Metal Shingle Roofing

When purchasing metal roofing, there are two main categories, which are used on homes: shingle-type systems and sheet-metal systems. This article will take a closer look at metal shingle roofing.

Metal shingles are manufactured so that they resemble wood shakes, Spanish and mission tile, slate, as well as Victorian metal tiles. These shingles are often manufactured from painted or coated steel or aluminum, which has been pressed or formed in resemble their counterparts.

In fact some metal shingles look so amazingly similar to the actually cedar, clay, or slate tiles that one cannot tell them apart without actually touching them. Manufacturers of painted metal products reduce and even eliminate telltale sheen through a process of texturing the metal and then layering the finish. Most of these products are hard to distinguish from the real thing.

Metal shingle systems are come either as large panels, which are usually 4 feet in lengths for quick installation or metal single can come as single shingles, which are installed individually. Many of the panel style metal roofs can be installed over one layer of existing asphalt roofing shingles providing that they are in good condition and are not cupped as they must be applied to a firm flat surface. However, the individual style metal roofing shingles require tear-off of the old shingles.

Many residential roofing contractors who install metal shingle systems also may install wood, tile, asphalt, or another conventional roofing material. However, contractors who install conventional roofing products may not install metal roofs. Therefore, make sure that the contractor you select to install your roof has substantial experience installing metal roofs, particularly with the product you've chosen. In addition, it is always best to choose a contractor who has also been trained by the manufacturer and who warranties his/her work. Because metal roofing requires slightly different tools and techniques, most manufacturers and distributors require that contractors that install their products be trained through the manufacturer.

If you only want to install copper accents, you can do this without having to re-roof your home. All you have to do is simply order copper ridge caps, drip edges, valleys, or other accent accessories. Some manufactures also produce half-sized copper shingles for use on bay windows, cupolas, gazebos, etc. You can check online for a complete list of such manufacturers and distributors.

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