Today’s building owners are looking for ways to reduce energy costs, manage maintenance and life-cycle costs, and increase the value of their properties. Metal roof and wall systems are becoming an important part of each of these goals.

Increasing Property Value
The goal of increasing the value of the property can be attained in both the curb appeal and through the use of durable materials. Metal roof and wall panels come in thousands of profiles, colors and textures that will appeal to the eye of developers, speculators, renters and investors. Agricultural structures can use inexpensive corrugated roofing and siding, industrial structures can upgrade to V-beam profiles, and commercial buildings can use interlocking panels with standing seams or board and batten shapes. Building features such as roof edges, canopies and entrances are often highlighted with metal roof and wall panels.

Managing Maintenance Costs
Maintenance costs can be managed by choosing a material that is durable — a key attribute of metal roof and wall systems. Coatings such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or zinc aluminum alloys are applied at the factory to provide years of care free life. Twenty year warranties are available, with actual life extending beyond that. This long term performance reduces the amount of worn out materials in landfills and chemicals used to prepare and repaint because of lower quality coatings.

Going Green
The current trend towards green construction products is also an advantage of metal roof and wall panels. Both steel and aluminum panels can be recycled for use again and again, reducing the impact on landfills when removal or renovation is required. Depending on the structure’s location, coatings on the metal roof and wall panels can be used to keep the structure cool in the summer or warm in the winter, thus reducing energy costs.

What Will It Cost?
Costs for metal roof and wall panels can be found in RSMeans’ Building Construction Cost Data. Depending on type, finish, quantity and installation method, the costs can range from under $3 per square foot to over $10 per square foot.

The choice of a good quality metal roof or wall panel system will provide years of reliable functionality and value along with the added benefit of helping the environment.