The Expert’s Guide to Metal Roof Tiles and Shingles

Designers, architects or homeowners looking for a new roof must consider several aspects before deciding on the ideal roofing solutions. While a new roof can improve the property’s value, appeal, and functionality, it could also impact the structural integrity of the building. No matter what material you choose, any roof repair, replacement or upgrade involves a substantial investment. You will also need to look at other important aspects, such as durability, longevity, cost, and ongoing maintenance expenses.

There is a wide variety of roofing materials available in the market. From asphalt, clay, and metal to slate, wood and rubber, there are numerous types of sheets, shingles or tiles to choose from. Hence, it is important to find the ideal fit for your specific property and budget. Are you leaning towards metal roofing materials for your next build, upgrade, or restoration? Read on for a complete overview of metal roof shingles and metal roof tiles.

What Makes Metal Tiles and Metal Shingles the Ideal Roofing Solution

Here are the three key aspects that make metal roofing materials an ideal roofing solution for residential properties.

• Durability: Metal roofs can withstand the force of Mother Nature better than many other types of roofing materials. Since they receive less damage in storms or house fires, insurance companies also favour metal roofs while calculating premiums.

• Longevity: Metal roofs have a long lifespan. Your clients may not need to worry about them for at least 40 to 70 years since they easily outlast the lifespan of their warranties.

• Style: From an aesthetic perspective, traditionally, metal roofs comprised corrugated tin panels, typically seen on the top of barns or sheds, as well as Victorian metal shingles used extensively in the late 1800s and early 1900s  However, modern-day metal roofs offer an extensive array of options. Not only do they come in a range of colours and finishes that suit different architectural styles, but you can also choose from a variety of different metals, including zinc, aluminum, steel, galvanized metals, or even copper.

Pros & Cons of Metal Tiles and Metal Shingles for Commercial Buildings

Besides their long lifespan and style options, here are some of the other pros of metal tiles and metal roof shingles.

• They are incredibly lightweight and weigh around 100 to 150 pounds per square compared to asphalt that weighs 400 to 450 pounds per square, or concrete that may weigh almost 1000 pounds per square.
• They are easy to install, resulting in reduced labour costs.
• They do not need a reinforced structure to sit on, which is usually necessary to support the roof’s weight when using other heavier roofing materials.
• Since metal roofing naturally reflects the sun, it can take the load of your air conditioner and reduce your energy bills in the summer.

While there are not many disadvantages of metal roofs, the only con of metal shingles or tiles is that they are costlier than some of the other roofing materials available on the market. However, their low installation costs, extreme durability, long lifespan, and ability to cut down your energy bills often mean that they pay for themselves very quickly and offer a great return on investment (ROI).

Why Recommend Metal Tiles and Shingles for Your Residential Clients

As a low-cost, easy-to-maintain option, asphalt shingles are the typical choice for most residential properties. However, there are several disadvantages to asphalt shingles:

• Tend to have shorter lifespans
• Are prone to algae or fungus growth due to pooling water or chronic damp conditions,
• Could develop cracks due to ice dams
• Could suffer quicker wear and tear due to temperature spikes between day and night

In contrast, metal roofs have numerous benefits of asphalt. One of the most compelling reasons to recommend metal tiles and shingles to your residential clients is the sheer spectrum of colours and finishes that they offer. Modern, contemporary, industrial, Tudor, Craftsman, or Victorian; no matter which architectural style you are working with, metal roofing solutions offer suitable options in shingles, tiles, as well as slate.

Moreover, metal roofs far outlast their expected lifespan and once installed, you may never have to replace them in your lifetime. Not only do they pay for themselves due to their durability, longevity, and energy efficiency, but your clients may also qualify for discounts on home insurance and other types of tax credits for installing a metal roof for their primary home. Another interesting fact is that metal roofs are made from recycled materials and are an ideal option for clients who make sustainable, eco-friendly choices for all their building materials.

Can Heritage Buildings Preserve the Look of their Roofing with Metal Tiles and Shingles?

Sheet metal roofs made from copper, zinc, terne metal (15% tin and 85% lead), and galvanized iron have been used in historic and heritage buildings since the late 1800s. Hence, metal roofing materials are not new to these types of properties. Since metal roofs are highly durable and corrosion-resistant, they support indoor ventilation, insulate the building, and play a critical role in the structural integrity of heritage properties. Whether you are restoring a heritage building roof or replicating its metal roof on a recently added structure, technological advances have made it possible to give metal tiles and shingles a look that is period-appropriate and matches the old world feel of the rest of the building. By adding the right type of protective coating, you can also prevent oxidation or rust formation for older metal roofs on historic and heritage buildings.

Even if the historic or heritage building never had a metal roof originally, it is possible to replace them with metal shingle roofs. There is a metal shingle style that will suit every type of house.  Partner with a reputed company that specializes in historic roofing restoration. They will have the expertise and knowledge for designing and installing roofing systems that preserve the original look and protect the structural integrity of the building.

Energy Efficiency Roofing with Metal Tiles and Shingles

When you are evaluating any roofing material’s energy efficiency or thermal performance, there are three aspects to consider:

• Emissivity: The material’s ability to radiate the sun’s heat up and away
• Reflectivity: The material’s capability of reflecting heat back to the direction in which it came from
• Thermal Resistance: The temperature difference by which the material resists a heat flow.

Metal roofing materials offer excellent emissivity and reflectivity. Due to their reflective qualities, metal roofs can block heat transmission to the home interiors during summers.

Metal tiles and shingles can save you money on both heating and cooling costs. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a reflective roof can reduce peak cooling demand by 10 to 15 percent, which means the home’s cooling system needs less energy to cool the house. This study also highlights the high energy-saving potential of metal roofs that incorporate dynamic insulation systems and indicates that some metal roofs can save up to 25 percent in energy costs compared to a dark gray asphalt shingled roof.

Here are two other aspects that play a critical role in maximizing the energy efficiency of a metal roof.

• Proper Ventilation: Above Sheath Ventilation (ASV) adds a ventilated space between the roofing material and the substrate below, which helps to prevent energy waste and excess cooling costs that can occur when attic heat builds up. Essentially, the airspace created by the ASV ensures that the energy vents back into the atmosphere, instead of getting absorbed in the building. Proper ventilation not only improves the home’s energy efficiency but also helps in:
  • Preventing condensation of the moisture-laden air that usually rises to the attic due to activities such as laundry, cooking, and showers.
  • Keeping the attic insulation dry and maintaining its R-Value.
  • Preventing ice dams by maintaining the attic temperatures in the same range as the outside temperature. This ensures that the snow load on the roof does not melt due to interior heat, run down the roof and refreeze over the cold overhangs.

• Colours and Finishing: Lighter colours, such as white, beige, light bronze and such, tend to reflect the sun’s rays better than darker shades. Advances in paint technology have led to the creation of reflective pigments, also called cool metal roofing. Due to this protective reflective coating in the paint systems, the metal roof reflects a high amount of energy away from the roof while also improving the metal’s ability to release the heat it absorbs.

The Beauty of Shingles, the Strength of Metal

With rapid advancements in the variety and finishes of metal roofs, designers, architects, or homeowners do not need to choose between aesthetics and functionality. Combining the look and appeal of shingles with the durability and longevity of metal, metal roof shingles offer the best of both worlds.

• Improve Curb Appeal: Metal roofs offer a number of styles and options. Recreate the look of slate, cedar, Spanish tiles, or beautiful scallop-edged traditional shingles.       No matter which one you choose, a metal roof will certainly improve the property’s curb appeal. According to recent reports on cost versus value, as a premium roofing material, metal roof replacements offer homeowners a 61% return on investment due to energy savings, insurance reduction, tax credits, and more.

• Add Strength and Durability: Enjoy the power of steel, aluminum, zinc alloys, copper, or other galvanized metals that can withstand high-speed winds, hail, snowstorms, sun damage, and other inclement weather conditions better than most other roofing materials. They are easy to maintain and almost never need replacement in your lifetime.

• Go Green: Besides improving your home’s energy efficiency and reducing your heating and cooling costs, metal roof shingles take you one step closer to your green goals. and they can be 100% recyclable themselves.

Top-Notch Metal Roofing Supplies and Solutions are within Your Reach

At Heather & Little Ltd, we are an industry leader in metal roofing solutions, serving clients across North America for over 95 years. Specializing in high quality metal roof shingles and metal roof tiles, we can customize our roofing supplies and materials for every aspect of your roof design. Our qualified and experienced professionals take the time to understand your specific requirements and outfit your property with the most suitable metal roofs. Our skilled craftsmen can forge metal roofing shingles and metal roofing tiles in a wide range of metals and an extensive assortment of styles, colours, and finishes.

We also have the knowledge and expertise to carry out complete roof restorations or roofing shingles matching for historical and heritage properties. While we cater to clients across continents, check out some of our past work to learn more about the breadth and quality of our projects.

When recreating an existing pattern or adding a new roof, count on our team for innovative, cutting-edge fabrication, impeccable fit and finishes, and consistent customer service.

Interested to know more? Have questions about metal roof tiles and metal roof shingles? Feel free to contact us online or call us toll-free at 1.866.674.3153.