Commercial Tin Roofing
What can a Tin Roof do for your Business?
Tin is often called the “Cadillac of roofing materials.” It has been used in countless homes throughout America since before World War II and is sometimes referred to as steel despite being made from an entirely different substance. Tin roofs are not as prevalent in today’s society, but they do have loads of appeal and plenty of pros and cons to consider.
What Is It?
Commercial tin roofing is often lumped into a group with all other metal materials. However, there are a few glaring differences between each kind that everyone should know and understand. Here are the top 4 most common types of metal roofing materials that frequently get confused with tin:
- Steel
This one is available in three different variations, including weathered (or Corten), galvanized and galvalume. It’s durable and attractive, although relatively expensive and difficult to install.
- Copper
This material is extremely durable, sometimes lasting for several decades before needing repaired or replaced. However, its softness makes divots and blemishes stand out, plus it melts quickly in high heat situations.
- Zinc
This one is also long-lasting, but it stands up better to impacts and corrosion than copper while also having a much higher melting point.
- Aluminum
This material is ideal for nearly all structures but performs especially well on buildings near the coast because its long-lasting properties help it resist salt-water corrosion.
How Commercial Tin Roofing Is Different
People in the U.S. and Canada often request commercial tin roofing because of its nostalgic aesthetic. Often, the term “tin roof” is used to describe any roof that’s covered in metal, but tin roofs are something different entirely. For starters, the material is now an incredibly rare substance that isn’t as easy to come by as it once was. However, that’s not where the distinction ends.
Like copper and zinc, tin is a natural element that occurs on the periodic table. It was first introduced to modern society as a material for canning, but soon found its home in countless other industrial applications. These days, tin isn’t used as commonly for buildings and structures, but it’s mostly because the material has been replaced or updated by more cost-effective, energy-efficient options. In fact, a majority of contractors, property owners and commercial land developers refer to galvanized steel roofs as tin despite there being an obvious difference in the physical attributes of each. The reasons: They both look similar on a structure when installed correctly and they both have extremely long lifespans if maintained properly.
The Conclusion
Commercial tin roofing may not be used as prevalently as it once was but that doesn’t mean it’s not still a practical and attractive option for some. Modern-day contractors generally use galvanized steel as a contemporary substitute, making tin roofs even more rare than they already are. And because of advancements in construction technology, the tin element is not always viewed as a viable choice for roofing. Be sure to consult with a professional roofing contractor for more information.