Tip #1 – Exposed or Concealed Fasteners
After you’ve decided on a metal roof for your home, the next step is determining the details. We recommend beginning with the decision of an exposed or concealed fastener roofing system. Exposed fasteners means the panels are secured directly to the roof deck with visible and exposed fasteners. Concealed fasteners are when the panels are locked together with fasteners that are hidden and concealed under a seam. This decision will affect which panel style you can choose so we’ll weigh the pros and cons.
Exposed Fasteners
When it comes to exposed fastener roof panels, corrugated metal is the main style option available. Sometimes, metal tiles are available with exposed fasteners but not often. Corrugated metal sheets are commonly wavy and come in panels ranging from ⅞ inch to ¼ inch. They can also be ribbed and can be customized by the spacing between the ridges.
Pros
- More affordable
- Easy installation
- Readily available
Cons
- Require more maintenance
- Less watertight (replace fasteners every 10-15 years)
- Does allow for proper thermal expand and contraction
Concealed Fasteners
When dealing with concealed fastener roofing panels, there are far more options than with exposed fasteners. Metal shingles, metal tiles and standing seam roofing panels are all examples of concealed steel roofing available.
Pros
- Extremely watertight
- Suitable for low sloped roofs and solar panels
- Allows for proper thermal expand and contraction
- Don’t need fastener replacement
Cons
- Higher cost
- More complex installation
Tip #2 – Metal Roofing Styles
After deciding on whether you want exposed or concealed fasteners, the next step is determining the style of panel. Besides the visibility of the fasteners, all metal roofing panels will last for over 50 years and require little maintenance. This makes the decision almost fully on design. You want a style that will fit in with your neighbourhood, environment and property. Our advice is to choose a metal panel that will match the current aesthetic of your home.
Metal Shingles
- Concealed fasteners
- Can replicate slate, cedar shakes and asphalt shingles
- Compliments craftsman, victorian and colonial style homes
- Popular colours: greys, browns, blacks and earth tones
- More expensive
- Allows for proper thermal expand and contraction
- More complex installation
Metal Tiles
- Concealed fasteners
- Can replicate ceramic and clay tiles
- Compliments mediterranean homes (Spanish, Greek and Italian style homes)
- Popular colours: terracotta, reds, rusted paint prints, black and dark greys
- More expensive
- Allows for proper thermal expand and contraction
- More complex installation
Standing Seam
- Concealed fasteners
- Can be customized by panel widths, seam heights (flat, striated or ribbed) and thickness
- Compliments modern, mid-century and traditional style homes
- Popular colours: blacks, dark greys, greens, reds, whites and darker bronzes
- More expensive
- Allows for proper thermal expand and contraction
- More complex installation
Corrugated Metal
- Compliments agricultural buildings and traditional style homes
- Popular colours: whites, reds, steel and dark greys
- Exposed fasteners
- Less expensive
- Requires more maintenance (fasteners need to be replaced 10-15 years)
- Easier installation
Tip #3 – Choosing The Best Paint System
When it comes time to choose a paint system for your metal roof, there are two paint systems available to homeowners. PVDF paint and silicone-modified polyester, also known as SMP. The simplest way to describe these two paint finishes is with a good, better, best model. PVDF would be regarded as “best,” SMP as “better,” and Polyester as “good.” Polyester paint is weaker compared to both PVDF and SMP, and the cost savings are insufficient to justify the lower quality paint.
PVDF Paint System
PVDF paint is more expensive than SMP paint, but it is widely regarded as the gold standard for metal roofing paint finishes. There are more colour options available, such as metallic, bright and vibrant colours, matte finishes, and even designer paint finishes. If you decide to install a standing seam metal roof, you will more than likely be using a PVDF paint system because these panels are only available in premium colours.
The most significant advantage PVDF has over SMP is that it retains colour integrity for a longer period of time. When compared to an SMP paint system, PVDF paint fades less over the years.
SMP Paint System
SMP paint is an excellent paint choice that is less expensive than PVDF, but it has some limitations. This type of paint system is more commonly found on siding or in the agricultural industry because it has three common downfalls. SMP paint fades over time, is known for chalking (white, powdery substance caused by the breakdown of resins) and there are less colour options. Colours that are available are usually light or neutral. Metallic or bright and vibrant colours are uncommon in SMP paint.
Tip #4 – Choosing Your Metal Roof Colour
Today, there are more colour options available than ever before. The abundance of options can sometimes make this decision more difficult. If you followed tips 1-3, you’re off to a good start on this decision. You’ve already decided on the panel style and whether the paint system will be PVDF or SMP.
It is crucial to match the colour of your metal roofing to the colour and style of your house. You want the colour to complement your surroundings, environment, and property. Do you want to add a splash of colour by painting the fascia and gutters a different colour? What about the other houses in the neighbourhood? What is your architectural style? Is energy conservation important? Perhaps you’d like to add a metal accent wall that looks like distressed wood? All of these factors should be considered when selecting a metal roofing colour.
Dark Or Light Coloured Roof
- A lighter coloured roof will make your roof appear taller. If you have a shallow pitch or a low roof, this could make your house appear taller than it actually is.
- Darker coloured roofs have the opposite effect and can make a steep slope or tall roof appear less dramatic.
Tip #5 – Energy Efficient Metal Roofs
When choosing a colour for your steel roof, you should also think about their energy efficiency. Choosing the right metal roofing colour has a direct impact on your metal roof’s energy efficiency. If you live in a warm climate, the colour of your roof should be a top priority. If you want to save money on your electric bill, you should consider purchasing a “Cool Metal Roof.”
- A lighter-coloured metal roof will reflect the heat of the sun much better than a darker-coloured metal roof. Lighter coloured roofs will protect your home from extreme heat and can help you save money on your energy bill.
- Darker roof colours absorb heat and keep your home warmer. Choosing “Cool Metal Roofing” in a dark colour can help to offset the energy cost difference caused by the darker colour.