There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system is the one that balances these four considerations.

Buying a New Roof – What Are The Options?

Asphalt shingles—which possess an overwhelming share of the U.S. residential roofing market—can be reinforced with either organic or fiberglass materials. Although shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiberglass-reinforced products now dominate the market.

Organic shingles consist of a cellulose-fiber (i.e., wood) base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules. To fight fungus growth in warm, wet climates, they are available with special algicide granules.

Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules. Typically, a fiberglass mat offers greater durability, but its manufacture is important.

The fire resistance of asphalt shingles, like most other roofing materials, is categorized by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Class A, B, or C. Class A is the most fire-resistant, while Classes B and C have less fire resistance. Generally, most fiberglass shingles have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings. UL Class A fire ratings are available for certain products that incorporate a factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment.

A shingle’s reinforcement will have little effect on its appearance. Both organic and fiberglass products are available in laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules also can be applied to either organic or fiberglass products to protect against algae attack, a common problem in hot, humid climates. Both types of shingles also are available in a variety of colors.

Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, redwood, southern pine, and other woods. Shingles are machine-sawn; shakes are hand-hewn and rougher looking. Their natural look is popular in California, the Northwest, and parts of the Midwest. A point to consider: Some local building codes limit their use because of concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles and shakes only have a UL Class C fire rating (or no rating at all).

Tile—clay or concrete—is a durable but fairly expensive roofing material. “Mission-style” and “Spanish” round-topped tiles are used widely in the Southwest and Florida, and flat styles also are available to create French and English looks. Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Note: Tile is heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof system with tile, you will need to verify that the structure will support the load.

Slate is quarried in places such as Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Canada. It comes in different colors and grades, depending on its origin. Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, more expensive than other roofing materials. In addition, its application requires skill and experience. Many old homes in the Northeast still are protected by this long-lasting roofing material.

Metal, primarily thought of as a commercial roofing material, has been found to be an attractive roofing alternative for home owners. There are a variety of metal shingles intended to simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles, and tile. Apart from metal roofing’s longevity, metal shingles are relatively lightweight, typically have a Class A fire rating, have a greater resistance to adverse weather, and can be aesthetically pleasing.

Synthetic roof products simulate various types of traditional roof coverings, such as slate and wood shingles and shakes. A point to consider: Although synthetic roof products may simulate the appearance of traditional roof coverings, they do not necessarily have the same properties.

We recommend that you look at full-size samples of the proposed product, along with manufacturers’ brochures, or visit a building that is roofed with that product before making a buying decision.

All roof systems have five basic components:

Roof structure: the rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.

Deck/sheathing: the boards or sheet material that are fastened to the roof rafters to cover a house.

Underlayment: a sheet of asphalt-saturated material used as a secondary layer of protection for the roof deck.

Roof covering: shingles, tiles, etc., that protect the sheathing from weather.

Drainage: the features of the roof system’s design, such as shape, slope, layout, etc., that affect its ability to shed water.

Flashing: sheet metal or other material laid into the various joints and valleys of a roof system to prevent water seepage.

VENTILATION IS KEY

One of the most critical factors in roof system durability is proper ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture buildup in the attic area combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, roof shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose its effectiveness.

Therefore, it is important never to block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents, or soffit vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase the life of the roofing material, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.

In addition to the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic has:

A gap-free layer of insulation on the floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss.

A vapor retarder under the insulation next to the warm ceiling below to stop moisture from rising into the attic.

Enough open, vented spaces properly located to allow air to pass in and out freely.

A minimum of 1 inch (more space is preferred) between the insulation and roof sheathing.

The requirements for proper attic ventilation may vary greatly, depending on where the home is located, as well as the home site’s conditions, such as exposure to the sun, shade, and atmospheric humidity. Nevertheless, the general formula is based on the length and width of the attic. NRCA recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor—with vents placed proportionately at the eaves (i.e., soffits) and near the ridge.

EVEN ROOFS HAVE ENEMIES

Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. The deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.

Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes, or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the deck and cause the roof structure to rot. The extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in the house, including damaged walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical system.

Wind: High winds can lift the edges of shingles (or other roofing materials) and force water—and debris—underneath them. Very high winds can do extensive damage.

Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at the roof’s overhang (where the surface is cooler), forming an ice dam and blocking proper drainage into the gutter. Instead, the water backs up under the shingles and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or torn off the house.

Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of the wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying the roof structure. The solution may be to increase attic ventilation through the use of larger or additional vents so the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.

Moss and algae: Moss can grow on wood shingles and shakes if they are kept moist by poor sunlight conditions or bad drainage. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to the roof surface, causing rot, and its roots actually work their way into the wood. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating an ugly black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from the house to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.

Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching the roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials as they are blown back and forth by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage—or even puncture—shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on the roof system’s surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage.

Missing or torn shingles: The key to a roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, the roof structure and interior of the home are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread—nearby shingles are easily ripped or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.

Shingle deterioration: When shingles get old and worn out, they curl, split, and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles are easily blown off, torn, or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time, and it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall/roof junctions, water can sneak into the house and cause damage to the walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical system. Flashings should be checked as part of a twice-yearly roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

Buying a new roof system is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend some time learning how to evaluate the roofing contractor who may be doing the work. You should insist on working with a professional roofing contractor. NRCA wants to assist you in getting the kind of results you expect—a quality roof system at a fair price. All roofing contractors are not alike, and NRCA recommends you prequalify your roofing contractor to get the job done right the first time. The following guidelines will help in your decision: Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax identification number, and, where appropriate, a business license.

Don’t hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of the insurance he carries. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. Make sure the coverages run through the duration of the job. Many building and home owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. Also, if a contractor is not properly insured, the owner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.

Check to see if the roofing contractor is properly licensed or bonded. Some states have specific licensing requirements, and others do not. Your state’s Department of Professional Regulation or Licensing Board will have this information.

Make sure the contractor is financially stable. A professional roofing contractor can provide current financial information about his company.

Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out if they were satisfied.

Insist on a detailed written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.

Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Most materials require special application expertise to achieve a quality roof system that will last.

Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality-control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required, and the estimated time of completion.

Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry association, such as NRCA.

Call your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation to check for possible complaints filed against the contractor.

Carefully read and understand any roof warranty offered, and watch for provisions that would void it. (See NRCA’s Consumer Advisory Bulletin Roofing Warranties for detailed information about this subject.)

Choose a company committed to the safety and education of its workers. Ask the contractor what kind of safety training he provides for his workers and what industry education programs they have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who actually install the roof system.

Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors seem attractive with their below-cost bids but often are uninsured and perform substandard work. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily in your decision.

SEVEN COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I know when a roof system has problems?

All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.

What are my options if I decide to reroof?

You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of the old roof, or a re-cover over the existing roof, involving only the installation of a new membrane and surfacing. If you’ve already had one re-cover over your original roof, check with a professional Minnesota roofing contractor to see if your deck can support a second re-cover.

My roof leaks. Do I need to have it totally replaced?

Not necessarily. Leaking can result because some flashings have come loose or a section of the roof system has been damaged. A roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and results from improper installation or choice of materials or from the installation of a roof system inappropriate for the building.

Can’t I just do the work myself?

Most work should not be do-it-yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof system. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof in need of repair or replacement. Look for a certified GAF-ELK Master Elite residential roofing contractor in the Twin Cities area. Only 2% of roofing contractors have been awarded this title. We offer superior protection for your peace of mind and warranties backed by GAF-ELK, America’s largest roofing manufacturer.

Home owner maintenance should be confined to roof system inspections in the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles and to cleaning rain gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must see the roof for yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof), if possible.

How long can I expect my roof system to last?

The condition and lifespan of your roof system will depend on the type of roof system you have, the effects of your local environment, and the maintenance the roof system has received. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, asphalt shingles generally last 15 to 20 years; wood shingle/shakes, 10 to 40 years; clay/concrete tiles, 20+ years; slate, 30 to 100 years; and metal roofing, 15 to 40+ years.

Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations they will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lifetimes.

What will a new roof system cost?

The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on the material selected, the contractor doing the work, the home itself, location of the home or building, local labor rates, time of year, and more. To get a good idea of the cost for your roof system, get three or four estimates from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that cost is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship.

For each roofing material, there are different grades—and corresponding prices. Plus, there are a variety of styles and shapes. You need to look at the full product range and make a choice based on your budget and needs.

Within the roofing profession, there are different levels of expertise and craftsmanship. Pick a contractor who is committed to quality work.

How can I determine my annual cost?

When mulling over your roofing options, the following formula may help:

Total Cost (materials and labor) ÷ Life Expectancy of Roof (in years) = Annual Cost

WORDS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Deck/sheathing: The surface—usually plywood or oriented-strand board (OSB)—to which roofing materials are applied.

Dormer: A small structure projecting from a sloped roof, usually with a window.

Drip edge: An L-shaped strip (usually metal) installed along the edges of the roof to allow water runoff to drip clear of the deck, eaves, and siding.

Eave: The horizontal lower edge of a sloped roof.

Fascia: A flat board, band, or face located at the outer edge of the cornice.

Felt/underlayment: A sheet of asphalt-saturated material used as a secondary layer of protection for the roof deck.

Fire rating: UL system for classifying the fire resistance of various materials. Roofing materials are rated “Class A,” “B,” or “C,” with “A” materials having the highest resistance to fire originating outside the structure.

Flashing: Sheet metal used to prevent the seepage of water around any intersection or projection in a roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, valleys, and the joints at vertical walls.

Louvers: Slatted devices installed in the gable or soffit (the underside of the eaves) to ventilate the space below the roof deck and equalize air temperature and moisture.

Oriented-strand board (OSB): Roof deck panels (4 feet x 8 feet) made of narrow bits of wood, laid down lengthwise and crosswise in layers, held together with a resin “glue.” Often used as a substitute for plywood sheets.

Penetrations: Vents, pipes, stacks, chimneys—anything that sticks up through the roof deck.

Rafters: The supporting framing to which the roof deck is attached.

Rake: The inclined edge of a roof over a wall.

Ridge: The top edge of two intersecting, sloping roof surfaces.

Sheathing: The boards or sheet materials that are fastened to the roof’s rafters to cover the house.

Slope: Measured by rise in inches for each 12 inches of horizontal run: A roof with a 4-in-12 slope rises 4 inches for every foot.

Square: The common measurement for roof area is—100 square feet (10 feet x 10 feet).

Truss: The engineered components that have supplemented rafters in many newer houses. They are designed for specific applications and cannot be cut or altered in any way.

Valley: The angle formed at the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces.

Vapor Retarder: A material designed to restrict the passage of water vapor through a roof system or wall.

Enhance The Value And Beauty Of Your Home with the durability and distinctive designs of a Metal Roof and enjoy the increased market value of your property, and the low maintenance of your new roof.

Protect What You Love With A Metal Roof

Every single day the roof of a building receives the brunt of the elements. Every day it is subjected to one or more of the following: wind, rain, snow and a direct bombardment of UV rays. It stands to reason that the investment you make in your roof protects the entire investment of your home. A metal roof is the surest way to secure the investment you’ve made in your property because it outperforms any other roofing material.

Cool Metal Roofing – The Energy Efficient Choice

Metal outlasts other roofing material by decades, which is why longevity is a primary reason many Minnesota homeowners choose metal roofing. Beyond that, you can envision a future with even less hassle because metal roofing is more durable, requires less maintenance and therefore it leads to fewer “honey do” lists.

Savings on Energy Bills

Cool roofing owners have reported annual energy savings up to 40%. Metal roofing solar reflectance and thermal emittance capabilities can reduce air conditioning and heating costs, which reduce the smog and pollution that are created by the production of that energy. Some insurance companies offer discounts to customers for using a qualified metal roof.

Environmentally Friendly

Metal roofing’s durability can virtually eliminate the need to use future raw materials to produce roofing. It is practically unaffected by weather cycles and forces.

Most metal roofs have recycled content ranging from 25% to 95%. Conventional roofing shingles have much shorter lives and use oil-based products as their primary raw material. Metal also has the added benefit of being 100% recyclable if it is ever removed in the future.

DID YOU KNOW that according to an independent study by a national laboratory, Metal Roofs are proven to be the MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT ROOFS ON THE PLANET and will pay for themselves in energy cost savings alone, over the lifetime of the roof?

For The Free Report Metal_Roofs_Energy_Study Download

Most metal roofing comes with a true 30 to 50 year manufacturer warranty, plus a workmanship warranty from the installer. Talk to your Minnesota Metal Roofing Contractor to learn more about the metal roofing warranties that are available. With a metal roof you will never have to worry about a new roof again!

Find out some other good reasons why a metal roof is a good investment for your Minnesota home.

The residential metal roofing market represents the fastest growing segment of metal roofing. Residential homeowners are increasingly recognizing metal roofing’s advantages in durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability (green product).

Cool Metal Roofing – The Energy Efficient Choice

Additionally, recent advances in residential metal roof paint technology provide residential homeowners with a wide array of vibrant and long-lasting metal roofing colors to complement almost any roofing design of a residential home.

And, by choosing a metal roof, you’ll save money and do your part for the environment. Conventional roofing products, including asphalt shingles, contribute an estimated 20 billion pounds of waste to U.S. landfills annually, whereas metal roofs can often be installed over an existing roof, eliminating the cost and eco-impact of tear-off and disposal.

A Metal Roof Will Be The LAST ROOF You Will Ever Need!

Many residential metal roofs now utilize reflective pigment technology, which results in overall home energy efficiency, and lower utility bills. In addition, all metal roofs are made from 30-60% recycled material.

While your neighbors may re-roof their home many times, a high-quality metal roof will likely be the last roof you’ll ever need. Resistant to cracking, shrinking and eroding, metal roofing systems can also withstand extreme weather conditions including heavy snow loads, hail storms and wildfires. If you’re considering installing a metal roof in a new construction or retrofitting an existing building with a metal roof, understanding the fire ratings can help you make an informed decision about the roof.

With all these benefits, why would you choose any other type of roof?

On a building or on a home, the roof has a major impact with the absorption of heat from sunlight (Solar Radiation). The heat is either reflected into the atmosphere or absorbed through conduction into the building. Any solar radiation that is absorbed will heat the roof’s surface. The more the solar radiation is absorbed, the greater the need to find alternative means to dissipate the heat. That’s where emittance comes into play. Emissivity is measures of the roof’s ability to shed absorbed heat.

Reflective Pigment Technology

Cool Roofing

The roof’s design (type, color, elevation) will determine how the heat is reflected and absorbed heat is emitted. “Cool” coating technology focuses on reflecting solar radiation (Solar Reflectivity), and shedding what heat is absorbed away from the surface (Thermal Emittance).

Conduction – The passing of heat through a roof material into the layer in contact directly beneath the surface.
Convection – The heating of the air that passes over a hot surface.
Heat Flux – The amount of energy flowing through any surface

Cool Coatings

Coatings colored with conventional pigments tend to absorb infrared radiation. Replacing conventional pigments with “cool” pigments (absorb less infrared radiation) can yield similarly colored coatings with higher solar reflectance. Mainly, cool coatings lower roof surface temperatures, reducing the need for cooling energy in conditioned buildings and making unconditioned buildings more comfortable.

How do the “cool” pigments work

Source: Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory

Pigments provide color by absorbing and reflecting different parts of the sun’s wavelength spectrum based on their chemistry. Color pigments selectively absorb visible light, and what light it reflects appears to the human eye as color. Pigments also have IR characteristics. While nearly 40% of the sun’s energy occurs in the visible light range (400 to 700 nm), more than 50% of the sun’s energy is in the non-visible infrared region (700-2500nm). It’s infrared (IR) that is largely responsible for heat build-up.

Reduce Energy Costs With A Metal Roof

There are two types of pigments used in coatings: organic and inorganic. Organic pigments offer very vivid and bright colors but are generally not as lightfast and opaque as inorganic pigments. It is the inorganic pigments that are used for applications that are warranted against color change from sunlight and the elements. For the most demanding applications, like metal roofing, a special group of inorganic pigments known as Complex Inorganic Color Pigments (CICP) are used. Certain pigments within this group exhibit high IR-reflectivity for a given visible color.

Source: Shepherd Color Company

Reflecting pigments have been designed to reflect infrared light while still absorbing the same amount of visible light. If the pigment has low infrared absorption, then it’s “cool”. Conversely, a pigment with high infrared absorption is “hot.”

Are You Considering A Metal Roof?

When it comes to style, design and colors, have no fear because residential metal roofing provides you with many great stylish choices.  When considering a re-roofing project or even roofing a house or commercial structure for the first time, metal roof shingles are a great choice for a variety of reasons.  A Minnesota Metal Roofing Contractor will surely be able to help you discuss them further with you to create a personalized look for your new roof.

Metal roofing has truly come full circle during the past century. It is emerging as an outstanding roofing system for commercial buildings and homes alike.  The future looks bright for metal roofing, and there are several trends that are fueling the growth.

Firstly, recent innovations in metal roofing paint systems and coating technology have significantly enhanced performance.  The vast majority of today’s metal roofs use a Galvalume coated steel substrate which virtually eliminates worries about rust and corrosion.

And just as important, paint systems now have outstanding resistance to fading, chalking, and cracking under the most stringent conditions. These paint systems use cutting edge technology and inorganic pigments to provide the maximum protection against harmful UV rays.

Metal Roof Colors

Secondly, metal roofing is tough.  When it comes to wind and weather resistance, metal roofing stands alone.  Metal roofing meets the toughest wind, fire, and impact codes in the country.  It is lightweight and installation is quick and simple. Choose from a variety of colors for aluminum or 24 gauge Kynar painted steel finishes all of which add beauty and value to your property. It has also been demonstrated that the home’s value increases with metal roofing. In some states, a metal roof can even lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums. Most metal roofs last 3 to 4 times longer than an asphalt shingle roof. Your metal roof will probably outlast you.

Thirdly, there is a genuine concern in helping to maintain and improve the environment for future generations.  In this regard, metal roofing meets the criteria of recycled content, recyclability, and energy efficiency.  Metal roofing is one of the most energy efficient roofing systems available and tests have shown that it can save you up to 40% on cooling costs.

In addition, it’s not asphalt based like shingles, which means its production doesn’t continue to fuel our country’s biggest addiction… oil. Although these are the major drivers, there are many other reasons why metal roofing is gaining in popularity.

You can discuss all of this with a Minnesota Residential Metal Roofing Contractor today! They would be happy to answer all of your questions to find out if a metal roof is right for your home or building.

Metal roofs have long been popular for their aesthetics and long-term performance characteristics, particularly their strength, durability and low maintenance costs. Now with the concept of sustainability so important to the building community, metal roofs are being seen in a new light. Their high recycled content, total recyclability and energy efficiency allow “cool metal roofs” to play a pivotal role in meeting Energy Star and LEED requirements.

Metal Roof Benefits

Here is a list of some of these fantastic benefits:

• Metal roofs are lightweight–less than 1/3 the weight of asphalt and one twentieth the weight of concrete.
• A metal roof won’t rot, crack, crumble, split, break or burn.
• Metal roofs are made from recycled steel and aluminum material and are 100 % recyclable.
• Metal roofs have coatings that prevent 75 to 80 percent of the sun’s energy from being absorbed into the roof.
• A metal roof can reduce roof surface temperatures by 60 to 70 degrees.
• Metal roofs are available in a wide variety of styles and custom colors.
• Metal Roofing is durable and maintenance free.
• A Metal Roof increases a building’s value.
• Metal Roofing is an ideal platform for integrating solar electric and solar thermal renewable energy solutions.
• A Metal Roof can earn up to 25 U.S. Green Building Council LEED credits

Metal roofs are synonymous with strength and durability and are known to have a service life of 50 years and more. Consequently, the life cycle costs are substantially lower than conventional roofing materials, making a metal roof an extremely cost effective roofing solution. It will not let you down and can be easily installed over your existing roofs!

Residential metal roofing costs more than traditional asphalt or shingled roofs because it is a much finer product.  When you are ready for a new roof, you should really consider a metal roof as a serious option. Contact a Minnesota residential metal roofing contractor to learn more about what metal roofing has to offer.

Although the popularity of metal roofing has greatly increased in recent years, most people are not very familiar with this type of roofing material so there are many misconceptions.

One common misconception is that a metal roof will be noisier than other types of roofing.

One common question asked about metal roofing is “Will my roof make a lot of noise during a rain storm?” To answer this question it is helpful to consider noise in terms of its unit of measurement: decibels. Decibels range from zero, which is the softest sound that can be detected by the human ear, to the loudest sound, registered which exceeds 175 decibels.

Examples of Sounds and Decibels

How much noise your metal roof will make when rain hits it depends on various elements of the construction. If the metal roof is installed over open framing it will be louder than if it is installed over a solid roof deck. The underlayment that is installed under the metal roofing will further muffle the sound through absorption. The sound will be absorbed even more if the metal roof is installed over a layer or more of asphalt shingles. Attic air space and any insulation will also work to minimize the sound.

It is very common for people with metal roofs to say that they can hear the rain hitting their skylights but not their roof….in fact the difference in the sound level of a metal roof versus asphalt shingles is small enough as to not be considered significant.

Noise Decibels

• Soft Whisper 30
• Rain Hitting and Asphalt Shingle 46
• Rain Hitting a Metal Roof over a Solid Deck 52
• Normal Conversation 60
• Rain hitting a Metal Roof over open framing 61

When installed with solid sheathing, a metal roof on your home will actually silence noise from rain, hail and bad weather, many times much better than other roofing materials.

Get An Accurate Roof Inspection Report

continued from Part 1

Leaking roofs, poor drainage, and clogged gutters and downspouts can all lead to water damage inside your home. This is why it is important to get a roof inspection report regularly, both for the inside and outside.

It is very simple to inspect a roof from the outside as long as you have an unobstructed viewing of the rooftop.

Outside Roof Inspection

The following is a checklist of warning signals will help you look for any potential problem areas during an outside roof inspection.

• Loose or missing shingles or tiles
• Loose or exposed nails that can lead to leaks in the roof
• Dark patches on asphalt shingles or large amounts of granules in the rain gutters
• Sagging on the ridges or in the center of the roof
• Broken or loose shingles at the ridge and hip lines
• Rusty or corroded metal (flashing) and loose shingles in the valleys, plumbing vents or near chimneys
• Overflowing gutters or excess water pooling near the foundation of your home
• Blisters, depressions near vent pipes, separations in flashing, and clogged drains on flat roofs (popping blisters with a knife and coating them with roofing cement can prevent further damage; depressions can also be filled with roofing cement).
• Blistered, curled or splitting shingles

Indoor Roof Inspection

The following checklist includes all the problem warning signals to look for during an indoor roof inspection:

1)      Sagging decking between the rafters (if the decking is sagging or deteriorating, the decking will also need to be replaced during a roof replacement)

2)      Outside light seen through the roof (this may not be a problem on shake roofs since they tend to swell and prevent leaks during the wet months)

3)      Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof)

4)      If dark spots are still wet or soft they are a current problem, if dry and hard it is probably an old problem that has been fixed

5)      Signs of water damage or leaking (usually in the form of water stains, or sagging ceilings due to an active leak or condensation from poor roof ventilation).

A roof will face many calamities during its lifetime, including wind, rain, snow, hail, extreme heat and any other element you can imagine. It is crucial that you have a high-quality roof to protect yourself and your family from the worst weather conditions. Many people put off necessary roof repair and roof replacement services until it’s too late and end up with damage throughout their home as a result. It’s a good idea to have your roof checked regularly, especially if it is more than four or five years old or has suffered storm damage.

Ensuring a quality installation, providing the roof with consistent maintenance, and the early detection of problems through routine inspections will maximize roof life. As the roof ages, the likelihood of problems increases. However, it is how these problems are addressed that will determine the future of your roof system.

If you are buying a home and need to have a certified roof inspection, it is important to address any concerns you may have with a reliable Minnesota Roofing Contractor. Damage that goes unrepaired is a nightmare waiting to happen. The longer the damage persists, the more it will effect your home, potentially causing a larger repair costing you more money. A certified Minnesota roofing contractor will know exactly what to look for.

Buyers face many dangers when purchasing a home, and there are many different aspects of the home that must be taken into consideration. It is important to get a full survey of the property to see if there are any potential problems before buying the house.

Inspection reveals improper fastening of roof shingles

Mortgage companies typically demand that some sort of inspection is done on the property in order to be sure you are paying a fair amount, which makes sense considering that this is probably the most important financial investment you will make in your lifetime. Your lender may require that the roof is surveyed as a part of this inspection because they know this is one potentially costly aspect of purchasing a house that is unfortunately often overlooked.

Make Sure Your Roof is Safe with a Certified Roof Inspection

It doesn’t matter if you are having your roof inspected to satisfy a mortgage lender or if you are doing a routine maintenance check; it’s always preferable to invest in a full, certified roof inspection. When you request a certified roof inspection, a recognized and reputable roofing contractor will come to your house, inspect the roof for any potential problems, and as long as all is well, they will complete the certified roof inspection by presenting you with a certificate. This certificate is typically valid for two years, and if anything goes wrong with your roof in that time the roofing company is obligated to fix it free of charge.

Benefits of a Certified Roof Inspection

Sometimes it is just reassuring to get a certified roof inspection; other times it is absolutely essential. In either case, it is a choice that will pay off in the end. By investing in a certified roof inspection, even when it turns out there are no problems with the home, you are essentially taking out a two-year insurance policy or warranty on your roof. It would otherwise be impossible to get a warranty on a roof that isn’t new.

If you want to ensure a long life for your roof, it is really necessary to have a certified roof inspection every two years. This will help you to prevent expensive damage by taking care of all the minor repairs as they come along. When you get a certified roof inspection, you can rest assured that your roof will be structurally sound for the next two years. As long as you have the valid certificate you will be able to have it fixed even when the most unexpected damages occur.

If you are buying a home and need to have a certified roof inspection, it is important to address any concerns you may have with a reliable Minnesota Roofing Contractor. Damage that goes unrepaired is a nightmare waiting to happen. The longer the damage persists, the more it will effect your home, potentially causing a larger repair costing you more money. A certified Minnesota roofing contractor will know exactly what to look for.

Underlayment is a material placed on the roof sheathing before installing shingles. It is usually a thin, black, paper-like material, often referred to as roofing felt. It comes in a roll and is usually 36” wide. It also comes in different thicknesses or weights. The minimum acceptable underlayment is 15# roofing felt.

Underlayment may also be a self-adhering, rubber-like material. This type of underlayment is most often used at the roof edge and in valleys to help minimize damage from ice-dams. Many shingle manufacturers recommend their own type of self-adhering underlayment and where it should be used. Some local building codes and UL standards require that a shingle underlayment be installed.

Underlayment shall comply with IRC Section 905.2.3 and its application shall be according to IRC Sections R905.2.7 and R905.2.7.1.

Minnesota’s climate is considered severe with respect to underlayment requirements. An ice barrier is required and shall be installed as follows:

• The ice barrier shall consist of two layers of underlayment (15# roofing felt) cemented together or a single layer of a self-adhering sheet. Whichever product is used, it must be installed parallel to and extend from the eave edge to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line.

• After installation of the ice barrier, install remaining underlayment as follows:

For roof slopes of 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) up to 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (4:12), underlayment shall be two layers of 15# felt. Starting at the ice barrier, install the first course of 36 inch wide underlayment lapping the ice barrier a minimum of 19 inches and install successive courses with a minimum 19” lap over the previous course. Apply the second layer in the same manner. End laps shall be offset a minimum of 6 feet.

For roof slopes of 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (4:12) or greater, underlayment shall be one layer of 15# felt. Starting at the ice barrier, apply underlayment shingle fashion, parallel to and starting from the ice barrier edge and lapped a minimum of 2” over the ice barrier. Apply successive courses in a similar manner. End laps shall be offset a minimum of 6 feet.

Advice From A Minnesota Residential Roofing Contractor

It is important to take the time and do the research to understand the needs for your home in your region and how best to meet those needs. It is extremely important that your Underlayment is installed according to code specifications. The best way to ensure that your Underlayment is installed properly is to hire a Minnesota roofing contractor for a roof inspection.