Metal roofing on homes is rapidly gaining popularity. In fact, it’s one of the fastest growing segments of the home improvement industry. Many homeowners, though, are searching for something different than traditional metal roofing, so they end up investigating metal shingle roofing. “Are metal shingles right for my home?” is a frequent question we are asked.
Metal shingles come in a variety of styles. There are products that closely resemble asphalt shingles, wood shakes, wood shingles, slate, and even tile. What sets them apart, though, is that they come in a system of interlocking modular panels. The interlocks between panels hold them tight in high winds and also allow all of the fasteners for the roof to be concealed.
If you’re investigating metal shingle roofing, it’s important to keep in mind that not all metals shingles are the same. Whereas the interlocks between panels have purpose and value, some metal shingles only lock together on the top and bottom rather than on all fours sides. And some don’t even lock together top and bottom but instead have exposed fasteners driven into battens beneath the roof.
Most metal shingles feature Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 coatings for durability and color retention. The distinctive looks of these products often makes them popular with homeowners associations and architectural review boards. Those entities will often pass up more agricultural or commercial looking metal roofs in favor of metal shingles which have a distinct residential appeal.
Metal shingle roofing offers durability, fire resistance, fungus resistance, and low weight among other benefits. The recycled content of these products can be as high as 95%. They are designed to become a permanent part of the structure, protecting and beautifying it for years down the road.