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The roof of a home is a key element of any building design and one of its most significant structural aspects. Value-conscious house owners seeking long-term roofing solutions that combine aesthetics and performance are increasingly turning toward metal panel roofing. According to much research, metal panel roofing has surged in popularity over the past decade.

Metal roof panels have shown an ability to stand up to the elements, and provide low life-cycle costs and longevity with the least amount of maintenance. Additionally, manufacturers are expanding their metal roofing options in a wide variety of finishes, profiles and colors which enhance building aesthetics. Advances in coatings and finishes have facilitated the formulation of cool metal roofing that adds to the roof's energy-saving properties and can reduce the costs associated with heating and cooling the building.

In discussing metal residential roofing numerous questions arise during design development and with the abundance of metal roofing products on the market, it is very important to understand the complexities of the various roofing systems. Only by specifying the appropriate roofing system, underlayment, substrate and finish will the complete potential of a metal roof be realized.

There are two fundamental types of metal panel roofing, which are classified according to the method in which the roof resists water. This is determined by the slope or the pitch of the roof. The first type is the structural roofing which features water-resistant panels and is used on low-slope roofs. Architectural or non-structural roofing is designed in such a way that water sheds quickly, and requires steeper slopes.

In a structural roof, panels can easily be fastened to the building structure and are able to reach across necessary structural supports. The panels are attached using a floating clip system that allows for thermal expansion and contraction when needed. These thermal changes influence all materials so the structural panels are made to accommodate the roof accordingly.

Structural metal panel roof systems are usually fitted over a roof assembly that includes structural metal framing and purlins. In areas having heavy snowfall, high wind-loads or when the owner requires a roof assembly, panels may be installed over solid substrates, like metal decking, plywood, oriented-strand board in combination with ISO board insulation to achieve the necessary structural load of the panel system.

Choosing the right roofing system is important to any construction job, and metal panel roofing is becoming a more popular choice every day. By using metal residential roofing, homeowners gain weatherproof, long-lasting protection, as each metal roof panel is made of durable, weatherproof steel. Metal roofing is also attractive, with hundreds of colors and textures available in both structural (for shallow-pitch roofs) and non-structural (for steeper slopes) varieties. Metal roofing can be installed either on an open framework or, in colder climates, on top of solid substrates like decking or plywood.