The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Metal Roofing Materials
Metal roofing is fast gaining popularity because of the various benefits. The National Roofing Contractor’s Association has conducted studies that indicate that over the last ten years homeowners and homebuilders have increasingly chosen metal as the preferred roofing material. This increased demand has led to a greater distribution of metal roofing material in the market.
Today’s metal roofing is very different from the roofs of the tin sheds and barns of the past. You can now install metal roofs that are very attractive and come in a variety of designer shapes, colors and material. Latest technology has allowed many novel qualities like thermal reflectivity, increased corrosion resistance and weight reduction to be imparted to metal roofing. These roofs are fire resistant and extremely durable. Once installed, metal roofs can last up to the life of the building. They seal out water very effectively and are able to shed snow very easily. Being strong and rigid, they are able to resist high winds and rot, mold, mildew and pests/insects as well. Their longevity is supported by strong warranties of twenty to fifty years provided by metal roofing manufacturers.
With the use of new technology and material like aluminum, zinc, and other alloys used for manufacturing metal roofing, the overall weight has reduced considerably. It thus exerts much less strain on the roof structure. Some extremely lightweight metal shingles can be applied to an existing roof without tearing it down. This way it lends added support to the existing structure and provides an impressive ‘new look’ roof without any substantial gain in weight.
Thermal reflective coating on metal roofing allows very little heat from the sun to radiate into the interior of the building during the daytime. During nighttime they also let less heat escape through the roof, greatly increasing energy efficiency and help to substantially cut down energy bills.
To provide aesthetic appeal metal roofs can be made to resemble a variety of different roofing materials. Available in a number of textures and colors, metal roofs look beautiful and can be integrated into buildings incorporating all types of architectural designs and color schemes.
Metal roofs require much less time for installation as compared to other type of roofs. This lets the job be satisfactorily completed within a relatively short time and at a much lesser cost. Contractors, laborers etc. disturb the privacy of the occupants of the house for a shorter time too.
However, like any other roof, metal roofs also have some disadvantages, which should be considered before deciding to install one. The first disadvantage is the high cost of installation. The high cost however can be justified if the homeowner plans to occupy the house for a long period.
The process of installation is also complex requiring professional services for proper installation. Possibility of leaks also exists in case panel joints are not made watertight or in case the screws are not properly fixed. If the roof is not securely fastened, it can suffer wind damage. A metal roof can be quite noisy with the drumming of rainfall and hail. Flying hail and debris can also cause damage to the roof by denting and scratching.
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Hollywood Roofing company. Call (866) 733-5988 Meyers & Maciel Roofing of Hollywood for a hasslefree roofing estimate & roofing replacement or repair. Hollywood residential, commercial clients. Flat roof specialist at best price RoofingMM.com Please help to answer the question about flat roof contractorCan I apply a pourable rubber roofing compound over a leaky roll roof?
I live in the northeast and currently have roll roofing covering a flat roof with about a 6 to 8 inch pitch. Rain water's leaking into the house just behind where the gutter sits but the roll roof has enough holes (mostly from nails) for water to get in from almost anywhere. Can I buy a rubber roof coating something similar to a driveway sealer that I can pour on and spread out over the roll roof or do I need to pull the roll roof off and do a sheet of EPDM rubber. I'm looking for the easiest, lowest cost solution because I can't afford a contractor and I have never done a roofing project before. NOT HANDY AT ALL!
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Classic Metal Roofs LCC offers Metal Roofing and Flat Roofing in Southern New England including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Southern New Hampshire. Want to save big on your energy cost? Read about energy cost at our website http://www.classicmetalroofs.com.
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April 7th, 2011 | by roofing contractor |
By thegurlupstairs on Feb 22, 2010
Make sure it's in writing as to how they'll charge if water damaged sheeting is found, ie, time and materials, or will you supply the material and they repair. They won't know if there is damage until the roof is exposed.
Absolutely ask for references.
Check the BBB.
Don't hesitate to get more than one estimate.
Find out what kind of roofing material they plan to install…is it good quality or some cheapy stuff? That info should be included in the contract and can be verified at your local lumber yard.
How will the roof be loaded? Is a truck with a boom bringing it in? If so, how will the contractor ensure that your yard won't be hammered.
Who will be responsible for getting rid of the debris? Easier for them to do it…just get it in writing!
Ask that it be in writing that they "sweep" the yard (with a magnet) to get rid of any nails that fall to the ground. Even if they tarp the area, nails bounce
As far as meeting with the foreman, it might not be a bad idea. Good to know beforehand if you'll be able to communicate with him.
Best to you!
By Trey on Feb 22, 2010
It depends entirely on how strong the addition was made. If the roof is just 2×4 studs instead of 2×6 or greater, you have a good chance of problems. And if the waterproofing of the flat surface may break if you try to use it to walk on a lot in all kinds of weather and poke through with chair legs, etc.
The usual solution if the strength is there is to build the "patio" almost like you were making a deck near the ground: a strong sill atfached to the house and pads to rest on the roof and spread the force. Then the waterproofing of the addition stays intact and the deck can be level even if the roof has some slope for drainage.
If the floor of the house is very close to the level of roof, then there isn't really space to do that above. I would suggest getting someone to design it or ask for estimates based on a design being described to you and see how much trouble they think it will be.
By mealking on Feb 23, 2010
A metal roof is not a good idea. Ponding water will leak through the seams even if they are soldered because expansion and contraction will open up the seams. Ponding water will also cause the steel roof to rust prematurely.
A better option is a rubber membrane roof. Warranties as long as 40 years are available. A reputable roofing contractor will make quick work of the roof job and be around for any problems that may develop … in other words, they will be around to take care of any warranty problems.
Good luck with your roofing project.
By bellshouse1 on Feb 24, 2010
You need to check with your local Registrar of Contractors to see if there are any open or previous infraction by the builder. You will also be able to see how long the builder have been in business for (the longer the better). When comparing estimates, you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. A $20k spread is huge for a small project so somehow, one of the bids are missing services, whether it is demolition, hauling fees, materials to match existing, etc. If you're putting concrete tiles on the new gable roof, does it happen over a large expanse of windows/sliding door? Any of those builders include additional support on the header and foundation due to the increased load?
Just compare the differences in terms of included scope of work from each builder. By doing so, it may give you a better understanding of the price discrepancies.
By starlight on Feb 25, 2010
Definitely a rubber roof requires a great deal let maintenance and will last 15 to 20 years. This will be a true water proof roof system. Paper and tar is old method and will last 7 to 10 years before needing replaced. UV rays effect both but tar faster. Long term Rubber. Short term is moving in 5 years paper and tar.
By arjzv on Feb 26, 2010
You can do one of two things. Either ask a competitor to come inspect the roof and give you an itemized list of what's wrong with it *just tell them what happened and that you are looking for someone who can show you what's wrong and what needs repaired* or you can contact your insurance company who can set you up with someone who can check it for code. Once you get the documentation showing the lack of work done you can put in writing your complaint and demand it be redone. If they refuse, you have it in writing that you are unhappy with the product and also paperwork showing what damage is done. Take pictures! That way if they DO try to sue you for the money you can have that on your side. They won't get a DIME if you're in the right.
Do NOT pay until all the above has taken place or they can claim you damaged it etc. you wouldn't have paid if you weren't satisfied etc. and you won't get it fixed by them.