What can metal do that traditional commercial roofing materials, such as single ply, modified bitumen, and BUR cannot?
The major differentiating functional capabilities of metal roof and wall solutions include:
From an aesthetic perspective, the major differentiating capabilities of metal building solutions include:
Since metal’s performance life is most comparable to that of a modified built-up roofing system, it’s important to note that a typical metal roof is conservatively half the weight of BUR, while exceeding its strength on a pound-to-pound basis. That means at least some of the initial cost of metal is immediately paid back during new construction since metal roofs require fewer support materials. When it comes to reroofing, the lighter weight of metal makes retrofitting an option in many scenarios, making it possible to avoid costly tear-offs of roofs that have already met the building code maximums. This too can result in significant cost savings, even more so where the existing system includes asbestos or some other hazard whose removal can add prohibitive costs.
Because metals are capable of achieving far more challenging and complex architectural designs than other roof systems, they have mistakenly earned a reputation for being more complex to install. Certainly complex details require the highest level of craftsmanship, and nothing but metal can achieve some of the more dramatic and demanding architectural visions. However, when comparing apples to apples, installing metal on a typical commercial roof is no more time consuming or demanding than installing many other materials, and can be faster and easier, especially in those applications where tear-off can be eliminated. In addition, standing seam metal roof installations are less affected by weather-related conditions than other systems, which can result in more predictable scheduling.
Perhaps most importantly, keep in mind that it is a fallacy to think all metal systems are alike. The fasteners used to secure/attach metal roof and wall systems may be through- fastened or concealed. Roof and wall panel designs may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Clips may be two-piece or integrated as a single-piece and may use a continuous clip or snap-on design. Sealants may be isolated or exposed. All these factors will affect the facility of installation and long-term performance of the system. Requesting a comparative evaluation of different types of metal solutions, and their details, is the best way to make sure that the ease of installation of the metal system chosen is appropriate to the complexity of the design.
With metal roofs, which tend to shed dirt, routine gutter maintenance and an occasional power washing are typically the only maintenance required. In addition, the modularity of integrated metal roof and wall systems makes tracing leaks and replacing portions of wet insulation easier than with many alternative systems.
Aside from these preventive maintenance and repair advantages, metals can frequently make it possible to solve tough waterproofing problems for less expense. For example, if water is leaking through the walls of a brick or block building, it can be very costly to cut out and repoint the mortar joints and apply a water repellant. Even after doing so, you are likely to have to reapply the water repellant to the vertical surface at least once every seven to ten years. The fluted split face masonry that was so popular in the 1980s and 1990s is particularly susceptible to these kinds of problems and is quite difficult to waterproof using only an exterior surface coating. For a more permanent and less costly solution, once the source of the leak has been identified and repaired, you can overlay the masonry wall with a metal panel system, significantly reducing future maintenance and repairs, while upgrading the building’s aesthetics.
The vast number of colors, textures, and alignment options (i.e., vertical, horizontal, angular) that are possible using metal roof and wall panels make it possible to aesthetically match or complement the materials used on historic buildings or neighboring facilities, frequently at a fraction of the cost of replicating the original construction materials.
In addition, the flexibility of today’s metal panel designs provides architects with a whole new spectrum of aesthetic shapes that not only provide drama and curb appeal, but can also extend the functionality of the facilities themselves through the creative structuring of sites that are unusually compact or irregular.
As an added benefit, the high reflectivity of certain colors can greatly reduce heat absorption, resulting in a reduction of air-conditioning related energy requirements in warmer climates.
The cradle-to-grave environmental impact of metal roof and wall solutions is minimal since 100 percent of metal panels are recyclable when metal systems reach the end of their service life. The new International Green Construction Code that was launched in March 2012 mandates that at least 55 percent of building materials must be salvaged, recycled-content, recyclable, bio- based, or indigenous — which is expected to earn metal solutions an even greater market share in the years ahead.
The growing use of metal to ensure the waterproofing integrity of commercial buildings is justified by its many benefits. High-performance metal roof and wall solutions — when properly designed and installed — offer property owners, who expect to retain ownership for 30 years or more, the best value over time, while offering architects an infinite array of aesthetic and functional possibilities.
