Metal roofing is an extremely high performance solution, which boasts a wide range of impressive benefits.
One of the key advantages of investing in metal roofing is its light weight. However, while metal roofs across the board are generally lightweight, it’s important to note that some metal roofing types are lighter than others.
JTC Roofing are experts in metal roofing, and our skilled team will ensure that new metal roofing is planned and constructed with meticulous care and attention – so that there’s no risk of any weight issues occurring!
But, to help you assess the different options available to you, we’ve created a handy guide to the weight of each metal roofing type, and outlined whether the material’s weight is usually a factor in roof construction.
HOW HEAVY IS ZINC ROOFING?
Zinc is a standing seam roof material, renowned for its high levels of flexibility and malleability. It is an extremely popular choice of metal roofing material. In fact, around 70% of domestic property roofs in Europe contain Zinc.
The benefits of zinc roofing include:
- Remarkably long lifespan – zinc roofs have a lifespan of around 60-100 years
- Extremely strong and durable
- Flexible
- Malleable
- Fire-resistant
- Corrosion-repellent
- Weather-resistant
- Non-toxic
- Cost-effective
- Insect/fungus proof
- Low maintenance requirements
- A great sustainable choice, as it can be readily recycled
- Available in a wide range of colours, designs and styles
How much does zinc roofing weigh?
In terms of weight per square metre (1 m2), zinc roofing weighs approximately 5 kg at a 0.7mm thickness, and 5.8 kg at 0.8mm.
Zinc roofing is known to be relatively lightweight, and is very unlikely to cause any weight issues. As a result, it ensures simple installation, and keeps structural loads to the minimum.
HOW HEAVY IS ALUMINIUM ROOFING?
Aluminium is renowned for being an extremely light weight metal, and this is no different when it comes to its use in roofing.
Aluminium roofing is made from lightweight but incredibly strong metal sheets, which protect the building’s overall structure from all weather conditions.
The benefits of aluminium roofing include:
- High durability, with little or no deterioration over time
- Long lifespan
- Low maintenance requirements
- Environmentally friendly – due to its ready recyclability, and low environmental impact
- Weather-resistant
- Impressive thermal efficiency
- Available in a wide range of colours, designs and styles
How much does aluminium roofing weigh?
Aluminium roofing is the lightest variety of metal roofing. In fact, for a standard aluminium roof, the structure will weigh around 0.3 kg per square foot.
As a result, if you’re concerned about the building structure or frame, this is a fantastic way to ensure that no stress is placed on it.
HOW HEAVY IS COPPER ROOFING?
Copper is one of the most popular and iconic materials for metal roofing. In fact, you can find examples of copper roofs in buildings across the UK that date back to the 1800s. Plus, did you know the Statue of Liberty is made from copper?
The benefits of copper roofing include:
- High durability, with little or no deterioration over time
- Long lifespan – typically lasting between 60-100 years
- Low maintenance requirements
- Distinctive, highly sought-after appearance
- Weather-resistant
- Fire-resistant
- Corrosion-resistant
- High thermal efficiency
- Available in a wide range of colours, designs and styles
- Sustainability, as it is a readily recyclable material
How much does copper roofing weigh?
A typical copper roof (at a 0.55mm thickness) will weigh around 0.45 kg per square foot.
As a result, although it is not quite as lightweight as aluminium roofing, the weight of copper roofing should not play a factor in the construction of a roof in question, as it should not cause any weight issues for a property structure.
HOW HEAVY IS STEEL ROOFING?
Steel roofing is another of the most popular types of metal roofing, offering property owners a fantastic degree of versatility and customisability. But, what is less well-known about steel roofing is its relatively light weight!
The benefits of steel roofing include:
- Extreme durability and weather-resistance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Matching stainless steel cladding and guttering are also available
- Available in different grades (depending on whether your property is in a rural or industrial area)
- Long lifespan – of around 50 years (but stainless steel has an even longer lifespan, of up to 100 years)
- Fire-resistant
- Corrosion-resistant
- Easy to paint, and available in a wide range of different colours and designs
How much does steel roofing weigh?
Typical stainless steel roofing (at 0.5mm thick) weighs around 0.7 kg per square foot.
Steel is the heaviest type of metal roofing. But, although this is considerably heavier than other metal roofing types, it is important to note that this is still far lighter than many other types of roofing.
For example, shingles weigh around 0.9 kg per square foot.
So, it is unlikely that the weight of steel roofing should have to play a factor in your decision. But, if you are concerned about whether steel roofing is too heavy for your property, get in touch with our specialists, and they will be able to advise you.
Specialist Metal Roofing Contractors
At JTC Roofing, we are metal roofing specialists, with extensive experience in metal roofing supply, installation and maintenance.
With years of experience and insights under our belts, you can be sure that our team will provide you with the best tailored advice for your property.