Roofing Solutions For You

What to Look At When Choosing Your Commercial Metal Roof

21 April 2022 by Jack King

If you plan to start a new commercial building construction project anytime soon, roofing installation is one of the project activities you should consider. The right roofing system will protect your commercial building against destructive outdoor elements and complement the overall design of the building. On the flip side, the wrong one will expose the commercial building to the outside elements, resulting in water damage and related problems like mould growth.

While there are many different roofing materials you can use in your commercial construction project, some perform better than others. Metal roofing is a lightweight, low-maintenance, durable and cost-effective commercial roofing option, but not just any metal roof will do.

Here is what you should consider when choosing a metal roof for your commercial property.

Metal Gauge Numbers

One of the product specifications you will encounter when exploring your metal roofing options is the gauge number. Gauge numbers describe the thickness of the sheet metal, with higher numbers indicating greater thicknesses and vice versa.

Higher metal gauge numbers indicate more protection against heavy rain, hailstorms and high winds than light-gauge versions. On the downside, they cost more to purchase. 

When choosing metal roofing gauges, strike a balance between performance, durability and price. If you require higher resistance against destructive weather elements, pay more for a heavy-gauge metal roof.

Metal Roof Material

Metal roof manufacturers offer various material options, including galvanised steel, zinc, copper and aluminium. Each metal reacts differently with atmospheric elements such as moisture, water and air. Aluminium, copper and zinc are known for their natural corrosion resistance. On the other hand, steel requires a special protective coating to become corrosion-resistant.

Before picking your commercial metal roof, weigh the pros and cons of the various metals available. For example, zinc and copper are naturally soft, making it easy for architects and contractors to create virtually any profile for any project. On the downside, the softer metals can scratch and dent more easily. 

Metal Roof Colour

The colour of your metal roof is not just for impacting your commercial architectural design but also for increasing the energy performance of your roof and the entire building.

If you are building in a region that receives a lot of sunshine across the year, a light-coloured roof can help reflect solar heat radiation away from the building, keeping it cool. If you hope to add warmth to the building, a darker metal roof colour will work well.

To learn more about your commercial roofing options, get in touch with your local roofing contractor. 

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