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Start Your Metal Roofing Journey Today

 

Get information without obligation. 

ASC Building Products is a long-standing manufacturer of quality metal roofing and siding products serving the western US. We understand metal roofing is a significant investment and can be complex. Based on helping hundreds of successful customers, we have crafted the advice below to help you on your journey.

Understand the Basics

  • There are two primary metal roofing types, concealed fastener (known as standing seam) and exposed fastener. This refers to if the screws are visible or not. Concealed fastener roofing systems are the preferred choice for homes as it provides a clean look, provides superior performance against the elements and is designed to last longer with lower maintenance.
  • Concealed fastener residential roofs are often known as standing seam. This is in reference to the raised ridge from the flat pan of the panel that connects the two panels together.
  • There are several different types of standing seam panel – some snap together where as some are mechanically seamed (in which the seam is rolled over) for a more secure connection. Mechanically seamed are more common for commercial applications, large roofing areas or those with greater exposure to extreme environmental elements.
  • Our recommendation: For most residential applications, a snap interlocking panel provides the perfect mix of performance, installation efficiency, and price.
  • Learn more about our most popular metal roofing product Skyline Roofing®
  • Learn how Skyline Roofing® is Installed
Standing seam profile for Skyline Roofing

Skyline Roofing®

  • Exposed fastener roofing products are versatile metal products in which the fastener is driven through the panel and is visually exposed. These products offer greater coverage with each sheet, resulting in a faster and simpler installation process, and are more economical to install. Additionally, these products can be installed over open framing which is why you see these products used for applications such as agricultural buildings and sheds. Exposed fasteners use gaskets to ensure weathertightness, but these can degrade over time. This means they may not offer the same service life as a concealed fastened product.
  • Our Recommendation: These products are easier to install and work with and are great for DIY projects such as sheds, planter boxes and patio covers. Corrugated Metal Panels are a popular product to start with as your first DIY metal project.
  • Learn more about our popular exposed fastened metal roofing products, Nor-Clad and Strata Rib
  • Learn how Exposed Fastened Metal Roofing is Installed
Metal roofing and siding profile of Nor-Clad

Nor-Clad®

Metal Roofing panel sample of Strata Rib

Strata Rib®

  • Color Choice – A key benefit of metal is it is available in a broad range of colors. Metal colors are designed to reflect heat from the sun to lower energy costs, however light colors will always be more efficient than dark colors at reflecting heat.
  • Paint Systems – An important consideration for long-term durability is the paint system. There are three primary types ranging from Good, to Better, to Best – Polyester, Silicon Modified Polyester (SMP), and PVDF (also known as Kynar or Hylar). For most residential applications, an SMP will offer the best balance of price and performance. Modern SMP paint technology offers homeowners a long-lasting, high-performance paint finish with long warranty coverage, such as ASC Building Products Limited Lifetime Warranty. PVDF systems offer greater resistance to chemicals and harsh environments and offer improved resistance to color fade. These are typically used for commercial projects and those in extreme environments such as coastal or industrial applications. Sourcing from a reputable manufacturer is an important consideration for color. While colors may look the same when new, the rate and consistency at which the finish ages will depend on the quality of the paint system and the integrity in which it was manufactured.
  • Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) – This is the most useful metric for comparing how efficient a roofing color is at reflecting the heat from the sun. The higher the number the better the color is at reflecting heat, and lowering housing cooling costs in summer. Learn more in our Reflectivity Technical Bulletin SRI information is published on our color chart.
  • The Metallic Coating – Modern metal roofing steel products are coated with zinc and aluminum to provide corrosion protection. Known as the metallic coating and applied before painting, this barrier provides long-lasting protection for the steel underneath.
  • Gauge – Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal. The lower the number, the thicker the material. Typically, metal thickness is the primary driver of product price in addition to the product type and paint system. For residential applications 26 gauge is the most common balance of price and performance. Heavier gauge material such as 24 gauge material, may offer increased performance against extreme weather and resistance to damage.
  • Lead Times – Metal roofing products are Made to Order (MTO), meaning panels are precision cut to specific project lengths. As a result, metal roofing may have a different lead time compared to products that are shipped in bundles, such as asphalt shingles and tiles
  • Steel vs. Aluminum? Most metal roofing will use a steel substrate. Modern steel roofing uses metallic coatings consisting of zinc and aluminum (known as ZINCALUME and Galvalume), which provide protection from corrosion and have proven service lives of more than 50 years. Aluminum is more malleable than steel, which means a thicker amount of metal is needed to achieve the same performance, which in turn can increase product price. Aluminum may be a more suitable in highly corrosive environments, such as roofing applications in direct contact with salt water spray.
  • Warranties – Due to its high performance, metal roofing products can include several long warranties. Substrate or corrosion warranties will provide warranty coverage from rust. Finish and paint warranties provide coverage for the performance of the paint and its retention of color. Warranties for workmanship and weathertightness will be the responsibility of the contractor.
  • What Are Trims and Flashings? These are the color-matched pieces of metal that improve aesthetics and weathertightness performance. Trim and flashing are typically placed at eves, ridges, corners, and other locations to help encase the structure and improve the flow of rainfall. These are generally manufactured from the same material as the roofing panels to ensure a color match.
  • What Are Accessories and Fasteners? This includes screws, rivets for fastening roofing panels, and additional roofing accessories such as sealants, closures, and pipe boots for roof extrusions such as sewer vents. Typically, roofing manufacturers will also supply these items as they will have preferred products that are recommended to work best with their products.

Get Your Journey Started

  • Product GuideDownload our Product Guide to browse our complete range of metal roofing and siding products.
  • Product Finder – Use the filters to narrow down your search for product to meet your project.
  • VisualizeUpload a photo of your home, and our new AI functionality will do the rest, enabling you to visualize a new metal roof with ease.
  • Design ServicesUse our Visualizer’s Design Services to create a 3D model of your project and get a free Eagleview estimation report to help with quoting.
  • Get SamplesRequest a panel or color sample to see how metal will look up close on your project.
  • Get in TouchReady to get a quote? Reach out to us to find a metal roofing professional in your area.

About ASC Building Products

ASC Building Products is a trusted manufacturer of metal roofing and siding, supplying the western states with quality products for over 50 years. Our products are distributed throughout the western US through a broad network of knowledgeable distributors. ASC stands by its products with lifetime residential warranties, product engineering and testing, and broad technical support. We manufacture our products in the US, with facilities in California, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. ASC Building Products is owned by BlueScope Steel, one of the largest global manufacturers of coated and painted steel for metal roofing and siding.

Still Have a Question or Need More Help? ASC Building Products is Here to Help

  • Metal Will Be More Expensive Than Asphalt Shingles – Metal will be more expensive due to material cost and installation complexity. The differential will likely depend on the complexity of the roof design. While a greater cost up front, metal roofing lifespans are proven to be 3-4 times that of asphalt shingles.
  • Hire An Experienced Professional – The lifespan and weathertightness of the roof will be directly linked to the quality of the workmanship. Metal is more complex and nuanced to install than other roofing materials. Always validate that your preferred contractor is experienced in installing metal roofing to avoid disappointment.
  • Check Your Deck– Metal can be visually sensitive to the flatness of the roof plane underneath. Allow project budget for replacing old or warped roof decking material such as plywood.
  • Part of a Complete Solution – The metal roof is only one component of the total solution for building efficiency and resiliency. Ensure your project uses the right underlayments and insulation to achieve fire ratings and efficiently manage heating and cooling costs.
  • Review Color Selection – While colors are often called the same, each manufacturer of metal will have their own color palette, and they may differ in how they appear digitally. Ensure you look at a physical color sample before ordering.
  • Consider Installing Snowguards – Metal roofing is slippery compared to other metal roofing types. In snow regions, to prevent snow from unexpectedly sliding off the roof continually through the day, install snow guards to help retain snow in place.
  • Considerations for Solar – A metal roof will typically outlast a solar panel, avoiding the need to periodically re-roof under solar panels. There are many easy solutions for attaching solar panels to standing seam panels without penetrating the roofing surface.
  • Undertake Routine Maintenance – Periodically washing your metal roof (as outlined in the warranty provisions) will help retain the integrity of the finish and extend the lifespan of your roof.