Chris DiCicco asked:


Metal roofing is becoming a very popular choice for many homeowners. There are several reasons for this. Metal roofing is a noncombustible material and can resist all fires up to class A. Class A can be the ones that insurance companies give discounts due to the less probability of catching fire and having more time to extinguish them before things gets worse.

Metal roofing is tough, more cost effective and lasts longer than any other roofing solution yet they are pretty simple and ordinary looking. Curved metal roofing adds both the toughness of the metal roof with the sleek and classic look of the curved roofing.

Metal roofing is generally more expensive than asphalt roofing, but cheaper than tile or slate roofing. It has a long life and can even lower heating and cooling costs because it reflects heat from the sun. The metal roofing panels standing seam FSS18 is designed for both new and retrofit projects. The FSS 18 is especially useful where strength over open purlins is required or where there are long runs with limited openings.

Metal roofing is also much lighter than other kinds of tiles, which puts less stress on your rafters and walls. Metal is naturally extremely fire resistant, so those living in wildfire areas feel safer with a fireproof surface.

Metal roofing provides many benefits for homeowners who choose it for their roof. These advantages are becoming increasingly apparent, as the dramatic rise in the popularity of metal roofs tells us. Metal roofing is pricey. It may cost as much as–or more than–other premium materials: from about $1.80 to $8.00 per square foot, plus labor. Metal roofing offers a wide variety of panel profiles to choose from. Nearly any design appearance can be achieved when using metal if you are willing to pay the added cost.

Metal roofing materials are 100% recyclable in the event that they are ever removed. Metal roofing reflects the sun, thereby allowing a home to stay cooler. It also cools off very quickly at the end of the day. Metal roofing is easily scratched, and these scratches are often easily seen from the ground. The present device is designed to protect the metal roof from damage by preventing ladders used for support from touching the metal surface.

Steel roofs have the greatest strength per pound of any roofing material. Strong but lightweight, they are well designed to handle heavy snow and ice loads, and actually improve structural strength - important in earthquake and high-wind areas.

Steel cladding panels have made the evolution from traditional post and frame construction to satisfying the requirements of today’s architects in creating “sustainable green buildings”. Due to the high percentage of recycled materials in modern steel products “LEED” recognizes this reduced impact creates an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials.

Metal roofing is fairly complex and very involved process that takes a lot of time, system specific know-how (not all metal roofing systems are made the same), patience, precision and care. Metal roofs take much longer to install, their initial price is very significant, but the rewards of a properly installed metal roof go far beyond its looks.

Metal roofing that retains its good looks, whether it is shake, tile or vertical seam panels, outlasts both of these products. Metal roofing systems were used in the 1700s for housing because it was cheap. You would find various zinc, lead and copper roofed houses in various cities. There are numerous metal roof products. Metal roofing is both cost effective compared to many other roofing materials and lasts for many years.

As always just be sure to do your homework when trying to find the best contractor for the job. The lowest price is not always the best way to go and if you choose to make your final decision on just that fact, be prepared to be disappointed most of the time.



Glenda

Mary Ann Porsuelo asked:


Most homeowners would certainly like to take care of their own roofs. It is better, however, to leave the roofing system in the hands of professional roofing contractors. Roofing repairs and maintenance is tedious and dangerous. There are some things about roofing that a homeowner must also know though. Here are the basic roofing recommendations that roofing companies would like to share with the homeowners.

Roof Repair and Replacement

Upon inspection and discovering damages on your roof, it is only natural that you take measures to fix it and prevent more damage. This would involve having your roof repaired or getting it replaced.

When you plan for a roof replacement, you have two basic options. You can either opt for a complete replacement of the roof system, or choose to cover up your existing roof with a new one. A complete roof replacement would mean tearing your old roof off and installing a new one. The second option just involves an installation of a new membrane and surfacing.

With the second option, however, you have to make an additional inspection with a professional roofing contractor if you’ve already been through a roof recovering in the past. The roofing contractor will check whether or not your deck can hold and support a second recover. If not, you will have to opt for a complete roof replacement.

If you are experiencing roof leaks, there might not be a need for a roof replacement. The leak may have been caused by loose flashings or a partial damage to a section of your roof. These minor damages do not call for a roof replacement. Repairing the roof may be enough. If the leak is caused by a roof failure, that is the time when you need to replace your roof. This is because a roof failure, caused by improper installation or wrong choice of materials used, cannot be fixed and is irreversible.

Useful Life of Your Roof

Your roof’s useful life largely depends on the type of roof you have and the treatment it receives from the local environment:

Asphalt shingles: lasts 15-20 years

Wood shingles/shakes: lasts 10-40 years

Clay/concrete tiles: lasts 20 years or more

Slate: lasts 30-100 years

Metal roofing: lasts 15-40+ years

Remember that when choosing the type of roof you want for your house, always check with the warranties of the products.

Ventilation and Waterproofing Your Roof

Roof ventilation is recommended for every home. It may not be that big a deal for many people, but it is better to have one according to professional roofing contractors.

Why is it needed? Roof ventilation helps create a cooler attic in the summer. Hot and overheated attics are damaging to the roof deck and shingles. With roof ventilation, roof damages like these can be avoided. During the winter, the roof ventilation can help create a drier attic and prevent ice dams. So basically, roof ventilation moves hot air out of the attic in the summer and removes moist air in the winter.

For extra protection, you can also have waterproofing underlayment installed underneath the shingles. It is recommended that waterproofing underlayment be installed in high wear areas like the valleys on the roof, around the dormers, rakes, eaves, and skylights. The waterproofing underlayment is an extra barrier against water leakage.

Seek For Professional Help

There are safety and efficiency procedures to take into consideration when repairing or replacing the roof. Without the proper knowledge and training, your roof might be subject to an improper installation. You might also be injured in the process. Professional roofing contractors are efficiently trained and are aware of the safety considerations in roof repairs and roof replacements. Homeowners should just stick to roof inspections and some maintenance systems. You can check for cracked shingles or clear the roof gutters. But it is recommended that you leave the repairs and replacement to the professionals.



Jesus

Shane Hester asked:


The fabrication process for a standing seam metal roofing system can be done in a couple of different manners, depending on your individual needs and preferences. One option is to have the panels made in a factory and the other is to make them right on the job.

The natural properties of a metal roof are very impressive. Metal panels are durable and long lasting as well as virtually maintenance free. They offer tons of remodeling benefits like the ability to be installed over almost any type of existing roof system and the wide array of color options and styles that can be used to match any home style.

Standing seam metal roofs have become popular in parts of the country that present harsh weather conditions such as the Deep South, where conditions are hot and humid for many months of the year. They are also admired by northerners because of their ability to withstand heavy snow and wind loads.

Some of the other advantages of significant value are the fire resistant properties and the universal styling that enables blending to almost any home’s design. Metal roofs offer what many believe to be the perfect styles for upscale homes as well as homes of lesser value, such as mobile homes. The most popular of any style is the standing seam metal roof, which has been used throughout the world on almost every type of home imaginable.

A standing seam roof is constructed of many interlocking panels that run vertically from the roof’s ridge (the top of the roof) to the eave. The interlocking seam where two panels join together is raised above the roof’s flat surface, allowing water to run off without seeping between panels.

Standing seam roofs come in many shapes and sizes. In some instances, the vertical panels are cut to length at a factory and delivered to the job site. Metal panels can also be made at the job using portable metal fabrication equipment. Other options include standing seam “shingles” that arrive prepackaged (typically in three to five-foot lengths) and are installed in a staggered pattern for visual effect.

Two types of methods are commonly used to secure the panels to the roof sheathing. Hidden fasteners are secured to the raised portion of each panel, and subsequently covered by the next adjoining panel during installation. The second (and less costly) method utilizes exposed fasteners that are driven through each metal panel into the roof sheathing.

Now we can discuss how standing seam metal roofs are constructed. Let’s assume the metal roof panels are going to be formed on the jobsite instead of in a metal fabricators shop or factory.

The metal roof panels are made individually to accommodate the required length. This reduces jobsite waste, as short and long panels can be cut to the appropriate length. To form the interlocking panes, a metal fabrication machine called a brake is used to shape metal into various designs.

To prevent damage to the ends of the roof panels, a hydraulic shear is used to cut each panel to the required length. Even though the roof panels require some trimming by hand, it only takes a few minutes to cut each one and prepare it for installation.

Each part of the metal roof system is installed in a certain order which creates a water resistant seal. First, roofing paper is installed over the roof sheathing.

Next, the roof’s valleys (formed where two roof sections meet at an angle) are covered. A preformed ridge cap covers the roof’s peak. Every vertical roof panel is fastened and adjoined to the ridge vent for a consistent look.

Each roof panel that runs from ridge to eave tucks neatly into the ridge vent. Clips secure each panel to the roof sheathing. Using hidden fasteners creates a more polished look once the job is completed.

The next adjoining panel will cover the clips that secure each panel (left). The raised seams formed by the panel ends are crimped together to form a watertight seal.

Adjoining roof panels are crimped to one another to cover the clips. Each panel hides the clips that secure the adjacent panel to the roof sheathing. By completely covering the fasteners, they are not exposed to the elements, reducing the possibility of water damaging the roof sheathing or the structural system below.

The final results: Ridge cap, valleys and vertical sections all come together to form a watertight seal against the elements. A properly installed metal roof can go many years with little or no maintenance.



Jennifer

pandemic asked:


How many bundles in a square and how much square feet in a square when it comes to roofing?

Jason

grosspryor asked:


we are redoing our flat roof & have given it an sloop. we decided to use rolled roofing instead of tar & gravel. we are ready to place the rolled roofing, just would like to know if there’s a minimum &/or maximum overlay requirement. we live in central florida.

Neil

Snowflake asked:


Have two rectangular shaped skylights…my husband and I have already installed metal roofing on part of our house, now moving on to the part that has the skylights. Want to be sure to do it correctly so we won’t have leaks. Should we just cut the metal holes out and silicone around the edges or is there more to it than that? Please advise.

Lonnie

life_loverfl asked:


I live in east Texas and have a driveway off the main road that is over one half mile long and about fifteen feet wide. I want to lay down roofing shingle tabs instead of paving the drive with asphalt or pouring concrete but I am having a difficult time finding them. Where can I purchase these by the truckload and have them delivered?

Gladys

webmaster asked:


In the discussion of metal roofing (see Metal Roofing: A Buying Guide), the word "metal" covers a lot of ground. Several metals are used for roofing materials: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and zinc alloys. Each has different properties that affect durability, price, and appearance.

Steel, used for most metal roofing, is heavier and sturdier than aluminum. Manufacturers have settled on a number of durable coatings and finishes that protect steel from rust and corrosion. It’s usually zinc-coated for corrosion protection, then sealed. A coating of epoxy primer offers adhesion and a baked-on acrylic top coating adds color and protection. Because sheet systems are designed for commercial applications, they generally are given highly durable paint finishes. One popular flurocarbon coating used on many products is called Kynar(r). Stainless steel–a very expensive roofing material–won’t rust or corrode. Terne coating (see below) can give it a natural, matt-gray finish.

Aluminum, extremely lightweight, is the material used in much residential metal roofing. It won’t rust, but must be painted or coated for appearance. Coatings are similar to those used on steel. Environmentalists express concerns about using this precious resource for purposes such as roofing. Copper metal shingles make a visually striking roof that may last as long as the house.

Copper, rooted in centuries of use, will not rust, has no "finish" to scratch or peel, is soft enough to easily tool, and weathers naturally to a beautiful verdigris patina. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive. Alloys are formulated for strength, graceful weathering and durability. Cost depends on the specific material but, as a group, they are pricey.

The Benefits of Metal Roofing

Metal beats out conventional roofing materials on a number of counts:

Expected life. Properly installed, a metal roof should last as long as the house, completely 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 strongly back their products for from 20 to 50 years.

Weight. Compared to tile at 750 pounds per square (an area equal to 100 square feet) or concrete tile at 900 pounds per square, metal roofing is lightweight. Most are from 50 to 150 pounds per square. Some types of metal shingle systems may be applied over one or two existing roofs without the need for tear-off or adding structural support. In fact, if you’re building a house or an addition, you can often downsize or reduce the number of roof support members.

Speed and ease of metal roofing installation. Most metal roofing materials come in multi-shingle sections or in sheets. An accomplished contractor can install these quickly. If your roof is stripped off and a storm is on the way, shortening the process by a day or two may prove to be a critical advantage. Note: You can also buy single metal shingles that are relatively easy–but time intensive–to install. (Unlike three-tab asphalt shingles, each piece must be individually placed and nailed.)

Fire resistance. Because metal roofs are noncombustible, they’re given a Class A fire rating (the most resistant). Part of a roof’s classification depends on materials beneath the surface that could ignite in intense heat, so some metal roofs applied over an old combustible roof–such as wood shingles– may be rated lower.

Heat conduction. Metal reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimizing midday heat gain. Though the material itself is low in insulation R-value, many systems utilize a dead-air space between the metal and roof deck to increase energy efficiency.

Minimal roof pitch. Most metal roofing materials can be installed on gently pitched roofs without danger of leaking. Typical minimum roof pitch is 3-in-12 (the roof rises 3 inches for each horizontal foot).

Metal Roofing Drawbacks

Though metal roofing offers many pluses, there are a few drawbacks or concerns worthy of consideration. For the most part, roofing manufacturers have faced these concerns and improved their products to address or solve many of them.

Cost. The biggest drawback is initial cost. Metal roofing is equivalent to other premium materials: from about $150 to $600 per square (100 square feet). The secret is that you get it back if you stay in the house for a long time. Of course, if you plan to move in a couple of years, you probably won’t get the cost returned in value. Figure you can also save on engineering the supporting structure and maintenance.

Noise. For some, the sound of rain tapping on the roof is romantic and homey; for others, it’s like living inside a drum. In a rainstorm or hailstorm, living beneath thin sheets of metal is bound to be noisier than beneath thick slate or tile. Noise can be controlled, however, both by using materials that have structural barriers to minimize the drum effect and by applying them over sound-deadening insulation and solid plywood sheathing.

Denting. Just as your car will dent if a golf ball hits it, a metal roof may dent if large hailstones fall on it. Aluminum and copper, much softer than steel, are more prone to denting. Some are guaranteed not to.

Though you shouldn’t have to walk on a roof that doesn’t leak, there may be occasions when a plumber needs to snake out a vent pipe or a chimney sweep will need access to the chimney flue. You can walk on some metal roofs, but not all–depending on how the particular product is made and the type of construction supporting it. Also, metal is slippery when wet.

Marring. Some painted finishes can peel, chip, fade, scratch or chalk, although nearly all are guaranteed for many years. Walking on some types–particularly those with a granulated-stone surface–may show wear. Installers must be careful not to scratch or dent roofing during installation–panels must be treated with care. Unlike conventional roofing, some metal shingle systems are installed from the top down, eliminating the need to walk on them. Once installed, it may be necessary to hose-off roofing now and then to keep it looking good.

Expansion and contraction. Because metal expands and contracts as it warms and cools, most new products have fastening systems that account for movement; otherwise, fasteners that secure roofing tend to work loose.

Modification. Roofing materials installed in large panels are more difficult to replace if damaged than individual shingles. Also, if you remodel or add-on to your home 10 or 20 years from now, it may be difficult to match the material.



Daniel

Webmaster liquidroof asked:


Liquid-applied roof coatings have proven themselves as useful tools for the roofing professional to restore and protect existing roofs. They can be extremely durable and used as the first-line of defence in the roofing envelope, offering further protection to other components below. Liquid roof coatings are after market products designed to extend life, seal leaks, provide a heat reflective or aesthetic function over existing roof surfaces. There are many products on the market ranging from asphalt based products, rubber solution (Hypalon, Neoprene, Silicone), water based Acrylic and other emulsions, and chemically curing systems such as Urethanes and now Liquid Roof. Liquid Roof forms a 100% chemically-cured seamless White membrane every bit as solid and attractive as factory-installed sheet rubber. Liquid Roof’s simple one-coat application by brush or roller saves you time and money, sealing and protecting your RV from water damage.

As far as application of liquid roof is concerned, it offers compatibility to a large number of surfaces such as metal, concrete, fibreglass, fabric, foam, rubber. It may be applied on roof decks, metal roofs, gutters, structural steel, air conditioner enclosures, cooling towers, galvanized steel, unit heater flues, smoke stacks and chimneys, fibreglass, non porous masonry surfaces, pool liners, underground room waterproofing, and channels. It is also excellent for wood, canvas, cement, or metal roof repair over large surface areas. One most important advantage of using liquid roof is that it does not require a top coat, primer or additional applications like many other roofing products.

Liquid roof ideally can be used for many types of roof repair. One of the most important Liquid Roof Repair applications is RV Roof Repair. Liquid roof sticks to the entire types of facades- canvas, plywood, suds, cement, mass rubber, customized roofing, additional roof coverings, strengthen, timber, top tiles, genuine tiles, solid, and many more. It is the most cost effective and efficient product for solving RV Roof Leaks Repair problem as it does not chalk, shrink, crack, peak and flake.

There are some tips which must be kept in mind before applying liquid rubber on your roof. Be aware that it is a 3 to 6 hrs process, excluding the surface preparation time. Once the liquid EPDM Rubber is applied, it takes around 16 to 20 hours to dry up. Therefore proper management of time is necessary. Careful planning regarding weather conditions should be done as well, i.e. one should plan to work on days when the rain is not expected because although Liquid Roof will immediately waterproof, even when wet, avoid heavy rain until it is completely dry to the touch which means 16 - 20 hours after application. To be on the safe side, one can say that a full cure will be achieved in 4 - 10 days after application, in consistent 70 deg F.

The Common advantages that Liquid roof coatings offer are countless. It is waterproof, has high compatibility with almost all types of surfaces, very flexible and elastic and can withstand a large temperature range from -62 degrees F to 300 degrees F without cracking. All I can say about liquid roof is that It’s the best and roof is the most important aspect of a house and liquid roof is the one which can take care for it properly.



Alma

Groshan Fabiola asked:


If you live in an area where hails are something common, you must be aware of the fact that there will come a time when you will need some serious roof repairs or even a roof replacement. Time is also a defining factor in the amount of damage that your roof can handle. Like many other things, roofs deteriorate in time, but unfortunately there are some additional factors which make the process of deterioration even faster. Such factors include the unavoidable exposure to sun, rain, wind, snow, and so forth. Most roofs are made to last, but none of them will last a lifetime. If you’re lucky, the consequences of a serious hail will only be some roof repairs. But for many people, re-roofing is the only solution.

There’s nothing like the sense of pride and fulfillment that you get from doing something difficult on your own, without professional help, especially when it comes to your home. However, roof repairs or re-roofing does not exactly fit into the do-it-yourself category. The recommendation in such cases is that you turn to the services provided by roofing contractors.

Roofing contractors are professionals who will help you in all the aspects related to roof repairs of re-roofing. But you as a consumer have an important part in this project, as you have to take some important steps in ensuring that the final outcome of the process is just as you imagined it would be. Roofing contractors have to meet some requirements, which you have to check out. First of all, make sure that they are registered or certified. There must be a roofing contractors association in your state or region, where you can verify if the roofing contractor you have chosen is certified or not. Insurance for roofing contractors is also a must, so make sure you don’t omit this aspect. A handshake would have been enough once, but now certainty comes with a written and signed contract. However, before you sign anything, you should get some written estimates of your project from at least three different roofing contractors in your area, all based on the same materials that you have chosen for your roof repairs or re-roofing process. If the roofing contractor you have selected has prior experience in your area, you should also check out some of their previously completed projects, so that you can get a good idea of how they work. Talking to the owners who have been the roofing contractor’s clients might shed some light on how they deal will possible problems or complaints, or how they have handled issues during the entire job. In order to get the job done, the roofing contractor will need access to your home, and the question of trust arises. Of course, you must check the roofing contractor’s phone number, address and references, but it wouldn’t hurt to get an honest, unbiased opinion from someone who has been their client before you.

Should you ask for written estimates from different roofing contractors, you’ll find that there may be some differences among these bids. Study them thoroughly and try to understand these differences, because the most expensive project doesn’t have to be the best for what you need, but then again you shouldn’t jump at the cheapest one, which may turn out to be not so great, to say the least.

Keep in mind that there are many roofing contractors, and regardless of the complexity of your project, whether it’s just some roof repairs or a more serious re-roofing, you need the guarantee of a well carried out job at reasonable costs. Certified roofing contractors who do everything by the book are the answer for you.

For more information related with Roof Repairs and even about subjects like Roofing Contractors please visit this website http://www.MAKRoofing.com



Barry