Metal Roofing
Metal roofing can be the best option when you are toying with options for a cover over your head. Home owners coast to coast never stop worrying about the type of roofing they would like to use as there are loads of choices and options nowadays to cater to all needs. You can find economy as well as protection as there are more manufacturers online and at land based building material stores.
Resistant to all weather conditions
Even though there are several materials, metal continues to be the first choice. Cost, design and durability are the major reasons for its surging popularity. Compared to other materials, metal is always resistant to all types of weather conditions that are prevalent across the US. In places like Phoenix, your best bet would be as a home owner to go in for metal roofing. Weather conditions play a major role in the choice of materials.
If you use light weight material, your roof could be blown away in the event of very strong winds and rain storms. People are also looking at the life span as well with the economic recession that has left home owners coast to coast cash strapped like average Americans. Primarily, cost is the major reason why people are going in for metal in a big way. You also get greater warranty that could also last your lifetime with some manufacturers.
As they are light in weight, you can easily install them and carry them along. If you can properly install the metal, the roofing would require little or no maintenance at all. Either you can DIY or hire the services of a building contractor to do it for you. Even if there are leaks, you can easily get them repaired. Metal roofing usually guarantees a life span of 70 years or more in most cases.
High strength to weight ratio
Steel roofing also looks attractive and is sturdy against all types of conditions. They are fire resistant and have a very high strength to weight ratio as well. Heavy winds and earthquakes are no problem with metal on your head. Compared to corrugated fiber glass, steel is getting more preference these days and with metal you are never short of choices to blend with your architecture.
As there are several shapes and colors available, you can pick the one that gels with your taste and preference. Steel, copper and non ferrous metals are all recyclable making them very environment friendly and you don’t need to take them to a landfill when you want them replaced. For aluminum roof, you end up using only 5 percent of the energy required for a new roof and that is the major reason why metal roofing is fast catching on.
Tags: Ferrous metals, metal, Metal Roofing, non-ferrous metals.
A metal roof is generally the preferred choice of roofing for a garage in Atlanta homes. If you too need to install a new roof for your garage, it will be a good idea to go with metal as it is extremely durable and weather resistant. In addition to that, it is fire resistant as well and can be installed and repaired with greater ease due to its anti-corrosive properties.
Even though metal roofing is quite lightweight in comparison to other roof construction materials such as asphalt shingles, wood shakes and clay tiles, it is better in withstanding high velocity wind, heavy downpour and even hailstorms. Moreover, these are priced more affordably and come in a wide variety of styles to appeal to the distinct taste and preference of different individuals.
Installing metal roofs is a relatively easy task in comparison to installing roofing made of other materials. Hence, a number of homeowners follow the do it yourself mantra when it comes to installing metal roofs in their place. However, there are certain specifics that need to be taken care of if you want to save both time and money in doing this job.
Though self installation may be a good idea for those who have some experience in this regard, novices may end up damaging the roof and wasting a lot of materials. Thus, it will be a much wiser decision to hire the services of roof repair and roof installation specialists in Atlanta to get the work done faster and at a much lower cost. These roofing contractors have years of experience in the field and know the entire installation process like the back of their hands.
Before you begin installing a metal roof, you need to take accurate measurements of your roof’s surface area. This will ensure that you get a good material quote from various roofing material providers and can shop around for the best offer price. Though you can always purchase metal roofing supplies from a hardware store, you can save a considerable amount by choosing to buy the material directly from the manufacturer.
Whether you are looking for copper shingles or steel panels, you can get them at a great bargain if you buy these directly from the manufacturer. Another plus point that comes with these roofing materials is that they are eco friendly as they are made of recycled materials. To add to the life of your metal roofing and to minimize the need of roof repair, go for the four sided locking mechanisms.
Tags: metal, metal roof, metal roof repair, Metal Roofing, Metal Roofs.
When someone wants to put a new roof on their home, they will most likely start looking around for estimates. Unfortunately, when they have so many different numbers flying at them, it can be difficult to realize for what they are actually paying. There are a few factors that come into play when a retailer is determining metal roofing prices.
On average, in the United States, metal roofing prices are around $16,500 to complete an entire project. However, the cost of such a project tends to shift slightly depending on the part of the country in which the project will be completed. In the south, it can be done for just about $13,000 while the same project might cost over $18,000 in the Midwest.
Prices also vary depending on what type of metal is used. Steel shingles can cost up to $500, but the cost of installing them typically does not exceed $700. When someone chooses aluminum shingles, they may save a great deal of money on the materials, but the cost of instillation may get as high as $1,200 to complete the entire project.
When getting quotes for prices, it is important to find out what is included in the number to get a clear picture. For example, some retailers may assume that installation is needed and include that price in the quote. If someone is able to do the roofing on their own, they still need to make sure they budget for the materials and tools that they will need.
Metal roofing prices depend on a number of things, especially the type of metal that is chosen and the location of the project. Before making a decision, it is important to ask questions of the retailer regarding exactly why a particular type of roofing is sold at a particular price. Shoppers should also remember to take into account the cost of supplies or labor.
Tags: metal, Metal Roofing, Metal Roofing Prices.
Building contractors are always looking for installation methods that will provide them with savings on labor and materials expenses. Here are some important answers to frequently asked questions.
1. Should I install a metal roof directly over-top of an asphalt shingle roof? No. Why?
* Premature Failure: Metal has a high degree of thermal expansion and contraction. As the roof heats up and cools down, it moves along both its length and its width. Placed directly against the granules on asphalt shingle, this movement will scratch the underneath of the panel and eventually expose the bare steel, thus potentially causing premature failure i.e. corrosion.
* Voided Warranty: The installation of a metal panel directly over top of an abrasive material, in most cases, voids the manufacturer’s corrosion warranty (this would apply to Galvalume panel only as galvanized steel does not carry a corrosion warranty).
* Shape: The panel will take the shape of the underlying uneven surface and, in many cases, make shape issues visible that were previously hidden.
2. What if I lay down an underlayment before putting the metal roof on?
* This is certainly a better option, but you will still have the same concerns with regard to Shape (see above) and, should the underlayment wear away or tear and expose the metal to the asphalt shingle, there exists the potential for Premature Failure which would result in a Voided Warranty.
* If it is decided that this is going to be the installation method, recommended underlayments would be Grace Tri-Flex and IKO RoofGard. They are impervious to moisture and highly tear resistant. MMR does NOT recommend the use of 15# or 30# roofing felt (tar paper) for this application.
3. Does that mean I should be stripping all asphalt shingle roofs before laying metal down? No. MMR recommends the stripping of the existing asphalt shingles, however we understand that time and budget constraints do not always cooperate. Here is the recommended best practice for re-roofing over an asphalt shingle roof:
* Roof Deck: Inspect the existing shingle roof to determine if it is suitable as a barrier against condensation. Remember that a metal roof will, to a certain degree, develop condensation on the underside of the panels. Those areas that show signs of previous water infiltration (underlying sheathing is soft or spongy) or damage (missing or deteriorated shingles) should be repaired accordingly and rendered watertight with the use of ice & water shield and an appropriate sealant (if necessary).
* Ridges & Hips: Remove the cap shingles to avoid having a hump. If leaving exposed with the threat of rain / snow, cover with tarp or roof underlayment.
* Roof Edges: Cut the overhanging asphalt shingles flush with the fascia / rake boards. This will also remove the existing drip edge. This allows you to install your eave / rake trim true to the house with a clean, tight fit to the fascia boards.
* Firring(strapping):
* Hips, Ridge & All Protrusions: 9 – 12 inches of width on all sides of using plywood, OSB or similar decking (thickness to match other lumber).
* Valleys: 16 – 24 inches of width on either side using plywood, OSB or similar decking (thickness to match other lumber).
* Gable & Eave Edges: 1″ X 3″ spruce firring or similar dimension light gauge steel framing, set back from edge by ” – ” so that it doesn’t kick the trim out.
* Interior of Roof Deck: 1″ X 3″ spruce firring or similar dimension light gauge steel framing, installed horizontally approximately 16″ OC (use every 2nd course of shingles are your guide).
4. All of this sounds like a lot of work. Why don’t I just strip the roof? That is a valid comment and many contractors / homeowners decide to do just that. Here are considerations for both options:
Leave Existing Roof In Place:
* Pro: No need to pay for dump fees;
* Pro: No need to pay for new roof underlayment so long as existing roof is suitable as a barrier against condensation;
* Pro: If using firring, creates an air barrier between the metal panel and the roof. This allows condensation that develops on the underside of the panel to dry more quickly;
* Pro: If using firring, reduces thermal transfer to the underlying roof deck as the metal panel is sitting up off the asphalt shingle;
* Pro: If using firring, allows for a cost effective leveling of the roof surface if required;
* Pro: Reduces the burden placed on landfills each year;
* Con: Does not allow a thorough inspection of the roof deck prior to installing new roof.;
* Con: Renders the installation of snow guards more difficult and potentially less secure;
* Neutral: Not accepted by all building codes (hurricane prone areas require installation to solid deck using specific UL-90 rated clips).
Remove Existing Roof:
* Pro: Allows you to inspect the condition of the roof deck and make repairs as needed;
* Pro: Provides for a smooth, flat roof surface on which to install;
* Pro: Allows for the proper and thorough installation of an ice & water shield;
* Pro: Allows a solid and uniform surface into which snow guards can be fastened if required;
* Pro: Provides a solid surface for all fasteners;
* Con: Added costs through dump & disposal fees;
* Con: Added costs through new roof underlayment.
Tags: metal, metal panel, metal roof, Metal Roofing.
