Metal Shingles
Metal roof shingles are some of the most durable roofing materials that you can use. At first glance, these metal shingles look like true wooden shakes, Victorian tiles, or traditional stone slates.
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The traditional look can be very realistic and no one will notice that the shingles are made from metal. Usually, metal roof shingles are manufactured using steel or aluminum. These are pressed and formed into tiles. After which, the metal tiles are coated or painted to resemble wood or stone shingles.
The Process of Refining Metal Roof Shingles
Manufacturers of metal shingles can reduce the sheen of steel through metal texturing. The finish will be layered and the metal sheet or tiles will be given a granulated stone or wood coating.
After the finished metal shingles rolled off the production floor, the tiles will look just like regular stone slate or wooden tiles. So you will get the right aesthetic appearance while enjoying the solid durability of steel.
Sizes and Installation of Metal Roof Shingles
Metal shingles come in two varieties. The first type is made of one large panel or sheet. This type normally has a length of 4 feet and especially designed for quick installation on flat roof surfaces. The metal panels can also be installed over existing roofing materials.
There are also individual metal tiles similar to standard shingles. This type can be installed on a firm roof deck but it generally requires a tear-off. It is highly advisable to hire a professional roofing contractor for the installation of individual tile metal roof shingles.
Installation of metal shingles is quite complicated. Not all residential roofing contractors have the right expertise to work with this type of roofing material.
Some manufacturers of metal shingles provide trainings to accredited contractors in order to teach them how to properly install metal roof shingles. Before finalizing a contract with a roofing service, make sure that it has extensive experience in the installation of metal shingles.
Metal roof shingles are not new in the roofing industry. These materials have been used for residential and public buildings since the late 18th century. But because of the advances in metallurgy and manufacturing processes, the use of metal shingles has become more widespread nowadays.