Metal Roofing: An Energy Efficient Option?

For many homeowners, a roof is there to add curb appeal. But the main purpose of a roof isn’t to make your house look aesthetically appeasing. It’s for there for various purposes. One of these purposes is to prevent hot air coming in, and cool air escaping.

But this depends on the type of roof you have. Some roofs are built for the purpose of adding aesthetic value. Others are there for protection against bad weather. But when it comes to insulation and energy efficiency, metal roofs are what work best.

Metal roofs not only keep the temperature balanced, they help reduce utility costs. In addition, they are durable, meaning they can last up to 50 years!

Why Choose a Metal Roof?

Metal roofs are known for their durability, reliability, and low-maintenance. They’re known as ‘cool roofs’—roofs that keep homes cool during sweltering months.

They have high a high thermal emittance, as well as solar reflectance. This has made them become a popular choice in recent years.

Other than their light color, metal roofs have protective coating on the metal panels. This can include a variety of reflective materials to help deflect the sun’s UV rays. When high quality coating is used, it can help deflect 3x more radiation.

In addition, due to their light weight, metal roofs can be installed on top of shingles.

Variety

Most homeowners worry that metal roofs will give their homes an ‘unattractive’ look.

This is a misconception. Metal roofs don’t have to have the appearance of steel, or aluminum. While white or light coloring is needed for stronger solar reflectance, you can customize the roof, and color it according to your preference.

Furthermore, metal roofs can be designed to mimic the appearance of traditional asphalt roofs. In addition, you can customize your metal roof to a style called, ‘The Standing Seam’. This includes the edges of each roof panel being bent upwards, at a 90° angle, and being sealed to the adjacent panels. This helps keeping rain water away from your roof, and you can even install a solar panel.

The Installation Process

Like any roof installation, metal roofs should be installed by a professional roof contractor. Installing metal roofs requires the expertise of a professional. This is especially true if you’re planning to get your old roof replaced.

Not only should the company installing the roof need to be well-versed in handling the metal materials, they should have the set of skills, and the knowledge to use safety measures.

They should also be well-versed about local codes, and the standards for installing metal roofs in Ohio.

We offer roof installation and repair services to both commercial and residential areas. Whether it’s installing metal roofs, or replacing damaged shingles, we have you covered. Our experts have the extensive experience required to handle complex tasks.

If you’re looking for a roofing company in Ohio, feel free to contact us today or call 330-784-4000 for further information/queries.   

Common Places You Can Find A Roof Leak

Roof leaks can be such a nuisance. You’re lounging around your house and all of a sudden, you hear the telltale tip tap.

While you can see roof leaks most of the times, it can be difficult to trace the precise location. If you’re working with a small leak, it can be pesky to find the spot.

You will have to inspect the roof to begin your investigation. If you’re uncomfortable doing that, call our residential roof repair technician to find and fix the roof leak. Here are the places you’re likely to find a leak:

1. Roof Shingles

If your house’s roof is old, the leak can possibly be in the roof field. This includes the expanse of slate, shingles, shakes etc. On an asphalt shingle roof, you can easily walk around. If you have other roofing materials, make sure you don’t end up cracking it.

Look at the vertical knockouts for missing colored granules. Also, see if you can find cracks. See if a nail or two has backed out of the roof sheathing. Note everything and inform the roofer for repairs.

2. Valleys

It is the line where the two planes of the roof intersect. Valleys may be made of shingles, metal flashing or other material.

With shingles, you need to trim them properly. Otherwise, water will travel along the top of it to find its way in your house. If you are unable to determine whether the shingles have been properly trimmed, ask our expert roofers.

3. Head wall and wall step flashings

Metal flashings when placed for roofs ending at a vertical wall, must extend at least three inches over the shingles. Roofing cement or other such material should never be used for this. If you see a cement patch, it is probably there to hide a leak.

Step flashings may also show signs of rusting or holes. This indicates the presence of a leak.

4. Chimneys

Does your house sport a chimney? They can be a source of several leaks…

Chimneys have four different types of flashings. If any of these fail, you will have a roof leak to deal with!

Hairline cracks above the flashings allow huge amounts of water to run behind them. Search for soldered corners that might be broken or have holes. Don’t use caulk; call up our roofer to find a permanent solution for this problem.

5. Ice dam leaks

These leaks can happen even if your roof is technically fine! Ice dams created on the roof can block water drainage. This water will start to back up under shingles, flashings and other roofing material.

You can choose to get a preventative membrane installed. This will avoid the water to pool up and your roof will not leak.

Are you tired of the roof leaks? Then let our Barberton roofing contractors know; they’ll come right away and fix it for you!