Metal roof shingles
Metal roof shingles are constructed in such a manner so that they resemble Victorian metal tiles , wood shakes , slate and Spanish tile .
Most of them are made from aluminum or steel which was formed or pressed so it resembles a realistic shapes and afterward it is coated or painted . Don`t trust your eyes , they might deceive you and appearances can make you take a wrong decision by purchasing low quality metal roof shingles made from low quality producers ( textured metal , granulated stone topcoats , etc. ) . Metal roof shingles are very good lookalikes and they are bloody hard to make the difference between them and the real thing .
I will give you some hints on how you can distinguish forgeries from the real deal . First thing that you must keep in mind is the fact that manufacturers produce the metal roof shingles systems in large panel usually 4 feet long , so that you can quickly install it yourself , or a single shingle with the purpose to be installed individually . Most of the panel types are meant for installation over one or even two layers of roofing .
If you want professional help for installing metal roof shingles you can demand the services of residential roofing contractors , because they have the knowledge to install metal shingle systems , however , keep in mind that those contractors work with asphalt , wood , tile and other conventional products , they don`t deal with metal . Metal roofing shingles need a different technique for a proper installation , so the manufacturers and the distributors came up with the idea of accredited contracts , by taking a few basic classes regarding their products which will enable them to be allowed by the law to install metal roof shingles.
I will say a few words regarding some of the more popular brands of metal roof shingles and I will add some information regarding the prices , so that you can develop your ideas one way or another :
-Gerard roofing - $3-$4 / square foot , if tear-off is necessary depending on your need , the price can grow . They are made from galvanized steel made in two patterns , tile and facsimile shake , and they come in a variety of colours .
-Decrabond - These metal roof shingles are only available in six standard colors , however , if you prefer a custom color it may be special-ordered , depending on the minimum order size of the manufacturer . Made out of galvanized steel with a finish of acrylic baked-on ( seven coating of acrylic )
-Met-Tile - $1.65 / panel to $3.20 / square foot ; most of the application used run about $3 . They are made form a 26-gauge galvanize steel , which is painted to give the lookalike impression of a tile .
- Petersen Aluminum Corporation can provide you with Prestige Copper Shingles -$5 to $7 / square foot (only the material price ) . It`s made from a combination of asphalt-shingle base bonded with real cooper , so that it offers you that elegant classic roof of a metal roof shingle .
- Alcoa is a brand that manufactures two varieties of shakes made from aluminum so it resembles wood slate , shakes or tile . Both of them can be installed over two layers of roofing materials . Alcoa has a good marketing strategy , offering a lifetime warranty , that can be transferred even when you sell the house .
I hope i offered you enough information so that you choose the right metal roof shingles suited for your custom needs .