There are plenty of reasons you may consider installing a metal roof to protect your property. Metal roofs are durable, fire-resistant, and low in maintenance. If you’ve found your forever home and want a forever roof to match, metal roofing is the way to go.
Roofing materials aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each material will impact certain types of roofs uniquely. Roofs come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to consider their slope when choosing a material for your installation.
Metal roofing on flat-roofed homes or commercial buildings can be a great upgrade. At the same time, it requires a certain level of skill to ensure the durability and quality of the project. Here at Nelson Contracting, we guarantee excellent quality for every project we work on. Call us today for a free estimate.
The Process of Installing Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are increasing in popularity for residential properties, and for good reason. They are aesthetically pleasing, come in various designs, and have functional benefits. Metal roofs are one of the most durable roofing materials, lasting 40-70 years with proper maintenance. They are extremely cost effective and are even fire-resistant. They are typically made from:
- Zinc
- Aluminum
- Steel
Regardless of the slope of your roof, installing a metal roof takes time and excellent craft. Do your research before hiring just any roofing company.
There are two primary metal roofing systems you should be aware of:
- Standing seam roofing
- Screw-down roofing
A standing seam metal roof uses a series of panels that lock together at the seams. Typically, roofing teams lock these seams mechanically. Because metal can expand when it heats up, this gives the material the room it needs. Since your roof is often in direct heat, this is especially important if you live in a warmer climate.
A screw-down system, on the other hand, screws through the panel to secure your roof. Unfortunately, this doesn’t leave room for expansion. If you use this system in a warm climate, you may need maintenance more often.
Regardless of the system you choose, you’re sure to increase the curb appeal of your home and reap the benefits of it for years.
Everything You Need To Know About Installing Metal Roofing on a Flat Roof
There are various benefits of having a flat roof. It’s easy to clean and maintain, versatile, and generally more energy efficient than a sloped roof. When it comes to installing metal roofing on flat-roofed homes, however, it’s important to know what type of flat roof you have.
The two types of flat roofs are:
- Zero-pitch
- Low-pitch
Zero-pitch roofs are completely flat. These are not the best choice for metal roofing. When it rains, water can pool at the top as it runs to the drainage system, and the metal may rust. Over time, this rust will weaken the integrity of your roof.
Instead of metal, zero-pitch roofs may consist of:
- Modified bitumen
- Built-up roofing (BUR)
- EPDM Rubber membrane
On the other hand, a low-pitch or low slope roof can be a solid choice for metal roofing. While it appears flat to the eye, it has a slight slope that allows for better drainage.
Low-slope roof measurements start at one-inch vertical to twelve-inch horizontal and go up to a three-inch vertical to twelve-inch horizontal pitch. If you have a low-pitch roof, measure its peak and divide it by the height. Our expert roofers can help you with this process.
Choosing Nelson Contracting for Your Metal Roofing Installation
Roofing projects are complex, especially for metal roofing on flat-roofed houses.
Here at Nelson Contracting, we value your home as our own. Our experts are ready to deliver the roof of your dreams. Our founders, Toby and Aaron Nelson, have over four decades of combined roofing experience. In addition to roofing projects, we’ll take care of your siding, gutters, and window needs.
Call us at 402-464-2418 or contact us online to discuss the future of your home.
