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Metal Roofing Blog

Metal Roof Maintenance for Fall

Metal is the longest lasting type of roofing material, and your new roof can last up to fifty years with proper care. While metal roofs require far less maintenance than those made with other materials, you will need to do metal roof maintenance to make sure it stays in top condition. As you prepare your home for fall, be sure to add these items to your to-do list. These metal roof maintenance tips will ensure your roof is ready for the cooler, wetter weather.

Metal Roof Maintenance Tips

Maintenance is an important part in any roof. After summer, every homeowner will want to utilize these metal roof maintenance tips to ensure your roof stays protective all year long.

Trim Back Tree Branches

The landscaping around your home plays a big role in how long your metal roof lasts. While metal is durable, heavy branches resting on it will weaken its structural integrity. Limbs blowing in the breeze can leave deep scratches. At the end of summer, make sure to trim all of your tree branches back at least three feet from your property. This will also ensure that rodents cannot gain access to any wooden areas around your metal roof.

Inspect Your Snow Guards

Roof snow guard systems are one of those things you rarely think about, but they save you from property damage and personal injuries that can occur if snow slides off your roof. Before winter storms arrive, take the time to make sure your snow guards are still in place and intact. This way, you can avoid a snow avalanche the first time heavy snow falls.

Check the Paint

The paint on your metal roof helps protect it from the elements. A quality paint job adds to its aesthetic appeal. Over time, however, exposure to sunshine, hail and foot traffic can all damage the paint and leave your roof vulnerable to the elements. Ideally, metal roofs should be painted before the weather turns frigid. During this annual metal roof maintenance, you should do an inspection. Doing an inspection now will allow you enough time to get it painted before the colder months.

Remove Accumulated Debris

Over time, fallen branches and leaves can build up on your roof. It is important to remove this before it gets wet or begins to rot since this can damage the materials used on your roof. Reaching the debris is the biggest challenge property owner’s face; especially since it is important to minimize foot traffic on your roof’s metal. Therefore, using a long brush to cover more distance is the best way to remove debris. If you choose to use a water sprayer, make sure to aim the hose away from the bottom of your roof since that can also lead to damage.

Clean Out the Gutters

Metal roofs are designed to allow the water to run off and into your gutters. When those gutters get clogged, your roof can no longer drain properly. Wet, soggy leaves and standing water can rest against the sides of your metal roof and lead to pooling. When this occurs, your metal roof will become susceptible to corrosion that destroys its ability to protect the rest of your home.

Metal roof maintenance requires far less work than other types of roofing materials. When it comes to protecting your roof, focus on removing anything that may rest against it and cause scrapes or corrosion. By trimming branches, clearing out fallen leaves and checking for minor damage that needs prompt repair, you can avoid major roofing work and protect your home’s value.

 

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Blog Home Improvement

Improving Your Home with Simple and Fun Projects

Many homeowners underappreciate their own home improvement capabilities. They are sometimes afraid to try because they believe the projects are too time consuming and complicated. Rather than hand off these tasks to home improvement contractors, you can make your home look better and take pride in your craftsmanship by taking on these simple and fun DIY ways of improving your home.

Laying Tile or Carpeting

One of the simplest ways of improving your home that homeowners readily hire contractors for involves laying new flooring. Putting down new flooring in your home is not that difficult and can be done successfully if you pay attention to some basic precautions.

The first step involves preparing your floor for the new materials. After you have pulled up the old flooring, you should scrape off the remaining glue and then sweep or wipe off the subflooring to ensure it is smooth and ready to be primed. You should then prime it with the recommended adhesive for the material that you are laying.

Many home improvement stores and big box retailers sell flooring that comes with its own adhesive backing. Before you lay the material, however, you should determine a starting point so that you will be able to refer to it when laying out the rest of the pattern. It may suit you to start from the center of the floor and work your way out toward the wall so the finished project looks uniform.

Textured Painting

Another fun DIY project involves adding textured paint to your walls or cabinetry. To add texture to your paint project, you should use sponges, brushes, or paper that has its own unique texture and surface.

You should then paint the walls, cabinets, or other surfaces as normal with your favorite colors. Allow the paint to semi-dry before blotching the surface with the sponge, brush, or other textured item that you chose for this project.

The texture will imprint itself in the sticky, semi-dry paint and remain in place after the paint dries completely. It is important that you avoid rubbing off entire sections of paint with the sponge or other item that you are using to texture the surface.

Hanging Border or Wallpaper

If you do not want to paint your walls, you may instead decide to hang wallpaper or border. This project is simple because most wallpapers and borders come with their own adhesive backing today. You no longer have to mix paste with which to hang it.

However, you do have to pay attention to the pattern of the paper or border so that you create a seamless look. If you fail to match the pattern of the wallpaper or border with the section that you already hung on the wall, you will end up with a project that looks jumbled and tacky.

Before you hang the paper or border, you should lay out each section on the floor or a large table. This step allows you to match up patterns so that you will not notice seams once the project is finished.

Improving your home by yourself is fun and less expensive than hiring contractors. You get to personalize your home and utilize your own styles and creativity. These DIY projects may inspire you to have confidence in your own capabilities.

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Blog Roofing

Protecting Your Home with a Weather-Resistant Rooftop

The weather takes a definite toll on your home’s rooftop. It steadily inflicts damage until your roof shows signs of wear and tear like warping, peeling, or outright collapsing. Out of all of the weather elements, however, moisture tends to lend the worst damages on even the sturdiest of rooftops. You can hold off the worst damage and protect your home for years by getting a weather-resistant rooftop. You can protect your home by knowing what materials are best for roofing in rainy environments.

Putting Your Roof on the Offense

Shopping for the best roofing materials is difficult. It may suit you to be proactive rather than on the defense in protecting your home. By putting your home on the proverbial offense, you can help it withstand the weather. It protects from damages that come from rain, humidity, and other factors. These factors could cause it to warp, collapse, and sustain other weather-related wear and tear.

As such, you should shop for materials that are known to resist moisture. These materials will hold off water from seeping into your home. A weather-resistant rooftop will be able to resist water intrusions better. Rubber, for example, stands out as one of the best weather-resistant rooftop materials because it cannot be penetrated by water and it also withstands other weather conditions like humidity and heat. Rubber roofing has become increasingly popular in the last decade and now ranks high among homeowners who want to protect their homes from expensive and detrimental water damages.

Concrete is another material that is now being used more often for residential roofing. This is because of it’s ability to withstand weather. A popular material for commercial buildings, concrete is now gaining recognition among homeowners who want their roofs to hold off water and moisture. While the material itself is porous by nature, it does not allow water to penetrate so deep that it seeps into your attic or upper part of your home. It also does not warp or collapse because of water exposure.

Partnering with the Best Roofing Contractors

When you want access to the best water-resistant materials for homes today, it is important that you partner with a licensed and bonded roofing business. Fully trained, professional roofing contractors can show you the best choices for your home and also give you all of the details you need to help you get the most out of your investment.

They also have the staff needed to get your home’s roofing done quickly and professionally. Professionals can respond to emergencies like your roof collapsing after a heavy rainstorm or a roofing fire caused by lightning. They likewise should be able to work with your homeowners’ insurer to help keep your costs to a minimum.

Pairing with a licensed and professional roofing business also means that any work done on your rooftop will meet or exceed your expectations. The finished result should be insurable by your homeowners’ insurance company. It should also be guaranteed to last for years.

Water can inflict irreversible harm to your home’s roof. It can cause your shingling to warp and peel or entire sections of your roof to collapse. When you live in a rainy environment, it is important that you protect your home. Choose a reliable, weather-resistant rooftop material that will withstand the challenging weather conditions. You can select the best material and receive roofing services that exceed your expectations by partnering with a fully licensed and professional roofing contractor.

Categories
Blog Roofing

Popular Roofing Choices Your Home

The material that you choose to roof your house with impacts how comfortable and happy you will be in your home, but there are many roofing choices to choose from. When you want the peace of mind that comes from having a sound and durable roof over your head, you may find it best to invest in one of these popular roofing materials.

Roofing Choices to Choose From

Rubber

Rubber roofing continues to be one of the most popular roofing choices among homeowners who prize performance and reliability. This material is well-known for its ability to keep your home comfortable and safe while also providing the appearance you want for the outside of your house.

Rubber roofs keep out heat, water, and other weather elements, allowing you to enjoy lower heating and cooling expenses. Rubber is also low maintenance and does not require a lot of upkeep for it to retain its appearance, performance, and durability.

You can find rubber roofing in colors that complement the exterior of your home. This material proves to be one of the more affordable choices on the market and one that continues to grow in popularity among homeowners.

Slate

Slate is another one of the most affordable and popular roofing choice when you are looking for a roofing material for your house. It comes in neutral colors that complement any color of exterior house paint or vinyl siding. It also has a natural, rustic appearance that you may find appealing.

Slate is fire resistant and also performs well in extreme weather conditions. It requires little upkeep and can last for years with regular maintenance.

Asphalt

Asphalt is a common roofing material that many homeowners choose for a variety of reasons. It is well-known for its fire resistant qualities and also low cost. Asphalt comes in gray or black, ensuring a neutral appearance that goes well with any color of siding or paint.

With proper maintenance and repairs, asphalt shingles can last for years. It performs well in all weather conditions and can keep out water, heat, and other weather elements.

Metal

Metal rooftops last for years and can be the showpiece of any home. When you invest in a metal roof, you have the option of leaving it in its natural condition or having it painted the color of your choosing by professional roofers.

Metal also tolerates any kind of weather, from extreme heat to the coldest of temperatures. It is strong enough to withstand hail, high winds, and other conditions that could cause other roofing materials to suffer damage.

Metal likewise is a fireproof material that many homeowners’ insurance companies prefer. When you want a rooftop that will provide you with the safety, longevity, and performance you want, you may find metal to be your most appealing option.

Ceramic

Ceramic is another popular choice with homeowners in different parts of the country. This tile roofing comes in a wide assortment of colors. These tiles are fired for durability and painted in bright colors that add to the appeal of any home.

These tiles tend to be a bit higher in price than other roofing materials. However, many people choose it anyway for its colorful beauty. They also enjoy its ability to reflect heat during the hot summer months.

Roofing choices are based on personal preferences and the climate in which you live. Roofing materials vary in performance and styles today. You can make the best choice for your home by learning about your available roofing material options.



		
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Metal Roofing Blog

4 Metal Roofing Benefits

When it comes to roofing materials, there is a wide variety of materials to choose from, but metal roofing is quickly becoming one of the most popular options. When roofing your home the materials used must provide beauty to the exterior of your home as well as be durable enough to withstand the elements. There is a vast array of metal roofing benefits, including the durability, design options and the cost effectiveness.

Here are the four most common metal roofing benefits to consider for your next roofing project.

Fire Resistant

Unlike some roofing materials, such as shingle and cedar roofs, a metal roof is naturally resistant to fire. This is one of the most important metal roofing benefits because it can save your home from potential fires. The metal is contracts and expands in high levels of heat. Although some roofing materials, such as ceramic tiles are made to be fire retardant, this type of roofing is typically more expensive than metal and it is much heavier. Ceramic tiles are also prone to cracking and/or chipping during high winds. A metal roof withstands the heat as well as high winds.

Cost Effective

Another one of the most popular metal roofing benefits is the cost effectiveness in the long run. The cost may seem slightly higher than other roofing materials, however, the overall value outweighs the cost. The life-span of a metal roof is significantly longer than other material options. For example, asphalt typically needs replaced about every 10 years. A metal roof, can typically last a minimum of 50 years. A shingle roof will needs replacing about 4-5 times more often than the installation of one metal roof.

Save on Energy Costs

One of the most beneficial reasons to consider installing a metal roof is the savings you have in heating and cooling costs. Metal reflects a large amount of the sun’s energy. This will help you save money on the cost of electricity to heat and cool your home. Metal roofing can often save homeowners as much as 40 percent on their cooling costs. Your home will feel much cooler, because the metal re-emits as much as 90 percent of the solar radiation. In most situations, a metal roof can be installed directly over your existing shingle roof, which will save you money on the cost of a tear-off, as well as provide an added layer of insulation. Another way you may save money is in on the cost of your home insurance, because many insurance providers offer a discount for homeowners with a metal roof.

Design Options

There are several types of metal to choose from for roofing. Each type comes with its own metal roofing benefits. The most popular metals are tin, aluminum and copper. Tin is typically on smaller roofs, such as a small overhang roof or a shed. It is the least expensive, but it may be prone to rust and corrosion. This is especially true if one doesn’t maintain it. Aluminum is suitable for any structure. It is lightweight, durable and resistant to corrosion. Copper roofing is popular for the aesthetic beauty it provides. It is often more expensive than aluminum, but it requires very little maintenance. A metal roof can also be designed to look like other roofing materials, such as wood, stone or clay tiles for a fraction of the cost of these materials and it provides more durable protection.

Since metal roofing is made with recycled metal, it is environmentally friendly. And you can do your part for the environment by recycling it in the future.

Categories
Blog Roofing

5 Steps to Finding the Right Contractor

In most cases, roof repairs are a necessity rather than a choice. Roofs are essential to provide structural integrity to your home and safeguard the contents. A quality roof can enhance the appearance of your home and maybe even save money on utilities and energy costs. To ensure you receive a quality roof, you must find a reputable roofing contractor to do the job.

Roofing is one of the most expensive repairs that a homeowner can make. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you find a qualified roofing company that will get the job done on time and stay within budget. A skilled roofer can provide you with expert information about the best materials for your roof. These six steps will help make it easy to find a contractor that you can trust to expertly get the job done.

Ask Friends and Neighbors for a Referral

One of the best ways to find a qualified contractor is to ask friends, family and neighbors who they use. If you notice that a neighbor is getting a new roof, ask them about their experience with their contractor, even if you do not yet need a new roof. Eventually, you will need one and it is good to have the information when needed. Ask the person if they were satisfied with the job done and whether or not they would hire them again. If you do not know anyone who has had a roof replaced recently, you can ask at local hardware stores and lumber yards.

Do Your Research

Once you have a list of three to four qualified contractors, research each one. First, verify their contact information and consult your local Better Business Bureau to ensure that there are no glaring red flags. Review Yelp or other reviews. Ask each roofer for a list of references and call each one.

Request to See Proof of Insurance

It is a must that your contractor have liability insurance and worker’s compensation. Ask to see proof of insurance and contact the insurance carrier to confirm that the instance is still valid. Using an insured contractor helps protect you from liability if they are injured while working on your property.

Obtain an Estimate

Once you have chosen a couple of prospects, ask each one to come out to your home and provide you with an estimate. Pay attention to whether or not they arrive on time for the estimate. Chances are that if they are late, they will not bother to complete the job on time. Talk to the contractor about roofing materials. Ask about the extent of the job, as well as the time needed to complete it. Remember that the cheapest bid is not necessarily the best one. Knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise are also very important. If you are unsure of anything, clarify any questions that you might have with the roofer.

Draw Up a Contract

A roof is likely one of the most expensive home repairs that you will make. You must have a contract to protect your investment. A detailed contract should be drawn up. It should cover liability, safety procedures and workers compensation. Cover things like payments, schedule, clean-up methods and warranties.

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Roofing Blog

Homeowners: Why You Need Roof Repair Contractors

Something’s wrong with the roof, but you are not exactly sure how to go about correcting the problem. Instead of trying to figure it out on your own, the smart move is to call roof repair contractors and get some help with the roof. In the long run, this approach is in your best interests. Here are a few things that the roof repair contractors can handle without you trying to manage them on your own.

How Roof Repair Contractors Will Help

Roof repair professionals have extensive knowledge on roof repair, and will be able to help you. Whether you are in need of emergency roof repair, or a standard inspection, they can help. Here are the most common things a professional will help you with.

Properly Assessing the Situation

You know something is wrong and you even have an idea of what type of repair is needed. What you don’t know is the extent of the damage and whether what you have in mind will produce the desired outcome. There’s a good chance that more is going on than you realize.

The best thing to do is call a roofing contractor and arrange for the roof to be inspected. If the problem is more complicated than you realized, rest assured the roofer will identify every issue that must be addressed. As part of the process, the professional can tell you if it’s worth your money and effort to make the repairs. Depending on what’s wrong, it may cost you less to have the roof replaced.

Learning About All the Repair Options

Some roofing issues can be remedied with more than one approach. This is where the expertise of roof repair contractors comes into play. You may be familiar with one way of correcting the problem, but the roofer knows of three different solutions that would work in your case. The professional will sit down with you and explain how each approach works. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each solution, and have the chance to weigh the probable outcome of each strategy. That allows you to make the decision that you think is best.

There’s Less Danger Involved

As agile as you happen to be, working on a roof is a little outside your wheelhouse. The odds that you could slip and sustain a serious injury are real. While it’s true that a professional does assume some risk by ascending to your roof, that individual has the right equipment and knows exactly what safeguards to take. The potential for an accident to occur is considerably less when the roofer is dealing with the repair.

Your Home Insurance Provider Will Love You

By extending coverage to you, your home insurance provider is taking on a certain amount of risk. Any action on your part that helps to prevent further damage to the house is beneficial. The fact that you chose to hire a pro to make the roof repair will generate some love, since roofing professionals usually provide some type of guarantee for their work.

In addition, roof repair contractors will complete all repairs in compliance with local standards. That further helps to minimize the risk that your provider takes on by continuing to provide you with coverage.

As tempting as it may be to tackle the roof repair yourself, resist the urge. The best approach is to have a professional take a look at the roof. Once it’s clear what is wrong and what can be done to remedy the problem, it will be an easy decision to authorize the roofer to take care of everything.

Categories
Blog Home Improvement

Summer Home Renovations: It’s The Right Time to Rejuvenate Your House

With summer already underway, it is time to prepare your home for a fun-filled vacation. More importantly, summertime is the best time to begin home improvement projects before the wind and rain of wintertime. While the sun is out, work on these summer home renovations to get your home back in shape.

Time to Power Wash

When the sun is out, it is time to bust out the power washer. Give your home exterior and walkways a high-power wash to get rid of grime and build up. If you plan on painting your house, you will want to use a power wash beforehand so that the paint can adhere to the walls properly. This is one of the most simple summer home renovations, because you are just cleaning and maintaining your current exterior.

Repair Your Windows

Whether you need an air conditioner during the summertime or have a large wintertime heating bill, sealed windows can help. Caulking the seals around windows and doors will help you to save on your energy bills. This simple project only requires a caulking gun, caulk and a putty knife. If you have never caulked anything before, try practicing on a spare piece of lumber first. You need to have a steady hand and consistent pressure when you squeeze out the caulk. If your windows are beyond repair, you can easily replace them during the summer.

Consider Metal Roofing Options

A new roof can help to boost your home’s value and increase the energy efficiency of the home. Metal roofs tend to last longer than asphalt shingles and require minimal maintenance. Whether you want a metal roof or something else, you will want to install it during the summer. Later on, you will need your roof to keep out the elements. Right now is the best time to install a new roof for the best energy efficiency and a higher home value. For in-depth projects, hire a metal roofing contractor to inspect the roof, identify problems and fix it.

Install a New Deck

One of the most popular summer home renovations includes creating the perfect outdoor area. If you were thinking about getting a porch or a deck for barbecues, right now is an excellent time to do it. Decks are extremely easy to install, and they can be made in just a few days or less. If you already have a deck, it is fairly easy to fix and replace new boards. A deck can increase the value of your home, so it is a worthwhile investment to make. More importantly, it improves your outdoor living space for the perfect summertime meals, picnics and barbecues.

Buy a Ceiling Fan

Hot days and rising temperatures mean that you need a new way to stay cool. Air conditioning units are effective, but they can add hundreds of dollars to your electricity bill. For a cost-efficient alternative, consider installing a ceiling fan. The entire project takes less than a day to complete, and a ceiling fan will allow you to stay cool while lowering your electricity bill.

While springtime is actually better for landscaping, you can still get landscaping done during the summertime. You can use this time of year for additional home projects like painting the house or installing ceiling fans. Use the next few months wisely. These summer home renovations will grant you an unforgettable summer, and your home will be in excellent shape for wintertime.

 

Categories
Blog Residential Roofing

It is Essential to Repair or Replace Damaged Roofing Materials

One of the most important features on a building may not seem exciting, but it is essential to protect the building’s interior structures such as the wooden frame, walls, and plumbing devices. You probably never inspect a building’s rooftop unless severe weather has passed through the area, and there is a good chance that your home or business has shingles or damaged roofing materials that require repair or replacement. When only a few shingles are missing or loose on a building’s rooftop, a lot of moisture from rain, snow or ice can leak onto the underlying materials, leading to massive damage caused by mold growth or rotting wood.

Popular Types of Roofing Materials

There are several types of roofing to choose from, including:

  • Asphalt
  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Cement fiber
  • Flagstone
  • Slate
  • Wood

One of the most popular materials is metal because of its lower price point, making it an affordable option for large commercial roofing. Replacing or fixing a roof is a complex process. It requires using a tall extension ladder or bucket truck to reach the surface. Simply replacing the topmost layer of the damaged roofing material is not always acceptable because the underlying layers provide vital protection from temperature changes and moisture.

Using Top-Quality Roofing Materials can Save Money Each Month

When a roof on a building is old and decayed it is time to replace the waterproofing and insulating layers to keep a building warmer, cooler or drier. Companies now manufacture higher quality materials that can keep a building cool during the daytime or warm during the winter. Investing in top-quality roofing materials can save money over several years by reducing your monthly utility bills. With proper installation from knowledgeable roofers, the roof is less likely to become damaged during high winds when storms occur.

How to Choose a Roofer

When choosing a roofing company, you must make sure that it has been in business for many years and talk to satisfied customers who are willing to permit you to see the roof that the company installed for them. They will also be able to tell you if you need to repair or replace your damaged roofing material.

Categories
Residential Roofing Blog

Choose Metal With an Albemarle County Roofing Company

If you need a roof repair or replacement in Virginia, then you must find a knowledgeable Albemarle County roofing company for routine or emergency services. The roofs on commercial and residential buildings in our area experience a lot of moisture from snow, ice and rain.

The moisture and high winds from a storm can cause damage to any type of roofing materials, including metal. When a roof has severe damage, it requires a repair right way to protect the underlying materials along with the building’s contents.

Because of the climate in Virginia, an Albemarle County roofing company is often called. We’ll explore why metal roofing is so popular in Albemarle County, and the advantages of this type of roof.

Metal Roofs are Popular. Why?

In many cases, business managers and homeowners are unable to enter a building because it has a damaged roof, and you require a roofing contractor in Virginia who can arrive quickly to make essential repairs.

Metal roofs are popular because the materials are affordable, easy to install and are fire resistant. Metal roofing materials are frequently used for large commercial buildings to reduce the cost of building insurance.

Advantages of Choosing Metal With an Albemarle County Roofing Company

Metal roofing materials provide several advantages, including:
• Available in a lot of sizes, shapes, textures and colors
Costs less than asphalt shingles
• Durable and long-lasting materials
• High insulating levels during cold winter weather
• Reflects sunlight to reduce cooling costs in the summer
• Coatings on metal can provide waterproofing
• Requires little maintenance

Types of Metal Used for Roofs

Depending on the design of a building and the roof’s slope, a metal roof can augment the structure’s appearance. You can choose materials that match or complement the colors of a building’s siding or other decorative elements. A roofing contractor in Virginia might offer an assortment of metal materials that include:
• Tin
• Stone-coated steel
• Aluminum
• Stainless steel
• Metal tile sheets
• Standing seam metal
• Corrugated galvanized steel

A contractor can arrange to have an old roof removed for a completely new metal roof installation or place metal materials over an old roof. With the correct choice of metals, you can recycle the other materials when it is time for a new repair or replacement to reduce the cost of buying new tiles or sheets.

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