- 1). Consider the desired appearance of your roof. Steel or aluminum can be painted many different colors to complement the look of your building. Stainless steel is often left with a clear finish, and its shiny appearance may work best on more modern structures. Copper is known for its rich natural finish, as well as the deep color-changing patina that occurs as the copper oxidizes over time. Think about how each material will work with your existing building design before making a selection.
- 2). Review maintenance requirements. Painted metal roofs require repainting every few years to maintain their appearance. Stainless steel and copper can be left unfinished and unmaintained for decades in many cases. If you don't like the patina effect of copper, be prepared to maintain the roof often to keep the copper in its natural shiny state.
- 3). Evaluate costs. According to the New England Metal Roof Co., copper and stainless steel are among the most expensive roofing materials available. Aluminum is slightly more affordable, and steel is the most economical of all metal roofing materials. For a short-term, low-cost option, look for corrugated metal roofing.
- 4). Decide on the style of roof you would like to have. Metal roofs are available in panels, shingles or planks to create a variety of looks. These products can be smooth or textured and can even be embossed to mimic other roofing materials, such as wood shingles. Standing seam panels are another popular option used to create a distinct look.
- 5). Think about the weather conditions that your roof will be exposed to. According to "Extreme How-To" magazine, products made of copper or aluminum will hold up best against heavy rain or in coastal applications. Steel may rust due to moisture exposure, although galvanized steel roofing can be used to minimize rust and corrosion. Aluminum is fairly moisture resistant but may be subject to dents or damage in very windy areas because of its malleability.
- 6). Consider the shape of your roof. If you're roof structure is intricately shaped, consider using a soft material, such as aluminum. Aluminum roofing can be molded to fit almost any design, whereas stronger materials, such as steel and copper, may be more difficult to mold or shape.
- 7). Understand the installation options for metal roofing. Structural systems can be installed directly over joists or framing, whereas nonstructural roofs must be installed over a complete structural roof deck. There can be significant cost and labor differences between these two applications, so check the installation requirements for each roofing material before making your selection.
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