When you have a metal roof, you’ve invested in a roofing system that is extremely durable, requires minimal care but has maximum longevity. At the same time, two problems can occur if your roof isn’t properly insulated: you’ll experience a lot of noise, especially in severe weather like hail, and your building’s overall energy efficiency will be reduced. In fact, many building managers ensure the metal roofing is well insulated just for these reasons. While in some industrial settings noise may not be a problem, almost all commercial enterprises want their buildings to be more energy efficient. Insulation will always save you money on utility expenses. For this reason alone, when you have a commercial metal roof in Nashville, TN, Yoder’s Commercial Roofing recommends insulating it. Find out how we can help with your metal roof by calling (931) 220-1728.

If you’ve chosen to install a metal roof on your commercial building, you’ve made a wise choice. But, to avoid serious problems in the future, you want to make sure your new metal roof is properly installed, and what goes under the roof is just as important as the metal on top. When you’re talking through the roofing project with roofer’s make sure they give you a rundown of all the materials they are installing. A good underlayment for a metal roof will vary by location and climate but some of the components you’ll want to consider will include insulation for noise reduction and heat transfer, a water barrier, vapor retarder, and air barrier. If those materials aren’t present or aren’t installed correctly your roof could suffer serious problems like leakage or moisture entrapment.

If you are considering installing a metal roof for your commercial building, you’ll have several types to choose from, each valuable for different types of buildings. Some of the most common metal roofing types include:

• Corrugated galvanized steel
• Sheets of metal tile
• Copper
• Aluminum
• Stone-coated steel
• Stainless steel
• Tin
• Lead

You’ll also have options such as standing seam or corrugated styles. Standing seam metal styles are common and work with almost any material. The type of metal you choose will depend on several aspects including weather, climate, and cost. Aluminum, for instance, is highly resistant to corrosion, and is often chosen in coastal regions because of the high salt content in the air. Other materials like copper tend to be very expensive to install, whereas stainless steel or galvanized steel as well as tin cost much less.

In the past there wasn’t much choice when it came to the color of your metal roof. It was, well, the color of metal. Now, manufacturing processes can produce metals of all shades. What’s the best color for your metal roof? There is no catch-all answer. Every situation will be different, but much will depend on the purpose of the roof, location of the building, climate, as well as aesthetic considerations. Energy efficiency often plays a big role in color choice, as lighter colors will reflect heat better than darker colors. If you live in a warmer climate, the lighter the material, the more heat it will reflect. The material doesn’t have to be white, however, for it to be efficient. Even a lighter shade of a darker color like blue or green might be a better choice in such a climate.

The pitch of a metal roof will depend on the type of panels you are using. When looking at pitch, you have to determine the roof’s slope to get the right ratio for the type of panel you are using. The ratio is determined by dividing the vertical rise, or pitch, by every 12 inches of horizontal span. Common slope ratios are 3:12, ½:12, and ¼:12. Your roofing contractor will understand the ratio that is best for the type of panels you’re using.

While metal roofs tend to have a higher pitch or vertical rise, it is possible to place a certain type of metal roof on a low-pitch roof. The only type of metal roof that can be used for low-pitch roof is structural panel.

If you are wondering how to install commercial metal roofing, the installation processes will vary depending on the type of metal you’re using and whether the fasteners are exposed or hidden. While both types of panels, for instance, are attached with special screws, hidden fastener panels also have to be attached together by fastening the cleats of each panel together before the screws are put in.

If you are thinking about installing a commercial metal roof in Nashville, TN, get advice from the professionals at Yoder’s Commercial Roofing. We are an experienced, full-service commercial roofing contractor, and will be able to help you with all aspects of your commercial roofing project. Find out more about us or schedule a service appointment by calling (931) 220-1728.