7 Powerful Reasons Why To Choose a Tin Roof

Records indicate that tin roofing came into practice in the 19th century and it has come to stay as one of the strongest, durable and cheapest roofing materials ever produced in the modern world. This has made tin a popular choice of roofing material over time. Nevertheless, some believe tin rooftops are outdated and not suitable for this century’s market. 

In this guide, you’ll learn:

1. What a tin roof is
2. Key benefits of this roofing
3. Common myths debunked
4. Applications in modern construction
5. Maintenance tips
6. Answers to common FAQs

Maybe you’re looking to build a new home or replace your existing roof with a more durable option. No matter your reasons, this roofing option just might be the good for you and your upcoming project. So, let’s take a closer look at why tin roofing is making a comeback, and what it can mean for you.

What Is a Tin Roof?

A tin roof is an old term for a metal roof and one of the alloys used to produce it is tin-plated iron or steel. Tin has been used since antiquity as flat sheet for roofing because of its abundance, cheapness and corrosion resistance.

A ‘tin roof’ today is what’s known as metal roofing, and it can consist of steel, aluminium or other metal. It is often coated in tin or zinc. 

And roof type has evolved to become more durable while also enhancing its visual appeal such that it can be used in both residential and commercial structures.

Roofing was the original use for tin, and until modern times it consisted of rolling out sheets of tin and nailing them to a series of wooden roof frames. Roofs made in this way offered even coverage and protection from the elements, and remained a staple element across both rural and industrial architecture for many years. In the modern era, as materials science evolved, metallic roofing gave way to even more efficient, longer lasting but equally traditional methods.

As this roofing type has evolved into one of several metal roofing types, it tends to be confused with other roofing nomenclature, but tin roofing’s aesthetic characteristics and performance features distinguish it from its contemporaries. 

Notable feature: The tin roof’s versatile feature is it can adapt to different weather. People in Canada can coat the tin metal to deal with extreme weather like intense heat and heavy snow and so on due to its property. As tin is a metal which is malleable, this metal is easily deformable and it is easy to make or shape it into any form because of architectural consideration. This is the reason why tin (nowadays – Metal) roofing is still a popular material for modern construction.

Important news: Government of Canada taking steps to increase steel supply-chain transparency

Key characteristics include:

• Lightweight and easy to install
• Flexible for various roof shapes
• Available in multiple styles and finishes
• Can be coated for rust resistance

Advantages of Tin Roofing

Longevity

Perhaps the greatest advantage of this metal roofing is its sustainability and long life. If installed properly and maintained carefully, steel roofs will outlast most other roofing materials with their longevity and can last more than 50 years. It rarely leads to reparation and the cost you have spent on it is a good investment in real estate too.

Affordability

If your roof is made of tin instead of copper or zinc, however, you’ll get a similar degree of protection and style but for a lower price tag because tin is generally cheaper than other metals. Throw in the cost-saving benefits of reduced maintenance and potentially lower energy bills, and you can see why tin is such a popular choice among price-conscious homeowners.

Energy Efficiency

Because tin panels reflect rays of sunlight away, less of the Sun’s heat is absorbed and your home could stay cooler throughout the summer months, consequently lowering your energy bills and making it more comfortable to live in. People often choose to insulate beneath the tin roof as well, further driving down the home’s energy bill and making it an even better option for the environment.

Lightweight

The lightweight nature of tin panels makes it an easy material to install because it cuts down on the time required to complete as well as the labour necessary to get the job done. From this, you can clearly see that anyone who wants to have a standing seam metal roof that will last for many decades to come and still remain both functional and stylish, then tin metal roofing is the right option. This is the best way to make the right decision.

These factors make tin roofs a smart investment for those looking for durability and savings.

Read more: Metal Roofing Innovations and Trends for 2024

Common Myths About Tin Roofing

In spite of these advantages, steel roofs are the victims of folk mythology.  Myth-busting points:

Noise

For instance, a particularly widespread misconception is that tin rooftops are also noisy in the rain. This popular belief may have some historical justification, as early roofs of vegetable fibres and metal did make noise in wet weather. However, present-day any metal roofing (whether it standing seam or metal shingles) are outfitted with insulation layers that completely deaden sound. Thus, noise is not a factor.

Rust

A second myth is that tin roofs rust, staining the roof and weakening its structure. Early these roofs would rust, but it is only because the coatings and finishes available back then were not as sophisticated as they are today. With today’s coatings and finishes, rust is no longer an issue. Modern steel roofs are either sealed with coatings that never rust or primed prior to being coated so that rust never has a chance, extending the life of the roof. Rust will not be a problem if the roof is maintained properly. 

Aesthetics

A further explanation as to why people think tin rooftops is a thing of the past is that it is not as stylish as newer building materials. However, tin panels has experienced a revival in recent years and now comes in a variety of colours, finishes and designs. Tin roofing can be found in all sorts of styles, from traditional farmhouse chic to sleeker industrial-style looks. Metal sheets offers versatility so that your home will have a look that fits your personal taste.

Maintenance

In addition, the common myth about tin roofing is that it is hard or expensive to repair. However, steel roofing does not require much maintenance, compared to other roofing materials. Even if something goes wrong with the tin roof, such as denting of some panels or panels making a loose connection, repairing those spots is not difficult. Even though a professional roofer might have to carry out the repair work, it does not require the tin panels to be replaced completely. With some proper care and maintenance, a tin rooftop can serve as your roof for many years.

Addressing these misconceptions helps homeowners see the true value in tin (any kind of metal) roofing.

Read more: Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles in Ontario: An In-Depth Analysis

Applications in Modern Architecture

Tin (or metal) roofs are versatile and can be found in various settings.  

Where these roofs are used:

• Residential sector
• Commercial buildings
• Agricultural structures

Tin Roof for Residential Buildings

The most common application of tin roofing is used at residential homes, where metal sheets is used for providing timeless roofing solutions to homeowners. It also increases the curb appeal of both historic as well as new homes.

Tin roofs at residential properties can be designed and manufactured into a number of different profiles and finishes, which gives a homeowner a new look at tin roofs. All these factors are playing an important role in steel roofing popularity as it also provides the look and longevity of any roofing material.

Tin Roof for Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings are now also taking up tin panels as a durable and economical choice. If its hundred square metre showroom or its thousand square metre plant, this roof is one of the most reliable covers that can keep not only the elements, but also the costs of the business at bay. Because tin reflects rather than absorbs sunlight, it can contribute to energy savings. Add the fact that it can be painted the colour of your company and you have a most cost-effective, energy efficient and business-savvy commercial roofing option.

Tin Roof for Agricultural Structures

In addition, agricultural buildings such as barns and storage units have employed metal roofing for these same reasons: not only is tin extremely durable, it’s also quite affordable. Even today, in rural environments that often entail extreme weather (high winds, heavy snowfall), tin roofs are widely preferred due to their light weight. This lightness is especially useful on large-span structures where decreased structural load is ideal. Metal roofs can last for decades with little – if any – maintenance, an extremely desirable characteristic for any agricultural operation.

One of modern architecture’s most popular building materials is tin roofing. Steel roofing are used in all kinds of green building projects for their recyclable and energy-efficient properties. They are not only being used on the roofs of homes but also for coverings on commercial buildings, garden gazebos, and greenhouses. Whether in a cosmopolitan city or rural location, any style of architecture can take advantage of the eco-friendly and attractive qualities of tin roofing.

Read more: 5 Advantages of Metal Roofing in Toronto’s Climate

How to Take Care for Tin Roofs

Metal roof maintenance isn’t too difficult, as long as it’s done on a somewhat regular basis. Taking care of a tin roofing to give it longevity is pretty straightforward in theory, but it does require some maintenance.

Repairing a tin roof often comes down to checking for roof damage on a regular basis, especially after major storms. When you’re inspecting the roof, look for loose panels or other damage, as well as debris that could be causing problems. Checking these things on a regular basis allows you to make repairs before serious damage occurs.

Maintenance tips:

• Inspect regularly: Check for loose panels or debris.
• Clean gently: Remove dirt and moss to avoid damage.
• Reapply coating: Protect against rust over time.
• Repair dents: Address issues early to avoid bigger problems.
• Following these steps helps your steel roof remain in excellent condition.

Regular Cleaning  

Another maintenance job that should be done is a simple cleaning of the tin roof. Leaves, branches and dust can collect and stick to the roof and might block the water. Using a soft brush or a low-pressure wash can clean the roof and remove the dirt. It is also recommended to pass a soft brush in the gutter to remove any objects that could create water damage or a pool of water which can damage the roof’s edges.

Timely Minor Repairs

If you see denting or holes (which are usually small) you need to get it fixed. In general, tin roofs are known for their durability, but they can be susceptible to falling branches, for example, or to hail, so impact damage should be on your radar. Minor dents are easy enough to fix in place. Sometimes, in order to repair a roof and have it in great shape, you may need body-shop services.

Protective Coating

Finally, just make sure that every so often, say every few years, you check the protective coating of your tin roof. Over time, that sheen may peel away due to exposure to the open elements. Re-coating your metal roof will preserve its overall integrity and keep your roof from rusting and corroding. Equipped with those little maintenance tips, your roof should remain structurally sound and aesthetically interesting for a long, long time.

Read more: How to save up to 35% on home insurance with a metal roof?

Comparing Tin Roofing to Other Metal Roofing Options

Tin is a good compromise between cost and performance while having a metal roof, for those who value a combination of durability and low-maintenance aesthetics, but are on a budget. If you can afford something more expensive, copper would last far longer, and maybe look better too. Aluminium is lighter, but more expensive, and as for steel, much heavier, but stronger. Tin remains a good option for a homeowner who cannot afford to be cheated out of quality while also paying a high price. 

Comparison highlights

Tin vs. Copper: Tin is more affordable with good durability.

Buying tin roofing is a wise choice because it combines the advantages of cost-effectiveness with performance.

Although a copper roof is as durable as tin roofing, copper roofs are very expensive and more likely to draw people’s attention, while tin roofing provides the same degree of durability at a much lower cost.

Tin vs. Aluminum: Tin is cheaper, though aluminum offers better corrosion resistance.

The other popular metal widely used in roofing besides tin is aluminium. Like tin it is lightweight and is highly resistant to corrosion but can be more expensive than tin and often lacks the aesthetic qualities of a tin roof, giving it a more ‘industrial’ look. Because tin are often cheaper to source and easier to finish than aluminium in customised colours or patterns, it is far easier to create a dramatic effect with tin roofing, let alone get a ‘real’ tin roof!

Tin vs. Steel: Tin is lighter, reducing installation costs.

When it comes to roofing, steel is also used widely for residential buildings and commercial buildings. Steel roofing is stronger and more durable than tin, but it’s also heavier, which can lead to installation difficulties and higher labour costs. 

Resistant to dampness and corrosion, tin roofs provide high energy efficiency because they reflect sunlight well, and perform best when combined with appropriate insulation. This makes them a particularly good choice for homeowners in warm climates who want to keep cooling costs at bay. 

Read more: 10 Key Differences Between Standing Seam and Corrugated Metal Roof

Tin Roof FAQs

• What Does “Tin Roof Rusted” Mean?

The expression “tin roof rusted” usually refers to a coating of rust on the tin that occurs when the coating wears away and moisture in the air causes the tin to corrode. However, while this is possible for the coating, it is a much less common problem today.

• How to Install a Tin Roof?

Installing a metal roof starts with checking the area to be covered, cutting the panels accordingly, and mounting them carefully with fasteners. A reliable underlayment is usually put in place, the panels are then spanned in an ordered manner, and the edges are sealed to avoid leaks. You would normally be advised to let a professional do this job.

• How Long Does a Tin Roof Last?

A properly maintained roof will usually last more than a half century. Climate, degree of waterproofness, installation and regular maintenance all play a part in the longevity of a tin roof. Protective coatings and regular inspection help increase the lifespan of the tin roof.

• How Much Does a Tin Roof Cost?

The price of a metal (tin) roof depends on the quality of the material, how much labour was put into the job, and whether or not you had your insulation installed with your roof. You’ll probably pay somewhere in the range of $6,000-$12,000 for a full installation. We at Professional Metal Roofing offer the lowest price in Ontario starting only at $4.5/sq.ft.

• How to Insulate This Type of Roof?

Several types of insulation can be used with tin roofs, including foam board, spray foam and radiant barrier, which are installed below the panels. Insulation aids in energy conservation by preventing both outward and inward heat transfer and condensation.

Conclusion

For the practical, budget-minded consumer, tin roofing can be ideal. It’s a timeless solution that’s as cost-effective as it is durable, with the potential to last 50 years or more. Modern design’s tin roofing can easily provide the right look for practically any architectural style, from traditional to contemporary. And its eco-friendliness, coupled with energy efficiency and easy maintenance, make it gain renewed value over the years.

Key benefits of the tin (steel) roofs:

• Cost-effective and long-lasting.
• Suitable for various climates and building types.
• Available in multiple styles and finishes.
• Simple maintenance and easy repairs.

For a roof that’s both stylish, functional and environmental, tin roofing might be your best bet.