Choosing Roofing: A Poem

Yesterday I commented that metal roofing was like poetry.  That motivated me to write this poem...

We were in the market for some new roofing -

Our asphalt roof old, and not good looking.

Its edges were curled and its colors quite faded,

Our 20-year-old home prematurely outdated!

We made a list of what good roofing should be -

With the durability and colors we’d like to see.

Of course our wish list started quite strong -

We want color that lasts thirty years long!

We want our roofing to be energy efficient!

We want our roofing to be fire resistant!

We want a roof that’s the environment’s friend!

We want a roof that can handle high wind!

Could such a dream roof possibly exist?

We called a contractor to read him our list.

We expected a laugh, he instead said, “Okay.

Can we set an appointment for later today?”

He came to our house with samples galore,

Of colors and textures, and so much more!

“There’s only one roof that I suggest choosing,

The do it all roof – that’s metal roofing.”

We selected a color and a traditional style,

(Variety and selection beat asphalt by miles!).

As the work progressed, we were truly amazed

And stood there for hours and simply gazed.

Our home transformed from old to new,

From outdated and faded to a wonderful view.

Metal roofing is truly the new tried and true.

We’re so glad we chose it.  Metal roofing, thank you!

Metal Roofing Design Options

Perhaps the strongest sales tool for residential metal roofing are the many design options available. 
- Color:  the choices are virtually unlimited with hues and tones unavailable in other roofing choices
- Texture: Get rid of that "smooth" image.  Metal roofing can be patterned, shaped, molded - leading to:
- Enhancement - Metal roofing can be designed to look like almost any other roofing product available.  The main differences are the better durability, better warranty, and overall better performance of metal roofing.
- Poetry:  Huh?  What does poetry have to do with the design of metal roofing?  Because like poetry, metal roofing is timeless, is beautiful, is structured and flows, and makes a statement that the homeowner understands how to make the world a better place.

The day when all homes have a metal roof

It's almost inevitable.  The day will come when most new homes have a metal roof.  People will look back on the "old days" and wonder why asphalt was ever a consideration.  Sure there will be those who say that asphalt was less expensive, but the phrase "to install" will be quickly added.  Because asphalt is only less expensive for the short term. 
   Then the discussion will turn to design, durability, warranty, colors, weather protection, and environmental friendliness.  People will shake their heads and again wonder why asphalt was used.  Of course it made sense at the time, but that time is past.
   Yes, the day will come.

Rain and Metal Roofing

We are all conditioned to think of metal and water as a combination that leads to rust.  If the metal is unprotected, it will deteriorate; it will rust.  So when someone suggests roofing with metal, a major concern is how it will withstand the elements, especially rain. 

Here are two things to consider if that is a concern of yours.  First is durability.  Metal roofing today is coated with an aluminum-zinc alloy combination that protects the metal sheet edges and helps it resists corrosion. Metal roofing treated with the aluminum-zinc alloy dosen't crack or peel when exposed to rain.  The protected sheet is them painted with a protective paint, often Kynar.  Kynar paint protects and preserves the steel base; increases the roofs reflectivity; and helps preserve the original color for decade.

A second consideration is your roof's pitch.  Most homes have a roof slope of at least 3:12. This means that for each 12 inches of run (eave to ridge) the roof rises up at least 3 inches. With a 3:12 slope, rain runs off the roof and doesn't gather or pool. 

Ask your contractor if the panels he plans to use on your roof have been treated with the aluminum-zinc alloy coating, and if the coated sheets are painted with Kynar.