Sheet Metal Roofing

When it comes to weighing the options for getting a new metal roof for our home, we may often find ourselves at cross roads of choosing among quite a few metal roofing alternatives, while our mind is wondering back and forth trying to decide would not it simply be cheaper to get the good old and messy asphalt shingle metal roof. Indeed, it is tough to make a good decision when we are presented with so many choices.

Sheet Metal Roofing, is just one of the many alternatives that modern metal roofing has to offer to homeowners for their residential roof replacement dilemmas. Well, so what exactly is sheet metal roofing all about? Answer: Vertically installed sheet Metal Roofing panels rolled ,or fabricated from a sheet metal coil are the essence of what it is. Some roofing shops employ or have access to Sheet Metal Shops and facilities where they can custom design and fabricate sheet metal roofing panels. Others, simply go to roofing supply warehouses and order sheet metal roofing panels specifying length and width of the panel as well as the type of metal, its gauge or thickness of the metal roofing panels, and its paint color finish, which I usually like to be Cool Roof rated for energy savings, and homeowners Tax Credit Incentives.



This type of scenario is very typical for a small roofing contractor company. My company is not exception, and when we have to install sheet metal roofing panels on a specific roof or supply the materials for a some project, I simply go to the roofing supply wear house where I pre-order metal roofing panels. I specify the type of metal roofing system that I want, type of metal flashing that I need and system specific fasteners.


The advantage of dealing with roofing supply warehouse, rather than ordering directly from the manufacturer is that they work with a few different Metal Roofing Manufacturers, which helps me select just the right system and obtain comparatively better pricing. The pricing aspect is not really anything to brag about since most metal roofing supply companies add a huge markup on top of what the manufacturer charges them. Yet, my materials arrive safely to the roofing supply warehouse, and their dedicated sheet metal shop fabricates metal roofing panels per my specifications. All I have to do is shop up and pick up the panels when they are ready. The typical Lead time from the time I place my order until materials are ready for the pick up is about two to three weeks, unless the supplier has the metal coil that matches my desired color already in stock.

There is also a new way of delivering and fabricating metal roofing materials right at the job site. For Instance, Drexel Metals, a metal roofing manufacturer has made its business model by selling its metal arm machine to high profile metal roofing contractors and roofing supply warehouses. The resulting convenience is truly astonishing, because lead time for the materials delivery is reduced down to as few as three days in some cases, when the roofing supplier has the metal roofing machine operating in close proximity to a sheet metal roofing project.

The DM-Arm Machine shows up at the work site, and spits out sheet metal roofing panels right at the job site. This not only shortens the lead time, but also reduces costs, and helps eliminate the problem with damaged panels, wrong length of the panel, and other factors that often come up when panels are pre fabricated. Drexel Metals sheet metal roofing panels are also compatible with thin film solar metal roofing laminates. This is yet another convincing reason to combine the two services into one seamless installation.

Sheet Metal roofing panels can be in field fabricated using methods such as DM-Arm Machine, pre-fabricated at the manufacturer's production facility and then send out the roofing supplier or directly to the contractor. Finally, some larger roofing companies operate their own metal fabrication shops and usually stock metal coils like aluminum and copper, which is very helpful when working with the roof where sheet metal may only be used for a portion of the roofing project in question.

Visit MA Sheet Metal Roof contracting company to learn more about sheet metal roofing and solar metal roofs installed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

How to repair flat roof

Flat Roof Leaks:

If you live in a house that has flat or mildly slopped roof, then chances are that you have had your share of annoying flat roof leaks, and expensive roof repairs. Roofing industry has introduced many great products such as Metal Roofing, but for flat roofing industry still seems to be the way it was in 1960, when EPDM rubber roofing membrane was first introduced on the market. Since then, not much has changed and although EPDM rubber roofing membrane can last 30 to 40 years, it is the seams that fail, sometimes as early as in five years.


Why EPDM Roof seams fail so early:

The reason why seams fail is that glue that holds the seams together begins to deteriorate, especially if there are uneven surfaces that allow standing water trapped in these uneven cavities to creep its way in and destroy the glue holding the seams together. In the winter, water that had penetrated underneath the seams expands as it freezes, which makes more room for the water to come in until the seams come apart and you get leaks that damage walls, attic and sheet rock. In simple terms prematurely leaking roof can be a complete nightmare for the homeowner.

How to repair flat roof that is leaking:


Repairing a flat rubber roof can be as simple as fixing the seams, because the membrane itself is probably quite good, while the seams had failed and are causing roof leaks.

Roofing tools and materials to repair flat roof:

You will need to go to the Roofing Supply warehouse; Bradco, or Harvey's Industries to buy the seam probe tool, and the rubber seam roller.

When you do get Roofing Supply place, you will also need to buy the membrane cleaner, and black rubber glue. You will also need to get appropriate ladder that is long enough to get on the roof. Make sure that you properly secure the ladder, or get somebody who can help you with that. You, will also need a bucket of warm water and clean dry towels.

Step 1

Find and Identify seams that are no longer holding together; use seam probe tool to identify seams that are failing. Mark all the seams that need repair, as well as any roof penetrations that you may find. Once all the problem spots have been identified, it is time to get to work. Use warm water and towels to clean up the area around the leak, then pull the seams apart by a foot away in each direction from the leak.

Step 2

Let the water to dry out, and then use the membrane cleaner to clean up and remove the old glue that was holding the seams together, be sure to clean up both top and bottom in between the seams and let it dry.

Step 3

Use paintbrush to apply black rubber glue in between the seams to both top and the bottom. You will want to go at least 6 inches deep underneath the seams. Now, use the roller to adhere top seam to the bottom; you want to do it thoroughly to create a good new seam.

Step 4

Let the seams dry for at least 24 hours, and then use seam probing tool to inspect the repaired seams. If you find a seam that is not completely water tight, then you will have to do the procedure again.

Safety Precautions:

Make sure that you know how to properly secure the top and bottom of the ladder before you climb up on the roof. While working on the roof, be sure to stay hydrated and cover your head to protect you from overheating in the sun. Use rubber gloves and knee pads for comfort and safety. Finally, never work alone. Get somebody to just be there and help you. If something unfortunate does happen they will be able to call for help.

Flat Roof repair considerations:

It may not be a bad idea to consider replacing the whole roof, rather then repairing it, because chances are that if the roof has already started leaking, then it is highly likely that seams will fail in other parts of the roof and you will be chasing your tail with the roof repairs. Consider installing a more reliable roofing system such as IB roof manufactured by IB roofs.

IB Roofs:

IB roofs use cool roofing membrane that is hot air welded forming the seams that will not come apart even if there is standing water and ice present. In fact, IB flat roof seams are stronger than the membrane itself. The best part is that IB roof can last well over 30 years and comes with residential lifetime warranty.

IB Roof Installation Video:



Helpful Resources:

http://www.coolflatroof.com/rubber-roof-repair.php

http://www.coolflatroof.com/rubber-roofing.php

http://www.coolflatroof.com/category/epdm-rubber-roofing

http://www.coolflatroof.com/flat-roofing-blog/

http://www.coolflatroof.com/flat-roofing-guide.php

http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/ib-roof/

http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/directory/

Green Building Directory

As always, I welcome your comments, I would love to know what you think.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Out of all roofing materials that modern roofing industry has to offer, standing seam metal roof is the one that truly makes the statement and impression of being modern, light weight, energy efficient, durable and reliable metal roofing system. It seems that standing seam metal roofs are successfully taking onto both residential and commercial roofing arenas, where they are able to stand out on their own, and it seems that standing seam metal roof is becoming a new way to roof in the 21st century.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

So what is that makes standing seam metal roof so successful in residential and commercial markets? It turns out that it is a combination of beautiful and modern vertical panel pattern that standing seam exhibits, wide array of color finishes, and piece of mind of a proud building owner who knows that his roof is protected by one of the most reliable, light weight and energy efficient roofing system that exists today. In addition to being energy efficient standing seam metal roofing can be outfitted with thin film solar roofing panels that adhere to metal panels using peal and stick method. Combined with the electric inverter and connected to the grid standing seam metal roofing system provides reliable protection and electricity that is converted from solar energy. The beauty of it all is that such a system typically can pay for itself in 7 to 10 years. It also earns green building credits and incentives and it is great for the people and the environment.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing Installation

What is standing seam?

A formation of vertically positioned metal roofing panels connected together by means of a locking mechanism called seam. Standing seam metal roofing panels can be made of aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel and copper. Standing seam metal roofing is modern descendant of older tin roofing systems that were installed for centuries and tin roofers. Tin roofing systems were popular for their long lasting properties.

Can I install standing seam myself?

Standing seam metal roofs are not typically a do it yourself project, because installation requires not only the general roofing knowledge, but it also requires that you are able to use the metal roofing tools and understand how all the flashing pieces integrate to produce leak free and reliable roof, however there are standing seam metal roofing installation guides that can be used to give a general idea on how to install standing seam metal roofing system.
Are there Metal Roofing systems other than standing seam?

Yes, there are also quite popular metal shingle roofing systems available to homeowners. One advantage of metal shingle roofs is that the panels come from the box and that makes installation process easier. The earlier post contains information on installation of metal shingle roofing.
Does Standing seam metal roof help prevent ice dams?

Yes, given sufficient slope, standing seam metal roof has the ability to shed off snow and ice, which helps prevent ice dam formation in the first place. The ice dam cannot form when there is no snow on the roof, however snow may build up in a gutter.

Resources

http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/standing-seam/ - General Information about standing seam metal roofing.

http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/directory/ - Metal Roofing Contractors Directory

http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/blog/ - Roofing Information Blog

http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/blog/metal-roofing-pros-and-cons.php - Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Green Building Directory - Informational resource that lists green building and metal construction contractors and supply companies.

Quality Blogs related to Home Improvement:

How to find Metal Roofing Manufacturers

Researching the field of Metal Roofing Materials

When my roofing company first got involved with metal roofing, we had one big dilemma to solve; How do find the right metal roofing manufacturer that could provide great product, flexibility and customer service. We have researched the field and turned out that there were dozens of different metal roofing manufacturers to pick from, the only problem was we did not which one would be right for us.

Call to Action

The call from a potential customer helped us start moving forward in the right direction. That particular customer wanted to get metal shingle roofing installed on his roof. So we did some research and found a great product for them; Tamko Steel Metal Shingle Roof we installed in Johnston, RI. Thanks to the customer, we loved the product so much that we started carrying that particular type of metal shingle as one of the options for our customers. Sure enough, we have installed similar systems in Massachusetts and Connecticut shortly after.



Later we had a customer who wanted a metal shingle roof to be installed on his newly purchased home in Revere, MA. Unfortunately, we could not install Steel Shingle on that Roof because it was only 100 feet from the ocean and we did not want to take chances with future possibility of corrosion and rust developing on the roof.

So we had to find a metal roofing manufacturer who could provide us with metal shingle that was not susceptible to corrosion and rust even in the salty environment. Luckily we were able to find a manufacturer specializing in Aluminum Shingle Roofing, which was great because we were able to install a beautiful aluminum shingle roof with a piece of mind for life-long protection for our client's roof. Thus, our customers' needs, once again helped guide us in the right direction of finding metal roofing manufacturer who carried just the right line of metal roofing products.

Our first Standing Seam Metal Roofing Job.

Shortly after, we received a call from a builder in Plymouth MA, who wanted to get standing seam metal roofing job done on his newly built summer home over by the lake. Once again, we had a small challenge on our hands, we had to find the right manufacturer for Aluminum Standing Seam Metal Roofing system.



In addition, we had to take on some hands on training that would teach us how to install this type of metal roofing system. After attending the training sessions we were ready to install standing seam metal roof and do it right the first time!



Time and again, it were the needs of our customers that motivated us to go and look for just the right type of metal roofing product as well as learn how to install it correctly. Later, there would be many great numbers of standing seam metal roofing jobs that we would do around New England.




Not only that, we later had to learn how to install simulated Spanish tile roof, which was basically a stone coated steel metal tile that looked like a real tile while weighing only a fraction of the real clay tile!

Later we would also do custom metal roofing jobs for IHOP restaurants and time and again we would have to be able to find metal roofing manufactures who could offer the particular metal roofing material that we needed to complete the project.

Thus, our clients became the secret driving force that helped us to learn, understand and appreciate the benefits and advantages offered by different metal roofing manufactures and you are welcome to use the directory of Metal Roofing Manufacturers that we have created to help people like you and me navigate the confusing world of all thees different metal roofing manufacturers out there!


Please enjoy the metal roofing pictures we have provided and let me know what you think!



















Resources:

Globe of Blogs

Directory of Weblog Community

Metal Roofing Systems help fight global warming

How metal roof can better the environment and your home.

Although metal roofs have been protecting residential and industrial buildings for well over a century, it is only the last few decades that really made it possible to get a fully functional, reliable and well designed metal roofing system for your home. The emergence of new technology gives homeowners a unique opportunity to upgrade their old asphalt shingle roof with environmentally friendly, light weight, and long lasting roof.

Living in the time of the onset of global warming, environmental awareness and individual responsibility are becoming critical for preserving the environment and reversing the negative effect that industrialization is causing to the environment. There are many ways that an individual person can effect that change. For example driving a smaller energy efficient car or a hybrid will reduce the amount of emissions that cause air pollution and contribute to global warming.

It may not seem so obvious, but upgrading your current roof with an energy efficient metal roof can have a profound effect on betterment of the environment as well as benefit the home owner.
Metal roofing offers many advantages over conventional roofs. Cool roof and energy star rated metal roof reflect significant amount of solar heat, which reduces air conditioning load, saving electricity, money and preserving the environment. Metal roofs are not only energy efficient, but they are also very reliable and long lasting compared to asphalt shingle roofs. An average asphalt shingle roof may only last 12 to 17 years, before it starts leaking and requires replacement. The old roof goes into the landfill and the new roof puts a big whole in your pocket. A metal roof on the other hand is made from recyclable materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its life, which by the way may be well over 50 years provided it was installed by specially trained roofing contractors specializing in the installation of metal roofing systems.

The government has also stepped in and it now offers tax generous tax credit to the home owners who get energy efficient metal roof installed for their homes. The beauty, reliability and energy efficiency is what metal roofing is all about. Not only that, this smart investment is one of the ways we can better our environment and personal homes.

References:

http//www.consumerenergycenter.org/coolroof/

Cool Roof Rating Council

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=roof_prods.pr_roof_products

Roofing information blog

How to Install Metal Roofing DIY Guide

Residential Metal Roofing Materials

Today, countless metal roofing materials and profiles available to homeowners offer excellent green roofing alternative to conventional asphalt shingle roofs. Home owners can choose from a wide range of metal roofing materials including aluminum, copper, and steel metal roofing systems. As for the variety of styles metal roofing is available as standing seam, batten seam, simulated Spanish tiles and metal shingle roof systems.

Do It Your Self Metal Roofing Installation Guide

For a homeowner who wants to take on the installation of metal roof, a metal shingle system cab be one of the easiest metal roofing systems to install. Metal Shingle Roofing system offers simplicity of interlocking metal shingle design and great variety of metal flashings.

This guide covers installation of interlocking Aluminum Shingle Metal Roofing system.
Metal roofing pictures and illustrations used in this guide come directly from one of the roofs we installed near Boston, Massachusetts.

Metal Roofing Installation Pictures:

Let's take a look at some before and after pictures to get an idea of what a metal shingle metal roof may look like.

Picture of a roof before the installation of a Metal Roof:



Picture of a newly installed metal roof:




The basic principles of metal roofing installation :

Step 1: Preparing the roof deck and installing roof under-layment.

For metal shingle roofing, our first step is to prepare the roof deck for the installation. Metal Shingle roof can be installed over the existing asphalt shingle roof, as well as over solid sheeting such as boards or plywood as in new construction or after tear off.


Picture of the roof after tear off:


It is recommended to use a breathable synthetic roof-underlayment as opposed to regular tar paper that is going to disintegrate and could stick to your metal roof. Make sure that roofing deck is free of any exposed nail heads and install your roof underlayment in overlapping fashion. Use six inches overlap. For more detailed information on preparation of your roof deck for a new metal roof, refer to Metal Roofing Installation Guide written for standing seam roof systems.


Picture of the roof during plywood installation:




Step 2: Installing Drip Edge, Gable, End Wall, Chimney and Valley flashing

Once our roof is covered with underlayment, it is now time to install drip edge / starter flashing, which gets installed against roof deck fascia with approximate half an inch spacing. For metal shingle roofing, we will secure starter flashing with wash head aluminum nails every 12 inches on center.


Picture of Drip Edge Installation:



Once the starter flashing is in place, we can now install gable flashing against gable rake with a half inch spacing. Note, that the gable flashing has to overlap the drip edge flashing at the edge.

Picture of the Gable Flashing Installation:



Now it is time to prepare the rest of the roof including chimney and wall flashing.
If necessary we can pre-cut the ridge vent spacing leaving about two feet of solid roof deck on each side of the roof.

Picture of the End Wall Flashing Installation (different project):



Picture of Valley Flashing Installation:




Installing Shingle around vent pipes:

We can cut in any vent pipe openings if we are going to install vent pipes on our roof.



Chimney Flashing:


Snow-Guards on a Metal Roof:



Step 3: Shingling the roof

In this step, we will begin the installation of aluminum shingle. It is recommended to use vertical and horizontal chalk line guides to make sure that our shingles gets installed in a straight fashion.


Close up of Metal Shingle Installation:



We will usually start with 1/2 of a full shingle from the left side of the gable and starter flashing. We will follow with a full shingle to finish the first row of metal shingles. Our second row will start with a full shingle all the way to the end.
It is recommended to go in a diagonal fashion, gradually raising the the rows of metal shingle.


Step 4: Installing the ridge Vent and Cup

When we finally reach the ridge of the roof and flash all the end walls, sky lights, and chimneys, it is time to install the ridge vent and cover it with the interlocking ridge cap.


Ridge Vent and Ridge Cap Installation:



This introductory guide to metal roofing installation is written by Metal Roofing Contractors from North Attleboro, MA. If your house is protected with a flat roofing membrane such as EPDM or Rubber and you are researching technical information on how to repair EPDM and Rubber roof, then use Membrane Roofing Guide for informational references.

If you consider other green home improvement project, use Green Building Directory to locate LEED certified green building contractors near you.

If metal roofing installation seems a bit too much for your first metal roofing project, then use Directory of Metal Roofing Contractors to locate experienced metal roofing contractor in your locale.


If you live in the state of Michigan and require professional home improvement specialist to help you with your next green home improvement project, then use reference provided below:

Home Improvement - Complete professional home improvement, room additions, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, finished basements, siding and roofing.

Solar Metal Roofing

Not All Solar Roofing products offer the same benefit:

Many homeowners are considering installation of solar roofing panels to generate electricity for their homes. For years the traditional approach was installing heavy solar panels on an asphalt shingle roof, which did generate electricity, but roof penetrations and weight of the panels could cause potential roof damage in the long run. With the latest advancement in solar roofing technology we can now benefit from solar roofing products that offer revolutionary simplicity, come lightweight, last a long time and require no penetrations to be made on your roof. But before we talk about the benefits of the new technology lets examine the reasons why it is better to steer clear off the old solar roofing solutions.

Why not install solar panels on an asphalt shingle roof:

The main problem associated with general Solar PV systems that you can now see on many homes around the country, is the fact that an asphalt shingles roof will fail much sooner than the Solar panels, and when that happens, those home owners will be faced not only with re-roofing expense, but also with complete removal of solar array and re-installation. This MUST be performed by both the roofer and the solar integrator, as the roofer alone will 99% of the time screw things up. And bear in mind that roofing warranty will usually not cover damages to the solar equipment, let alone all the possible short-circuit type situations.

The additional cost associated with these procedures should be at-least the same as the cost of the new roof itself. Think about it: Electricians unlike roofers have to be licensed. Apprentice electrician needs at-least 4 years of schooling/work experience. This is like an undergraduate degree. Master electrician needs another 4 years. Therefore, electricians usually charge $75-100 per man-hour. You’ll need at least two electricians for this job, which will take a whole day to remove the panels and another day to put them back, if not more.

The math is simple: 2 guys * $75/h * 8 hrs. * 2 days = $2400 plus any possible parts and supplies that may be required. So let’s say it costs you $2500 extra. In some parts of the country that is how much an average 1200 sq. ft. cape house roof will cost today with the material.

Why combine Metal Roof with integrated solar panels:

Unlike very “popular” asphalt shingles, metal roofs are pretty much permanent. They are for the most part, produced from recycled metals, and when installed by a trained professional, should not leak for decades.

Metal roofs combined with Renewable Energy technologies can create a perfect combination of light, long-lasting and affordable solution for Solar Electric and Solar Hot Water, as demonstrated in the image to the below:

There are other numerous benefits to having metal roof combined with Solar PV and other renewable energy technologies. When looking at metal roof vs. asphalt shingles, also consider that metal roof will save our land fills from getting more shingles dumped there in 10 years or so. Combined with beautiful looks, you get a permanent roofing solution, various solar technologies, and when paired up with geo-thermal system, you can easily design a 100% energy-free home, with a great curb-appeal.

Standing Seam Roof with Solar Panels

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. One of the latest innovations in solar metal roofing is attaching solar panel laminates film to standing seam roofing panels using peel and stick method. This simple solution is light weight and requires no penetration to the roof. No mess, light weight and long lasting energy efficient roofing solution that pays for itself. Truly, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in life and in green building projects.

This post is courtesy of

http://www.greensolarcafe.com/

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