Roofing Ideas: Coloured Tiles, Rooftop Gardens, Hot Tubs and More
Shingle All The Way: Are Metal Shingles Right For Your Roof?
by Lily Carroll
The roof is the first line of defense against wind, weather and other mishaps for any building, so naturally you want your roofing to be made of the strongest and most durable materials available. However, some heavy-duty roofing materials, such as steel sheeting or metal standing-seam tiles, can end up looking very cold and uninviting, particularly when used on a residential home. However, this doesn't mean that metal roofing shouldn't be used on your home. If you want the durability and strength of metal roofing without its somewhat utilitarian looks, metal shingles can be an excellent compromise.
What are metal shingles?
When viewed from ground level, a metal shingle roof looks practically identical to roofing made out of traditional stone or clay shingles. However, these shingles actually consist of a core of metal (usually steel or aluminium) surrounded by a tough, stone-effect coating. To further the illusion, metal shingles are available in the same shapes and sizes as traditional shingles and are fitted in the same distinctive overlapping style.
What are the advantages of choosing metal shingles?
Durability: As you can imagine, metal shingles far outpace traditional stone or clay tiles in terms of durability, and can endure the most appalling weather without cracking, splitting or forming leaks. They also lack the brittleness of traditional shingles, so any shingles that do become dislodged from your roof over time will not shatter when they hit the ground, and can usually be refitted straight away.
Looks: Because metal shingles so closely replicate the appearance of real shingles (some brands of metal shingle are actually coated in layers of real, fragmented stone to strengthen the illusion), they can be fitted to traditionally-styled homes and homes in rustic locations without spoiling the overall aesthetic of the building. This makes them tremendously versatile, and you can find a metal shingle type to suit virtually any architectural aesthetic you can imagine.
Choice: Metal shingles are also available in a wide variety of colours, shades and effects. They can be used to mimic a variety of traditional shingle materials, such as clay, sandstone and even the much sought-after look of purple slate.
Easy flashing: Because metal shingles are much smaller and sit relatively flush to the surface of your roof, they do not impede flashing installation as much as ordinary, standing-seam metal roofing. This can also make installing other roof accessories, such as void insulation or gutters, an easier and safer prospect.
What are the disadvantages of choosing metal shingles?
Price: Metal shingles generally const significantly more than regular metal roof sheets, and can rival the prices of actual stone or clay shingles. However, their increased durability (and therefore longevity) over traditional shingles can make them a sounder long-term investment.
Difficult installation: While metal shingles combine the looks and durability of stone and metal, they also combine the problems associated with installing them. To ensure proper installation, you should hire a roofing contractor familiar with both types of roofing, which can add to installation costs.
To learn more about metal roofing options, contact a company like Sandhurst Roofing.