Advantages of Steel Sheet Roofing for a Replacement

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If you're replacing a worn-out tiled roof on your home, you may simply assume to use the same material. But why not switch to a corrugated metal roof instead? It will keep your home comfortable and protect it from the elements. Consider the following advantages of steel roofing.

Low Thermal Mass

The roofing covers a vast area of a house, so if you install a substance that absorbs heat, this warmth will flow down into the rooms below. The benefit of using metal is that it has a low thermal mass, so it doesn't absorb heat. Metal roofing will thus help you get a good night's sleep in a hot climate as it won't radiate heat during the night.

On the other hand, terracotta and concrete tiles absorb heat during the day, and they release it at night, just when you want the house to cool down. Therefore, to stop solar heat from passing through a metal roof in the daytime, choose one with a reflective coat designed to bounce the sun away. Also, consider picking a lighter shade, as paler colours are more reflective than darker ones.

Long-Lasting

Metal roofs can withstand whatever the weather can throw at them in the form of storms, hail and baking sunshine. The sheets are typically covered in protective layers. For example, galvanised steel is encased in a film of zinc. Another possibility is zincalume roofing with a coating of zinc, aluminium and magnesium. Alternatively, you may prefer ColorBond, which additionally has a hard powder-coated paint layer. Metal roofs create a smooth surface, allowing rain and snow to easily slide off rather than forming puddles. Once you install a metal roof, it will typically last for decades.

Fire Resistant

If you live in a bushfire-prone area, steel roofing is an excellent choice. This metal isn't flammable, so it won't catch fire. Additionally, if a fire is near, sheets won't crack due to heat as some tiles may. If a concrete or terracotta tile cracks, it can leave a hole that lets embers fly into your house and possibly cause a spot fire. However, you won't have the same problem with metal sheeting, which is more protective in this scenario.

Aesthetic Options

Steel sheet roofs also provide various aesthetic options. You can choose from numerous powder-coated colours, including greys, blues, greens and reds. Metal can also be shaped to create interesting curved roofs. It's lightweight enough to create unusual angular shapes or large, slightly sloping roofs without needing as much support underneath as heavier roofing. Typically, you won't have to worry about steel roofs being too bulky for your home as they're lightweight, especially compared to concrete and terracotta tiles. Thus, steel is perfect as a roof replacement option. To learn more about metal roof replacement options, contact a roofing company. 

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22 September 2021

Repairing or Replacing a Roof

Hello, welcome to my roofing blog, my name is John and I live in Alice Springs, Australia. I recently moved out here with my wife and two kids to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. We bought an old farmhouse and are in the process of renovating it. The place needs quite a bit of work. One of the biggest jobs so far has been sorting out the roof. It was missing a few tiles and I couldn't decide if we should try and repair it or if it would be better to have it repaired. Thankfully, my neighbour is something of an expert. He came and inspected the roof and recommended that we replace it. He explain how roofing works and the benefits of using different materials. I have learnt so much, I decided to start this blog.