Metal Roofing
By Gary Ng
When people think of metal they think of the corrugated “tin barn” look. But metal has come a long way. Today metal includes a variety of styles and materials so that the roof can look good, while retaining the qualities of durability, longevity, fire resistance and easy maintenance. Metal roofs are made from a variety of metals. These include the traditional aluminum and steel, as well as copper and a variety of alloys. Modern metal roofs can be formed into shapes that imitate Spanish tiles, wood shakes, and even slate. They can be given a variety of finishes such as granulated stone topcoats to complete a realistic imitation of almost any other material. There are some negatives to a metal roof. One is cost, with a typical square running from $150 to $600. Another is the necessity of professional installation and maintenance, both again adding to the overall cost of a metal roof. But even with these negatives many people feel that metal roofs have benefits that make them worthwhile. Speaking of cost, a properly installed and maintained metal roof can last as long as the house. That means, over a typical home's life time, the cost of a metal roof is low compared to the cost of other materials that might require replacement after 15 to 20 years. Metal roofs are very light, 50 to 150 pounds per square compared to 750 pounds per square foot for tile or 900 pounds per square foot for concrete tile. Metal roofs can also be installed right over existing roofs without installing additional support. Metal roofs withstand high winds, snow slides off them, and they are resistant to mildew, insects and rot. Another major concern with a roof is roof pitch. Many materials require a steep pitch to ensure water flows off the roof so that the roof won't leak. Metal roofs require a less steep pitch, with a typical recommended minimum being 3-in-12, which is three inches of height for every

RIMA International Offers Training Session at METALCON 2010
The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International (RIMA-I) will be presenting an educational training session entitled “Fundamentals of Reflective Technology” at the 2010 METALCON show in Las Vegas, Nev.
GAF Materials Corporation to be Featured on Designing Spaces
GAF Materials Corporation announced its participation in a segment of Designing Spaces, a half-hour informative series that guides viewers on how to make their homes more beautiful and functional.
ANSI approves three SPRI roofing standards
SPRI, the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, announced that three of its roofing standards have been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
GAF Materials Corporation Wins Multiple Safety Awards from Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
GAF Materials Corporation plants nationwide recently secured multiple awards given by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), an organization representing the majority of North America's asphalt roofing manufacturing companies and their raw material suppliers.
CertainTeed?s Roofing Responsibly Program Recycles Old Roofing Shingles into Road Paving Materials
As an extension of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, CertainTeed Corporation is teaming up with East Coast Shingle Recyclers, Inc., of Lansdale, Pa., to launch Roofing Responsibly, a new shingle recycling program that provides contractors with an environmentally friendly option for shingle disposal.
ABC Supply Co. Inc. Completes Acquisition of Bradco Supply Corp.
BC Supply Co. Inc. has finalized its purchase of Bradco Supply Corp. The acquisition of Avenel, N.J.-based Bradco is the largest in ABC Supply’s history and adds 129 locations in 30 states to the ABC Supply roster. 
Cool Roofing Rating Council Elects New Board Member
The Cool Roofing Rating Council (CRRC) has elected James Baker of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) as Vice Chairman.
ARMA Announces Annual Accident Prevention Contest Winners for 2009
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) announced the results of the Association’s prestigious Accident Prevention Contest. In 2009, 98 facilities participated in the contest. 
Two New Colors Added to GAF-Elk?s Lifetime Designer Shingle
GAF-Elk has announced the addition of two new colors to its popular Camelot Lifetime Designer Shingle series. In an effort to keep up with current trends and meet customer demands, GAF-Elk has added Riverstone Grey and Sunset Slate to the nine existing color choices.
FREE Virtual Event Covering the Three Pillars of Sustainability
Global Green Expo is an online event designed to place information, peers and solution providers at your fingertips.

horizontal foot. Consider the benefit of a less steep roof next time you have to climb onto it to clean the gutters, or retrieve a ball or Frisbee thrown there by a child. Just as with other home projects that require a professional, the best way to find a metal roof contractor is through word of mouth. Talk to friends and neighbors, or look for metal roofs around the neighborhood and ask the home owners who installed them. The Internet is a good source to find pre-screened metal contractors, as are architects who design homes with metal roofs. The National Contractors Association can also help. Their number is 1-800-USA-ROOF. You may not be ready for a cat on a hot tin roof. But if you want a long lasting roof for your home, consider that traditional wood and shingles are good, but metal may be better.
For more resources related to roofing materials, do visit our main site to find out more!