Corrugated tin has a bad reputation among people though. It’s commonly associated with rust, noise and sheer ugliness. However, recent developments in engineering have made it possible to increase the durability, rust-resistance and insulation of corrugated tin.
How It’s Made
Corrugated tin sheets aren’t entirely made of tin, contrary to popular belief. They are made by coating sheets of steel with a layer of tin. The steel core gives it its strength and durability, while the tin surface provides an added layer of protection against corrosion and other forms of damage.
Oftentimes, to provide another layer of protection from the elements, corrugated tin roofs are painted. This makes them more water resistant (thereby offsetting the formation of rust). In addition, applying paint improves the aesthetic potential of a corrugated tin roof.
Advantages
There are many reasons why corrugated tin roofs are popular among home builders and homeowners. Let’s take a look at some of them.
- Low cost. Tin is considerably less expensive than other alternatives. Metal roofing prices are normally higher compared to other roofing choices but with corrugated tin roofs, you can take advantage of its long-lasting strength at a much lower price. As a matter of fact, all you’ll have to actually worry about with a corrugated tin roof is the labor cost involved with the installation.
- High-Strength to Weight Ratio. Since tin is essentially lightweight, it does not put a lot of strain on the foundations of a building or the supporting framework of a house when used as roofing material. Despite being lightweight, it is extremely durable and resistant to any forms of damage (partly because of its steel core). Though it’s not 100% rust-resistant, you can delay the formation of rust by applying or re-applying paint. The average lifespan of corrugated tin roofing is around 50 years, perhaps even more than that.
- Durable and Extremely Weather-Proof. Corrugated tin roofing is capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, from hail to storms and hurricanes. It’s capable of contracting and relaxing when exposed to changes in heat levels. It’s also highly resistant to fire and is non-combustible. Contrary to popular belief, it’s very safe for houses built in lightning-prone areas.
- Environment-Friendly. Corrugated tin roofing is absolutely recyclable. As a matter of fact, in certain parts of the world, it’s not just used for roofing.
- Cost-effective. It only costs a small amount of money to procure and install corrugated tin roofing. Because it can reflect the sun’s rays (and heat), a corrugated tin roof can help reduce your energy bills.
As you can see, the benefits of corrugated tin roofing have far surpassed its bad reputation in the building industry. Would you consider it for your home? I know I would.