Historic Metal Roof Types

Types of metal roofing materials.

Historic metal roof types.

After a few centuries of use it could be removed melted re cast and put back in place. Lead copper zinc tin plate terne plate and galvanized iron. This saves even more money on the overall system. But more often lead was used for protective flashing.

For example a lead roof covered rosewell one of the grandest mansions in 18th century virginia. In this article we will help break down the differences in metal roofing options and the pros and cons of each material profile and source. Metal roofing in america is principally a 19th century phenomenon. Of the inorganic roofing materials used on historic buildings the most common are perhaps the sheet metals.

Before then the only metals commonly used were lead and copper. Metal roofs are constructed of natural materials. Traditional roofing materials continue to lead the pack when it comes to historic public buildings. It is nonetheless probably the most permanent of all roofing materials.

Traditional roofing materials think sheet metal clay tile and slate continue to crown public buildings large and small not only because of their timeless beauty but also by virtue of their proven durability. In varying degrees each of these sheet metals are likely to deteriorate from chemical action by pitting or streaking. Today lead coated copper remains an option. In the u s lead was rarely used for roofing and has fallen out of favor.

Because sheet roofing is often chosen as a more economical type of metal roofing the paints used on sheet metal roofing are often lesser quality.