So, you've decided that your next roof will be made of metal material? Metal roofing is one of the most popular choices available for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It's lightweight, durable, cost-effective, easy to maintain, and offers many other important benefits to building owners and contractors alike. Unfortunately, it's such a broad topic that you may struggle to make sense of it.

Use this guide to select the right metal roofing for your project.

1. Metal Type

Metal roofing is a generic term for all types of roofs made from metal, but there are many different types of metals used to make this kind of roofing. Steel and aluminium are the two most commonly used metal roofing materials right now because they're the most affordable. Copper roofing can outlast both steel and aluminium when well-cared-for but is quite pricey. Other roofing materials such as tin became phased out of the market because they're incredibly rare and cost-prohibitive to allow for commercial production.

When choosing a metal material for your roof, make sure you review the pros and cons of each material before making a purchase decision. For instance, aluminium metal roofs perform better than other types of metal roofing materials when used in coastal climates because they have a natural or superior resistance to salt corrosion.  

2. Metal Gauge

The different types of metal roofing materials come in different gauges. A gauge is a metric used to measure the thickness of a metal roofing product. The smaller the number, the thicker the metal and vice versa. Aim for thicker metal roofing materials because they offer better protection than thinner metals. However, you should expect to pay more upfront for this.

3. Metal Colour and Finish

A roof is an integral architectural element of any building. It's going to contribute to the kerb appeal of your building whether you like it or not. The good news is that metal roofing comes in a wide selection of colours and finishes so you can find a product that matches or complements the architectural style of your building seamlessly. If you want, you can even have your metal roof designed to replicate the look of wood, natural stone, and other roofing materials that you love. Also, keep in mind that the colour of your metal roofing may impact your building's energy efficiency. Choose wisely.

Don't hesitate to consult a roofing specialist near you if you need help with your material selection.