Metal Roofing – What Roof Should You Choose
Posted on | May 11, 2012 | Comments Off
Not only is metal strong and durable, but metal roofing is low-maintenance, recyclable, and reliable. In addition, metal roofing opens up a variety of style and design options that are becoming increasingly popular in architecture today including hips, slope changes, valleys, transitions, and dormers. Yet choosing a metal roof should be a careful process. Different types of panels are useful in different situations, and depending on how you plan to fasten your roof to structures, metal roofing may not always be appropriate.
There are two main categories of metal roofing options: through-fastened and standing seam. Through-fastened metal roofing panels are available in varying widths, rib shapes, heights, and spacings. Typically, these metal roofing panels are available in 29, 26, 24, and 22 gauge with 26 gauge being the most common. In addition, through-fastened metal roofing panels may be finished with silicon polyester or Kynar finish; and they are either structural or non-structural panels. Structural panels can span across framing members such as joists or beams; while non-structural panels can only be installed over a solid surface.
Through-fastened metal roofing panels provide a number of distinct advantages. First, they are comparatively inexpensive and simple to install. They also feature a diaphragm which is crucial for wind bracing of metal buildings. In addition, there are some disadvantages to through-fastened metal roofing panels. Through-fastened panels may leak if they are not correctly installed and they do not allow for floating due to temperature changes sometimes causing the panels to tear around fasteners.
Standing seam metal roof systems feature exposed fasteners at the eave and end laps only. They allow for thermal movement and are normally manufactured at 24gauge or 22 gauge. Standing seam metal roofing designs are very flexible structurally and architecturally and are classified for water shedding and water barrier systems. These types of metal roofing panels can handle temporary submersion in water at the seams and end laps and feature factory applied mastic at the seams to improve water integrity. Because standing seam metal roofing systems are structural they do not require a deck for installation. Moreover, these metal roofs provide more design flexibility. Moreover, standing seam metal roofing systems tend to be the only barrier between the interior of a building and the outdoors so they tend to be better weather tested.
Keep in mind, this is a very simple description of the different types of metal roofing systems. Deciding which is best for your purposes is worthy of a discussion with a local expert. If your decision comes down to solely to cost, through-fastened metal roofing systems are probably the least expensive option in the short term. HoweverBusiness Management Articles, standing seam metal roofs provide better protection against the weather and may be a more suitable option in the long-term.
Tags: Metal Buildings > Metal Roof > metal roof systems > Metal Roofing > metal roofing panels
Roof Repair for Metal Roofing
Posted on | May 11, 2012 | Comments Off
If you don’t yet have metal roofing and are wondering what kind of roof repair you can expect, talk with an expert. They can explain to you what options are out there and what you need to know in order to make an informed decision about purchasing new materials for your home. The important thing to know is that it is best to approach the decision as educated and informed as possible. Roofs are an investment that should be taken seriously.
One of the first things that an expert will ask you when you make an appointment to discuss metal roof repair and installation is what kind. What kind of metal are you interested in? There are many different types of metal roofs and the kind you choose will affect the necessary maintenance expectations and the overall lifetime of the product. Metal and non-metal, there is an extreme variety in what is available on the market.
Perhaps the most popular metal product available for roofs that generally requires little to no maintenance is steel. Steel is easy to use, readily available and is generally fairly affordable. With this product you can expect a long product life with generally very little maintenance. As with any roofing product, hurricane force winds or falling trees can hurt the structure of the product. Otherwise, steel will hold up to hail, heavy rains with little issue.
Because of the popularity of metal, there are more and more styles becoming available. Basically, you can install products on your home that is made of metal but looks like tile, asphalt or stone. There is no end to the creativity of the manufacturers. Color and style are especially easy to expand on within the steel products. If you are interested, talk with an expert about what might be available in your area and for your style of home.
Of course, there are many other metals available that require little to no maintenance. Aluminum blends, copper and other metals are in use regularly in the business. It is important to note that metal comes with its own lifetime warranties and set of maintenance rules. For example, some experts agree that while the pliability of copper roofing is a plus, it can mean it is more easily damageable.
Regardless of which metal you choose, most likely you are going to see a greater savings when it comes to roof repair projects. There is certainly some expense up front that you don’t necessarily see with other types of roofs. Manufacturing and installation are a bit more expensive in metal than in other more traditional types of roofs. However, over the lifetime of your home, you will see cost savings in repairsArticle Search, energy and upkeep.
Roof repair doesn’t have to be a necessary evil. Find out about metal roofing and if it is a good fit for your home and lifestyle. You may find that metal is the answer to your maintenance woes.
Replacing asphalt shingles with metal roofing has several benefits.
Posted on | May 11, 2012 | Comments Off
If you’re a home remodeler looking to save money and create an easily maintained house, one of the first places to start should be the roof. If you’re dwelling currently has asphalt shingles, it is time to consider upgrading to metal. Metal roofs have several advantages over asphalt, and even self-installation for the do-it-yourselfer might be easier than you think.
Costs
In the past, asphalt reigned as the low-cost roofing material. However, upfront renovation costs are determined by more than just the initial price tag. Metal roofs can cost up to three times as much as asphalt shingles, but will last two to three times longer, have a higher resale value, require far less maintenance and repair, and once removed can be sold for scrap. And since metal is cut to order, the diligent home remodeler will have no trouble ensuring minimal waste during installation. When you dispose of your asphalt shingles, you’ll have to pay a fee to the removers. Shingles can easily be blown off and damaged, requiring replacement. So while the prices may differ initially, metal roofs are a better overall investment.
Longevity
Metal roofing varies in lifespan from 50 to 100 years, depending on local weather conditions and coating. Coatings include zinc, alloy, heat reflective base, and insulating paints. These can all help extend longevity, especially in areas with particularly inclement weather. One of the disadvantages of metal is heat transference into the house, which is why reflective coating or paint is ideal. It can lower increased temperatures, making your house much more comfortable and energy efficient during warm weather. Many roofs come with up to 50 year warranties, which are transferable if the property is sold.
Installation
One of the biggest perks of installing metal roofing is that it can be placed over preexisting asphalt shingles, saving time and costs for the budget conscious home remodeler. The shingles will need to be in reasonable shape and able to support the weight of the metal sheets. If all is in place, however, the shingles can act as an extra layer of protection against the elements, which can be important if your location is prone to storms, hail and heavy winds. Many hardware stores offer DIY kits with easy to follow instructions, or you can order directly from the manufacturer and ask for some tips.
Durability
When compared with other materials, metal is generally more durable and can withstand strong hail, fire, sparks, winds, and can shed snow easily. This makes it ideal for people living in climates with brutal winters, where the excessive moisture could normally damage other types of materials more quickly, and even eventually seep into the house and cause mold or rot problems.
Eco-Friendly
Metal is a green roofing material due to its ease of recycling. It can be made of a composite of several different metals or a single type. There is no fossil fuel involved in productionScience Articles, so it has a greatly decreased impact on the environment when compared to asphalt shingles.
