Metal roofs, in the form of corrugated, galvanized sheets, have been a standard feature of barns, sheds and other agricultural and utility buildings for years. This type of roof is cheap, rugged, long-lasting and easy to install — perfect for a utility application. On the other end of the spectrum is a copper roof, elegant enough to grace the country’s finest mansions and public buildings. Graceful bay and bow windows are often roofed with sheet copper soldered at the seams.
Larger expanses of roof are covered using the “standing-seam” method, in which one sheet joins with its parallel mate via an interlocking, water-tight seam. Metal is a great choice for a house in snow country, as well as in agricultural country. Fortunately, in terms of products available, there is much to choose from between the galvanized low-end and the copper high-end. There are a variety of powder-coated steel roof “systems” on the market, some very cost-effective variations on the galvanized sheet-steel theme.
Others are factory-built standing-seam roofs, custom made to your house or barn and installed by a roofing contractor. The advantage of these systems is that they require no special fabricating equipment and can be installed by any qualified contractor. Regardless of the style you choose, in general, a properly installed metal roof should last you at least 50 years.