Metal Roofs
Different Types of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs come in two basic types: concealed fastener type and exposed fastener type. The first is designed and installed in such a way as to hide all fasteners. The second is designed to be installed by drilling screws through the metal panels and using neoprene washers to keep them from leaking.
The weakness with this is that in about ten years the washers harden, crack and then allow water in. Some remedy this by replacing all screws and washers (high labor) or by caulking all screws. This type of metal panel is cheaper (material and labor) to install initially, but costlier in the long run. You not only have to pay someone to correct the problem, but to fix interior damage from leaks.
For this reason, even though we will install both types, we highly recommend the concealed fastener type, which with a 25 year or a 30 year color warranty, issued by the manufacturer, will give you a trouble free roof for at least that time period and most likely far longer.