion.

Corrugated zinc roofing (zinc roofing consisting of wavy grooves) is also extremely adaptable because it can be cut to any size and shape in order to adapt to a design. Even more flexible are zinc sheets and strips which can be used to cover curves and other complex forms that are usually difficult to create using more conventional materials.

Availability and Installation

Zinc is a naturally-occurring element and a non-ferrous metal (meaning it contains no iron). Although it is quite durable, care should be taken during installation in order to avoid unnecessary damage to the sheets, and the recommended minimum slope should also be followed in order to prevent the presence of standing water. To determine the necessary slope, one can use a roof pitch calculator found online or at your local major home improvement store.  Zinc may be used in both warm and cold climates, although it should be installed carefully during very cold weather (7ºC or lower) because the material becomes brittle. It can, however, be heated to prevent cracks from forming. To purchase zinc roofing strips or sheets, your best bet would be to check online for a distributor or contractor who handles zinc roofing materials.  You can also find a limited number of zinc roofing items on Amazon.

Toxicity Issues

Zinc roofing contractors often promote their product as a green alternative to other types of roofing materials, as Zinc roofing panels have a low toxicity. Compared to another popular roofing option such as asphalt shingles, zinc has a low emission and can be recycled many times over. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, emit toxic chemicals that could leach into groundwater and soil. And because most of the zinc roofing material is recyclable, there is a low energy demand during its manufacture and production.

Zinc Roofing Cost

Probably the only disadvantage to zinc as a building material is that it costs slightly more than other types of corrugated metal roofing. However, with its durability, reliability, and natural ability to self-heal, it offers an excellent return on investment over time.