Tin is Tin?
First things first, most “tin” roofs are not tin at all! It is a common misconception because when most people hear “metal roofing,” they immediately thing “tin.” But, tin roofs are actually very rare now. They are more than likely to be one of several different types of metal used in today’s roofing industry.
Some of the most commonly used material today are: Galvalume, Galvanized Steel, and Aluminum. These materials are offered in different gauges. 29 gauge metal tends to be the most commonly used, however, there are thicker gauges available.
The Greatest Advantages
One of the big advantages of metal roofing is the energy savings and the environmentally sound choice, as opposed to asphalt shingles. Many manufacturers even have Energy Star ratings. Metal roofing offers a dependable barrier against the weather and elements and it is an excellent choice for the Florida weather. It provides a barrier against lightning, wind, hail, and fire.
Metal roofing tends to last for decades or longer, and it can be found all throughout history, some of which are still in tact. It has been such a popular choice for so long because are so many advantages.
Galvalume Metal Roofing
The most commonly used metal for metal roofing is Galvalume, introduced in 1972 by Bethlehem Steel, it has been one of the most commonly used metal choices because it can be used not only for metal roofing or siding, but also for miscellaneous applications like furniture, outdoor cabinetry, gutters, and piping.
Galvalume does look a lot like galvanized steel, but since it is made up of 45% zinc and 55% aluminum, it provides a stronger resistance to corrosion. Galvalume will resist, rust, other elements, and fire, all while providing a strong, sturdy, and reliable covering. It is also more corrosion resistant than galvanized steel and it is offered in different profiles, which can be painted to the color of your choice. Check out our Galvalume Special!
Metal Roofing Products and Gauges
If Galvalume is not the right material for your project, there are many other options for you to choose from. You can always decide to go with galvanized steel, stone coated steel, tin, or aluminum. No matter which metal roofing material you decide to go with, be aware that there are different gauges of metal.
When approaching the idea of metal roofing, one of your questions should be what gauge is the metal? The gauge is a measure of the thickness of the metal, but it is important to remember that the metal increases in thickness as the gauge number decreases.
When you get the answer of 26 gauge or 29 gauge, know that there are also variations within these gauges as well. For example, 29 gauge steel has an average thickness of .0135 and 26 gauge has an average thickness of .0179. The 29 gauge metal roofing materials are the thinnest metal roofing recommended for most residential applications. The thicker the gauges, such as the common 24 gauge, is recommended for areas that experience severe weather conditions, high winds, and hail. Going with the 29 gauge metal roofing materials is more economical and still provides a quality roof with high energy savings.
