Metal roofs are becoming more and more popular thanks to their exceptional longevity and aesthetic appeal. If you’re thinking of having a metal roof installed for the first time, you likely have many questions regarding the process. Perhaps you’re wondering why you’d want a metal roof over a traditional one. Or maybe you’re wondering what a metal roof might cost? Our experts can handle these questions and more when you give Indy Roof & Restoration a call. When we talk to customers about the benefits of having a metal roof installed, one term tends to confuse homeowners, and that’s a “metal roof gauge.” So what is it?
What Is Metal Roofing Gauge?
The gauge refers to the thickness of the metal that’s used on the roof. There are four main gauges that metal roofing falls into, which include 22, 24, 26, and 29. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the metal is going to be. For example, the thickness of a typical car hood is 20-gauge, while the thickness of a soda can is 37-gauge. So why does this matter? When considering having a metal roof installed, you need to take into account why you need one. Perhaps you live in an area with troubling storms that have high winds. Particularly bad weather can take a toll on your roofing whether it’s your house, a barn, or even a storage shed. Based on your needs and budget, we can determine what size gauge would be most appropriate for you.
Understanding Lower Gauge Material
Before you get a metal roof installed with us at Indy Roof & Restoration, it’s important to understand all of your options. You might want to go with the cheaper gauge thickness so save on costs, but will it be worth it if a higher gauge doesn’t work for your needs? There are reasons why someone investing in higher gauge material might benefit, but it’s mostly just a less expensive option. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your budget, your concerns and why high or low gauge material might be better suited for you.
Metal roofing that’s closer to the 22 to 26 range of the gauge spectrum is fairly thick. This heaviness makes it less susceptible to adverse weather conditions like strong winds and hail damage. Lower gauge metal roofing is highly recommended for building circumstances where rafters are farther apart than modern standards. This is because thicker roofing is going to be able to maintain its form over a longer unsupported distance than a thinner gauge roofing that will likely bow when there’s a lack of support.
Additionally, lower gauge roofing is ideal for conditions where there’s going to be heavy snow because thicker materials can withstand having more weight on top of them than thinner materials. While there are many benefits to a lower gauge roofing material, it’s crucial to know that it will be a little more expensive than thinner gauge roofing materials. We offer a number of gauge materials for our customers interested in metal roofing to suit their needs and their budget.
Understanding High Gauge Material
In some instances, the highest gauge material we offer may be what makes the most sense for you. The highest gauge roofing available is 29, and it’s the cheapest metal roofing material on the market. This can be a great roofing material if your home isn’t susceptible to heavy winds, snowfall, or hail damage. It’s important to note that when you go with a higher gauge metal roof, it’s not going to last as long as a lower gauge roof simply due to its thickness differences. Here in Indiana, it snows an average of 22 inches each year, and that comes with blustering winds that can damage your property. If your city in particular takes a pretty big hit each winter, a lower gauge thickness may be what you need. Sometimes the saying, “you get what you pay for” really applies.
Factors to Take Into Consideration
There’s no one general roofing gauge that’s going to be the perfect fit for every home. Rather, there are various factors that we’ll need to take into consideration when determining the best recommendation for your property. When you contact us at Indy Roof & Restoration, we call it as it is, determine your needs, and consider your budget. These are going to be the factors that bring us to a final decision. Ultimately, you may need to work outside of your original plan.
The weather is going to play a gigantic role in determining the right size gauge for your metal roof. If you live in a region of the country that has mainly sunny days and a fair climate, you can typically get away with having a 29-gauge roof. However, if you live in a region of the country that’s susceptible to hail damage, snowfall, or strong winds, then you’ll likely want to go with a 26-gauge roof. The thicker gauge will allow your roof to have more structural integrity during inclement weather conditions.
Cost is going to play a big role as well in your decision of what gauge metal roofing you purchase. Obviously, you’re only going to be able to purchase what your budget allows. However, you may be able to enjoy a lower gauge metal roof if you choose an appropriate metal that fits within your budget. Our company offers financing options for our customers on approved credit so you can get the appropriate metal roof without inconveniencing yourself.
The Four Types of Metal Roofs
When most homeowners think about metal roofs, they generally assume the same metal is used for all roofs out there. In reality, that’s not true. There are four main types of metals that are used to create metal roofing panels. These include copper, zinc, steel, and aluminum. Each comes with its own pros and cons. We offer all four of these types at Indy Roof & Restoration and will help you to determine which of them makes the most sense for your property.
Copper
Metal roofs can be made out of copper to create a very stunning and unique appearance. Copper roofing looks like a brand-new penny when first installed and, over time, develops a green-like patina. This is a very lightweight material that’s relatively easy to install. Copper is corrosion-resistant and one of the longest-lasting metals that you can use for your roof. While copper can be cheaper than using other forms of roofing materials like clay tiles, it does tend to be one of the most expensive metal types of roofing materials out there. Additionally, copper isn’t always available in all regions of the country.
Zinc
More popular in European countries, zinc is starting to make its way over to the United States. It has a very beautiful appearance and will develop a patina similar to copper over time. Zinc is also corrosion-resistant, which makes it perfect for homes near coastlines. Zinc roofing can be fairly expensive to purchase and have installed. Additionally, over time, it will start to create a chalk-like substance on its surface that can reduce the overall appearance of your home.
Steel
When most people think about a metal roof, their mind associates it with a steel roof. Steel is considered the new tin when it comes to metal roofing’s overall appearance. Steel is very low maintenance, fire-resistant, and rot-resistant. It’s also very long-lasting and durable. When it comes to cost, steel is one of the most cost-effective products on the market today. However, steel does have a relatively heavier weight than other types of metal roofing.
Aluminum
The most lightweight metal roofing material out there is aluminum. This is a durable material that’s corrosion-resistant and very malleable. However, aluminum isn’t widely available everywhere in the country, and it tends to come at a higher cost than traditional steel roofing. Additionally, aluminum is more prone to denting than steel or copper.
It’s essential to note that each different roofing material has its own standards for characterizing its gauges. This means that a 26-gauge steel roof is going to be a different thickness than a 26-gauge copper or even an aluminum roof. Our experts will not only discuss your specific situation with you over the phone, but we’ll come out and see what we’re working with and base our advice on the environment of your property, cost and personal preference. To determine the specific gauge roofing you should be getting, will depend on the type of roofing material that you decide to use.
What’s Most Common?
While nothing is going to substitute the expert knowledge of our professionals at Indy Roof & Restoration, it does help to have a general idea of what people commonly use. Those who live in fair weather conditions are going to be able to get away with a 29-gauge roof. Those who live in an area where there’s snowfall or strong winds will need to go with a 26-gauge roof or lower. It’s vital to also note that some local municipalities will have minimum roofing standards. These code standards will outline the type of metal that can be utilized on your roof and the minimum gauge that has to be utilized. Again, we’ll be able to provide you with location-specific information for your home.
Quality Roofing Services
Indy Roof & Restoration offers quality roofing services for the entire Indianapolis, IN community. We also provide residents with storm damage, insurance claims, and commercial roofing services. Simply contact our office today to get the helpful assistance that you need.
