Archive for the ‘Roof Types’ Category

Metal Roofing Myths Debunked

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 10th September 2009

metal roof that looks like tile large 150x150 Metal Roofing Myths DebunkedMinnesota metal roofing has become quite the trend. Individuals have the choice of different colors and even different styles. For instance, you can have a blue roof if you want a blue roof. You can also have a metal roof that mimics the look of shingles if you want. There are more and more options being made available to homeowners as metal roof innovations are being made.

However, there are some myths about metal roofing in Minnesota that need to be addressed so that individuals such as yourself can make the right decisions regarding metal roofing.

Those myths include:

Metal roofs are too hot and don’t have insulating properties – It has been shown that metal roofs are saving homeowners money on their heating and cooling costs when they are installed properly. Metal roofs actually reflect a lot of the solar energy that tends to heat up the attics of homes. This results in the home remaining a more consistent temperature, which means you do not have to deal with the extreme temperature fluctuations you would have to deal with otherwise.

Lightning loves metal roofs – The truth here is that lighting hates metal roofs. The Metal Roof Alliance states that the instance of lightning hitting your home with a metal roof is not increased. If lightning does hit your home, the metal roof disperses the energy from the lightning evenly and safely. The instance of fire is also greatly reduced with a metal roof because metal is not flammable.

Metal roofs don’t last long – Quality metal roofs come with a 20 year guarantee from the manufacturer. Metal roofs do require special skills from Minnesota roofing contractors. Not everyone can install a metal roof, which says a lot about the quality of the roof. The more complex, the better it is. When installed properly, the expected lifespan of a metal roof is 50 years. This is much longer than most other roof types, which includes asphalt shingles that have a maximum life of 30 years.

Metal roofs aren’t very beneficial – Right now, you can receive a tax credit on your income tax return when you put metal roofing on your home. As you’ve read so far, metal roofing is not flammable, they are not too hot, and they do keep cool air in and hot air out. When you use an Energy Star rated metal roofing, your energy costs can be cut by 10% to 15%.

Metal roofs aren’t worth the cost – Metal roofs may cost more than asphalt shingles, but the overall savings exceeds that of asphalt shingles and the roof more or less pays for itself over time in the form of energy savings. Asphalt shingles do need to be replaced 2 to 4 times more often than metal roofing. Considering roof replacement costs thousands, the overall savings is astronomical.

When you decide to take the metal roofing route, you do need a Minnesota roofing company that specializes in installing metal roofs. It takes 4 to 5 years for a roofer to gain the experience needed to install these roofs, but once they are installed, they are an amazing asset to your home.

Minneapolis Roofing Shingle Contractors

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 10th September 2009

roofing contractors , Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Toronto , Etonicke for shingle and asphalt reroofingThe life of a roof shingle is quite fascinating for the fact that they can “die” in a short period of time or they can last for many years without a hitch. To some, a shingle is just a piece or material that is nailed onto a roof and keeps the water out. It helps to drain water away and into the gutter system that then channels water away from the home. It seems rather simple, but the truth is that it is not simple at all. As a matter of fact, a roof shingle is more complicated in that.

Minnesota roofing seems to be largely made up of asphalt shingles. When a hail storm, wind storm, or a large snow storm makes its way through the state or areas of the state, some shingles seem to stand up to the challenge and others don’t, so why is this?

This is because Minnesota roofing contractors are experienced in installing different types of roof shingles. These roof shingles come in different weights. The heavier the weight, the longer it will last. As for the life expectancy, there are a number of factors that come into play.

Minnesota Shingle Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a shingle is reliant upon things that you may have never thought would be factors. For instance, attic ventilation plays a role in shingle life expectancy. The hotter the attic stays during the summer, the shorter the life expectancy of the shingle. Other factors include:

  • The color of the shingle also plays a role. The lighter the shingle, the less heat it pulls in. Heat is a big culprit in shortening the life of shingles.
  • One side of the roof may receive more inclement weather than the other. The side that tends to take the brunt of the wind, rain, hail, and other weather will be the side that wears out faster.
  • The pitch and slope of the roof also affects the life expectancy. Having a combination of harsh winters and hot summers can reduce the life expectancy.

Although manufacturers will package their shingles as twenty year, twenty-five year, or thirty-year shingles, this is the life expectancy they were designed to have. However, this is without the weather patterns that Minnesota tends to inflict on its citizens. Here are the facts regarding Minnesota asphalt shingles and their projected life expectancy:

  • Twenty year shingles may last on average of fifteen years. They usually start to show deterioration between the ten and twelve year marks.
  • Twenty-five year shingles last around eighteen to twenty years.
  • Thirty year shingles last around twenty-five years.

Inspections

So don’t let the expected life expectancy of a roof shingle throw you off. You will need to have regular roof inspections by a qualified Minneapolis roofing inspector. These inspections should take place after storms in which there was hail, wind, or flying debris. You should also have your roof inspected in the late spring and in the fall to see the toll the winter and the summer did to your roof. The summer and winter tends to be the harshest, so inspections can help you address small problems before they become major problems. This will extend the life of your asphalt shingles and help you replace your roof closer to their life expectancy rather than prematurely.

Minneapolis Green Roofing

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 9th September 2009

roofing 150x150 Minneapolis Green RoofingWhen someone refers to having a “green” roof, this doesn’t mean that the roof is the color green. This means that the roof has certain properties that make it environmentally friendly. But not only is a green roof an environmentally friendly roof, it is a roof that saves you money in energy costs because you’ll be using it less often. A green roof is a sustainable roof that has high reflectivity and also has recyclability.

Here are some other statements regarding Minnesota green roofing:

  • Having a white roof offers more reflection than a black roof. Black absorbs heat. Lighter colors will reflect sunlight, which means the home does not absorb so much heat. Not only does this result in a cooler home, but a cooler home results in lowered energy costs.
  • Rooftop garden systems are gaining popularity due to the fact that a natural environment is placed upon the structure. These work best on flat roofs. Some businesses have them and use them as areas in which their employees can enjoy their breaks, while also offering a proper drainage system and natural reflection of sunlight. When someone refers to a “green” roof, this is actually what is being referred to.
  • Some may also consider adding solar panels to their roof “green” roofing. Solar panels provide a certain degree of solar energy into the home or business rather than using electricity. Although the initial cost may seem high, the overall savings far exceeds that cost.

“Green” is used to define roofs that use some kind of technology that conserves energy and is safe for the environment. Many roofing products may sport the Energy Star logo, which shows that the Environmental Protection Agency has certified the product as one that can save you money and is better for the environment. This can apply to attic fans or any other item that you need to make your roofing system complete and more energy efficient.

And even if you don’t have the budget to replace your entire roof, you can look into reflective paints and coatings to lighten your roof so that sunlight is reflected and not absorbed into your roof. Basically, all you need to do is change the color, but the type of roofing that you have will determine whether or not you can do that. This is something you can talk to your Minnesota roofing contractor about so that you can try to achieve a “cool roof” or achieve one to an extent without breaking the bank.

So if you’re passionate about saving the environment or you just want to save some money with a good roof, you now know what a “green” roof is. It is a roof that implements some kind of energy saving aspect. A green roof uses environmentally safe materials, saves energy (which is also great for the environment), and saves you a lot of money during the life of the roof. With more people in Minnesota taking this route, the MN roofing company are definitely gaining their experience.

Is it Time to Replace Your Minneapolis Roof?

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 8th September 2009

You know that there is damage to your roof, but the question is whether or not you need to replace your roof? You could go for a simple repair, but what if you find yourself constantly repairing your roof? By the time you have called the Minnesota roofing company the fifth or sixth time, or even fewer times, you’ve already paid the same amount of money that you would pay for a brand new roof that would stand up better to the very elements that are damaging it.

So what are some signs to look for so that you know whether replacing your roof is the right decision?

  • Ask yourself, “How old is my roof?” The average lifespan of a roof is around 15 years, depending on how well it is maintained. If you want to extend its life, then having regular roof inspections by a Minnesota roofing inspector can help you locate the small issues that are easy to fix so that you can extend the life of your roof. If a roof is not properly maintained, then torn flashings and minor leaks can turn into something more serious that causes extensive damage to your home.
  • Look for shingles that are missing or torn. If the number of missing or torn shingles far exceeds the number of good shingles, then it is time for roof replacement.
  • Look at the condition of the interior walls that touch the roof. If there are moisture marks or missing paint, then the roof is faulty and needs replaced.
  • Minnesota is known for extreme weather conditions and those weather conditions can expose part of the house from the top in the form of roof damage. This exposure to direct sunlight, wind, hail, rain, and snow can cause significant damage to the home.
  • Faulty design can also result in roof replacement. When a design is not done properly, it is just a matter of time, usually short, when a roof will not be able to do its job. Sometimes the defect is obvious from the beginning. Faulty design also includes not using the right materials or using low quality materials to construct the roof.

The decision to replace your roof can be a difficult one because there are so many factors that you must consider. Those factors include: Budget, weather conditions, the type of roofing that you need, the amount of time in which you need the issue rectified, etc. You certainly have a lot that you need to consider when making the decision to replace your roof. But most importantly, you need to take a look at the extent of the damage. Talk to your Minneapolis roofing contractor about your options. If your roof needs replaced due to the weather, then you may wish to consult with your insurance company to see what your insurance will cover so that you can determine your true budget.

So when damage has been done, contact a roofing contractor in Minnesota to take a look and tell you what kind of damage has been done and what it will take to fix it. The final decision is up to you.

Minneapolis Metal Roofing Contractors

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 7th September 2009

You have probably noticed that metal roofing is popping up on more and more homes. This roofing is not like the roofing found on commercial buildings and barns, but is something completely different. Metal roofing in Minneapolis is now available in many different designs, colors, and in different price ranges. Many find that this is the best deal for them when purchasing a new roof. As a matter of fact, Minneapolis metal roofing is becoming a trend.

The Colors and Designs

At one time you may have only seen gray or red metal roofing on a home. The metal roofing was very easy to identify because they all looked like. However, this is changing. Metal roofs in Minneapolis are sporting different colors and styles. If you want blue, you can have blue. If you want brown, you can have brown. The colors are virtually limitless.

But what is amazing is how different designs have also emerged throughout recent years. A metal roof can be made to look like shingles or cedar shake roofing. Of course this may cost you more money, but can be helpful when you want to establish curb appeal.

And if the Minneapolis contractor you are working with does not have the colors or styles that you’re interested in, you can look into ordering them to make sure you can have what you want for your home.

Saving Money

Another important aspect of Minneapolis metal roofing is the fact that you can save money. The average lifespan of a metal roof is 50 years. This is well above the normal lifespan of other types of roofing. When you look at these facts, it is easy to realize that there may be fewer roof repairs throughout the years, if any, and you will most likely not have to replace the roof of your home at any time while you’re living in it. It simply depends on what the weather has in store for your roof, but know that Minneapolis metal roofing can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear.

You also save money on energy costs because the metal reflects sunlight and heat. This keeps your home cooler in the summer, which reduces your cooling costs in the summer.

Making the right choice

All you have to do is consult with a professional Minneapolis roofing contractor to find the option that is right for you. You may decide that metal roofing is right for you, but then you may decide that it isn’t. You will have to look at your budget so that you know what you can pay initially. If your existing roof has been damaged by a wind storm, hail storm, or another act of nature, you can contact your insurance company and see how they can assist you with the damage. You may find that your out-of-pocket expenses are not quite as high with the help of your insurance and that you can buy the best for your home.

With a lifespan of 50 years, you definitely want to make sure your decision is the right one.