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Roofs are one of the most crucial aspects of any type of building design. Roofs are very important structural features. Value aware home owners are looking for long-term roofing solutions which provide aesthetics and performance together. Everyday, more consumers are choosing metal panel roofing technology. Based on many studies, metal panel roofing has become very popular over the last ten years.

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.

There are many questions that come up when you are talking about metal residential roofing. There are numerous choices available, so it is very important that you know about the difference between roofing systems. You will get the maximum benefit from your metal roof only when you are sure that it has the right underlayment, substrate, and finish for your building.

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.

Typically, panels for a structural roof can spread across structural supports, which join at the building structure using clips. Thermal expansion and contraction is possible because of the floating clip system that fastens the structural panels to the roof. Structural panels and flashing need to be designed so that expansion can occur, because thermal contraction and expansion influences all materials to a certain degree.

If your roof is compiled of structural metal framework and purlins then it is likely that a structural metal panel roof system would work for you. You want to be able to support the structural load that will be placed on the roof so if you live in an area prone to high winds or heavy snow then it is easy to install the panels over the existing material such as metal, plywood or an oriented-strand board combination.