Steel Roof Colours
Your roof is the largest and most visible part of your homes exterior. It can be seen from a distance and conveys your home’s style and design and gives oncoming visitors an idea of your home. Upgrading your roof gives you a chance to add value to your home. Several things dictate the roofing process and some of them are framing and proper installation. However, the material for your roofing is a huge determinant of your roof’s overall performance.
If you have your eye on steel as a suitable roofing material, you’re moving towards making an excellent choice! But before you start, you must know the different types of steel rooves, the pros, and cons, as well as the different colors.
Types of Steel Roofing
Zinc
Zinc is one of the most common elements used for roofing because not only is it resistant to corrosion, it is also stylish. Zinc is also very durable and with its patina, it can heal itself and last for over a hundred years!
Untreated zinc is suitable for both inland and coastal roofing and it has a malleability that allows it to be formed to various designs. Because it has a low melting point, it doesn’t require as much energy to produce and it is also 100% recyclable, making it very attractive to environmentalists.
The only downside to zinc is that if it’s left unpainted for long periods, it tends to turn green or blue. Its soft nature also makes it susceptible to damage from hailstones and strong winds.
Steel
Steel is a strong alloy that can be used to mimic other materials. It can be easily painted to resemble zinc copper or to give it a weathered look. The coating helps prolong its lifespan to more than 50 years and it is relatively cheap and highly accessible. It can be used in extreme weather conditions as it is highly resistant to rust.
There are three main types of steel roofing and they are:
Weathering steel
Weathering steel is the material of choice for heavy steel industries. It has an outer layer that is designed to rust and protect the inner layer. However, it is not designed for roofing support. It’s often used as an accent roof and needs maintenance.
Galvanized steel
The most common steel roofing is galvanized steel. It comes with a zinc coating that protects it from corrosion which increases its lifespan. Galvanized steel costs less and is very durable. Its lifespan is highly dependent on the thickness of its metallic coating. However, it’s not suitable for use in coastal areas because salt contributes to its corrosion and shortens its lifespan. When not installed properly, it is difficult to manipulate and rusts immediately.
Galvalume steel
Galvalume steel is a more economical combination of aluminum and steel. It is durable and is often painted in a range of colors to increase its lifespan. The aluminum gives it a more uniformed appearance and makes it smoother.
Aluminum
Aluminum is durable, lightweight and can be used for a variety of roofing designs. It is also highly resistant to corrosion, energy-efficient, and highly recyclable. Its malleability allows it to be created into various elegant designs that look like clay shingles and wood.
However aluminum is very expensive and other materials that have an aluminum coating are a lot cheaper. Furthermore, it often has to be painted because its natural patina does not look very good.
Copper
Copper is one of the most popular steel roof options because of its blue-green color after years of exposure. Although it can be pre-painted, majority of people prefer its natural patination. Under good conditions, it lasts for more than a hundred years, even with little to no maintenance. It is one of the softest and quietest steel roof materials that is also fire-resistant and easy to work with.
Choosing a steel roof color
Choosing a steel roof color is a process which must take into consideration a few things. One of the things which must be taken into the equation is the style of your home. Select a color that is based on all the components of your home’s exterior design such as the door, windows, sidings, and the landscape. As a general rule of thumb, you select a roof color that complements the existing colors of your home for balance.
It is also an excellent idea to look at various color samples during different times of the day so that you pick one that you like during bright light and when the colors look more muted.
There are various color choices available today and the options are virtually limitless. You can choose pre-mixed colors and you can also order colors according to your liking, although the latter tend to be more expensive.
A color that contrasts with your home’s brick or siding will instantly make your home stand out. On the other hand, a complementary color will give your home a monochromatic scheme which makes your home appear more classic.
It is important to also know the difference between light and dark colors and their different effects. A roof with a lighter color will make your house seem taller and is a great option for homes with a low roof. On the other hand, darker colors will make a tall roof seem less towering.
Standard colors are premixed and some of the most popular colors in the market. They are easily available and come at a reasonable price. Some colors may be nearly identical but may have different names, depending on the manufacturer.
If you want something unique, there is also always the possibility of ordering custom-made colors. Obviously, this type of color comes at an additional price as the vendor has to purchase it as a unique item rather than something which can be easily bought in bulk. The good thing about it though is that you can be assured of a color which is unlike any other.
Talk to a Roofing Expert
If you are planning to install a new roof, or to replace or repair an old one, you can be part of our success stories. Top Metal Roofs will handle all your steel roofing projects and our consultants will guide you through each step. Call us at 647-470-7161 for a custom roofing quote today!
