If you’re getting a metal roof put in place, you might be wondering just how many sheets of metal roofing do you need. This can vary a lot depending on the type of roof, and the type of sheeting you’re using. In this article, we’re going to look a bit more closely at metal roofing and the issues it presents in roof constructions.
How many sheets of metal roofing do you need – Metal roof information
Metal roofing has been growing in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s durable, cheap, and easy to install. While metal roofs have long been a mainstay in commercial construction, more and more residential architects are turning to them.
Not only can they add a unique finish to your building, they’re sustainable and energy efficient. More and more residential homes are using metal roofs. Not only is it cheap, it lasts a lot longer than you might think.
But how many sheets of metal do you need for your roof? There are a number of different factors we need to look at before we can really answer this…
1. What sort of roof are you constructing?
The shape of your metal roof will play a big role in determining how big each sheet will be. Proper pitched roofs in a gable style will have shorter metal sheets that meet in the middle. However, most metal roof constructions are normally flatter, which will require much larger metal sheets.
Some roofing constructions will have entire sheets stretching the whole way, while others will join smaller sheets in the middle. So this is something you’ll need to talk about with both your roof contractor and potentially your architect.
The style of the roof, as well as the specific type of roofing material you’re using can all make a big difference. That’s why there isn’t one simple answer to how many sheets of metal are needed.
2. Is it a residential or commercial building?
While metal sheet roofing has become increasingly popular in residential buildings, it’s still a mainstay in commercial and even industrial constructions. That’s because it’s simple, cheap, easy to install and can cover wide areas and large buildings.
Depending on the type of construction you’re going for, the size of the metal sheeting will vary quite a lot. That means it’ll be different in small residential homes compared to larger commercial ones.
3. How long do you need the roof to last?
While this might not have a direct impact on the size of sheeting, it’s still an important question you might need to ask yourself before getting your metal roof put in place. Metal roofing is quite long-lasting, but it isn’t the longest lasting possible if you’re really looking for something that might never need replacing. A good lifespan for a metal roof is about 30-40 years.
That being said, metal roofing is incredibly low maintenance and shouldn’t require much looking after. It’s highly unlikely to spring leaks and as long as the drainage is well-installed, can keep your building secure and proofed for decades.
4. How big is the roof?
Probably the most important question when looking at how many sheets of metal roofing do you need, or indeed how big this sheeting will need to be – is how big the roof is. As probably goes without saying, a small roof will only require smaller metal sheets.
Large commercial or industrial roofs (or even some large residential homes) will therefore need much larger sheeting. In some cases, the sheets will need to be joined together if you can’t find the right sheeting to cover the whole area.
5. How big are the sheets?
Aside from the size of the roof, the size of the sheets will also determine how many of them are needed. Metal sheeting comes in a range of different sizes. While some roofs can be finished with single sheet lengths, this isn’t always possible with every roof type or with each type of metal sheeting.
What can affect the cost of metal sheet roofing?
There are also a number of factors that you’ll need to consider when looking at the cost of your metal roofing build. Obviously, the size of your roof is an important one. Bigger roofs will require more material and will take much longer to install – increasing the cost.
If you only have a small area that needs metal roofing, you could find it’s much cheaper than many similar alternatives. That’s one of the reasons why metal roofing is so popular. It’s cost-effective, easy to install, safe AND secure.
But the size of your roof isn’t the only thing that affects the price. There is a range of different material available in metal roofing, and the more expensive end of the market features sheeting that’s lighter, stronger and longer-lasting.
But it’s also more expensive. You might want to shop around or get a few tips from roofing experts before you decide on exactly the right material for your roof.
Your location can also be important. If you live in an area with a lot of expensive properties and high earners, you might have to pay more for your roof. If there aren’t many metal roofing companies available in your area, it could also cost more to get the roof delivered and installed.
Often, competition can drive down prices so if there are plenty of roofers in your area, they might be willing to lower the cost in order to compete for your business.
How to find a high-quality metal roof contractor
You need to shop around to find the best roofer for you, and preferably one with metal roofing experience. In some cases, this might mean relying on a commercial roofer to complete your residential construction.
After all, they will often have much more experience with metal roofs. Either way, you need to pick your roofer carefully and do plenty of research. Ask for competitive quotes and check their finished work.
Try approaching buildings that already have a metal roof and asking who they’d recommend. Personal recommendations can go a long way in this industry, and you should already have seen the quality of their work.
