Category: Residential Roofing

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Metal Roofing Residential Roofing

All About Metal Roofing Industry Performance Standards and Testing

Like any other roofing material, metal roofing is subject to stringent performance standards and testing. Anyone who is considering roofing their home with metal roofing products will be glad to know that they are tested thoroughly before they are used in building projects.

As part of the metal roofing industry, here are the tests roofs are put through and why they are done.

Why Test Metal Roofing Products?

Any materials that are used in home or commercial buildings need to be thoroughly tested before they are used. That includes metal roofing, so you can be sure that your new roof will be safe as possible.

Metal roofs are one of the hardiest roofing materials on the market right now. When a homeowner has a metal roof installed, they expect it to be able to withstand the elements. That includes heavy rain, wind, and even fire. By testing these products before they are used, roofers can be confident that their work will last for years to come.

More importantly, these products all need to be safe before they can be used. Testing ensures that the products are all safe to be used on your home, so you know you have the protection that you paid for.

Metal Roof Testing

So, how are metal roof materials tested before they are made available to roofers? In the roofing industry, there are several different tests that they are subjected to before they can be made available for sale. These include:

Fire testing: Fire testing is incredibly important for all roofing materials, but especially metal roofing. Many people who live in wildfire affected areas will choose metal roofs for their homes, as they are typically the highest rated fire resistant materials out there. That means that they will not add fuel to a fire, so if any sparks or burning debris were to land on them, then you can be sure that the fire will not spread. 

There are three different fire resistance categories for roofing materials, ranging from A through C. Any roofing material that achieves an A class rating will not allow flames to spread, and typically you will see metal roofs falling into this category. 

To ensure that a metal roofing material can meet this rating, it will be tested in simulated fire conditions. It is the roofing substrate that is specifically being tested, to see whether it can resist fire and gain that rating.

Impact testing: Another key test that is done on all metal roofing materials is impact testing from hail and any wind driven missiles. These can cause more damage to roof materials than you would first think. Heavy hail can easily lead to denting on a metal roof, or bruising on other materials like asphalt shingles. While this damage is obvious, there could be hidden damage that you may not notice at first until the roof begins to leak and cause more damage.

That is why it is important to test how a metal roofing material can handle any impact damage and see how much it can take before it becomes damaged itself. There are actually several different tests for this, to fully sign off on metal roofing materials being impact resistant. These include:

UL 2218: This tests a roof’s protective capabilities and ranks them on how much they can resist hail damage in particular. Any good metal roof should get a class four rating, which denotes that you will get the maximum hail protection from your roof. It is worth keeping in mind that if your roof system has a paint finish, you will also want to know how much that can resist hail as well.

ASTM E1886: This test will measure how much your roof can resist impact from missiles, which can include things like fallen tree limbs and other debris that is swept onto your roof by the wind.

Resistance to high winds: Finally, any metal roof you consider should have been tested for its resistance against high winds in general. This is incredibly important for any home, but especially if you live in an area that can be prone to hurricanes and other high wind weather.

There are several different tests that can be done to qualify the wind resistance rating for your roof. Your roofer will be able to let you know which roofing materials are best for your needs and your location. Typically, the tests will show how much pressure the roofing material can we stand for no less than one minute. This will be shown as the maximum pressure withstood in pounds per square foot.

How To Choose The Best Metal Roofing For Your Home

So, if you are considering having a metal roof system installed, you want to be sure that it has passed all of the above tests before you have it installed. 

The exact metrics you will be looking for will depend on you and where you are located. For example, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, you want a metal roof which has a class A fire resistance rating. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you want a metal roofing system that can withstand higher amounts of pressure as noted by high wind testing.

The best thing to do if you are unsure is to talk to your local roofer. This is especially true if you are feeling confused by the different testing metrics available, and what they mean for you and your home. As your roofer is a professional, they can walk you through what they mean and which ones would be right for you and your location.

With this testing data available to you, you can be sure that you are picking the right metal roofing materials for your home. There are several different ways that metal roofing is tested before it is made available to the public, to check whether it can resist wind, hail, fire, and more besides.

Roofing Industry Conclusion

If you are looking for the best roofing system for your home to resist these elements, then you will want to look into metal roofing systems. 

If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Fairfax, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.

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Residential Roofing

5 Things Homeowners Need to Know Before a Roof Renovation

When it comes to home renovations, renovating your roof is most likely the most expensive job you will have to undertake. With that in mind, you want to be sure that you are fully prepared for everything that may happen during the process.

Here are all the things you must know before you start a roof renovation, so you have all the info before you get started.

1. A Roof Renovation Is Not Just Cosmetic

The first thing you need to understand is that when you have your roof remodeled, it is not just to improve the looks of it. Of course, remodeling the roof will make it look better and that will help with your overall curb appeal. However, having your roof remodeled will help improve the overall health of the roof, and therefore protect your home from the elements.

As such, when you are picking the materials and the style of your new roof, you will also have to keep in mind all the benefits of a particular roofing material, professional installation, and so on. All these things are crucial to ensuring the overall health of your home.

2. There Are Many Different Roofing Materials Available

If you are just starting with having your roof remodeled, then you may only consider having asphalt shingles installed, especially if that is what is on your roof right now. However, these days there are numerous different options when it comes to roofing materials. You have so many options available to you, that you will have to do your research before you settle on a specific option.

For example, asphalt shingles are popular for roofs as they are an inexpensive choice, and if you take good care of them they can last up to 25 years. If you want a longer lasting option, then you could go for a metal roof, as they can go for up to 70 years depending on their care. However, you will also note that these are more expensive, so you will have to keep that in mind.

If you are not sure which roofing material would be right for you, you should talk to a roofer to see what they recommend for you.

3. Extra Structural Work May Need To Be Done To Your Roof

Before going ahead with any roof remodeling work, you will have to have your roof inspected. You must hire an expert to come handle your inspection, as they will be able to spot any issues that you may not have been aware of. Of course, this is an extra expense, but it’s one that many roofers will tell you will save you more money down the road. 

For instance, if you have your roof inspected the inspector may discover wood rot in the beams in your attic. If this is not addressed, over time those beams will rot away and cause structural damage to the roof. If you simply have the top layer of your roof remodeled and don’t address that, you will need to pay for more repairs later down the line, as well as the damage to your new roof thanks to those beams failing.

4. Professional Installs Are Always Recommended

Take a look online and you will often see people DIYing their new roof installation. That’s going to be tempting to a lot of homeowners, again because a roof remodel will typically be one of the most expensive jobs you have to undertake on your home. However, no matter how tempting it is, it is always better to spend the money on a professional install.

This is because when you hire professionals to handle your roof, you will also hire their experience in the work they do. No matter how handy you are in the home, you are most likely not experienced in fitting roofs. A professional will have years of experience, allowing them to properly handle the job at hand. 

Also, fitting roofs can be dangerous work if you’re not used to it. A professional roofer will be able to bring the right equipment to carry out the job safely, ensuring that you and your family will be safe during the whole process.

5. Make Sure You Ask Questions When Choosing A Roofing Contractor

Once you are ready to have your roof remodeled, you will need to find the right contractor to handle the job. As this is such a large and involved job, then you’ll need to be sure that you’re finding the right contractor to handle it. 

This sounds rather stressful for many homeowners, but luckily if you know how to find the right one, it shouldn’t have to be. Firstly, it’s a good idea to ask around your friends and family to see if they have any recommendations for local roofers, as that helps you find the right person quicker. You can also search for reviews of local roofers online to see what others are saying about them. 

Once you have found a couple of roofers that look promising, get in touch and ask them to come and inspect your roof. Any good roofer should come and do this before quoting a price for the work. They should also clearly point out anything that they will have to correct or repair before the roof can be replaced. 

The best way to know you have the right roofer is that they’re happy to answer any questions that you have. For example, you should be asking about whether your roof would be suitable for the materials that you want to use, or how long the job should take the roofer to complete. 

Conclusion

These are some of the most important things that you need to know when you’re planning a roof renovation. Keep these in mind when planning your new roof, and you shouldn’t come across any surprises during the whole remodeling process. Remember as well that your roofer should be able to answer any questions that you may have.

If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Fairfax, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.

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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 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 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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Residential Roofing Roofing

The Importance Of Professional Roofing Repair Service

When it comes to maintaining your roof, you’ll often be tempted to try and do it yourself. There’s no denying that roof replacement is one of the most expensive home repair jobs you can do. Once you’ve had the roof installed, you don’t want to spend more on any maintenance that has to be done to it. 

While that’s reasonable, you’ll also need to understand just how important it is to use a professional roofing repair service. There are several reasons as to why, so let’s get into it. 

Why Should You Hire The Professionals?

Firstly, let’s talk about just why it’s so important you hire professionals to handle your roofing repair jobs. There are several reasons why you should call them, including:

They’re the experts: This sounds so obvious, but the fact is a professional roofer is going to have a lot of experience tackling roof repairs. As a homeowner, there may be some small jobs you can handle, such as unblocking the gutters, but if it’s anything more complicated than that, then you need to call the experts to help. 

Even if you’re using a good how-to guide to replace those shingles or fix broken gutters, you still likely don’t have the experience in doing these jobs. When you hire a professional roofer, you know that the job will be done right the first time. Remember, if a roofing repair is done incorrectly, you’ll be dealing with more issues down the line, and it can get much more expensive to fix. 

They’re able to do it safely: Doing anything on your roof is inherently dangerous, as you’re doing repairs high up off the ground. If you’re trying to DIY a roof repair, that really does put you at risk.

Instead, it’s a much better idea to get the experts to come handle it for you instead. They’re the people who have the right equipment to do the job safely, such as scaffolding, harnesses, and so on. They also have the correct training in working on roofs, so you can be sure they can complete the job without anyone being at risk. 

They’ll get the job done correctly and save you money: Many homeowners will put off calling experts to help them with their roof as they’re worried about the cost. That makes sense, as you don’t want to spend money if you don’t have to. However, you’ll find that calling in a professional in the first place will save you money in the long run.

Why? Because that professional is going to get the job done right the first time. They are going to have a much easier time diagnosing an issue, and as they’re getting this right they’ll be able to make the right repairs the first time. Plus, they have the equipment and experience needed to do a top-class repair. That avoids the mistakes that can happen when a DIY job is done and ensures that you won’t have to spend more money later on fixing further damage or even having to replace the roof entirely. 

What Roofing Professionals Can Do For You 

So if you think your roof could do with some help, what can a professional roofing service do for you? There are lots of things they can do when your roof needs repair. Here are some things that you can call a service out for when you need help:

Roofing inspections: As a homeowner, it’s important that you have your roof inspected regularly. When you’re checking it over, you’ll be more likely to spot issues quickly and have them put right before they can get worse. That helps you avoid a lot of common issues with your roof and ensures that you’ll save money on repairs in the long run. 

While you can do a lot of inspection yourself, you’ll see that it’s often best to have a professional perform it for you. As they have all the right safety equipment, they can get up on the roof and check it more closely than you can. As they’re professionals, they’ll be able to spot issues that you may miss and put them right before it can get any worse. 

Perform basic maintenance: Again, there are some roofing maintenance tasks that you can do yourself, but there are plenty of reasons why you wouldn’t want to. Firstly, it’s often time-consuming, and you often just don’t have time to do it yourself. Plus, you don’t want to risk doing a repair incorrectly or doing a job without the right safety equipment. 

That’s why it’s often a good idea to have the experts handle basic maintenance. As they have the experience, they’ll be able to do the job right the first time. For example, if your metal roof has developed a leak, they’ll be able to track down the leak and put it right quickly and efficiently. 

Help with insurance claims: If you’ve had a large-scale storm come through your area, it can play havoc with your roof. Whether a lot of shingles got ripped off or you have a tree branch that has gone through the structure, that’s going to be a large-scale repair job. As such, that’s something that you’ll need your insurance to cover, but it’s hard to know where to start with such a claim.

That’s why any good roofer will be able to liaise with your insurance company for you. They’ll be able to handle all the paperwork, so you know it has been handled properly and you’ll be able to concentrate on cleaning up after any storm. That’s one less thing on your mind, so don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals if you need to. 

Roofing Repair Service Conclusion

This is just a sample of what a professional roofer can do for you. Maintaining and repairing your roof is always important, as it’s your home’s first line of defense against the elements. As such, you’ll always want a professional to handle it for you, so talk to your local roofers today. 

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

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
Residential Roofing Roofing

The Importance Of Spring Roofing Inspections And Maintenance

Your roof is a major investment in your home, one that will cost a lot to have replaced. Once you’ve had a new roof installed, you’ll want it to last as long as possible. That’s where roofing inspections and maintenance come in. Spring roofing is the best time to give your roof the once over and ensure it’s in good condition.

Here’s what you need to know. 

Why Inspect Your Roof?

Firstly, why should you be doing regular roofing inspections? Once that roof has been installed, it should be able to withstand the worst that the weather can throw at it, within reason. However, heavy storms and other factors can damage the roof, and you’ll want to be on alert for any damage. 

If damage happens, such as shingles being pulled free by wind, then that leaves your roof open to water damage. Rain water can get in through that gap, causing leaks, mold, rot, and more. This is why you want to be inspecting your roof regularly, to spot any damage that may have occurred. 

The sooner you spot the damage, the sooner that it can be put right. That ensures that the risk of ongoing damage is minimized. You’ll also find that it’s much cheaper too, as the repairs will be a smaller and easier job to handle. Call a roofer as soon as you spot damage, to ensure that it gets handled. 

Why Inspect And Repair In The Spring?

So you know that inspection and maintenance on your roof is important, but why would you want to do this in the spring, specifically? The most important reason is that coming out of the winter season, there could well be damage to your roof. High winds, heavy rain, sleet and hailstorms can all do a number on the roof. 

If you try to inspect your roof during the winter though, it can be hard to spot the damage. Heavy snow settled on the roof, for example, will mask any damage. The same occurs if there’s an ice dam, as you won’t be able to see the damage underneath. 

In the spring though, you have much better conditions for inspection and maintenance. As snow melts and the weather dries up, you’ll be able to see what damage has occurred much more easily. Any debris that has piled up, such as leaves, can easily be cleared away too for inspection. 

There’s also the fact that spring offers much better weather for repairs. In the winter, the weather is too cold and wet for roof repairs to be done safely. In the early spring, you have better conditions so the repairs can be done to the highest standard. 

When To Call A Roofer

You can do your own roof inspection, using the guide below. If you do see any damage that needs addressing, it’s important to call your roofer right away. Having a roofer handle the repairs is always the safest option, and so it’s worth the cost of hiring them. Plus, they’ll be able to accurately diagnose the problem and put it right. 

You can also hire your local roofer for you to do the inspection itself. That’s peace of mind for a lot of homeowners, and something that you’ll want to consider. 

When it comes to costs, remember that a repair that’s left too long, or done inexpertly, will cost a lot more down the line to put right. In some cases, it may even require you to have a new roof installed. When you hire a roofer you’ll actually be preventing these large costs, by having an expert handle them in the first instance. 

How To Inspect Your Roof

With all this in mind, you’ll now need to know how to inspect your roof, and ensure that it’s in good condition in the spring. Here’s what you’ll need to do when looking for any potential repairs:

Inspect the roof from the ground: The first thing to do is take a look at your roof, and see if there’s any obvious damage. This is something that you want to do from the ground, as this is the safest way of checking your roof out. If you want to get a closer look, you can examine the roof using binoculars. 

Look for any signs of damage, such as flashing coming loose, or missing roofing shingles. If you see any damage, you’ll want to handle that right away. Small repairs such as replacing shingles can be done yourself, but it’s often best to call a roofer to help you. 

Clear the gutters: Over the winter, debris such as leaves will have blown into your gutters. That can often lead to to ice dams, as water can’t drain away and so freezes in your gutters. Use a trash bag to clean away leaves, and while you do so look for any signs of damage from ice dams the previous winter. 

Check out the attic: Once you’ve looked outside, you’ll want to take a look inside the roof too. Get into your attic, and take a look around. You’re looking for any spots of light coming through the roof, as that will show you where shingles are missing. You should also look for any signs of mold or wood rot, as these will be evidence of leaks and need to be addressed as soon as possible. 

Call a roofer: If you have spotted any damage to your roof, you’ll want to call a roofer as soon as you can. The sooner they can come and repair it for you, the easier and cheaper it will be. In many cases, you’ll be able to make a claim on your home insurance for your repairs too. 

Spring Roofing Conclusion

It’s critical that you inspect and take advantage of spring roofing, and do any necessary repairs at this time. The sooner you do it the better, so get out there and take a look at your roof now. If you would like more information, contact the professionals at Piedmont Roofing today!

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

Categories
Metal Roofing Residential Roofing

Why Choose Metal Roofs As The Ultimate Wind Resistant Roof Design

When considering what material you should use for your new roof, there are lots of things that you need to take into consideration. For example, if your area sees a lot of high winds, then you need to install a roof that can stand up to them. Why choose a metal roof in this instance? Here’s why they’re the ultimate wind resistant roof design. 

Metal Vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingle roofs are a very common choice for roofing. They’re highly affordable, and it’s very easy to find a roofer that can install it for you. While they do have their benefits, there are some times when they aren’t going to be the right option for you as a homeowner. 

If you live in an area prone to high winds, then you’ll see that asphalt shingles can very easily be pulled away from your roof. The more shingles you lose, the more gaps there are that will allow water to get into your roof and start causing damage. 

Now, you can easily replace shingles when needed, and that’s a simple repair depending on where you live. If you’re seeing regular high winds, though, that’s a lot of repairs that you’ll have to do to the roof. That’s why many homeowners now are using metal roofs instead. 

Metal Roofs In Wind Uplift Tests

You can tell that metal roofs are the best for resisting high winds, as they have been tested to see just how much they can take. In wind uplift tests, a securely installed metal roof can withstand winds of up to 140 mph. In some cases, that number can go up to 180mph. 

That’s highly impressive, as that’s higher than the wind speeds in even some of the worst storms in recent memory. For example, Hurricane Michael capped out at 155mph in 2018. That shows you just how reliable a metal roof can be. 

The Wind Resistant Roof Design

What is it about a metal roof that makes it so wind resistant? There are several reasons why they’re a good option:

Strong attachment methods: A metal roof will be attached to your roof using a variety of methods, such as hidden fasteners, exposed fasteners, and stamped fasteners among others. What they all have in common is that they securely hold the roof down on the roof deck, ensuring that most winds won’t be able to pull the metal up. 

You’ll also see that a lot of metal roofs are secured using two different methods, both fasteners and clips. As there are double the fasteners holding it down, that creates more security against the wind. 

Interlocking systems: During installation, the roof panels on a metal roof are interlocked. This keeps the metal down close to the deck of the roof, and that leaves very little space for wind to get in underneath and cause problems. 

This can be improved further by using sealing tape at the eaves, ridges, and hips. That creates more resistance against wind, keeping that roof where it’s supposed to be. 

Proper installation: Like all roofs, a metal roof will be able to perform at its best when it’s installed correctly. When you take the time to research and find the best roofer for metal roofs in your area, you’ll be sure that your roof will be securely installed and going nowhere. 

Metal Roofs And Natural Disasters

It’s not just high winds that a metal roof can protect you against, either. You’ll see that they’re excellent protection against earthquakes and fires, too. 

In the case of an earthquake, a metal roof is safer as it’s lighter than other roofing methods. Because of this,  it generates smaller inertial forces when subjected to earthquakes. That will help it stay in place and protect you in such an event. 

They’re a very good choice for living in areas prone to wildfires, too. Metal roofs have a Class A fire resistance rating, the highest they can get. If any debris catches fire and lands on the roof, such as branches, then you’ll see the roof will resist fire capably. 

Other Benefits Of Metal Roofs

While a roof that’s highly wind resistant is a massive plus, it’s not the only benefit that you’ll experience with a metal roof. Here are a few more reasons why you’ll want to consider having one installed:

High fire rating: As mentioned above, a metal roof has a high fire rating. You know that when installed, it should resist fires that break out in or around your home, making the structure safer. 

Longevity: While a metal roof does cost more than other types out there, they also tend to drastically outlast them too. On average, a metal roof should last around 50 years, depending on how well you take care of it. As such, once you’ve replaced your roof with a metal roof, you shouldn’t have to replace it again in your lifetime. 

Can be installed quickly: Another key benefit of a metal roof is that it can be installed very quickly, especially compared to other roofing methods. That allows you to get the process over and done with faster, so you experience less disruption in your home. 

Reflect heat and save on energy bills: If your climate is hotter than average, a metal roof will save you a lot on your energy bills. This is because a metal roof is able to reflect a lot of heat, rather than absorb it. That helps keep your home cooler and allows you to use less energy to keep it cool. 

Great at shedding snow and rain: On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you get a lot of snow and rain where you live then metal roofs are perfect for your home. They easily shed it, so water doesn’t get a chance to enter the roof. 

There are lots of reasons why you should have a metal roof installed. One of the top reasons is that a metal roof easily resists high winds and stays in place.

If you would like more information, contact the professionals at Piedmont Roofing today!

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

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