Modern Steel Roofing Styles


Keeping the wind and rain out is not the sole purpose of a steel building system’s roof. Today’s architectural styles demand that a roof coordinate with its surroundings and also with the aesthetics the building itself is aiming to achieve. Yet, underneath the roof, its basic functions are still at work: both keeping out the elements and providing reinforcement to the building.

The composition of modern-day steel roofing has actually helped in the evolving approval of pre-engineered steel buildings being used for just about any purpose.

For many decades, buildings made of metal or steel and their customary roofs have been constructed and widely available, but modern-day roofs are very distinct from those older styles. The virtually maintenance-free aspect along with the generous warranty that today’s steel roofs offer are two features that are very beneficial. Some roofs may be able to function for over 50 years with the help of modern-day technical advances and only minimal repairs.

The quality of any steel roof is seen in its capability to withstand the entry of moisture. The activity of water cast-off from steel roofs functions in much the same way as regular roof shingles and their dependence on steep inclines to remove water swiftly. An actual “water-shedding roof” will have a minimal slope of “three on twelve”, which is a slope elevation also popular in appearance to many steel building purchasers. Nevertheless, steel roofs that are watertight are designed to function well with occasional water ponding occurrences. Most any roof design of any kind will be identified as “hydrostatic”. Reduced slope applications are normally utilized in waterproof roofs. Continued water immersion episodes on flatter roofs may lead to water leaks, so a certain amount of slope of the roof is required with this design. The basic guideline for standing seam steel roofs to be recognized as waterproof is no less than a 1:12 pitch. In colder regions this slope should be even greater to ensure optimum water run-off. Regardless of the roof slope selected, water-barrier steel roofs are regarded as watertight at vulnerable spots such as eaves, ridges, and rakes.

A mostly functional or predominantly aesthetic approach is utilized for most steel roofing applications at present. Steel roofing is available now in a vast array of shapes and finishes and also can fulfill many design requirements. Structural roofing is occasionally described as a water-proof design. Without the assistance of decking it can bridge the interval for roof purlins that are set apart. Extremely shallow slopes can be used for structural roofing although, again, elevated inclines are favored. “Roof decking” is a term that can be employed as a characterization of most any structural roof configuration. This term can be met if the roof can uphold a person’s weight of 250 lbs. and meet certain wind uplift regulations.

Closely spaced sub-purlins or roof decking maintain the buttressing to architectural or nonstructural roofing. An architectural roof is very similar to a water-shedding roof in terms of practical application. Adding considerably to its favor with all-steel buildings are the fresh visuals that this category of pre-engineered steel roofing can offer. To magnify the features that are required in this form of approach painted roofs are also practicable. Decidedly pitched roofs are possible with this roofing application although significant structural reinforcement as well as excellent sealant quality must be considered with this configuration.