Avoid a Roofing Disaster

Posted on May 8, 2012 by admin

Mother Nature isn’t always considerate when it comes to your biggest investment, your home. With high winds and heavy rain, your roof is the first barrier between you and the great outdoors. Many homeowners make costly mistakes when it comes to deciding on re-roofing. So, inspecting your roof after a long winter each year can help avoid potential disasters later on. Be sure to look for any signals that could indicate your roof is not doing its job right. You want to make sure you have a properly installed roof that will protect your family and potentially increase the value of your home.

Check to see if there is any water where it’s not suppose to be. After a rainstorm, (when obvious leaking would occur) check the attic, then follow by inspecting each room for any water damage on the ceilings or walls. If there is any paint or wallpaper that is peeling, it may indicate that there is excessive moisture due to inadequate ventilation in the attic. This is a relatively quick fix without needing a new roof.

On the exterior, look for any cracks which are a common source of where leaks may be coming from. Make sure to look for any missing, decayed, or curled shingles, this could be a sign that they need to be replaced and should be done quickly to avoid any structural damage. If you find these potential problems it is important to look for a reputable roofing contractor.

Getting an experienced contractor is crucial to ensuring that your home is getting the proper roofing installation. Having a roof installed correct the first time will minimize any future headaches. Not only will they increase the value of your home, but they will provide long-term safety for your family.  Cutting costs will only hurt you in the long run, leading to more expensive repairs. So, have it done correctly the first time to avoid any roofing disasters.

Durability, price, and materials are the three things mainly considered when choosing a new roof. It is widely known that replacing a roof is costly, but along with that you also need to consider what kind of materials you want. Metal roofing is known to last twice as long as traditional asphalt roofs. So, with a high quality roof that will last a lifetime you can live hassle free, increase the look of your home and also the value as well.

With these roofing inspection tips, this will allow you to decide if they are just repairs that need to be addressed, such as poor attic ventilation or an entire roof replacement. Be sure to educate yourself before hiring a contractor and choosing materials. This is a big investment, so do it right the first time to avoid any roofing disasters in the future.

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Mike Holmes on Metal Roofing

Posted on April 10, 2012 by admin

The Canadian professional contractor, Mike Holmes, is a television host on the HGTV (Home & Garden Television) network. Hosting his own show, Holmes on Homes helps homeowners from renovations gone wrong, (he also happens to be a big fan of metal roofing.) “I list metal first because, in my books, it comes out on top when you look at durability, fire resistance, environmental friendliness and a host of other factors.”

Many homeowners’ issues begin with the roof, it is the first thing that comes between you and Mother Nature. Taking care of it properly will result in fewer problems through the course of its lifetime. When it comes to decision-making, many factors come into play such as the climate you live in, style, and last but not least, the most important, budget. The necessary qualities homeowners yearn for are the obvious: durability, weight, wind and fire resistant. Remember, the roof protects you from everything on the outside world whether it is severe weather, or wild animals.

Metal roofs are made of a form of galvanized steel allowing it to be highly durable. Steel, copper, and aluminum to be precise, are formed with protective patina, which is a form on the surface of bronze and other similar metals. Some modern metal roof sheeting materials are coated with zinc and other transition metals that have historically been proven to last up to 100 years with little or no maintenance. In having said that, metals roofs are also not decomposable; they resist insects and won’t buckle like asphalt does.

Surprisingly, metal roofs are lighter than your conventional asphalt roof. Metal roofs are not capable of absorbing moisture, therefore resulting in the same weight as when it was first installed. (Unlike asphalt roofs which can fluctuate in dry and wet weather.)

Although metal roofs are not decomposable, they are almost 100% recyclable. Since every year there is 13 billion pounds of asphalt shingles in landfills, metal roofing is an environmentally friendly alternative to keeping roofing materials out of our landfills.

As for the TV hosting contractor, Mike Holmes, it is safe to say his accusations of durable, fire resistant, and environmental friendliness are accurate. Metal roofing is energy efficient and will last two to three times longer than you average asphalt roof. This can translate into saving you time and energy!

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Metal Roofs Are Not Just Durable but Energy Efficient Too

Posted on March 13, 2012 by admin

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, metal roofs have surged in popularity over the past decade. With that being said, there is no doubt about it that a roof is a key element of any building design along with structural support. In having said that, we now have the ability to reduce our energy consumption and use environmental friendly resources simultaneously. By having a metal roof it can achieve this goal, and save money in the process.

Metal roofs are now recognized as a top contender to cool your home. Its benefits are that they reduce a household’s energy consumption and lower the need for cooling during the hottest time of the day. Metal roofs have lighter colors and are highly reflective – reducing energy costs up to 40%! In some instances, metal roofs are now coated with an extra reflective so that the darker colored roofs can be just as energy efficient. They are available in many styles and colors so any type can accentuate your home’s current features.

With an added sense of security metal roofs are non-combustible, resistant to high winds and also positively impact air quality. By absorbing minimal heat they improve the air because less smog is created, and fewer fuels are used to cool your household.

They are also extremely durable for any type of weather and last up to 50+ years! When it comes to environmental friendliness, all excess roofing materials are recyclable. However, when replacing your old shingled roof they do weigh more than metal roofing, so you can install it right on top of your old roof, or have the option to remove it as well.

The black soot you see on traditional shingle roofing is the growth of moss or lichens, which deteriorate the roof. By having a metal roof, this will no longer be a concern because they do not support the growth of moss – leaving your metal roof looking just as new as the day you got it installed!

By choosing to go with a metal roof you are increasing air quality, lowering energy costs, and are eligible for a metal roofing tax credit. With all these benefits it is no surprise metal roofing has boomed over the past decade.

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Infinity Fiberglass Windows by Marvin

Posted on February 10, 2012 by admin

Marvin windows have more than a decade of experience providing quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, as well as neighbor-to-neighbor customer service.  The Infinity line has long been considered the leader of the pack when it comes to replacement windows. Replacing your inefficient windows with Infinity from Marvin windows will add value and beauty to your home, reduce costly maintenance repairs, and save you money on your utility bills.

Some Benefits Of Infinity Fiberglass Windows Include:

Strength and Durability

By far, Infinity Fiberglass windows surpasses wood, vinyl, and wood-vinyl composite, making it the best choice for areas that experience high or gusty winds. The fiberglass replacement windows are 8 times stronger than vinyl, 3.5 times stronger than wood vinyl composites and 3 times stronger than wood. Its strength is also twice than that of steel.

Low Thermal Expansion/ Fiberglass Stability

Due to the minimal expansion and contraction within the fiberglass frames, there is less stress on the glass. Infinity Fiberglass windows are extremely energy-efficient reducing your heating and cooling costs as much as 30%, and like wood, it doesn’t conduct heat, so the windows never feel hot or cold indoors.

Cold, heat, and time can be tough on a windows material resulting in elevated levels of expansion and contraction, twisting, warping, rotting, shrinking, cracking, and chalking. But no matter how extreme the temperatures get in your area, Infinity from Marvin fiberglass frames remain square and true due to its amazing strength, low thermal expansion rate, and ability to repel the elements.

Improved View

Since the Infinity from Marvin fiberglass window frame are narrower than frames made of vinyl or wood, they provide you with more visible glass area. The fiberglass advantage allows for more glass area giving you more daylight, better views, and greater solar heat gain in the winter months.

Low Maintenance

Once Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows are installed in your home, there is nothing left for you to do than enjoy the view and the things you like to do. You never need to sand, scrape or paint the fiberglass.

Paint to Match

There is no need to worry about ruining your replacement windows if you wish to paint them. You can paint Infinity from Marvin products to match exterior colors without affecting the protective performance of the fiberglass.

Quality of life

Marvin fiberglass windows can’t be damaged by insects. They also won’t fade, chalk, or pee; and they won’t warp, dent, decay, or corrode. Say goodbye to your annual window refurbishing and fix it projects!

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In Brief—Guidelines On How To Shingle A Roof

Posted on January 4, 2012 by admin

Prior to re-roofing your home with a new roof, you should examine it for certain things to make sure it is the opportune time to install a new roof.  Therefore, if you see any curling of your current roofing shingles, chips and cracks, or spots where shingles are missing then it is definitely time to re-roof you home.

Note that before installing your new roof, you must figure out how many layers of existing asphalt shingles are currently on your roof.  If it happens that there is only one, then you can install a new roofing system right over your existing roof.  However, if there are two or more layers of asphalt on your current roof, then you will have to strip off all the old   shingles before applying any new shingles.

By Following These Guidelines You Will Be Well On Your Way To Re-roofing Your Home:

First, in order tear off your old roof you will need to obtain a tarp to collect old asphalt shingles, the stripping tool, and any safety equipment if you have to be higher than six feet from the ground.

When all the old shingles are removed, you should examine the roof deck for signs of rotting and damage.  Also, make sure to replace any rotten boards or plywood, and remove any nails left over after removing the old roof.  Once your roof deck is ready, you will want
to install the roofing trim.

Once the trim is in place, you will want to install the roofing underlayment also known as a “roofing felt” or “tar paper.”  After the roof deck is fully prepared, you can start installing your roofing asphalt shingles.  Remember that you will have to acquire roofing shingles which means that you will have to measure your roof and estimate what materials you will need.

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Why Use Vinyl Siding—Some Pros

Posted on December 2, 2011 by admin

One of the most important aspects in protecting your home is investing in your home’s exterior layer.  There are siding options on the market available including brick, stucco, wood clap, vinyl, and cement.  However, it is extremely important to choose a material that is exceptionally reliable.  Vinyl siding is one of the most reliable sidings available—especially because it has been used for decades.  It has proven reliability and is very affordable compared to brick, stucco, and many others.  In fact, vinyl siding is recognized for both its low cost and maintenance.

Pro1:  Maintenance

Vinyl siding requires no maintenance or cleaning except for intermittent rinsing with a
garden hose or pressure washer.

Pro 2:  Cost

Vinyl siding can be placed over the old siding lying over several areas that are rotted or are in poor condition—in need of repair. Therefore, no cost to remove the previous siding.

Pro 3:  Beauty and Color

With the integration of high grade sturdy vinyl products, it would be a monumental mistake to compare the beauty of vinyl to any low grade apartment communities or cheap siding.  In fact, a decent vinyl siding job will last for many years after its initial installation.  The only minor drawback however, it that the color cannot be changed since vinyl siding can’t be painted.

So, how does vinyl siding weigh against other siding materials…

There is just no contest.  When compared to wood, brick, stone, and stucco on the basis of costs, safeguarding costs, form, stability, and worth, vinyl siding is clearly the best choice.

So, while looking into the broad range of vinyl siding products, you should choose one that’s easily affordable.  Whichever you choose, you should expect the best quality and long-lasting beauty—as most vinyl siding never needs painting or staining.  Also, vinyl siding doesn’t hew, rind, dimple or decay, so you can disregard the worry of costly repairs—just remember to occasionally rinse with a garden hose.  Therefore, because of these reasons vinyl is often the most preferred siding for many homeowners because it retains most of its installed cost and initial value.  Furthermore, the finest vinyl siding supplies all the beauty of posh wood sidings with your choice of smooth or grained surfaces; rich, low-gloss colors; and an assortment of classic siding profiles!

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Life Long Investment with Metal Roofing

Posted on October 28, 2011 by admin

With today’s economy any form of savings sounds great.  If you’re planning on installing a new roof, metal roofing offers an array of benefits that will save you money as well as add to your protection.  The benefits of metal roofing include durability and longevity, a variety of styles—patterns and designs; it is great for the environment, has long-term value, helps save on your insurance, heating, and air conditioning costs; and often comes with a valuable long-term warranty!  When it comes to deciding on what type of roofing to select, few homeowners realize that metal roofing can cost as little or even less than asphalt roofing. In fact, Asphalt roofing needs to be replaced two to four times as often as metal roofing!  In addition, Asphalt roof repairs and re-installation costs add up compared to the “once-a-lifetime” metal roof installation.  The expected life of a metal roof is forty to fifty years more compared to the average built-up roof that last twelve to twenty years!

A metal roof can even be installed over your current roof, without tearing what is already there.  Adding a metal roof is a premium roof system that adds value to your most important investment, your home.  A metal roof is maintenance-free, saving you money, time, and worry.  It is reliable protection from water damage and repair costs.

Metal roofing provides measurable energy savings. With home heating costs doubling in the last year, you might be surprised to discover that metal roofs are excellent insulators.  They keep your home comfortable, no matter what the weather is like outside, helping you save money by lowering your air conditioning and heating bills. Homeowners have even reported a twenty percent savings in energy over time.

Get your Metal Roof Today!

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One Reason Why Metal Roofing Is Vital In Hot Climates

Posted on August 30, 2011 by admin

Metal roofing is especially important and enjoys strong popularity in warm climates because towering temperatures and intense sun are especially damaging to roofing materials prompting homeowners to seek out more durable, long-lasting, and energy proficient alternatives such as metal.

So, therefore, let’s explore one reason among many as to why having a metal roof can be valuable to you, and also why it is extremely popular in hot climates:

• Durability

One of the main reasons metal roofing works so well is because it is durable. In all climates, roofs are often subject to severe winds and damaging rains; but in hot climates, it also endures intense heat and an extremely high amount of sunlight. Most of the time, heat and sun cause most roofing materials to break down rapidly—they dry out, fissure, coil, and crumble. As this happens, their lives are shortened and they become more susceptible to leaks and wind damage.

But metal doesn’t do that—it is virtually impermeable to heat and sun.

A special attribute in regards to metal roofing being so durable in hot climates is color retention. Many older paint technologies perform well but the sun is their enemy. Landowners who are seeking a painted metal roof can find products which have PVDF coatings. These high quality coatings, known often though not exclusively by the trade names of Kynar 500 and Hylar 5000, are highly fade and chalk resistant and out-perform other paint systems. Their durability comes from the PVDF resin which, based upon the mineral fluorite, creates a very tight molecular structure to hold the pigment in place, not allowing it to chalk. Additionally, these coatings use only inorganic pigments for their color–pigments known for being highly fade resistant.

So, one of the main reasons why you should consider a metal roof if you live in a warm climate is because it is durable and it will retain the color in which you have had it constructed with.

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Crucial Features Of Roofing Materials

Posted on July 14, 2011 by admin

As the popularity of designer roofing systems have increased, the myths surrounding the very concept of roofing systems have begun to surface. There are various factors which have given rise to misconceptions associated with roofing materials. Homeowners expect to have inexpensive roofs without having to worry about maintenance. They want their roofs to be ageless. However, roofs are replaced and repaired after every 5-8 years. It is advisable to choose your home’s roofing material carefully as it will reduce the cost of its replacement. In the long run, you’ll use less building material, fill up less landfill space with discarded material, and put less of a demand on our natural resources.

There are other environmental benefits of roofs, but it entirely depends upon the kind of choice you make while buying them when it comes to reliability. A light-colored surface or a material doesn’t absorb heat from the sun will significantly reduce your home’s cooling needs. When your attic stays cooler, your cooling bills go down. By examining the myths related to roofing material, you can identify with the crucial features of roofing materials. Composition shingles are considered as a good option for a cleaner look at an affordable price. Higher-quality versions made from asphalt or fiberglass shingles offer a more durable option and may be available with recycled content. They come in various types, brands, and colors. Being versatile, they adapt easily to different applications. They are relatively easy to install, and in some applications can be nailed in place over an existing roof. They require low maintenance and can be walked on without damaging the material.

Most brands offer “Class A fire protection.”On the contrary, they can blow off in high winds. Material is easy to scar if hot. Does not have the dimensional look of tile or shake. Clay tile provides a unique look, especially for homes with Spanish, Italian, or a South-Western look. It has a wide variety of colors and styles are available. These tiles are long-lasting, don’t rot or burn, and cannot be damaged by insects. This roofing material requires little maintenance. On the negative front, tiles are heavy, which can cause a roof to require extra support. Also, if color is only added to the surface of the tiles, it can fade over time. Tiles are fragile, which makes it more difficult to repair the roof or walk on it to repair gutters or fireplaces. Clay tiles are one of the most expensive roofing materials, and installation can be quite complicated.

The hot mop roofing is most used in commercial buildings or flat homes with good drainage. Made of asphalt, it is less expensive than other roofing types and is very durable. Although the result is not as aesthetically pleasing as other materials, it can be covered with a layer of stone to achieve a more desirable look. Finally on the negative front, the installation of asphalt can be harmful to the environment and the installers. Some urban areas do not allow hot mop roofs because its fumes contribute to smog and release extremely high levels of air pollutants.

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Metal Roof Myths Busted

Posted on June 13, 2011 by admin

It is very interesting to know how many people have some huge primitive misunderstandings and myths about metal roofs, even when technology has become so advanced. Metal roofs not only look trendy and urban, but they also efficiently serve their purpose by protecting the house.

Here are some debunked myths about metal roofs:

The first and foremost thought that comes to many people is the electric shocks due to lightning strikes. You may be tempted to think that a metal roof may be prone to lightning strikes. Anyone who knows the facts about electricity will know that a current passes through the path of shortest resistance. If your house is at a high point, lightning will strike regardless of what the roof is made of, and metal, being a conductor, it will spread the charge evenly, thus reducing the damage it would have cost. Being incombustible, it will not catch fire as easy as roofs made from other conventional materials. Most are properly insulated with substances like plywood etc.

Are you afraid of the noise that the metal roof will produce when it rains? This thought mostly arises just because you are imagining water falling over a thin sheet of metal. In fact, metal roofs are installed over ply sheets and properly waterproofed. Some users even say it is quieter than that of “normal” corrugated roofs.

Another thought that would have come across your mind is that the metal will get rusted like that of most metals, or dented like in cars, etc. You must understand that metal roofs are built to last for ages. They are not cheap metal sheets on top of your house. Most of the roof metals are coated with protective layers of zinc and aluminium, because iron rusts. They are then painted with excellent weather-guard paint that will withstand the wrath of many a bad weathers. Hail, snow, fast winds—it will withstand them all. All in all it provides better protection than any other conventional roofs.

Money may be the biggest thing bothering you. You may think that metal roofs are way too expensive but the truth is they are not impractical. You would initially have to shell out a fortune but it makes for a good investment in the long run. Metal roofs are low on maintenance and last longer provided you get good quality roofing from a qualified contractor.

We at Metal Roofing pa.com provide you with excellent services of metal roofing perfected by us from years of experience. We believe in providing serviced experience and not mediocracy.

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