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Residential Roofing Metal Roofing

Why It’s Best To Hire Metal Roofing Contractors For Your Winter Needs

With the strong possibility of severe weather coming this winter, it’s ideal to be sure your home’s roof is ready. Read below on how metal roofing contractors can help!

In the winter, your roof is under more stress than ever. With the elements looking to batter it, you need the best roof possible to keep the wind, rain, and snow out. Many homeowners are now looking to install metal roofs on their homes, as they offer so many benefits.

Here’s why you should look into hiring metal roofing contractors to get your home ready for winter.

Less Chance of Water Getting Into Your Roof

The main enemy of any roof is water. If there’s the tiniest crack or gap in the roof’s defenses, then water can get in and start causing real problems. This can be anything from wood rot to mold, so you have to be careful to avoid it when you can.

Asphalt tiled roofs are usually watertight, but it’s very easy for them to develop faults. If even one roofing tiles comes off or breaks, then that’s where water can get in and start damaging the roof structure. You can avoid it by regularly checking the roof for any leaks or problems, and replacing any roof tiles that have cracked or fallen off. This is time consuming though, and in the colder months, it can be dangerous to get up on your roof and repair it.

That’s where the metal roof comes in. These roofs are made by placing overlapping sheets of metal together. As they are larger sheets, there are less places where leaks can make their way in and cause problems. That means less work for you, and less worry about water damage happening to your home over the winter months.

Metal Roofs Are More Resistant to Most Roof Dangers

When it comes to roofs, there are several things that can damage them. Rain, wind, falling debris, and more will cause serious damage over time. You have to take special care to ensure that a regular asphalt roof lasts as long as it should.

While you’ll still need to take care of a metal roof, you will see that they can resist a lot more. They’re basically impervious to things like rot, mold, and insects, as metal isn’t a suitable breeding ground for any of them. In the winter months, these can really start to take hold in roofs as you work to keep your home warm. With a metal roof though, that won’t happen.

Will Last For Years 

Even if you take good care of your asphalt roof, you’ll see that it will only last for 25 years at most. The materials used are good, but not as hardy as metal roofing. A metal roof, on the other hand, will last for up to 50 years depending on the model. Your roofing contractor will give you a warranty that will last somewhere from 20 – 50 years, so you will be covered.

This long life span is mostly down to the metal roof’s sturdiness. As mentioned above, they can resist a lot more weather, mildew, and so on. As they can’t be damaged that way, they will take a lot more in terms of cold weather without showing the effects.

Hold Up Against the Wind

In the winter, high winds will start to pick up and they can cause havoc in your neighborhood. This leads to knocked over fencing, garden furniture being blown across the yard, and of course damage to your roof. With an asphalt roof, the wind can easily get under the tiles and start to lift them off. This leads to them leaving the roof vulnerable to water damage. With high winds often coming with rain, that’s a very real problem.

Of course, wind comes with other problems for your roof too. That wind blows all kinds of debris into your guttering, potentially blocking it and even leading to ice dams.

When you have a metal roof, you’ll have a roof that’s much more resistant to the wind overall. Again, as the roof uses larger sheets rather than individual tiles, you’ll see the wind won’t be able to get under it and cause problems for you. If that’s something you’ve had issues with in the past, then you’ll be pleased to see this.

When it comes to blocked gutters, it’ll take longer for any problems to arise. Of course, if exposed to water over a long period of time, the metal roof will develop leaks and issues. As it’s normally resistant to water though, you’ll have longer to check before it becomes a problem. You can, of course, buy gutter guards that will stop this from happening.

More Fire Resistant Than Other Roofing Materials

In the winter, you’re going to spend more time at home. With that, comes more energy being used to keep the house warm. If you’re using a furnace or portable heaters, you’re going to be at more risk of fire. Of course you’ll be careful, but accidents happen and you’ll need to be prepared.

One way to protect your home is to have a metal roof installed. These roofs are much more resistant to fire than other roofing types. In fact, many of them have a Class A rating, making them the most resistant around. If the worst should happen and a fire breaks out, your roof should be safe.

Quickly Shed Rain and Snow

Finally, many homeowners worry about their roofs sitting under thick snow. It’s true that if enough snow sits there, the roof can become damaged. This does depend on the roof and the materials it’s made of, though. Metal roofs are much better at shedding snow than their counterparts. As a roofing material, it’s naturally more slippery so it can’t settle on it.

Conclusion

There are so many reasons why a metal roof is the best choice when the winter comes around. If you need a new roof, consider getting a metal one installed. Your local metal roofing contractors can show you how they work, and just why they’re the best option for you.

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Blog Metal Roofing

Going Modern with Metal Roof Material

Homes everywhere utilize metal roof material to provide energy savings, beauty, and protection that lasts. The exciting thing about metal roofing is that it is available in a wide variety of designs to complement any style home. Offered in a rainbow of colors, your metal roof can be a traditional vertical seam profile, or be manufactured to resemble wood shake, slate, shingles, or clay tiles.

The Benefits of Metal Roof Material

Thinking about going metal? Compared to conventional roofing materials, there are many benefits for choosing this versatile material for you home.

Metal Roofing Endures

Properly installed, a metal roof should last a long time, sealing out water, surviving high winds, and easily shedding snow. Metal is resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot. Warranties vary widely, but most companies back their products for 20 to 50 years. Paint finishes typically have a 30-year limited warranty.

Lightweight Metal Saves Money

Metal roofing only weights 50-150 lbs per square, and can experts install them on top of an existing roof. This avoids the need for taking off the old roof. This reduces waste and disposal of the old roof. If you are building a house or an addition, you can often downsize or reduce the number of roof support members, saving money on building materials.

Metal Roof Material Installs Easily and Quickly

Unlike other roofing materials, metal roof material comes in multiple-shingle sections that 12-36 inches wide, so it goes up faster. Time is a huge benefit during inclement weather. When you expose your roof for less time, it’s less likely that there will be rain damage to the structure.

Metal Works Well for Low-pitched Roofs

Metal roofs do not pose as much of a leaking hazard as other materials when used on a low-pitched roof. The minimum roof pitch for a metal roof is a 3 inch rise every horizontal foot.

Metal Roofing is Fire Resistant

Metal roofs are non-combustible and given a Class A rating as the material with the most fire resistance. This rating is lowered to Class C when the metal roof is installed over an existing combustible material like wood shingles.

Sun-reflecting Metal Saves Energy

When the midday sun heats up, metal reflects the sun’s rays, saving energy needed for air conditioning your house. For better insulation, some systems utilize the air space between the metal roofing and the existing structure and save on heating bills as well by utilizing a dense foam insulation or other material.

Metal Sheds Rain and Snow

Because metal roof material is designed to interlock while also being hard and slick, it easily repels rain and snow. You greatly reduce the chance of leaks with a metal roof when water and snow doesn’t sit on the roof for long periods of time.

Metal Roof Material is Better for the Environment

You’ll save money with metal, but you’ll also be doing your part of the environment. You can install metal roofs over existing roofs as well. This eliminates the need for tearing off and disposing of the existing roof. This saves landfills from some of the estimated 20 billion pounds of waste that results when conventional roofs are torn off and replaced. Another eco-friendly feature of metal roofs is that many utilize reflective pigment technology, which lowers utility bills. Not only that, but metal roofs are manufactured from 30-60% recycled material.

The Drawbacks of Metal Roofing

Metal Roofs can be Noisy

Depending on your noise tolerance, metal roofs may be undesirable because of the sound of the rain pounding on the roof in a storm. You can control some of the noise using sound-deadening insulation and plywood sheathing under the metal. For some, though, the sound is not a drawback but an enjoyable sound.

Dents are a Possibility

Depending on the type of metal roof, there is a chance that it could dent in the event of a bad hailstorm or if it is necessary to walk on the roof for a home repair. Softer metals like aluminum and copper will dent easily. However, other types of metal have a guarantee to not dent.

Metal Roofs can be Difficult to Replace

Because metal roofs are installed in larger pieces, replacing one of the pieces is a much bigger repair than simply replacing one shingle. They also can be difficult to match if you put on an addition.

Lightning Might be an Issue

Some homeowners worry about a lightning strike with a metal roof, although it may be more likely for lightning to strike a tree next to your house than the actual roof. Concerned homeowners can have the roof grounded by a lightning protection company.

Metal Expands and Contracts

As it warms and cools, metal expands and contracts, so most new products have fastening systems that accommodate movement. On hot days, the expansion and contraction of the roof may cause a wavy effect.

Must Take Care with Metal so it Does Not Mar

Some painted metal roof finishes can peel, chip, fade, scratch, or chalk, although nearly all are guaranteed for 30 years. During installation and anytime it is necessary to walk on the roof, care must be taken to prevent marring of the metal.

The Biggest Drawback is Cost

When it comes to residential metal roofing, you are not only paying more for a higher quality material than asphalt shingle, but you are also paying for a more costly, professional installation that requires specialized skills, expertise, and equipment. Keep in mind that there are factors that may influence your final price for a new metal roof. These include the type of metal and the roof style you choose. It also includes your geographic location, and the overall complexity of the roof. The good news is that because metal roof material lasts so long, you ultimately save the difference if you stay in the house for a long time.

Aside from the few drawbacks, metal roofing could be the last roof you will need to purchase for your home, giving you years of protection. Particularly in areas with extreme weather, a metal roof can withstand any conditions that Mother Nature brings. If you are ready to make the leap and try metal roof material on your home, you can find many ideas for any style of home: colonial, historic, contemporary, and rustic and even see how your own home will look with a metal roof.

 

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Blog Uncategorized

Signs Your Roof Life Is at Its End

Sometimes a situation makes it obvious that your roof life is at its end, and you need a new roof. This could be a tree branch crashing into it during a storm. Other circumstances are not so cut-and-dry. Issues like water damage may require only a repair. You do not want to jump the gun if you do not have to, but you also do not want to hold out longer than you should, because that could make the problem worse. Here are some signs that you need new roofing in Culpeper.

Signs Your Roof Life Is At Its End

Interior and exterior checks are both important. You probably want to start inspecting the inside of your house first, because it is easier. To check your roof life, head up to the attic and look for any sunlight coming through the tiles. Also look for areas of the roof that are sagging, dark spots of algae, and leakage or other water damage. All of these point to the fact that your roof is getting weaker and needs a replacement.

Exterior Signs

After a thorough interior inspection, look outside for other possible signs of damage that require new roofing in Culpeper. If you can see that the shingles are curling, buckling, or plain missing, your roof has most likely moved beyond its life expectancy. Missing shingles are an especially serious problem if the holes are located near the roof’s valleys, because flowing rain and snow could cause massive leaks. Lots of granules in the gutters tell you that your roof life is at the end, and the tiles have received a lot of wear and tear and need replacing.

If you are unsure, the best thing to do is to call a trusted roofing company to send over some experienced workers to evaluate your roof life. You can get free estimates on what it would cost for a repair and for a new installation,as well as advice on which one to choose. Getting roof inspections twice every year, once in the spring and once in the fall, can keep little repairs to a minimum instead of letting them worsen over time so you can avoid more problems in the future.

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Standing Seam Metal Roofs Blog

The Advantages of Installing a Metal Roof Over Traditional Materials

When one thinks of roofing materials, asphalt, wood, and tile might come to mind. These traditional materials look great, and have many advantages. However, a commonly overlooked material for roofing is metal. Installing a metal roof has many qualities that make it excellent for roofing, and it can even be fashioned to mimic other materials, giving it an unobtrusive look. If you are looking to replace your roof, a metal roofing company will be able to provide many different options for finishes and designs when installing a metal roof.

Benefits of Installing a Metal Roof

One of the prime advantages of installing a metal roof is the durability it offers. Metal roofs can withstand extreme weather such as sleet, hail, snow, and high winds. They offer superior noise silencing when combined with solid sheathing. In addition, they last much longer than other types of roofs. In fact, they may last up to two or three times longer. The metal will never decompose like asphalt does. Installing a metal roof will hold up great under heavy snow, and can help avoid problems with ice damming, which can otherwise cause leaks.

Environmentally Friendly

Another great reason of installing a metal roof is that it is more environmentally friendly than other roof types. Generally, the steel in the roof is recycled. It lasts for decades longer than asphalt, the amount of waste produced is significantly reduced.

Typically, a metal roof can last up to fifty years! Compared to shingle roofs, which need to be replaced every decade or so, this is a great investment. Due to the fact that the lifespan is longer, and the materials are recyclable, you are limiting your carbon footprint.

Why You Should Choose Metal

When you are ready to get an estimate on installing a new roof, your metal roofing company will send a representative to your home. They will evaluate several factors that will contribute to your final quote. The style and finish of the metal you want will be one factor. An equal consideration is the existing roof style and pitch.

Metal roofs are a great alternative to classic roofing materials. They are an extremely solid investment that not only outperform materials such as asphalt and tile, but also give you the peace of mind of knowing that you are unlikely to ever need to replace your roof again. Calling your local metal roofing company for an evaluation is the first step towards an improvement in the functionality and durability of your roof.

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Blog Residential Roofing

Advantages to Having a Metal Roof Company Install Your Roof

Deciding to have a metal roofing company install a metal roof on your house or place of business can be a great move. There are many advantages to having a metal roof company install your roof. These advantages include the fact that they are more durable, longer lasting than other roofing materials, generally considered safer, and more environmentally friendly.

Standing seam metal roofs are in high demand, because they are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are very resistant to weather damage. They also require little to no maintenance. The standing seam helps water to drain off the roof in an effective manner, and thus prevents water damages. These roofs are pre-painted, and many of the paint finishes come with a 35 year warranty.  Metal roofing also has an energy star rating, and it is much cooler than other types of roofing.

Why Trust a Metal Roof Company for Roofing Installation?

Choosing a metal roof for your home can have many benefits, both upfront, and in the long run. Below are some of the most common reasons people choose metal and call a metal roof company to install it.

More Durable

Although any kind of roofing material should be inspected regularly to make sure it is clear of any damage, metal roofing is more durable and will require less maintenance. Where other roofs might split, your metal roof will not. It will not crack and shingles will never fly off. A metal roof is more likely to withstand whatever happens to it.

Longer Lasting Than Other Roofing Materials

The upfront cost of having a metal roof company install a roof can be costlier than other roofing materials. However, you will be grateful to have a roofing material that lasts several decades. It may even last up to 70 years. This means that even if you decide to live in your home for the rest of your life, you may not ever have to install a new roof.

Generally Considered Safer

The biggest value of a metal roof, when installed by a reputable metal roof company, is fire resistance. Metal roofing is generally safer than other materials. In case a fire breaks out in your home or a wildfire threatens your neighborhood, your metal roof will not spark or ignite.

More Environmentally Friendly

Ask your metal roof company about the environmental advantages to a metal roof. Metal roofs are often made of up to 95 percent recycled metals. They are wholly recyclable at the end of their long life. When you consider that all the other roof tear offs being performed are sending roofing and building materials into the landfill, this is a significant benefit of metal roofing.

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Standing Seam Metal Roofs Blog

A Metal Roof Contractor: Alternatives to Traditional Roofs

Not only can repairs to a roof prove costly, roof damage can also drastically impact the quality of life in the home. It can also contribute to further damage due to outside elements. When repairs or renovations are necessary, a metal roof contractor can offer solutions to the many common problems plaguing homes.

A metal roof is more expensive than an ordinary roof made of shingles, but comparing initial costs is not always the wisest choice. In the long run, a metal roofing contractor can provide you with a much longer lasting roof that may never need replacement at all. This will save money on roof repairs while adding value to your home.

The following are just a few benefits of utilizing a metal roof contractor to install your next metal roof. The reasons can range from cost-effectiveness to being environmentally-friendly. In many cases, a metal roof may be the best option when a home is in need of significant repair.

Metal Roofs Are More Durable

Durability is key to maintaining the roof of your home, and a metal roof contractor can install a roof that will withstand the test of time. Due to its inherent qualities, a metal roof can better tolerate things like inclement weather, as well as issues such as insect infestation and mold growth. A metal roof offers a more durable alternative to other common materials, which have a tendency to experience significant problems at a much faster pace.

Metal roofs offer superior protection against all the elements, including fire, wind, water and snow. Fire will not burn a metal roof at all, and studies of hurricane damage have shown that metal is more resistant to wind than more traditional roofing materials. Metal roof contractors ensure water cannot penetrate it, so there will be much less water damage to the internal structures of your home. Snow and hail both slide off a metal roof with ease rather than piling up. Various weather conditions will not cause the same deterioration to the metal that they do to other materials. You will not see peeling, curling and cracking of your metal roof. The metal will stay as good as new for decades.

People often think that they will be extremely noisy during rainstorms. This is not actually true in most cases, since the metal is usually placed atop a layer of wood and other materials. A metal roof does not make a house a more likely target for lightning. It is not necessary to ground any of the exterior roofing material. In fact, the metal can actually help protect a house against damage caused by lighting strikes.

Reduces Heating and Cooling Bills

A metal roof has greater insulation capabilities than roofs made from other materials. This can drastically impact the amount it costs to heat or cool your home. By installing a metal roof, homeowners can reduce the amount of their monthly bills dramatically. This can have a great positive effect on all aspects of the home.

An Environmentally-Friendly Option

Common roof-building materials can have a devastating impact on the environment. This is from the use of natural resources to disposal of waste materials. A metal roof contractor mitigates one’s environmental footprint, thanks to its insulating capabilities, as well as use of re-purposed materials.

A metal roof contractor can offer many solutions to the problems associated with your standard building construction. If you are in need of a repairs or even installation, a metal roof can be a great option to lower costs, as well as being an environmentally-friendly choice. Call us today!

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