Copper Roofing Vs. Galvanized Steel
by William Gerard
Metal roofing is a great choice for a home because it is not as easily damaged as other types of roofing. While the sun's UV rays can bake an asphalt roof and make it brittle and prone to cracking, the sun will have no effect on a metal roof. Snow can create ice dams, which result in leaks in wood or asphalt shingle roofs, but the solid panels of a metal roof leave no place for a leak to start. While a metal roof is a good choice for a roof, the type of metal you use can have important effects on your roof's performance. While galvanized steel is a good choice of metal, copper does have its advantages.
An Analysis of Galvanized Steel Roofing
Galvanized steel is much cheaper than copper roofing and you still get plenty of value for your money. For example, a galvanized steel roof will help to reflect the sun's energy away from your roof, and can, thus, help to decrease your cooling costs by up to 40%. Galvanized steel is considered a long-lasting roofing material in that it can last for up to sixty years. This is a good value as compared to asphalt-shingle roofs, which will only last for twenty years or so. Still, as impressive as galvanized steel roofs are, copper roofs do have their advantages.
An Analysis of Copper Roofing
While galvanized-steel roofs are often treated with materials that boost their reflectivity and emissivity so that they dispel more of the sun's heat, copper roofs are typically left untreated. A new copper roof will shine like a new penny, and reflect much of the sun's rays. Over time, however, a metal roof will develop a patina, which will change the color of your roof to a dull green-grey. While this patina will diminish your roof's reflectivity, it will help to extend the life of your roof. In fact, once a copper roof develops a patina, it is basically immune to the effects of corrosion, and thus, a copper roof can last for hundreds of years.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance roof, or a roof that you might never have to replace, then a copper roof is a good choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a roof that will help to decrease your home cooling costs, then you should consider buying a galvanized-steel roof. Both options offer good value for your money. Talk to a roofing company, like Absolute Roofing, if you think a metal roof is right for you.
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About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!