Category: Roofing

Pros And Cons Of Metal Roofing

Whether you’re tired of paying for costly repairs on a traditional roof or want to try something more efficient and stylish, there are many good reasons to consider a metal roof for your home. Today’s metal roofs can be manufactured to look like nearly any traditional roofing material, and offer significant advantages over traditional roofing. However, there are some potential drawbacks to metal roofing, and it’s wise to consider both sides of the equation before embarking on a major home improvement project. So let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of installing metal roofing on your home.

Pro: Metal Roofs Are Built to Last

One of the biggest advantages of metal roofs is that they’re built to last, with durable materials and less potential for leaks than traditional roofs. While you may have to replace a traditional roof more than once over the lifespan of a home – and pay for repairs in between – the right metal roof can last for as long as you own your home. In addition to being sturdy, metal roofs are very efficient at whisking away the rain, ice, and snow that lead to leaks with traditional roofs.

Pro: Metal Roofing Is Environmentally Friendly

If you like your home improvement projects to have a limited impact on the environment, then metal roofing is more than worth a look. Asphalt shingles, the most common non-metal roofing material, are a petroleum product and need to be replaced relatively frequently compared to metal roofs. Your metal roof, on the other hand, won’t be heading to the landfill any time soon.

Con: Metal Roofs Are Costly to Install

When it comes to durability, look, efficiency, and environmental impact, it’s hard to argue with the advantages of metal roofing. However, those advantages come with a cost, and installing a metal roof can be considerably more expensive than a traditional roof, depending on the metal roofing that you choose.

Pro: Metal Roofs Are Energy-Efficient

Those increased costs will be evident up-front, but the efficiency and durability of metal roofing often make it more affordable in the long run. Metal roofing is very energy-efficient, minimizing heat gain and reflecting the sun rather than absorbing it, which can help lower cooling costs in your home.

 

Roofing Calculator – Estimate your Roofing Costs

If you are considering a new metal roof as potential replacement option for your aging asphalt roof, or you simply want to learn more about this sturdy and energy efficient roofing option,

Metal roofs can be made from a variety of metals and alloys including Galvanized steel (hot zinc dipped G-90 steel, or G-60 steel coated with thinner, least-expensive coating), Galvalume steel (Zinc and Aluminum coating — more expensive and longer lasting compared to G-90 steel.), stone-coated steel (G-90 galvanized steel), aluminum, copper, zinc, terne (zinc-tin alloy), and stainless steel.

The downside of galvanized steel is that it can corrode, eventually, especially when exposed to the moist salt-spray environment, such as near the coastal lines and salty marine environments.

It must be noted that all things being equal, Galvalume steel offers a greater degree of corrosion-resistance and hence longevity than G-90 galvanized steel. G-60 steel is joke compared to Galvalume steel and its cost reflects that

Steel is the most frequently used material in both residential and commercial metal roof and wall applications, mainly due to its superior durability, strength, and slightly lower cost than aluminum.

 

Snow Guards for Metal Roofs

mission is to help building owners select the snow retention system that works best for their situation. Whether it’s our product or not. With so many types of metal roofs and snow guard systems available, narrowing down the best one for your home or project can be confusing.

I’ve personally spent many hours searching and condensing information from our competitor’s sites and noticed that every site has one thing in common. Each manufacturer presents their snow guard or snow retention system as the best and offers up various reasons why their particular product is better than others. Obviously, every snow guard and every manufacturer can’t be the best. What I realized is that an architect, homeowner or contractor researching metal roof snow guards faces a daunting task of determining which is the best snow guard for their metal roof

The cheapest and easiest snow guard to install may not be the best fit for your situation. Likewise, the most expensive and elaborate may not do what you expect it to. To help answer these questions, I started out on my mission of distilling the different metal roof snow retention systems into a single, objective summary.  Explaining each type and the advantages and disadvantages with that specific snow guard. Many of these are products we sell, but many are not. I hope that this series of articles will help you make a good, informed decision about the best type of snow retention for your metal roof.

All snow guard system types are designed to keep snow on your roof to protect you, your family, and your property from falling ice and snow. Metal roofs have a very smooth surface that doesn’t absorb water. That’s why metal roofs are good roofs but also why snow and ice slide off.

In a nutshell, there are 3 different snow guard types for metal roofs that are currently in use. This article briefly discusses each type. Additional articles follow this one that go in-depth into each type including manufacturing materials, methods of attachment and most importantly, the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

 

Metal Roofing Installation: How to Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles

Can you put steel roofing over asphalt?

Can you avoid tearing off your old asphalt shingle roof by putting a steel roof over it? Maybe. Most codes now allow no more than two layers of roofing before requiring a complete tear-off. So, if your roof has two layers, it may require a complete tear-off, even though steel is lighter than asphalt. Codes vary, so call your local building department to know how to install metal roofing over shingles properly, code-wise

What’s involved in how to install metal roofing

A steel roof is a lifetime investment, lasting 50 years or more if it’s a good one. Asphalt roofs typically last 20 to 30 years, depending on the installation and shingle quality. So, the investment might be worth it, but the range of choices makes shopping for a steel roofing system more complicated than you might think.

If you want to install steel over asphalt, your best choice for installing metal roofing is to use a steel shingle system like the one shown instead of the more common (and more expensive) standing seam steel. In a standing seam roof, long, single panels run vertically all the way from the eave to the ridge. In contrast, steel shingles are small panels installed in horizontal rows much like other shingles.

Better steel shingle systems, like the one shown, install over a framework of 2x2s. This framework has three big advantages. First, because the frame is screwed directly to the rafters and the interlocked shingles are screwed to the frame, the roof can withstand winds of up to 120 mph without damage. Second, the frame creates a flat and straight surface even when the shingles are badly curled or the roof ridge is bowed.

Pros and cons for metal roofing installation

Steel roofs can be noisy and unattractive in residential settings. However, if the steel roof is installed over an existing asphalt roof, noise shouldn’t be a problem. And, as you can see from the photos, if you pick a good-looking style from the many choices available, your house definitely won’t look like a cattle barn.

 

Metal Roofing: Everything You Need to Know

Environmentally Friendly and More

Designer Lisa Furey explains, “Metal roofs offer many benefits, including:

Longevity. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, depending on the material.

Durability. Some metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not corrode or crack, and may be impact-resistant (depending on which metal you choose). In addition, metal roofs don’t need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require. However, they should be inspected periodically to make sure no repairs are required.

Safety. Metal roofs will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike.

Energy efficiency. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.

Environmentally friendly. Metal roofs not only have 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material used, but are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life as a roof.”

Things to Consider

“Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials,” says Lisa Furey. “While the life of a metal roof is much longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.”

The Noise Factor

“While you can choose from tin, zinc, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel, metal roofs can be noisy, especially during a heavy rain or hailstorm. Adding more insulation during installation usually solves this problem, but that may increase costs,” explains designer Lisa Furey. “If a repair is required or a home extension is added years later, it may be difficult to find an exact match to the existing metal,” says Lisa.

The Right Choice For the Location

“We use metal roofs on the majority of our residential projects. Metal roofs are very durable and long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing and suitable for low-slope conditions. They easily shed debris such as pine needles and leaves. In snow country, the metal roofs allow snow to slide off fairly quickly,”

Metal Roofing Facts and Myths

Metal roofs are becoming more and more of a conversation piece. What comes along with this? Many myths, but also facts.

Here are some common metal roof myths — and the facts to dispel them.

Myth: Metal roofs will prevent ice dams

False. The root cause of ice dams is improper attic ventilation and inadequate attic insulation. If your attic space doesn’t have enough insulation and ventilation, ice dams can still form on a metal roof.

Ice dams result from a problem that could exist for any attic space and roof. Heat still rises, and with lack of insulation and ventilation, the snow on the roof melts, runs down and re-freezes at the eaves — even if it is a metal roof.

Myth: Metal roofs lower heating bills

This is not necessarily true. If your home has inadequate insulation, air leaks and windows that are not energy efficient, installing a metal roof will not likely lower your heating bills. It is important to remember there are many factors that contribute to your home’s overall energy usage.

Myth: Metal roofs offer no resale value

This is not true! Metal roofs are actually highly valued. Homes renovated with standing-seam metal roofing recoup on average 85.9-percent of costs nationally and up to 95.5% for homes in the Eastern states, according to Remodeling Magazine. These gains in resale value amount to 1- and 6-percent, respectively, over homes roofed with asphalt shingles.

 

Metal Roofing – Get The Facts!

Shingles were a longstanding staple in the material business for a considerable length of time. Almost certainly, one of the houses that you experienced childhood in had a shingled rooftop. Be that as it may, as time has passed by, purchasers have started searching for different kinds of materials to utilize. The issue with shingles is that they don’t keep going for over twenty years. Taking into account how costly and included introducing a material framework can be, you need to ensure that you don’t need to do a similar venture over again inside 10 years or two. Shingles start to split and the quality debases after some time, implying that you will in all likelihood need to do some minor fixes en route too. Furthermore, on the grounds that each shingle must be set by hand, the establishment procedure can be extremely monotonous and tedious. Interestingly, a metal rooftop sets aside almost no effort to introduce. This is on the grounds that it comes in boards that you can without much of a stretch slide into place and secure.

Another reward to introducing metal material is that, in a great deal of spots, you will have the option to show signs of improvement bargain on protection. Countless insurance agencies will offer property holders a sizable rebate on their mortgage holder’s protection premium on the off chance that they decide to introduce a rooftop made of metal more than one made of shingles or tiles. This is on the grounds that metal is substantially more tough than different types of roofing materials. Metal material is comprised of steel boards that have been covered with claim to fame rust-evidence paint. Both solid and adaptable, a they can without much of a stretch keep going for more than fifty years. What’s more, however it might appear as though they are a genuinely late pattern, metal rooftops have really been around for quite a while. For quite a long time, individuals have used rooftops made of metal for the long future and toughness that they offer. There is no other structure material utilized today that can coordinate metal material.

One of the fundamental objections with the manner in which metal material used to be done was that they ingested a lot of the sun’s warmth. This, thus, would make the house a lot more smoking, which caused vitality bills to be high as it took more work to keep the home cool. In any case, on account of advances in innovation, that is not, at this point an issue. Presently, it’s exceptionally intended to mirror the warmth from the sun, which has had a gigantic effect in how individuals see the material.

 

It’s long lasting

While it depends on the material and how the roof is installed, a metal roof is so durable that it has the potential to outlive you.

It can be installed over your existing roof

In most cases, a metal roof can be installed directly on top of your existing shingle roof. This makes metal roofing construction less of a hassle (and less of an expense).

Installation is quick and easy

Because of the way metal roofs are constructed, installing them is a pretty straight-forward process. Metal roof installation requires an expert, but someone trained in the process can install your metal roof in practically no time at all.

It can be installed in any season

Unlike shingle roofs, metal roofs can be installed during winter. Especially here in Tallahassee where snow is not an issue. We are happy to come install a new metal roof any time of year.

It’s snow, wind, and rain resistant

Dare we say they are even snow, wind, and rain proof? While things can always go wrong on the rare occasion, metal roofs are the most weather-resistant roofing material available.

 

The Facts vs. Fiction about Metal Roofs

For homeowners looking to re-roof, metal is becoming an increasingly popular choice and for good reason, thanks to the exceptional durability, long-lasting value and increased protection from metal roofs. Even so, there are still some misunderstandings about metal lingering among homeowners. Here are the facts vs. fiction about metal roofs:

Fiction: “I can’t have a metal roof because we get a lot of thunderstorms in our area, including hail and strong winds”

Fact: Metal roofs are by far the preferred and most durable choice for withstanding severe storms and weather. That’s why they are exceptionally popular in hurricane-prone areas such as Florida and the southeastern United States. Quality metal roofs have been proven to stand up to hurricane-force, 140-mile per hour winds, large hailstones and flying debris much better than other types of roofs. They also have the strength to hold up under heavy snow and ice loads, making them a truly durable, long-lasting choice in all season and regions.

Fiction: “Metal doesn’t give me as many style or color options, and probably won’t work with the architectural style of my home”

Fact: More than any other type of roofing materials, metal gives homeowners the widest variety of color and style options, designed to fit with the look of just about any home. There are metal roofing styles that mimic clay tiles, slate and shakes, and a vast array of colors, from rich earth tones to bright blues and reds, to choose from. Metal also is available in raw natural hues such as copper, titanium and stainless steel. From modern to tradition, the latest metal roof designs can not only complement, but enhance the curb appeal of nearly any home.

Fiction: “It gets really hot in the summer where I live. Metal will heat up my home.”

Fact: Metal roofs reflect more solar radiation than asphalt, which typically absorbs and holds heat. Metal roofs with oven-cured, pre-painted organic coatings are called “Cool Roofs” and have proven energy efficiency performance. So much so, many are ENERGY STAR qualified. Even darker metal roof colors with “cool pigment” technology can deliver high total solar reflectance and high infrared emittance. That means your home will be cooler and you’ll save more energy, thanks to metal roofing’s ability to re-emit most of what solar radiation is absorbed.

Fiction: “It rains a lot in our region. I’m worried the sound will keep me up at night.”

Fact: A properly installed, well-insulated metal roof will be as quiet as an asphalt roof. Just like with any other type of roof, make sure your installer uses a good quality underlayment and adds/tightens fasteners securely to help manage noise. And, you’re sure to sleep even easier knowing that the long-lasting durability of metal roofs will perform well no matter what Mother Nature throws at it for many years to come.

 

Does a Metal Roof Increase Home Value?

What about non-shingle roofs? Metal roofs are often touted as a good way to boost home value, but research indicates they are not as cost-effective as laminate shingles.

The Remodeling Report for 2019 found that a metal roof, on average, cost homeowners $38,600 and increased home value by 60.9 percent. Compare this to their findings for asphalt roofs, where the average homeowner spent $22,636 and got a return of 68 percent.

Not only is metal roofing, on average, more expensive than asphalt shingles, metal roofs also add a lower percentage of their value to an appraisal. In the end, you’re spending more money on a metal roof, but getting less of your investment back. If you install a metal roof, you’ll pay $38,600 and may get a $23,507 boost to home value. Therefore, you will have paid $15,093 that you may not get back in home value. If you pay $22,603 for an asphalt shingle roof, you may get a $15,392 boost to home value. Therefore, you will have only paid $7,244, which you may not get back in home value. These numbers are only averages. You may get a full return on investment. Even if you don’t, laminate shingles are a less-risky investment than a metal roof.

You should also consider how a homeowner will view a metal roof. Few homes have metal roofs, so they may seem unpredictable to homeowners who have never owned one before. As they are less common, homeowners may have too many questions about metal roofs to feel comfortable purchasing one.

As with other home improvements, if you want to maximize your investment, it is best to stick with familiar products in familiar styles that won’t raise the eyebrows of the typical home buyer.

Tips for Choosing the Right Roofer for Roof Repair and Inspection

Your roof is simply one of the most significant components of your home because it offers shelter and security from the outside disturbances and constructs a barrier for sun rays. If you do require a roof repair or inspection, one of the most exhausting parts of the process is choosing the best contractor who can perform the right and quick job

Client Testimonials and Referrals

Explore client testimonials and reviews on websites like Google and Yelp! If an owner attempts to publish a review, then you can be sure that the roofing contractor you are considering will deliver superior roofing system! Check out their website and know if they have a client testimonial section!

Knowledge About Specific Roof Types

Search for roofers that are skilled in the type of work you need. You need to select a roofer with hands-on experience in setting up the specific roofing system that you need to install in your home. Discuss with the prospective roofer to confirm if they are familiar with installing your desired roofing system.

Knowledge in Roofing Construction

Unfortunately, not all roofers are knowledgeable in roofing construction

Work Portfolio on Website

Ask if they have a website and try to browse through their certifications. A professional website will provide you with full information on the various services and credentials that the company holds besides a portfolio that will divulge multiple samples of their work! A roofer lacking a website in today’s market scenario is not the greatest roofing professional in your area!

 

How to Choose a Contractor

This article series provides a simple, step-by-step guide designed to help you find the roofing contractor who’s right for you. When you need to repair your roof or replace roof coverings on a building, this article gives advice to assist in choosing a roofing contractor – by Jessie Srader, with edits and additions by DJF. We also discuss how to negotiate the roofing contract, when to leave the roofer alone to do the job, and how to resolve roofing job disputes

Workmanship:The best assurance that your new roof will not leak and that it will have a long life is to select a quality shingle product and to be certain that the shingles are installed absolutely correctly – good workmanship is what makes a roof shed water.

Shingle quality: we would not hesitate to buy a quality shingle product from any of the current roofing shingle manufacturers, including GAF, but

Shingle installation standards we would want to be sure that my installer applied them according to the best practices in the industry since otherwise any warranty will be voided anyway. The principal sources of asphalt shingle roofing installation standards are the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA’s Roofing and Waterproofing Manual), and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer’s Association (ARMA). There are also ASTM standards for roofing products

Roofing contractor reputation and experience: Before hiring ANY roofing contractor we would check with the local better business bureau and would ask for references from local customers of the contractor.

 

What to Expect During a Roof Inspection

The importance of your home’s roof really can’t be overstated. Without a solid, functioning roof, a house quickly turns into an uncomfortable place to live—not something any homeowner wants to endure. To protect your investment and your health, prioritize keeping your home’s roof in good shape.

How do you do that?

Well, as is the case with your home’s other systems, preventative maintenance is key. If they’re caught early, problems such as failed flashing, missing or torn shingles, and broken tiles are easier to fix and less likely to have already caused major problems to the structure or interior of the house.

Getting up on your roof by yourself is never a good idea. (Really—don’t do it. It’s not worth the risk.) And would you know what to look for or how to make necessary repairs? Probably not. That’s why you should always leave roof inspections to the pros.

Do I Need a Roof Inspection?

There are four main reasons you might need to have your roof looked at by a professional, says Louis.

Roof leaks and ceiling stains

In most homes, roof leaks aren’t quite as dramatic as they’re sometimes portrayed on television and in movies. Instead of racing around your house placing buckets and coffee cans under streams of water coming from the ceiling, it’s far more likely that you’ll begin to notice dark stains slowly spreading across the ceiling

 

Buying a New Home? A Roof Inspection Will Save You Money

Buying a new home is a huge life decision. Prospective buyers know they need to make sure their new dream home has a sound foundation and safe electrical wiring, but inspecting the roof is often overlooked. This is surprising, considering how integral roofs are to protecting a home, and how expensive a new roof can be.

First Impressions: Inspecting the Roof Yourself

You can start to get an idea of the condition of a roof from the moment you go to view a potential home. Look for damaged or missing shingles on the roof, dry rot, and the condition of the gutters. Can you see moss growing on the roof? Is the roof sagging on one side?

When you can spot major problems from the ground, then you know there are likely to be costly repairs needed in the new future. If you know you won’t have the capital to buy the home and repair or even replace the roof, then you’ll know right off the bat that this home is not for you, before you spend money on a home inspection and roof certification

How Much Will This Cost?

We know you’ll be wanting to save your pennies when you’re just about to shell out a lot of money on a new home, so you are probably wondering how much this will cost you. The average cost for a roof inspection is $650 and the average cost of a home inspection is between $500 to $700

How to Choose a Home Inspector and Roofing Contractor

Your real estate agent will often be able to recommend inspectors they have worked with but. But, as with all recommendations,a lot depends on how you feel about the recommender.

 

Roof Inspections – Are They Necessary?

In many states, especially those that see a higher amount of snow and hail, when buying a home it is usually requisite to have the roof certified from inspection. Matter of fact, many lenders required this to be done before they will cut a check. In most states, a properly ventilated roof can last 20 years or more. In states where the snow is heavy, they often have to be replaced every five years. While having a secure roof is one of the most important parts of a home, it can also be a very expensive investment, especially if you bought a home under the guise that everything was on the up and up.

Roofing Inspections

Roof inspections are simply inspections that determine the integrity of a roof, how long it may last, and when it will need to be replaced. Roof inspectors are not going to climb up on your roof or the roof of a home you are thinking of buying and pull up shingles or tiles. Roof inspectors have special procedures wherein they can determine the lifespan of a given roof without tearing into it. At first glance it might seem that roofing inspectors would have to pull up part of the roof to do a thorough examination, but if you consider your own roof, you would not want anyone tearing holes in it just to see if it was in good shape.

Are Roof Inspectors Different From Home Inspectors?

Roof inspectors also have super-technical techniques like infrared roof inspections where they don’t even have to touch the surface of the roof itself to determine a roof’s integrity. This process uses infrared rays to locate parts of a roof that are at higher or lower temperatures than the rest of the roof. These “hot spots” can show a roof inspector just exactly where heat is escaping.

Play it Safe

Because replacing a roof can be quite an investment, insurance companies and lenders require that this has been checked off. It makes sense for these companies to protect their investments, but you as the homeowner should want this to be secured as well. You don’t want to be stuck with a bill that you weren’t expecting, and you also don’t want to sell a home to a family and put them in the same spot.

Roof inspections are not all that expensive, and these roofing inspections can give you and your lenders and insurance carriers peace of mind. Because when the rain is coming down or there is a foot of snow weighing down your roof, you want to sleep comfortably knowing that you are secure from above.