Rooftop asked:


Most online sites lead you to a contractor who wants to do the work for me. I just need a discount price for the roofing shingles.

Melinda

Jucick asked:


The latest innovation today is metal roofing. Available in a range of appealing materials, today’s metal roofing offers strength, flexibility, and permanence to compliment any home design. Metal roof contractors prize metal roofing for its beauty, endurance and renovation-friendliness.

Whenever metal roofing installation is being considered, aluminum is a natural choice because it offers strength and durability along with a light weight. In fact, within the aerospace industry, aluminum is the number one metal choice, so it is no surprise that aluminum’s desirable qualities make the material just as popular among metal roofing contractors. The lighter weight of aluminum makes it easy for homeowners to re-roof, reducing the weight of their current roof while enjoying the beauty of the latest metal roofing. No structural reinforcement is required as might be the case with slate or tile roofing materials. And because aluminum roofing resists corrosion and rust, it is an ideal material for use in coastal environments. Finally, aluminum is supple and flexible, which allows for greater creativity for intricate or delicately formed roof, with no loss of strength or beauty.

Galvanized Metal Roofing

One roof that is truly as strong as steel is galvanized metal roofing. One specific type of galvanized metal roofing is manufactured under the brand name, Galvalume, North America’s fastest growing coated steel construction product. This metal roofing is made with galvanized steel. It is strong, resists common outdoor corrosive forces and is highly durable at twice the rate of regular galvanized metal. Galvalume provides outstanding properties of heat reflectivity. This places a lower energy load on buildings and contributes to greater comfort inside the building. A Galvalume metal roofing installation looks terrific on every home, and offer extremely low maintenance and wonderful energy savings.

In fact, metal roofing manufactured by Galvalume has been tested by the Florida Solar Energy Center and have passed UL 90 wind tests based on their weight and strength. This means this metal roofing installation can withstand 155 mile-per-hour winds.

Today’s metal roofing made with galvanized steel is suitable for residential use and is typically coated with zinc (g90) or a combination of zinc and aluminum (AZ50) to ensure resistance to corrosive elements. Additional benefits of galvanized metal roofing include excellent strength, greater resistance to wind uplift, which can damage a roof, and a variety of applications compared to other metal roofing materials. Of course, this means homeowners can also enjoy a wider variety of pricing and products than can be found with other types of metal roofing. Many metal roofing contractors are available to assist with installation of your metal roof

Metal Roofing & Energy Efficiency

Homeowners who want to live more “green” and wish to reduce their energy bills and add much-needed value to their homes are pleased by the energy efficiency and environmentally friendly elements of metal roofing.

Metal roofing installation also qualifies homeowners for a energy tax credit of up to $550 per year, courtesy of the United States Energy Policy Act of 2005. Simply use IRS Form 5695. If you do not plan to move for several years, a metal roof installation investment is a good one, even if you never receive the tax credit, simply because of the savings in home energy expenses.

Metal roofing installation upgrades include “cool metal roofing”, a solid, good looking metal roofing solution that saves up to 40% on annual energy costs depending on where you live. The secret to this metal roof’s ability to save energy lies in its finish. The typical dark asphalt roof traps heat inside the home. Basic metal roofing that is unpainted reflects the solar energy your asphalt roof would usually absorb. Homes in warmer climates are best suited to granular coated (pre-painted) metal roofing that reflects solar energy and cools the home by re-emitting absorbed solar radiation. Best of all, metal roofing is created from recycled materials, and metal roofing installation can be done directly over your asphalt roof. Overall, metal roofing:

· Reduces landfill waste

· Offers a quicker installation

· Provides many years of environmentally responsible roofing

· Is maintenance-free

· Adds beauty and value to your home

· Offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty

· Is expected to last more than 150 years

If you are ready to transform your home using beautiful, energy efficient, long-lasting metal roofing, today is a great day to begin.



Eleanor

Debbie Brucks asked:


You’ve seen steel roofs on barns, but how often have you seen them on residential property? It’s very likely you’ll be seeing them a whole lot more around the country. With wildfires, hurricanes, hail and other extreme conditions damaging houses, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the benefits of metal roofing.

Steel roof installations have more than doubled in the last five years and will continue to grow 15 percent per year, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). There is no material more capable of protecting a home from destructive weather conditions.

Benefits of Metal Roofing:

DURABILITY

A metal roof will last at least two to three times longer than an asphalt roof, or 40 to 60 years. In the warm, humid Southern states, metal is virtually immune to the unsightly mildew stains that often form on asphalt shingles. Properly installed, a metal roof won’t leak or rust and can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour.

Shane Scott, a real-estate entrepreneur from LaGrange, Georgia, renovates and resells older homes. He installed a metal roof for his own home in 2000 and was so pleased with it he’s purchased metal roofs for all the homes he’s refurbished since then.

“When buyers are considering a home, they’re always concerned about the condition of the roof,” notes Scott. “With metal, they know they won’t need to do anything to it for at least 50 years. With an asphalt roof, they’ll need to replace it within 15 to 20 years.”

PROTECTION

Most metal roof systems have passed UL 2218 Impact Resistance testing at its most severe level, Class IV. As a result, homeowners in hail-prone states who choose metal roofing may be eligible for discounts on their insurance premiums.

Ed Parker, a retired homeowner from Sharpsburg, Georgia agrees. “We’ve gone through two or three asphalt roofs on our home over the years and they discolor and rip off during wind storms, or leak due to hail storms,” Parker said. “Metal is much more durable.”

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

The National Association of Homebuilders Research Center estimates that 20 billion pounds of asphalt roofing is taken to landfills every year. Metal’s longevity removes the need for frequent roof replacements. Better still, it can be laid over the current roof, eliminating the costs of shingle removal and land-fill fees. If a metal roof is ever removed, it can be recycled.

Steel is the best choice for “green” buildings, where the goal is to reduce or eliminate chemical substances, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Unlike wooden shakes or some other traditional materials, steel is not vulnerable to insects, mold or rot. Therefore, it does not require the application of insecticides or other hazardous chemicals.

ENERGY EFFICIENT

Time-tested metal roofs save energy and reduce your cooling costs by as much as 40 percent, depending on location, says the MRA. The advent of new reflective paints with energy-saving properties has revolutionized the residential roofing industry.

While asphalt and cedar shingles absorb heat, the new cool pigment technology can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun’s radiant energy. Now, even dark colors achieve the “cool” attributes. An Energy Star roof can stay up to 100 degrees cooler on its surface than other roofs, so less heat is transferred into the building.

Wilmer Dykes, a homeowner from Cochran, Georgia, noticed a decrease in his energy bill of at least 25 percent after installing his metal roof. Dykes believes keeping his old roof on his home helped save energy. “By building the new metal roof over it, we created an air pocket between the two roofs, giving us an added layer of insulation,” he said.

LOW MAINTENANCE

A metal roof won’t crack, curl, split, rot or lose impact resistance with age. The only maintenance recommended for a metal roof is an annual inspection, clearing the roof of accumulated leaves or other debris and checking roof top ancillaries and air conditioners to ensure that they are properly drained and supported.

TAX AND INSURANCE SAVINGS

The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows for a tax credit for homeowners who install qualified energy-efficient improvements to an existing home, including metal roofs that meet the Energy Star program requirements. For more information, go to www.energystar.gov.

AESTHETICS

For some, a stigma still remains from the old, ugly metal barn roofs. However, a host of new colors, finishes and profiles has drastically improved the look over the last 10 years.

Don Smith, another homeowner from Cochran, said that aesthetics was one of the most important factors in his decision to purchase a metal roof. “I had seen steel roofs in the high-end subdivisions and really liked the look,” he said. “Now, strangers stop in my driveway and ask me questions about my roof because they like the look of it too.

Casey Paulk, owner of Paulk Landscaping serving central Georgia, agrees. “In my business, I see a ton of homes, so I’m always comparing, contrasting and making mental notes,” he said. “When I built my new home, I did a lot of research. I decided to go with a metal roof primarily for the aesthetics - I love the way metal looks.”

BE WARY OF YOUR WARRANTY

Finding a warranty that offers complete protection is harder than most consumers realize, says Clay Smith, owner of Mid-GA Steel and Supply (www.midgasteelandsupply.com), headquartered in Grantville, Georgia. “There is no way to tell if two metals lying side by side have any difference in quality,” he said. “Unscrupulous manufacturers can make 25-year warranty claims for cheap metal that actually has just a five year life before fading.”

Because of this risk, it’s important to find a manufacturer that puts its steel vendors’ coil numbers on their warranties, which connects the buyer with the vendor and the exact metal purchased. “This will ensure that the warranty will be fully honored throughout its duration,” Smith said. “Without the coil number on your warranty, you have no protection, regardless of what your warranty might imply.”

A LONG TERM INVESTMENT

Often one of the barriers to purchasing a metal roof is the cost, which is two to three times that of a shingle roof. However, buyers who realize a metal roof is a one-time investment versus an ongoing, life-long expense understand the considerable value it offers.

Asphalt roofs typically need to be replaced approximately every 15 years due to deterioration. Conversely, a metal roof is a permanent, extremely low-maintenance roof. “Although the up-front costs are considerably more than an asphalt roof, over the long term the durability of a metal roof makes it well worth it,” said Mr. Paulk.

THE FINAL SOLUTION

The rapid increase in the number of metal roofs nationwide will likely continue to intensify, as consumers better understand the durability and both the short and long-term savings metal roofs offer. Add to that the beauty of metal roofs seen in their own neighborhoods, and it’s easy to understand the surge in growth. The market is ripe; as baby boomers pay off their homes and settle into retirement, they are looking for a roof solution that lasts a lifetime.



Howard

Kristine asked:


he works construction and they do a lot of roofing. He usually buys a Georgia Boot however, after a month or two there is a hole wore into the side from nealing down. I have looked online and have found boots for roofing but none of which had a thicker outside “patch” or anything to prevent holes. HELP!

Rosa

Article Manager asked:


Everyone on this earth wishes to own a perfect house. There are certain measures which make a house perfect for living and a durable roof is one of them. It makes the integrity of the building. But as everything needs maintenance and care, roof also needs maintenance from time to time. The weather conditions keep on changing with the change of season. This also has a great effect on the roofing.

The roofs need the repairing and maintenance at the regular intervals. Otherwise, it could give a huge loss in a sudden. A variety of roofs and roofing material is available to the user to make the choice. However, it is recommended to choose the roofing material and design of roof as per the climatic conditions and requirements. If you are living in an area where climate can affect the roof severely, then your roof may need serious attention in terms of repairs and additional support. Time is also a major factor in deteriorating the quality of the roof. There are certain other measures also which make the process of deterioration move faster.

The user needs to repair or replace the roof when needed. There are certain signs of indication that your roof needs replacement. It can judge by following the some points to check the life of roof. These points are:

•    Timeline of the roof: the materials used in building the roof have an age limit. On an average, a user can find the roofing material that can lasts for 15 to 20 years depending upon the maintenance. And, after that time, either you need to replace the roof or invest a huge amount in repairing.

•    Misplaced or ragged shingles: If the enormous numbers of shingles are misplaced or worn out, then it is a strong indication to have a roof replacement. Repairing work will not fulfill your needs in that condition.

•    State of interior walls touching the roof: the moisture marks and seepage on the interior walls indicates the leakage of water from the roof. If the marks are increasing from day by day then it is a clear indication of bad condition of roof. The condition of walls which are touching the roof gives the obvious warning of repairs or replacement of roof.

•    Extreme weather conditions: the roofs are greatly and repeatedly exposed to the prolonged weather conditions. It faces the severe conditions of sun heat, snow, rain and hail etc. these conditions deteriorate the state of the roof badly. Therefore, it requires proper maintenance and replacement at the needed time.

These are a few measures which affects the life of the roof. There are some more pints due to which a roof may need repairs and replacement at the early stage also. The material used in construction, method of installing the roof and the quality of the material affects the life of the roof. Therefore, it is required to build the roof carefully and give repairs and replacement from time to time.



Bryan

Roof Warrior asked:


Everyone knows that roof stains are ugly, and detract from the value of your home. We know the stains allow heat to build up in the house, causing the airconditioner to run longer, making energy bills higher.

But, now, the insurance industry is concerned about the appearance of your roof!!

Your insurance company can inspect your home anytime, and frequently it is a driveby inspection. Condition of home is noted, how well painted, chipping paint AND ROOF CONDITION!

YES, Roof Condition.

Insurance Inspectors note the condition of the roof, and report it back to the insurance company who will may require that your clean the roof, or threaten cancellation of your policy! Of course, if they cancel you, the next insurance company may not insure your home for the same reason.

BUT WHY?

Insurance companies actions confirm for us that they believe roof stains will lead to further problems with the roof integrity, roof mold, and the eventual movement of that mold inside the home. All of these items are ‘risks’ for the insurance company, because they may result in a claim against the policy.

What to do? Clean your roof before an inspector sees it!

Home inspections can occur at any time, however the most frequent triggers include:

* New Policy * Annual Policy Renewal * Change in coverage amounts * Addition of riders

A Clean Roof makes contributes to neighborhood values, and good health.

Protect your family, roof, and insurance policy by including a Cleaner TODAY roof cleaner as part of annual maintenance.

You and your insurance company will appreciate it!



Eddie

John Maxted asked:


Before you decide on a roofing type for your new home or addition you need to know the facts. Corrugated metal roofing refers to roofing systems made of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, steel, and zinc alloys. Their properties vary largely in terms of appearance, price, and durability.

Metal Roofing Materials

Steel is the most common metal roofing material. In comparison to aluminum, they are heavier and sturdier. Because of their durable coating and finish, they do not rust or corrode. There is no fear of rust or corrosion in stainless steel. These metal roofing systems are usually available in Terne coating that gives them a natural matte-gray finish. However, it is a very expensive roofing solution. Aluminum is most commonly used in residential metal roofs. Even if they are not coated, they do not rust, but for better appearance, they are generally coated or painted. They are extremely lightweight. These are inexpensive as well. However, since aluminum is a precious resource, it is usually not recommended to use it for roofing purpose. Copper metal roofs can be very expensive, but they offer a wide array of features. For example, they do not easily rust or corrode. They are also very easy to install. Alloys are also a pricey solution. They are better known for their durability, and strength.

 

Benefits Of Metal Roofing

Following are some of the factors that give corrugated metal roofing systems an edge over conventional roof materials.

They are highly durable and easily last 20 to 50 years. Metal roofing has high resistance to rot, insects, mildew, and fire. They can easily shed snow and withstand high winds and heavy rains. Compared to tile roofing, metal roofs are lightweight – usually 50 to 150 pounds per square. The installation is easy and fast. In particular, the single metal shingles are relatively much easier to install, but it is a time-consuming process. Since these roofing materials are non-combustible, they are highly resistant to fire. They carry a Class A fire rating, which is the highest category of resistance. Metals are low in insulation R-value and thus they are more energy efficient. You can further increase the energy efficiency by creating a dead-air space between the metal and roof deck. The minimal roof pitch makes these roofing systems less prone to leaking damages.



Drawbacks Of Metal Roofing

However, despite so many plus points, there is a flipside as well. Following are some of the common concerns about metal roofing systems

The initial cost of installing metal roofs is very high. It may cost you somewhere around $150 to $600 per square. However, the high cost might be worth it because it minimizes the requirement for maintenance or repair work. They last much longer than other roofing materials. Probably, you won’t even need to replace your roof again in your lifetime – so, it is basically a one-time investment. You may not like the noise of rain falling on the roof. However, with a little modification in roof construction, you can substantially reduce and even completely eliminate the noise. For example, a common way is to use materials that have structural barriers. Some metal roofing materials are quite prone to denting. Denting may appear when large hailstones fall on it. However, some roofing versions guarantee no denting. Walking on these roof types may also cause wear and tear. With time, its finishes can chalk, scratch, fade, chip, or peel. An easy solution is to eliminate the need of walking by installing the roofs from the top down.

 

Lately, manufacturers are coming up with much-advanced metal roofs, solving most of the concerns cited above.

So as you can see, corrugated metal roofing is a good choice of roofing material when used for the right application. It is cost effective, looks good and has an acceptable lifespan when used in most environments. When compared with all the different types of roofing systems discussed on http://topcontractorsonline.com/roofing/roofing.php it is easy to see why it is such a poplular choice of roofing material among home buyers today.



Amanda

Kris Koonar asked:


It is quite unfortunate that if anyone even mentions the words “metal roof”, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the old tin sheets of metal that you would have seen barely covering old factories and warehouses. However, it is highly unlikely to see these sights in residential areas and the reason for that is pretty simple. All thanks to the advent of technology, roof manufacturers are coming up with perhaps the most distinct and multi functional roofing types ever. The roofing industry is witnessing a growing popularity, all thanks to the Metal Roofing Alliance that is educating the customers as well as the roof manufacturers about the benefits of metal roofs.

Natural occurrences such as strong winds, hail storms, heavy rains, etc. are the main reasons why customers are opting for metal roofs nowadays. For appeal, roof manufacturers are introducing new trends, especially when to comes to residential metal roofing so that the roofs look good on any home design and at the same time protects the house from the above mentioned natural occurrences. The roof manufacturers are offering a wide variety of metal roof designs to their customers like the wooden shingles look, custom built metal roofs, etc.

One of the most important aspects that metal roofs capitalize on is the easy re-roofing process of a home. When we talk about metal roofing, steel roofs seem to be the most common of them all. The new trends in residential metal roofing are hugely influenced by the benefits of metal roofs. They are:

Thanks to the natural characteristics of metal roofs, they have the capacity of lasting atleast three times longer than other roofing materials like asphalt. This means that the life of metal roofs can be anything from two to four decades. Metal is always unaffected by the stains that are usually observed on asphalt roofs. A proper installation of metal roof means that your home will remain immune to any water seepage and rust due to high levels of humidity. Another advantage of metal roofing is that once installed, it can withstand the strongest of winds, up to 130-140 miles per hour to be more precise.

Due to its characteristics, customers expect metal roofs to be strong and for that reason the roof manufacturers accredit their materials (metal roofs) via tests like the UL 2218 Impact Resistance test. This test makes sure that these roofs are strong enough even in those areas which are prone to severe hail storms. In these areas, installing a metal roof is probably the best option available due to its durability and its sturdiness.

Metal roofs are perhaps one of the most environmentally friendly options. That’s because, due to the durability of metal roofs, they enjoy a longer life compared to other roofing options. There is no chance of the roof getting infested with insects, which is mostly seen in the case of wooden shingles. This puts a stop to unwanted pollution caused by the spraying of insecticides and other chemicals.



Danielle

Paz1194 asked:


I have about 21 “squares” worth of roofing to be removed and installed. I’ve got a bid for $5200 to remove and replace with 30yr. Arc Shingles from GAF/ELK+ ridge vents and shingle mate felt. So, the entire project to haul off and install is roughly $250 per square. Does this sound fair to those of you that have had roofing replaced? I’m in Atlanta area.

Daniel

Kris Koonar asked:


Sloping roofs are more common in North America; however flat roofs are fast gaining in popularity due to the various benefits they offer homeowners. Flat roofs are not entirely flat, in fact, they look horizontal or nearly horizontal, but they do have a slight slope of usually 10 degrees, to drain of the water and snow. Flat roofs have been around for centuries and the old technology of using asphalt compounds to deflect water was being used until thirty years ago.

Traditionally, gravel and tar was the preferred material and it was sufficient to prevent leakages so long as water was not allowed to sit and accumulate on the roofs. This system had its limitations in colder climates, as ice dams would block the flow of water resulting in pooling of water on the roofs and home owners had to deal with leaks very often.

With the advances made in rubber technology especially synthetic rubber technology coupled with the explosion in the polymer industry, newer products for roofing began to appear about 40 years ago. The use of these products enabled homeowners to be unconcerned about rains and snow. Today flat roofs are made from different materials and substances such as Asphalt built up roof or BUR, Hypalon Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (synthetic rubber), TPO-Thermoplastic Polyolefin, EPDM-Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, PVC-Polyvinyl Chloride, and Modified Bitumen.

One common feature of all flat roofs is that they always have a coating over some sort of base. Flat roofs require regular inspection and preventive maintenance to extend their life. Modern architecture would not be the same without flat roofs. Residential buildings are more suited for flat roofs as compared to industrial or commercial buildings. This is because flat roof becomes unstable with increase in size leading to higher maintenance expenses.

Life of a flat roof depends on the material used in its construction and the frequency of preventive maintenance. It is recommended that flat roofs be inspected once in a year. Cleaning and clearing of debris from the drains is carried out regularly to prevent water logging and easy draining. Roof coating, which is responsible for waterproofing, degrades due to the ultra violet rays and hence needs preservation. Poor maintenance of flashings material used around objects that protrude from a roof such as chimney is the main cause of leakages in flat roofs.

Owning a flat roof has many advantages such as:

Flat roofs are more accessible making it easier to inspect and clean.

Adds to usable space. If strong enough, it can be used as a terrace garden or as an outdoor amenity. Flat roofs also reduce dead space that is common feature of sloping roofs.

Cost of construction is significantly lower than traditional sloping roofs, resulting in substantial savings that can be set aside for future contingencies or diverted to other home improvement projects.

Cheaper second floors can be built on homes already having a flat roof.

Flat roofs not only reduce initial cost but also add value to your homes

However it is wise to consider a few disadvantages of flat roofs:

Flat roof coatings are not everlasting

Consistent maintenance is required

Not all buildings are suitable for flat roofs

If you’re unsure as to whether flat roof is ideal for your home, it is advisable to consult roofing experts before taking a decision.



Loretta