Individual shingles or tiles work best when roofing a home that has curving roof planes or intricate roofs. Conversely, sheets of aluminum or pre-coated steel, approximately 4 feet in length, are pressed into modular panels through a stamping process creating the look of individual shingles, shakes, slates, or tiles. Available through regular distribution channels, modular panels are readily obtainable. These panels receive roll-form elements, but also are stamped into consistent patterns on one large sheet. This traditional Victorian uses Conklin Metal Industries' metal shingle roofing.
Galvanized steel is the most common metal choice for a metal roof.
The material is affordable and offers excellent structural capabilities. Plain steel is coated with a layer of hot-dipped commercially pure zinc to provide corrosion protection. Zinc is considered a sacrificial element and works well as a metallic coating. When the metal is cut or damaged, the zinc coating will protect that area from corrosion. Galvanized steel is warranted against corrosion for up to 20 years and offers excellent barrier protection.