Category: Metal Roofing

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Metal Roofing Residential Roofing

Metal Roof Types: Which Is Best For Your Home?

For those looking to replace their roof, many will be looking to have a metal roof installed as that replacement. They come with a lot of benefits, making them an excellent option for many different homes. If you have decided to go with a metal roof, you will soon see there are lots of different options available to you. Which metal roof type is going to be best for your home?

Metal Roof Types

Firstly, you will need to decide on the roofing type in general that you have installed. There are two different ways that metal roofs are made, and can be used on buildings:

Corrugated metal roof: When you think of a metal roof, this is probably what you are imagining. These roofs are often found on industrial and agricultural buildings and offer a lot of benefits in this regard. When you are looking at adding a metal roof to your home, they will likely not be what you are looking for. They can be noisy when it rains, and the look isn’t going to be the best.

Standing seam metal roof: When it comes to residential metal roofs, this is often the style that you will want to have. They are made up of several panels of metal, which have ribs on the edges that help them connect and create a watertight seal. That not only makes them an excellent option for protecting your home but ensures that they look better too.

It’s also worth noting that you can have a metal roof that is made to mimic the look of other roofs. For example, you can have metal sheets that are molded to look like slate tiles or clay tiles. That’s something you’ll want to keep in mind when you are considering which metal roof you want. Your roofer will be able to advise you on what you could have installed.

Metal Roof Materials

If you are considering a metal roof, you will soon see that there are many different metals you can have the roof made from. It can feel quite daunting to pick the right one, but it’s fairly easy once you know the benefits of each metal type.

Steel: Steel is very commonly used in creating metal roofs, as it offers a resistant material against the elements. It’s also often galvanized or coated with different materials, to give it a longer lifespan. As such, you will often see steel on residential roofs.

Copper: If aesthetics and curb appeal are important to you, then copper would be a good option. As the metal is easily manipulated and formed, it can be used to make several different shapes to make really attractive roof styles. Of course, copper will attain a patina over time as well, so you can get a very attractive look even as the roof ages.

If you do consider copper, you do need to remember that it does come up more expensive than a lot of other metal roofs. If it’s in your budget though, then you could take advantage of what copper can give you.

Aluminum: Aluminum is another popular option when it comes to metal roofing. It’s often used in roofing thanks to its lightweight design, ensuring that no extra stress is placed on your roof. That’s always worth considering, some other roofing types would require you to reinforce the roof before you could have the materials installed. 

You will also see that aluminum roofs are highly fire resistant, something that is often useful if you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, or you are looking to reinforce your home against fire in general.

Zinc: Zinc is another metal that can attain a patina over time, which helps improve the attractiveness of the roof and your home in general. It’s also a naturally occurring and easy to use metal, so you are seeing more and more of it being used on roofs. It is more popular in Europe right now, but more homes in the US are choosing zinc roofs.

While it does look attractive when it does attain the patina, it can take a while to do so, and the color can be inconsistent. Again, this is something to discuss with your roofer as they will be able to tell you more.

Why Consider A Metal Roof?

There are plenty of metal roof types out there. Whichever you choose, they will give you plenty of benefits that you can take advantage of. That includes the following:

Long life span: One of the biggest reasons why homeowners go for metal roofs is because they have one of the longest life spans out there. Currently, a well cared for metal roof can last for anywhere up to 70 years. When you compare that to the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof, which is typically around 25 years, you can see just how much more you can get out of that roof.

Fire resistance: As noted above, metal roofs have an excellent fire resistance rating, making them the best option for those who are worried about fire. Those who live in wildfire-affected areas are currently changing to metal roofs, as burning debris landing on their roof won’t be able to burn the material there and cause widespread damage.  

Lots of design options: Some may put off the idea of a metal roof because they are picturing the corrugated metal roof used in industrial and agricultural areas. However, a standing seam metal roof can look amazing when coated and shaped in different ways. You can use different paints and shapes to create the look of any other roofing type, so you can make that roof as attractive as you want it to be. 

There are lots of metal roof types for you, so you can pick something that makes sense for you and your home. Talk to your roofer about what you will need.

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Metal Roof Painting Metal Roofing

How Long Does Metal Roof Paint Last?

Having a metal roof installed comes with a lot of benefits. These roofs can take a lot from the elements, without showing any damage. They are also one of the most long-lasting roofing materials out there. If you want to get the absolute most out of them, then it’s always a good idea to have your metal roof painted.

How long does metal roof paint last, and how much can you expect to pay each time you need to have it done?

Why Paint Your Metal Roof?

Firstly, you need to see why you would have your metal roof painted. The main reason for painting the roof is to add another layer of protection against water, snow, hail, and other kinds of damage that can happen to it. With good roof paint, you can ensure you get the full lifespan out of your metal roof.

Also, many people look to paint their metal roofs in order to make them look cohesive with the rest of their homes. This is important to many people who want to preserve their home’s curb appeal or ensure that it fits in with the rest of the neighborhood in line with their HOA.

What Metal Roof Paints Are Available?

If you are looking to paint your metal roof, you will see there are two main types of paint that are used. These are silicon modified polyester paint (SMP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) paint.

SMP paint is a more popular option with homeowners, as it’s a very durable paint.  It can pretty much take anything that the weather could throw at it, so your roof will be protected no matter what. It also comes in slightly cheaper than other paints, so if you’re looking to keep your new roof on budget, it will be what you’re looking for. It is worth noting these paints don’t come in as many colors as other types though, so you may not find the shade you are looking for.

PVDF paint gives you access to a large spectrum of colors, so you can pick one that suits your home perfectly. It is able to give you shades that you can’t get in other paints, such as red, greens, and blues. It’s also great for UV protection, as it can retain its shade even in the face of the sun. However, it’s not quite as durable as other paints, and it does end up costing more.

How Long Does Metal Roof Paint Last?

So with this in mind, how long will that metal roof paint last? Typically, the paint you get for your roof will have a warranty, so you can see just how long you can expect from it. Depending on the paint you get, that warranty will guarantee you anywhere from 10 to 40 years.

You will also see that the warranty may cover different things, so make sure you check for this. That can include abrasions, peeling, chipping, faded colors, and cracking.

When To Repaint Your Roof

Now you know what to look for in metal roof paint, you need to know when you should be repainting it. Firstly, if your current roof paint is coming to the end of its lifespan as indicated by the warranty, it’s going to be a good idea to have it repainted.

Also, when you are carrying out your roof inspections, you should be looking for any sign that the paint needs to be redone. That includes any chipping, cracking, peeling, or other damage to the roof paint. If there are gaps in the paint, that leaves the metal roof exposed and potentially could allow moisture in to damage it too.

How Do You Paint A Metal Roof?

When your roof is ready to be painted, there are some things you have to do to ensure you get the best results. Lastly, the roof will need to be prepped. That will include power washing the roof surface, to remove any dirt, moss, and other debris that may have accumulated. This will also be enough to remove any loose old paint. If there is still paint on the surface, a mineral-based solvent will be enough to loosen and remove it.

You will also need to properly remove rust and corrosion, using paint scrapers or abrasive brushes. Once everything has been removed, the roof can then be primed, and then the new metal roof paint is applied. This can be done via roller, or with a spray.

Can You Paint Your Own Metal Roof?

There’s no doubt that keeping your roof in top condition is expensive, and you want to be able to save money where you can. Are you able to paint your own metal roof? 

You certainly can find guides online that show you how the process is done, and someone with some good DIY experience should be able to do it. However, it’s usually advised that you hire experienced roofers to handle the process for you.

This is for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, when dealing with your roof safety should always come first. No matter how careful you are, you are up high when working on your roof and accidents can happen. If you hire a roofer to handle the job for you, you will be able to take advantage of all of the experience and safety equipment, so they can do the job safely and efficiently.

Secondly, like with all home improvements, it is usually better to have an experienced roofer handle this job because they have the know-how to get it done in the most effective manner. With a roofer, the painting will be done right the first time and you will get the full benefit of that roof coating.

Conclusion

Painting your metal roof is always advisable, as it helps improve the look of your home as well as protect the roof from the elements. With most roof paints having quite long warranties, you can be sure that once the paint is on, it will protect your roof for a long time.

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Metal Roofing Residential Roofing

Prepare Now To Avoid Future Metal Roof Hail Damage

If you have a metal roof on your home, you know that there’s very little that can actually cause serious damage to it. A well-installed metal roof can withstand fluctuations in temperature, water, snow, and high winds. However, something you do need to be aware of is the effect hail can have on a metal roof.

Here’s what you need to know, and how you can prepare to avoid metal roof hail damage in the future.

How Can Hail Damage Your Metal Roof?

No roof is impervious to damage, and that includes metal roofs. If you are unlucky, you may find that hail can actually cause some real damage if it’s left untreated. Here’s what you need to know and look out for if you have hail storms in your area:

Dents: Most commonly, you will see heavy hailstone storms leaving dents in your metal roof. If the storm wasn’t too severe these dense may be quite light, but if you had a very heavy hail storm you can get some really pronounced denting on your roof.

Scuffing and scratches: As well as potentially denting your metal roof, you may also see scratches or scuffs in the coating on it. This will be something you need to address quite quickly, as those coatings are used to protect the roof from corrosion. Any gap in the coating can lead to corrosion or water damage, leading to more expensive repairs later down the line.

Damaged fasteners: Fasteners are what hold your metal roof together and onto the roof deck, and these can take on damage too during a hailstorm. Again, this will need to be handled quickly because if a fastener is loose or missing, that will allow water to infiltrate the roof and start causing more issues.

Leaking: If you’ve had a hail storm recently and haven’t checked your roof, the first sign you have of damage to the roof will be leaks in your home. That can be water stains on your ceiling, or mold or wood rot setting in in the timbers of your roof itself. Again, you must check for this quickly because if the damage is left unchecked it’s going to be much worse to repair in the long run.

Metal Roofs And Impact Damage

Seeing all the damage that a hail storm can do to your metal roof is going to be alarming, but the damage that can happen does depend on several factors. You’ll have to consider the following when you are looking to prepare your roof for a coming hail storm:

Metal thickness: This is potentially the most crucial factor when it comes to hail and your roof. If your roof is made of a thicker gauge metal, then it will be less prone to sustaining dents or other damage.

Roof pitch: Something else to consider is the pitch or slope of your roof. If you have a steeper slope on your roof, then that will help reduce damage from hail storms. A flatter roof will take on more damage as it will take the full force of the hail as it comes down.

Roof coating: When you have your metal roof installed, you will see that there is a wide range of coatings that you can apply to it. Many homeowners will choose to use a weather-resistant coating, to help their metal roof resist the elements. These coatings will also help resist impact damage from hail as well.

Prepare To Avoid Metal Roof Hail Damage

With all this in mind, how can you protect your metal roof from a coming hail storm? There are several things that you can do to lessen any potential damage.

Consider hail when having your roof installed: The first thing you need to do is consider future hail storms when you are having your metal roof installed. If you live in an area that is prone to hail storms, then you can take steps to pick the right metal design to resist damage. That could include picking a thicker metal, having the roof pitched higher, and picking the right coating. Your roofer will be able to advise you on what would be best for your home.

Do regular inspections: Whether you are expecting a hail storm or not, you should be doing regular inspections on your roof. These will show you if there are any existing issues, that could be made worse by incoming hail. If you do spot an issue, you can have it put right by a roofer before an incoming storm, so if there is any damage it should be lessened.

Do temporary repairs: If you do find issues with your metal roof before a storm, you may not want to do the full repairs until after the storm has passed. However, you don’t want to leave your roof open to the elements when the hail storm is coming. In this case, you can look at doing temporary repairs to protect your roof until the storm has passed. In some cases, that may simply mean putting down waterproof tarps over the roof to protect it from water damage until the storm is gone and you can have full repairs done.

Look into insurance: In many cases, you will see that your home insurance should cover roof damage and all associated costs. Of course, that will depend on the specific cover you have, and what’s their specific insurer handles. Right now, it’s a good idea to contact your insurer and inquire whether your insurance covers hail damage. If it currently doesn’t, you should look into adding that to your plan so that if there is damage in the future, you can ensure that the repairs are covered by them. 

Conclusion

While a metal roof is at risk of being damaged by hail, there are lots of factors that affect this. If you are aware of them and take steps to prepare your metal roof before any hail storms, you can mitigate the worst of the damage.

And if you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Middleburg, Winchester, or Fairfax, we’ll be happy to help you with your gutter and reroofing needs.

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Metal Roofing Residential Roofing Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Standing Seam vs Corrugated Metal Roof: What’s The Difference?

Metal roofs are fast becoming one of the most popular options for residential buildings, and as such you are being given more options than ever before for the type of metal roof you can have installed. Right now, the main two types of metal roofs are standing seam roofs and corrugated metal roofs.

Standing seam vs corrugated metal roof: What is the difference between them, and which one is going to be better for your home?

What Are Standing Seam Roofs?

Firstly, let’s take a look at standing seam roofs first. These are roof styles that are more commonly seen on residential buildings. A standing seam roof refers to a roof that is made up of metal panels, which have raised seams that connect them with hidden fasteners.

There are plenty of benefits to getting a standing seam roof, including the following:

Better protection against leaks: One of the biggest benefits of getting this kind of metal roof is the fact that they are stronger against potential leaks. Fasteners are typically one of the biggest culprits for allowing moisture into your roof, and because these roofs use a hidden fastener system, that means water simply can’t get in. Alongside the clip or nail flange system that connects the panels together, that makes your roof more water-tight than most roofing materials out there.

Lots of options when it comes to color: When having a roof-installed camera you are going to want it to look as good as possible. A standing seam roof gives you lots of options, especially when it comes to color. That allows you to match the color to your existing home, as well as the homes around you in the neighborhood. In many cases, you can even get metal standing seam roofs made in custom colors.

Stylish designs: Another reason a lot of homeowners choose a standing seam roof is because they are typically seen as the more stylish option. They have a more streamlined look and have sleeker lines.

As well as the benefits of standing seam routes, you also need to know the drawbacks before you decide on having one installed. These include:

A more involved installation process: When compared to corrugated metal roofs, standing seam roofs are more involved when it comes to installation. As such, this does raise the price of having the roof installed, and it can be tricky to find a contractor who is qualified to install them. 

More expensive: Overall, a standing seam roof will be more expensive to have installed than a corrugated metal roof. As well as the raised installation cost, the metal panels themselves are more expensive to obtain. However, they are still worth considering as the higher cost reflects the higher quality of the roof materials.

What Is A Corrugated Metal Roof?

On the other hand, if you are considering a metal roof you can also go with a corrugated metal roof. These are the first types of metal roofs that became available, and you would typically see them on industrial buildings. There are still some benefits of having a corrugated metal roof installed, over a standing seam roof. These include:

Very affordable option: If you want the benefits of a metal roof, but don’t have the budget for the standing seam option, then you can go with a corrugated metal roof. They are typically 50% less to have installed than the standing seam option, meaning they are comparable in price to asphalt shingles.  The cost reflects the relevant ease of installing such a metal roof, as well as the more affordable option when it comes to the materials.

Plenty of color options: Like the standing seam roofs, you can get a corrugated metal roof in a large range of colors. That way, you will be able to get a color that matches your home.

Energy saving option: Something that’s very tempting about having a corrugated metal roof installed is the fact that they are great for saving energy in your home. Firstly, metal roofs like corrugated roofs are partially made from recycled materials. When the time comes to have the roof replaced again, the roofing materials can be recycled again as well. That makes them much more eco-friendly than the similarly priced asphalt shingles. As well as this, you can have a corrugated metal roof coated to reflect heat, which will enable you to reduce your energy costs in your home.

Of course, there are also drawbacks to having a corrugated metal roof installed. These include:

Shorter lifespans: When compared to a standing seam metal roof, you will see that corrugated metal roofs do not last as long. You can get more out of them when you perform regular maintenance, but overall you will be replacing it sooner. You will also see that you need to perform more maintenance overall to keep it in good condition.

More potential for leaks: Unlike a standing seam roof, a corrugated metal roof is more susceptible to leaking. That’s because the fasteners holding the roof to the deck are exposed to the elements, so over time they can wear out and allow water inside your roof. You will also see that temperatures fluctuating can allow the screws to loosen, even if the roof was installed perfectly. 

Not as good-looking as other options: If you are concerned with keeping up the curb appeal of your home, a corrugated metal roof may not be for you. While a new roof will always make your home look better, it is considered that corrugated metal roofs aren’t as sophisticated as other options on the market.

Standing Seam vs Corrugated Metal Roof

If you want to know more about the differences between standing seam roofs and corrugated metal roofs, then it’s always a good idea to talk to your local roofer. They can let you know what would be better for your home, and give you more info so you can make an informed choice.

Now you know the basics about both standing seam and corrugated metal roofs, so you can pick the one that makes sense for your home.

And if you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Middleburg, Winchester, or Fairfax, we’ll be happy to help you with your gutter and reroofing needs.

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Metal Roofing

What’s The Best Underlayment For Metal Roofs?

Any roof is made up of several parts. One of the most essential parts is the underlayment, which sits under the outer layer of your roof. If you’re considering installing a metal roof, there are several different types of underlayment that you can consider. Which one will be right for you?

What is Underlayment For Metal Roofs?

To understand which underlayment is right for you, you’ll first need to know what exactly it does. This material is attached to your roof deck, to act as a barrier between your deck and the other roofing materials. Typically, it should act as a vapor barrier or moisture barrier, to help keep water out of your roof where it could cause damage. 

When it comes to metal roofs, it’s essential that you have underlayment installed. Not only do you need it for the above reasons, but you need it for noise reduction too. Without that layer, rainy days are going to be noisy in your home as the raindrops fall on your metal roof. 

Which Underlayment Should You Choose?

There are several different types of underlayment available, so any one of these will be right for you. Here are the options that are available to be fitted under your metal roof:

Felt underlayment: You may also see this referred to as asphalt felt/tar underlayment, but these refer to the same material. It’s a very common option that’s most often used on steep sloped roofs. Its biggest benefit is that it’s cost-effective. When you’re installing a metal roof you will be paying more for it, so this will be a big benefit for you.

As a material, it’s also water resistant, so it will work to stop water from entering your roof and causing more problems. Also, it’s widely available so it shouldn’t be a problem for your roofer to install it.

It’s worth noting that this underlayment doesn’t have as long a lifespan as others on this list. As a metal roof can last for decades, that’s something that you need to keep in mind. Plus, if you live in an area that gets high temperatures, it won’t last as long. As well as this, the underlayment isn’t easily recycled at the end of its lifespan, like your metal roof is. 

Synthetic sheet underlayment: This is a newer type of underlayment that’s made by weaving together either polyethylene or polypropylene with a polymer, to create that barrier material. As an underlayment, it’s a good material as it has a longer lifespan than felt underlayment, and can handle those higher temperatures if needs be. Plus, it’s much more durable thanks to the polymers involved with its construction. 

You will need to remember that this material will be more expensive than felt underlayment. It also has a low permeability rating. That makes it great at keeping moisture out of your roof, but will also make it harder to ventilate it. 

Self-adhering membrane underlayment: This type of underlayment is made from either rubberized asphalt or butyl-based adhesive with a polyethylene carrier sheet. This membrane uses a peel-and-stick formula that allows it to be stuck down onto your roof deck. 

These offer some good benefits to homeowners. As the membrane is fully stuck down onto the roof deck, it’s a great air barrier. It can also offer protection in high temperatures, which is good for those living in hot climates. Conversely, if you live in a colder climate you’ll get good ice dam protection with this material. 

You will need to make sure that you pick a good quality membrane, as lower quality ones run the risk of peeling away from the roof deck. That leaves your deck exposed to the elements, so consult your roofer about the membrane you should get. It’s also worth being aware that your insurance company may offer a discount for properly installed membranes. Make sure you ask your insurance company, as that could help lower the cost of your new roof. 

Which Underlayment is Best For Your Metal Roof?

Now that you’ve seen the options that are available to you, which underlayment is going to be best for your metal roof? The fact is that there’s no one clear outlier when it comes to quality. As such, it’s always a good idea to talk to your roofer. They’ll be able to give an expert opinion that’s based on their knowledge of underlayment, as well as your roof and your climate. 

For example, if you live in a hotter climate they recommend synthetic sheet underlayment or self-adhesive membrane, as they’re able to cope better in warmer temperatures. If your insurance company offers a discount for self-adhesive membranes, then they may recommend this type of underlayment. Make sure you talk to your roofer about what’s right for your home. 

Other Metal Roofing Barriers

You’ll also want to consider other barriers to have installed under your metal roof. If you live in a cold climate, for example, an ice and water shield will be needed. These barriers are made either of rubberized asphalt or butyl-based adhesive sheets. Typically, they’ll come in a peel-and-stick format. These are used as well as typical roof underlayment to protect your roof. 

If you need extra protection against condensation, then you have the option of using a vapor barrier too. These will help reduce the amount of condensation that accumulates in your roof. These are often recommended to be installed under metal roofs, to help protect your home and give your roof a longer lifespan.

Again, you can talk to your roofer about what’s needed on your roof, and make a plan for what they will install for you. 

Now you have all the details on metal roofs and the underlayment that you can choose from. You will need underlayment to protect from the elements and reduce the amount of noise from your roof. Your roofer will help you pick the one that suits your home best. 

And if you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Middleburg, Winchester, or Leesburg, we’ll be happy to help you with your gutter and roofing needs.

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Metal Roofing Residential Roofing

Metal Roof Home Untouched By Maui Wildfire: Here’s Why

By now you’ll be aware of the Maui wildfires that have ravaged the landscape there, fully incinerating hundreds of homes and currently leaving 115 people dead, with the number expected to rise. 

With so much devastation, there is one home that has seemingly avoided the fires entirely. In aerial pictures of the aftermath of the fires, you can see one white house with a bright red roof seemingly untouched by flames. 

This house belongs to Dora Atwater Millikin, a landscape artist, and her husband Dudley Long Millikin II, a retired portfolio manager. They bought the house just three years ago and avoided the fires themselves because they were in Massachusetts at the time, visiting family. 

So how did their house avoid the wildfires when so many other homes went up in flames? Here’s what most likely preserved it. 

Metal Roofing And Fire Resistance

The biggest reason the Millikins’ house avoided burning is because they had recently replaced the asphalt shingle roof on the house with a metal one. Why is this important? Because on most homes, the roof is where a fire will start during wildfires. 

That’s because your roof has the biggest surface area for embers and burning debris to land on. It’s very easy for burning leaves or even branches from a nearby tree to land on the roof and cause a fire. Depending on the materials used in your roof, it can go up in flames very quickly. 

With a metal roof though, that isn’t going to happen. As metal isn’t flammable, if burning debris lands there then it will simply burn out there without causing damage to the house itself. This is what’s credited towards saving the house. 

Fire Resistance Ratings

If you’re thinking about replacing your roof and living in an area that’s at risk of wildfires, then you’ll want to consider getting a metal roof over other options, such as asphalt shingles or shakes. Want to know what roof option is the most resistant to fire? You can check their fire resistance ratings. 

These ratings are designed to help you see how much any roofing material can resist a fire before catching fire itself. Metal roofs are one of the options that have the highest Class A ratings, meaning that they’re impervious to fire. Because of this, they’re an option that you should very seriously consider. 

Want a closer look at the ratings and what they mean? You can take a look at the NFPA’s page on fire ratings, and what’s taken into consideration when rating a roofing material.

 

 

Trees And Fire Resistance

As well as the metal roof, the Millikins’ home managed to avoid fire due to the landscaping choices that they had also recently made. They had removed a lot of trees and other greenery from the perimeter of their home, as the 100 year old wooden home was at risk of termites. By removing the foliage, they had aimed to reduce their entry into the home. 

By doing this, they had also incidentally protected their home from fire. When you look at advice for avoiding wildfire damage to your home, it is often suggested to remove foliage so there’s less fuel for wildfires around your home. As well as getting a metal roof, it’s a very good idea to mimic this on your own property. 

There are some other good reasons to remove trees around the home, too. If the trees are very close to your roof, it’s much easier for debris to make its way onto it. In the best case scenario, it will cause moss and algae to build up, or get into your gutters and clog them. They also allow a really good route for pests to make their way into your roof. At worst, if there’s a wildfire it’s so easy for burning leaves or branches to land on your roof. 

Clearing those trees away will help a lot in protecting your home in case of wildfire, so you’ll want to keep this in mind. 

Benefits Of Metal Roofs

While a real benefit of metal roods is their fire resistance, there are lots of other reasons why you should consider them too. Here are a few top reasons to get a metal roof.

Longevity: When it comes to roofs, metal roofs are some of the longest lasting out there right now. When you take good care of a metal roof, it will last for up to 70 years. Compare that to asphalt shingle roofs, which typically last up to 30 years with good care. That makes them work considering.

Ease of maintenance: With any roof, you’ll need to keep up inspections and maintenance on it. Metal roofs are known to be easier to care for, as they are installed in large sheets rather than individual tiles or shingles. There’s less space for water and any other issues to start making their way in, making them easier to care for. 

Quick to install: It’s always recommended that you have professional roofers install your roof, for several reasons. They’ll be able to do it safely and in an expert manner. When you have them do it, you’ll also see that they can install them quickly, too. That’s thanks to the large sheets mentioned above, as they really speed up the process. 

Environmentally friendly: You’ll be surprised to know that a metal roof is made up of around 25% to 95% recycled material, making it highly environmentally friendly. Plus, once they reach the end of their lifespan, they can be removed and recycled again, rather than being put into a landfill. That’s great news for those trying to be more eco-friendly when planning home renovations. 

Conclusion

As you can see, the metal roof on the Millikins’ home may just have been the reason it avoided the wildfires. With nothing flammable on the roof, any burning debris couldn’t cause any damage. If you live in an area at risk of wildfires, you should consider having a metal roof installed yourself.

And if you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Middleburg, Winchester, or Leesburg, contact Piedmont Roofing. We’ll be happy to help you with your metal roofing needs!

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Metal Roofing

Metal Roof Heat: Absorbed or Reflected? Here’s the Truth!

Metal is a popular roofing material for many reasons: it’s extremely durable, tends not to worry about rot or infestation, and can protect roofs and homes from heavy snow and ice damming in the colder months. 

But what about the warmer months? If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sitting on a metal bench in a hot summer, you’d know that metal conducts heat better than most materials – and can get very warm if left out in the sun. So, the question is: does a metal roof absorb heat? Or does it reflect it? 

Metal Roof Heat: Will It Heat Up My Home?

The absorption properties of metal are irrelevant in modern day roofing. All roofs built to a modern standard are insulated, so the heat that the material absorbs is not necessarily going to transfer down into the home itself. 

On the contrary, metal roofing lends itself perfectly to specialized coatings that are unfeasible on other materials, such as clay or asphalt, meaning that metal roofs can be built to maximize their reflectivity, and thereby keep buildings cooler than any other roofing material. It’s for that very reason that the EPA champions metal roofs with reflective coatings – also known as cool roofs – to save energy in the hot months. The downside of a metal roof is that it can be more expensive to install than most other materials, may stain with time, and can be more difficult to install; which is why having a roofing contractor you can trust is vital. 

Myths and Misconceptions

Metal roofs are known for many myths and misconceptions, partially because older metal roofs aren’t built to the same standard as modern roof installations, and partially because of a misconception about the properties and benefits of a metal roof, and the different ways the coating of the roof can impact its practical uses and aesthetics. So, let’s delve into a few of these common myths and misconceptions. 

Metal roofs absorb heat and trap it in your home.

We’ve exhaustively discussed and explained why this first myth is wrong, but to recap – reflective coatings on a metal roof minimize heat by relaying the sun’s rays, thus keeping your interiors cool in the hot summer months. 

Metal roofs cause excessive moisture buildup due to condensation.

There is no danger of excessive moisture buildup in a metal roof. Insulation material used underneath the roofing, as well as standard ventilation, prevents any condensation problems. 

Metal roofs contribute to urban heat islands by heating up their surroundings.

In fact, the opposite is true. The EPA recommends metal roofs with high solar reflectance to keep heat away from a building, and explicitly avoid urban heat islands. This reduces the reliance on air-conditioning units during the hotter months of the year, cutting down on emissions and energy usage. 

Metal roofs only make sense in cold climates because they help with heat retention.

Metal roofs reflect heat in the summer, but they also insulate homes like any other good roofing material. They work all year round, and you don’t have to worry about losing any heat during the winter or losing any cool during the summer. 

All metal roofs have the same basic heat-absorbing properties, and the differences between material and finish are only minor.

Different levels of reflectivity in the coating can leave a roof with varying attributes, which can be useful relative to the climate and region the roof is installed in. For instance, cool roofs utilize a special reflective coating to minimize a building’s absorption of heat. Darker metal roofs reflect light less effectively but are often nicer to look at. 

Metal roofs are prone to corrosion, due to their exposure to the elements.

The coating used on all metal roofs leaves them protected against wind and water to a much greater degree than untreated sheet metal. Basic processes, such as galvanization, are used to keep metal roofs from corroding nearly as fast as untreated steel by coating the core material with zinc, or in some proprietary cases, with a mixture of zinc, silicone, and aluminum. This highly limits the material’s reactivity to water and air. It doesn’t do much for its reactivity to salt water, though, making metal roofs a less attractive option along ocean coastlines. 

Metal roofs are heavier than most other roofing materials.

The opposite is true – because metal roofs are such an efficient roofing material, each panel is often thinner and lighter than many other roofing materials, such as clay or slate. Metal roofing isn’t the lightest but is still considered a lightweight roofing material. 

Metal roofs make rain and hail noises much louder!

Your house is more than four walls with a collection of steel plates as a roof. A roof consists of multiple layers of material, including proper insulation to keep interiors cool during the warmer months, and warm during the cooler months. Proper insulation also helps mitigate any amplified sounds and noise concerns. While noise concerns were a greater issue in the past, that’s no longer the case with modern insulation standards. 

Metal roofs can be dangerous to work on in the summer due to their extreme heat.

While it can get hot on any roof during the summer months, metal roofs are not necessarily more dangerous to work on than other roofs due to their reflective coating. That being said, metal roofs can be more slippery than asphalt or stone roofs, so it’s still a good idea to follow safety protocols and wear a harness! 

Metal roofs make a home more susceptible to lightning strikes!

Electricity is famously lazy and will choose the path of least resistance to the ground – as well as the path that’s closest. Your roof isn’t grounded, meaning it won’t give lightning an easy time to ground. Furthermore, research has proven that metal roofs are no more likely to attract lightning than any other material – and because a metal roof is non-combustible, often with the highest degree of fireproofing of any roofing material, it may be one of the safest kinds of roofing materials to have in a lightning storm.  

Conclusion

While metal conducts heat better than stone or clay, reflective surfaces allow metal roofing to come out on top as the most energy-efficient option for hotter climates, by reducing the need for indoor cooling due to the ability to keep interiors from heating up. Understanding the mechanics of the metal roof heat can help you make an informed decision and choose the right roofing material for your home.

Want to know more about your various roofing options? Reach out to Piedmont Roofing today!

Categories
Metal Roofing

Metal Roof Gauge Explained: Finding the Right Thickness for Your Roof

When it comes to choosing a metal roof for your home or commercial property, one crucial factor to consider is the metal roof gauge. The gauge refers to the thickness of the metal used in the roofing material. It plays a significant role in determining the durability, strength, and overall performance of your roof.

In this article, we will explain the metal roof gauge and guide you through the process of finding the right thickness for your roof.

1. Understanding Metal Roof Gauge

Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand what metal roof gauge means. The gauge number indicates the thickness of the metal sheet, and it inversely correlates with the thickness of the metal. In other words, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the metal sheet, and vice versa. For instance, a 22-gauge metal sheet is thicker and more robust than a 29-gauge metal sheet.

2. Why Does Metal Roof Gauge Matter?

Metal roof gauge matters because it directly influences the performance and longevity of your roof. Choosing the right gauge can mean the difference between a roof that lasts for decades and one that requires frequent repairs and replacements.

3. Benefits of a Thicker Gauge

  • Enhanced Durability

Thicker gauges offer increased durability and resistance to external elements, such as hail, heavy snow loads, and falling debris. They are less prone to denting or bending, ensuring that your roof maintains its pristine appearance for years to come.

  • Improved Wind Resistance

A thicker gauge metal roof provides better wind resistance, making it an excellent choice for properties in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or strong windstorms.

  • Longer Lifespan

A thicker gauge metal roof can have a significantly longer lifespan than thinner alternatives. Investing in a thicker gauge initially may save you money in the long run as you’ll be less likely to face premature roof replacement costs.

4. Considerations for Choosing the Right Gauge

  • Location and Climate

Consider the climate and location of your property. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, such as frequent storms, heavy snow, or high winds, opting for a thicker gauge would be a wise choice.

  • Roof Slope

The slope of your roof affects how water and debris flow off the surface. Steeper roofs shed water and debris more effectively, reducing the risk of accumulation and potential damage. For roofs with a steep slope, a slightly thinner gauge might suffice.

  • Budget

Of course, budget is an essential factor for any roofing project. Thicker gauge metal tends to be more expensive due to its increased material and manufacturing costs. While it offers significant benefits, you must find a balance between your budget and the desired level of performance.

5. How to Choose the Right Gauge

  • Consult a Professional

If you’re unsure about which metal roof gauge to choose, it’s best to consult with a professional metal roofing contractor. They can assess your property’s specific needs, consider local climate conditions, and recommend the ideal gauge for your roof.

  • Research Warranties

Metal roofing manufacturers often offer warranties based on gauge thickness. Thicker gauges might come with longer warranties due to their superior durability. Take the time to research and compare warranties to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right metal roof gauge is a critical step in ensuring the long-term performance and durability of your roof. Thicker gauges offer enhanced durability, improved wind resistance, and a longer lifespan, but they can come at a higher cost. Factors such as your property’s location, climate, roof slope, and budget all play a role in determining the ideal gauge for your roof.

When in doubt, seek advice from a professional roofing contractor and consider the warranties offered by different manufacturers. With the right metal roof gauge, you can rest assured that your property will be well-protected and that your investment will stand the test of time.

And if you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Middleburg, Winchester, or Leesburg, we’ll be happy to help you with your gutter and roofing needs.

Categories
Metal Roofing Residential Roofing

Pick Your Choice Out Of These Metal Roofing Designs

When considering what kind of roof to install on your home, you’ll see that there are so many choices. For many people, a metal roof is going to be the best choice for their home. Once you pick a metal roof, though, you’ll see that there are several different types of metal roofing designs that you can choose from.

Here are the most common metal roofing designs and why you should consider them. 

Metal Roofing Designs 

There are so many metal roofing designs out there it’s hard to know which one would be right for you. Here are some of the most popular right now, so you can consider whether they’re the right ones for you. 

Standing Seam Roofs

This is the most common metal roofing system that you’ll see on most homes that use metal roofs. The name ‘standing seam’ refers to the seams between the roof panels as they are raised and create a lip. 

They are popular because these seams help weatherproof the roof really well. As they are sealed together when installed, water can’t get into the seams and so your roof is secured from leaks. Also, as you’re not using shingles or similar products, wind can’t pull up the roofing panels and expose your roof to the weather. 

As these roof panels are available in an array of metals and colors, you’ll be able to find one that matches your home and complements it perfectly. While some people worry that a metal roof will look too industrial, you’ll quickly see that this isn’t the case. 

Tile Look Metal Roofs

Another key benefit of a metal roof is that they can be made to look like almost any other material. For example, it’s easy to find metal roof panels that have been molded to resemble clay roof tiles. 

When they are on your roof, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference, and you’ll be able to enjoy the look without the drawbacks of clay tiles. For example, a metal roof will be much lighter than tiles, so your roof won’t need to be reinforced when you have it installed. 

Shake Look Metal Roofs

This is another good example of a metal roof being made to look like another roofing material. Shakes are always perfect for bringing a more rustic look to your home, but they have a variety of downsides. In some states, you’ll see that legally, you won’t even be able to install them. If you can install them, they run the risk of wood rot if not maintained properly, and they are a real fire hazard. 

Instead, by using metal panels shaped like shakes, you’ll get the look you want without the issues. Just like the tile looks like metal roofs, you can’t tell the difference from the ground, and because it’s metal, you’ll have a lot less maintenance to do on the roof to keep it in good condition.

Slate Look Metal Roofing

Another example of metal roofs mimicking other roofing styles is the slate look roof. Real slate is beautiful and a great roofing material, but it also has its downsides. It’s an expensive method to use, and again is going to be very heavy on your roof. 

With a metal version of a slate roof, you don’t have to worry about the weight because it’s so much lighter. Plus, you’ll still get the look with a lower price tag. 

Corrugated Metal Roofing

This style of roofing is what you may be thinking of when it comes to metal roofing, as you’ll think of an industrial look when you consider it. However, it can also be made for residential homes and look great. 

Corrugated metal roofing is made by dipping roof panels in zinc and then folding the material to create patterns and ridges. This process makes the roofing panels stronger, which allows you to get an ever longer lifespan from your new roof. 

Benefits Of Metal Roofing

These have been just a few of the different metal roofing designs that you can choose from right now for your home. If these haven’t been enough to persuade you to go with metal roofing, there are lots of other benefits to having a metal roof installed. 

  • Longevity: One of the biggest reasons why people choose metal roofs for their homes is their lifespan. When well cared for, they can last for easily up to 70 years. That makes them one of the longer-lasting roofing materials on the market. When you compare that to asphalt shingles, one of the most popular roofing materials out there, you’ll see these only last up to 25 years on average. As such, it makes it worth the time and money to replace your roof with a metal roof instead. 
  • Ease of maintenance: You’ll need to take care of your metal roof in order to get it to last as long as possible. The good news here is, it’s not hard to take care of at all. As a metal roof can take wind speeds of up to 140 mph and many metals are impact resistant, there’s less work you’ll have to do to keep your roof in top condition. 
  • Environmental factors: When considering an eco-friendly roofing replacement, a metal roof is often the way to go. You’ll see that they’re often made with recycled metals, and when you’re ready to replace them, they’ll be recycled again. 
  • Energy efficiency: Something you may not realize about metal roofs is that they are highly energy efficient, too. As they can reflect a lot of UV light and so avoid the heat, that stops your home from getting warmer in the hotter months of the year. That allows you to cut your home cooling costs by a lot. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of reasons why you’d want to consider installing a metal roof on your home. If you pick the right design, you can get all the benefits of a metal roof while still getting the look you want too. If this sounds to you, talk to your local roofer today. 

And if you live in Virginia areas such as Middleburg, Winchester, Leesburg, or Warrenton, we’ll be happy to help you with your gutter and roofing needs.

Categories
Commercial Metal Roofing

Commercial Metal Roof Repair: Causes And Why Hire Professionals

Metal roofs have long been the gold standard for businesses, as they offer so many benefits over other roofing types. Like any roofing type though, there’s always a chance that the roof will develop issues over time. 

As a business owner, it’s important that you know how to spot these issues quickly. The sooner they can be handled, the easier, and more cost effective, the repairs will be. Here’s everything you need to know about commercial metal roof repair. 

The Benefits Of Commercial Metal Roofs

There are a lot of reasons why you’ll be using metal roofs on your commercial buildings. Firstly, they’re incredibly long lasting, with some roofs lasting up to 70 years with the proper care. Plus, that maintenance will be less intensive than with other roofing types. You won’t need to do as much to keep it in top condition and protecting your building. 

One of the biggest reasons why businesses use metal roofs is because of their Class A fire rating. With the maximum rating of fire resistance, you know your roof is safe if fire were to ever break out. This is especially important if your business is located in an area that’s prone to wildfires. 

With all this in mind, you’ll see that even metal roofs have problems from time to time. What should you be looking out for?

Common Repair Work Needed On Metal Roofs

When do you need commercial metal roof repair? Here are some of the most common causes of damage that you need to be aware of. 

Water build up: Like any roof, water is the main enemy of a metal roof. A metal roof does have increased resistance against water thanks to the way that they’re manufactured. As they’re made in large sheets rather than individual tiles, there are less potential entry points for water. 

However, even so, water can make its way in if the right conditions are met. For example, if there are blockages in your gutters, then that allows water to overflow back onto the roof and eventually cause leaks. In winter, this also leads to ice dams. 

It could also be because the roof wasn’t installed or designed to properly handle water. If the design doesn’t feature enough drainage, or if it hasn’t been installed by experts, then those leaks can happen. 

Aging: This is a reason why your roof is starting to sag, or leak. While a metal roof can last a long time, they cannot last forever. At some point the roof will be too old to continue keeping the elements out. 

This is why it’s important to know how old your roof is. If you’re doing more and more repair work to keep the roof in decent condition, then you may find it’s more cost effective to replace the roof than repair it. An expert roofer will be able to tell you whether that will be the case. 

Vulnerable areas beginning to leak: There are several areas on a commercial metal roof that are vulnerable to the elements. These include things like the vents, any piping going through the roof, roof lights, HVAC units, and gas lines. 

As these items all sit on or go through the roof, they represent areas that water could get in through. If you’re starting to see leaking around these areas, that’s a sign that the sealant around them is breaking down. 

Damaged roof flashings: Your roof flashings are the metal strips that are used to seal two sections of roof. For example, you’ll see flashing around the roof edges, and skylights. These are essential to the health of your roof as they’ll keep water out, but just like everything else will wear out over time. 

If you’re seeing leaks in areas under the flashing, that’s a sign that it’s worn or broken. You will need a roofer to check the damage and repair the flashing as needed. 

Poor maintenance: There’s a lot of damage that can happen to a metal roof thanks to the elements, but most of the time the damage will happen because it’s not well maintained. 

This doesn’t mean that you need to be up on the roof mending any issues as they happen. Typically, it’s a good idea to inspect the roof twice a year, and call a roofer to check on it. They will be able to diagnose issues fast and fix them before they get worse. 

Why Use Professionals For Commercial Metal Roof Repair

If you’ve seen any of the above problems on your metal roof, then you’ll need to get them fixed as soon as possible. It’s tempting to try and handle them yourself, especially if you’re a small business. However, it’s always better to have a professional handle it.

Here’s why:

Expert repairs: When you hire a professional, they’ll be able to spot damage much faster, and put it right. As someone who isn’t in the trade, you may not be able to carry out the repairs to the same standard, or worse, make it worse than it was before. 

Safety first: Repairing roofs is a dangerous job. Expert roofers have the training and the equipment needed to make it safe. When you leave the job to them, you’ll ensure that everyone involved in the repair is as safe as can be. 

Proper maintenance: If you’re following the procedure of having your roof inspected every two years by a professional, then you’ll be able to reap the benefits of doing so. That expert can catch any issues quickly, and they’ll be able to do a fully expert repair that will keep your roof going for its entire lifespan. 

Conclusion

A metal roof can experience issues over time, just like any other roof. If you’re looking out for the warning signs of damage, and calling the experts to handle it when you do see it, then you’ll keep your roof in top condition. This way, you’ll get the full lifespan and value from your metal roof. 

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