U.S. demand for residential roofing products is forecast to advance 4.0 percent per year to 147 million squares in 2020, valued at $10.4 billion. With this increase in demand and competition, we are also seeing new technologies emerge and more options are offered to homeowners. In this article, we will examine the corrugated roofing trend, which has gained popularity in recent years, and help you determine if this type of roofing is right for your home.
What is Corrugated Roofing?
Since the mid 1800s, corrugated steel panels have been manufactured and widely used on agricultural, commercial, and industrial roofs in the United States. In those early years, the corrugated metal panels were non-coated steel and essentially bare, which would result in excessive corrosion and rust. This is the reason many people think corrugated roofing isn’t very long-lasting, but today, corrugated metal has seen a renaissance with new coatings and more durable materials.
In fact, corrugated metal panels now offer outstanding corrosion-resistance, energy efficiency, and can provide an economical roofing option for commercial, agricultural, industrial, and residential buildings. Corrugated metal panels are usually made from thin-gauge steel (usually a 29 or 26 gauge steel), which makes it both affordable and practical when it comes to covering large areas of roofing surfaces.
Corrugated metal roofing uses corrugated metal which means it’s shaped into parallel folds which are alternatively grooved and ridged. The ripple-like folds actually make the material more sturdy and durable, great for a long-lasting roofing option.
A similar comparison to corrugated metal, though much less durable, is cardboard. Have you ever tried to rip cardboard with ridges in between the sides? This extra insulation and pattern provides a much stronger box – because of the layer in between the flat sheet. Similarly, metal roofs are lightweight, but when formed into a corrugated shape, their durability is greatly enhanced by the structure.
Benefits of Corrugated Metal Roofing
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- Long-lasting: As you probably know, metal roofing is known to last longer than the more traditional asphalt shingles. Asphalt-shingle roofs usually last around twenty years or more. Average-quality metal roofs tend to last about 30 years or more. However, corrugated metal roofs, because of their shape, are less prone to wear and corrosion, which makes them last for more than 50 years on average. However, it’s important to note that metal roofing systems with exposed fasteners may require some minor maintenance, such as re-tightening every 10 years or so.
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- Durable: Metal roofing in general is much more durable than asphalt or wooden shingles and is more weather-resistant. However, as discussed above, corrugated metal sheets are even more durable than other options due to their unique, rippled structure. The heightened durability can withstand bends and dents, which can be caused by objects falling on your roof such as pebbles or branches. Metal roofing is also non-combustible, so in the event of a fire it will better protect your home.
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- Superior Weather Protection: Corrugated metal sheet roofing is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions. Whether its hail and snow during harsh winters or extreme heat during the summer, the corrugated metal roof is highly resistant to all types of severe weather.
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- Saves Energy: In addition to its durability, the rippled shape of the metal sheets also make corrugated roofing more energy efficient. Compared to other roofing options, corrugated metal reflects more light and heat from the sun. This process repels heat from getting into your home’s interior, thus using far less energy to cool your home during the summer months.
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- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Metal roofing in general is a more environmentally-friendly option compared to asphalt shingles, which often contain toxic chemicals and end up in landfills. Corrugated metal roofing is considered particularly “green” and even qualifies for LEED credit awarded by the green building council due to its durability, recyclability and reusable materials.
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- Unique, Modern Style: Last but not least, corrugated metal is being used more and more by famous architects around the world for its stylistic purposes. This type of metal is being used in innovative ways – not only for roofing but for siding as well. Corrugated metal can give your home a one-of-a-kind, modern look and make it stand out from the rest of the homes on your block.
Corrugated Plastic Roofing
A less expensive, though less durable, alternative to corrugated metal roofing is corrugated plastic roofing. There are several differences between the metal and plastic corrugated roofing, and both present their own pros and cons. To begin, corrugated plastic roofing does not handle extreme heat as well as corrugated metal. In the event of extreme weather, plastic roofing is also more likely to chip or crack. If a chip or crack does occur, it can spread to the entire panel which would require immediate replacement.
Corrugated plastic roofing also has its benefits though, like the opportunity to have natural light flowing through a clear roof and into your home! This could light up any dark room and even contribute to saving money on electricity. It is also an option to paint the plastic panels, but this requires a special kind of paint. Lastly, corrugated plastic roofing is also thought to be more water-tight than metal which could be a great benefit in wet climates.
Corrugated Roofing for Colorado Homes
Colorado homes can benefit greatly from corrugated metal roofs in every season. Because of their weather-resistance and energy-efficiency, your home will stay dry and protected during the cold winter months and cool during the warm summer months.
If you’re considering a corrugated metal roof, or looking for qualified Denver roofers, you can contact us to request a free estimate and a free inspection. Rocky Mountain Roofing & Exteriors serves Denver and the surrounding areas in Colorado, and we are experienced in many types of roofing to suit all your needs!