Recycling scrap metal has always been a potential business in which one can make money and even more so now with a huge emphasis on recycling. Millions of tonnes of scrap metal are processed every year, examples being cars, bikes, pots, radiators, appliances, pipes, electrical wires, sinks, ships and many more. This article gives a brief overview of the scrap metal industry helping one get an understanding of what it’s all about.
Scrap metal comes in two types, Ferrous and non Ferrous. Ferrous only includes steel and iron scrap, whereas non ferrous is scrap metal other than iron and steel and includes copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, nickel, titanium, cobalt chromium and precious metals. Ferrous scrap is more readily available than non ferrous and hence ferrous is less expensive than non ferrous.
Scrap metal is also categorised using other criteria, for instance ferrous and non ferrous can be grouped into home scrap or purchased scrap. Home scrap is produced in the foundry or mill and is reused by the foundry or mill. Purchased scrap can be further classified as either industrial (new) scrap which is unwanted scrap created in the manufacturing process like when producing a new car, or obsolete (old scrap) which is worn out scrap like a car that has reached the end of its life. Other examples of obsolete non ferrous scrap include copper pipes, radiators, catalytic converters etc.
Also for instance in ferrous scrap metal you get many grades to classify, for example you have HMS1, HMS2 and further classifying ISRI codes. These basically define the type of scrap in terms of content, size, source and mix.
The price that scrap metal is purchased and sold for is determined by its type, source and any further classification. Additionally depending on supply and demand, the prices can fluctuate reasonably and quite frequently with a short space of time.
The various parties that trade in the purchase and sale of scrap metal are defined as follows.
Scrap processors purchase scrap metal from various sources, for example from builders, plumbers, mechanics, foundries, and other sellers. The scrap processor may deal in ferrous or non ferrous or both. The scrap processor will sort the scrap metal in their scrap yard with the use of cranes, magnets, shredders etc, and then sell the processed scrap metal to foundries, mills, recyclers and other purchasers. Alternatively the scrap processor may recycle the scrap and then sell on the recycled products.
Peddlers collect scrap metal from various sources and sell to the scrap processors. Or they may purchase from scrap processors and move the scrap to other countries. For instance a peddler may source unused cars for the scrap processor, or may collect aluminium cans for the scrap processor to recycle.
As always the first step in any roofing application is safety. I Know it gets old to hear, but it could save your life or at least your wallet from those absorbinant medical bills. A 1/4 inch thick metal plate, with eyelets for hooking to, should be screwed to the opposite side of the roof from which you will be working. An approved safety lanyard and properly fitting harness should also be worn. True skipping this step could save time and money, but it could also prove very costly.
First step of the actual process is to prepare the surface. This is easy on new construction, just clear decking of all debris. On older houses it is acceptable to overlay one layer of shingles,providing that you use long enough screws to penetrate metal, shingles and decking. Inch and a half or longer is sufficient. If two or more layers of shingles are present, they will have to be removed. A shingle shovel or “bulldog” is very helpful, some friends with strong backs are even more useful. A large trailer or dumptruck is required for disposal of the old shingles.
Once the shingles are removed and all old nails and debris have been cleared, it is time to begin laying your metal. It is important that you take precise measurements before you order your metal, as it is pre-cut to your desired length. It is pertinent that the first piece you lay be absolutely square as you will gain or lose in eve overhang length if it is not. By placing a string 3″ off of your eve on each end and keeping your metal 1/2″ off your string you can keep your metal running square and neat.
Your metal should be screwed 6″ from the bottom and every three feet after. Keeping the screws straight is important for the looks of the house, so I suggest using a chalkline. The best method is to place screws on ridges, but be careful not to overtighten as this will dent the metal. Screws with neoprene washers should be used and are available anywhere you order your metal. A chalkline should also be used when applying your ridgecap. Rubber fillers are available to fill in the gap between your metal and the cap, however this would cause you to miss out on a unique opportunity for a perfect and very adequate ridge vent. Before the metal is applied, cut a one and a half inch gap on each side of the ridge. Apply aluminum screen down the ridge to keep out the bumblebees. Allow your metal to come to the bottom of this gap. Order your Ridge cap at least 14″ wide. The wide cap costs a little more , but you can save big on your cooling bills. For more information on more complicated applications visit my blog at or check my recent article on premeasuring for and application of valley metal. This can be tricky and costly if done wrong.
Tags: metal, metal plate, metal roof, Metal Roof Application.
The use of metal for roofing has been around for a long time now. But between then and now, today’s metal roofing designs, structures, and colors are a lot better and more attractive. Plus, metal roofing is simply more durable compared to all other roofing system options that are present today. In terms of performance, that of the metal roof is definitely at par with all the others, if not better. It is in the actual cost of metal roofing where the debate lies.
Generally speaking, metal roofs are lightweight, elegant, durable and colorful. If you choose this material for your home, then you are in for a big treat in terms of longevity, sophistication, and strength. If these elements are important to you, then metal roofs should easily be your preference. But when confronted about its price though, it can become a setback for you.
How Much Does Metal Roofing Cost?
There are a lot of factors to consider. But generally, the cost of metal roofing is computed per square foot. Professional installers usually calculate the total area plus the roof pitch that users require, when applicable. For example, a total roof area of 6,500 sq ft, having a moderate roof pitch of 8 inches rise for every 12 inches run costs somewhere around $4.50 per square foot.
That amount already includes installation, labor, and all the materials needed to put up the whole system. The total contract value of that particular job would then be around $29,250. That means you are to spend somewhere around thirty thousand dollars for your house’s roof alone. That amount is high, when compared to a regular asphalt shingle roof system that most American home sports.
Computing Asphalt Shingles Cost
Taking the same project, but this time using regular asphalt shingles which only costs about $1.50 for every square foot, the total roof cost would be $9,750. And when that is compared to the cost of metal roofing, as much as $19,500 can be saved. But it’s nice to look at the bigger picture before concluding that the good old asphalt shingle is your better option for a case like this.
The average lifespan of a metal roof system is 50 years, and that’s with very little maintenance. Research has it though, that metal roofs can last to as much as 100 years if a good maintenance job is being carried out on it. On the other hand, the lifespan of an average asphalt shingle is only 10 years, and for it to last that long, minimal maintenance should be performed. Keep in mind that an asphalt shingle requires a great deal of a maintenance job for it to reach its maximum lifespan of 20 years.
Assuming you installed asphalt shingles for $9,750, you are bound to renovate after 10 years or so. And so you’ll have to spend another $9,750 after that period of time, not to mention the additional charges of $1,950 required for tearing off the existing shingles in your roof in order to lay the new ones. Ten years hence, you’ll be shedding out around $11,700 for renovation.
The Long Term Picture
Now we need to match the cost of asphalt installation and renovation with the cost of metal roofing. In a span of 50 years, you would have changed your asphalt roofing for as much as 5 times. So that’s an overall total of $68,250. You are now to compare that with the $29,250 that you have spent for on a metal roofing system. You see after 50 years, you are bound to save twice as much on metal roofing than the low-cost asphalt shingle roofing, which requires the lowest cash outlay initially.
This only goes to show that the cost of metal roofing redeems itself in the long run. If you are a homeowner who values permanence and endurance in constructing your house, then it is safe to say that metal roofing is actually the option with the lower cost for you. While you might need bigger cash outlay with this type of roofing system, it certainly is worth it in the years ahead.
Metal roofing is getting more and more popular as the days go by at the moment. There are many different reasons for this but the advantages of this type of roofing is second to none as far as roofing materials in general are concerned. People are finally getting past the idea of metal roofing as an eyesore on a rusty old barn and accepting it for the beauty that is possible. The technology is so advanced that it is possible to get a great deal of wear and beauty out of a metal roof, but people are often skeptical about the costs of metal roofing. They should not be!
The Cheap Costs Of Metal Roofing
The costs of metal roofing are relatively cheap if you compare it with other types of roofing and home enhancements. For the low price, you get an absolute bargain because metal roofing will last for years! The costs of metal roofing are nothing if you spread them over the years that the roofing will actually last. It is truly amazing to think how far your money will go when it is put into this context. This also applies when consider the cost of metal roofing in relation to how much it will actually add to the value of your home as well as how much it will save you on heating and energy bills over the period of time that you actually live in that home.
When it comes to saving money on the costs of energy and heating bills in your home, the costs of metal roofing can actually be recouped. You could save that amount on your heating bills in just a few years so you actually got your metal roofing for nothing! Obviously, the roofing will initially cost you, but it will eventually pay for itself.
The costs of metal roofing only usually extend to the initial installation because you do not have to maintain it and repair it every single year. You will not have to do anything to a good metal roof for years and years, and if you do they usually come with a twenty year warranty, which will cover any damage and repairs. In that way, it will actively save you money when compared with other roof types. The insurance premiums on homes fitted with metal roofing are also lower because there is less that can go wrong with them. As a result, you will not actually be making a claim and the insurance company you choose to go with will reward your for that. In some countries, the government will even offer you a tax credit if you have a metal roof, thus further reducing the costs of metal roofing and providing you with a little extra money to spend.
Tags: metal, metal roof, Metal Roofing.
