Metal Roofing Winston Salem is more than just a stylish roof; it increases a home’s resale value and offers homeowners numerous benefits. It is durable and energy efficient, protecting homes from hurricanes, hail, and fire.
The biggest enemy of bare steel is corrosion, but the invention of galvanized and galvalume coatings limit this problem. Copper and aluminum are also less susceptible to rust, while stainless steel is virtually rust-free.
Metal roofs can last 50 or more years without the need for repairs or replacements, and they can withstand gusts of wind up to 140 miles per hour. They’re also fire resistant, reducing the risk of structural damage and property loss in the event of an accident. They can help keep indoor temperatures regulated, too, which can save property owners on energy costs.
Metal roofing’s durability and longevity are often its most attractive qualities to commercial, industrial, or facility management property owners seeking eco-friendly construction materials that will stand the test of time. The roofing material can resist corrosion, dents, and mildew, making it a great choice for areas with harsh weather conditions. Metal roofing is also highly reflective, helping reduce the need for excessive cooling during hot seasons. It can even help to cut down on energy costs by 10-25%.
The durability of metal roofing can be increased by choosing the right material for the specific climate and by following regular maintenance procedures. For example, steel options, such as galvanized or Galvalume, are ideal for regions with frequent storms and harsh salt exposure, while copper and aluminum roofing is more suitable for warmer climates.
Durability can also be improved by utilizing roof trims and fasteners that are designed to withstand specific environmental conditions. For instance, using metal screws instead of wood or plastic ones can make a significant difference in how long they last. Regular inspections can also ensure that the roof is secure and that there are no leaks or exposed fasteners.
The versatility of metal roofing means that it can be designed to complement nearly any building style. It can be installed in traditional vertical ribbed panels or a standing seam style, or manufactured to resemble tile, cedar shakes, or any number of other designs. In addition, the roofing materials can be factory coated to protect against UV rays and extreme weather conditions.
Even though a metal roof is more durable than most roofing types, the surface can still be prone to scratching and scuffing. If these imperfections are found, the roofing contractor should be notified immediately to ensure that the issue is addressed before it becomes worse. Scratches or scuffs that are not accompanied by gouges or holes should be repaired with touch-up paint or a coating system that is similar to the color of the existing roofing material.
Energy Efficiency
Modern metal roofing isn’t just durable and long-lasting; it also delivers exceptional energy efficiency. The reason for this lies in the material’s reflective properties, which help keep interior temperatures more regulated throughout the year and save money on energy bills.
While asphalt shingles absorb and hold heat, forcing air conditioning systems to work overtime to cool homes and buildings, metal roofs reflect radiant heat, thereby significantly cutting cooling costs. This is especially true for light-colored metal roofing, which is the most effective at reflecting rays (with white and some newly developed “cool colors” leading the pack).
In addition to their reflectivity, metal roofs also cool down quickly once the sun goes down. This allows them to better protect the attic from the sun’s harsh rays and further reduce energy consumption.
Aside from improving energy efficiency, metal roofs also do a better job at insulating buildings. In fact, they outperform shingle roofs by up to 40 percent during summer. This is because they are more effective at preventing heat from penetrating the building’s structure and escaping into the attic space.
Furthermore, the insulating capabilities of metal roofing are enhanced by their fire resistance ratings and reflective coatings. This makes them a good option for homeowners and businesses that want to lower their carbon footprint and cut down on energy bills.
Moreover, many metal roofs are manufactured using recycled materials, and they can be fully recyclable at the end of their lifespans. This is in stark contrast to traditional asphalt shingles, which can contain toxic chemicals like arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
When it comes to minimizing a home or business’s environmental impact, the roof is one of the most important areas to focus on. In addition to reducing energy consumption, metal roofs provide superior protection from snow, wind, hail, and other weather elements.
And they also offer an array of color options to complement the look of any property, from classic to contemporary. However, if you’re looking to minimize your environmental impact even further, consider opting for an insulation-boosting radiant barrier underlayment in conjunction with your new metal roof. This will not only increase your home’s energy efficiency, but it will also prevent unwanted water intrusion and ice dams that can lead to costly repairs down the line.
Aesthetics
Metal roofing offers an array of design options that provide homeowners with the ability to embody their architectural uniqueness. The expansive color palette makes it easy to integrate your roofing into your home’s exterior while complementing the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the availability of textured finishes allows you to choose a shade that complements your home’s siding and other aesthetic elements.
The vast range of design possibilities that exist for modern metal roofs is limited only by your imagination. While many people associate a metal roof with rectangular corrugated sheets or industrial standing seams, advances in manufacturing and onsite rollforming allow for the creation of custom shapes. As a result, modern and contemporary buildings can seamlessly integrate curved metal panels into their structure.
Whether your preference is for the classic sophistication of earthy tones or the vibrant beauty of blues and greens, the colors available for metal roofs make it easy to coordinate your roofing with your overall building exterior. In addition to aesthetics, the color of your roofing can have an impact on energy efficiency. Lighter colors tend to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, which can reduce your cooling costs during warmer months.
When choosing a metal roof, it’s important to consider the climate in your area. The Pittsburgh, PA region experiences a harsh winter with heavy snowfall and hot, humid summers. For this reason, selecting a roof that can withstand the conditions is critical to durability and longevity. A granular-coated or emissive-painted metal roof can significantly reduce your home’s heating and cooling expenses while providing superior protection against hail, sleet, and other damaging debris.
Aesthetics aside, a metal roof can offer a host of benefits that enhance your home’s functionality and curb appeal. For example, skylights and dormers can increase usable space in the upper levels of your home while bringing in natural light. The ability to incorporate architectural elements into the design of your metal roof also increases its longevity.
While the functional advantages of metal roofing are significant, its visual appeal is equally captivating. The glistening beauty of a modern metal roof adds a striking allure to any structure, while blending with its architectural features to transform it into an artistic masterpiece.
Maintenance
Metal roofs are known for their durability and longevity, but that doesn’t mean they are completely problem-proof. Just like any other component of a home or building, regular maintenance is the best way to catch and address potential issues before they become serious and costly. Even something as simple as a cracked pipe boot can lead to water penetration and cause damage to the ceiling inside if it’s ignored. The key is to have a plan in place that includes periodic inspections and routine maintenance performed by a professional.
Leaks are one of the most common issues that can occur on any roof type, and metal is no exception. It is very important to keep an eye out for water leaks and other signs of potential problems, such as mildew or rust, and have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
The best way to keep a metal roof looking its best is to have it regularly cleaned and maintained by a professional. This not only helps it retain its beauty, but can also extend the life of the roof by keeping dirt and debris from settling on the surface and wearing down the protective coatings.
A professional can also inspect the flashing around any chimneys, vents or other roof penetration points to make sure they are secure and properly fastened. These areas are often a point of leak development, especially if the flashing is worn or damaged.
Scratches and dents can also develop on metal roofs, but if these are addressed right away they should not be a major issue. Some scratches can be touched up with a touch-up paint pen, while others may need to be replaced.
It is also a good idea to have nearby trees professionally trimmed to reduce the risk of branches scratching or scuffing the roof surface. Also, it’s a good idea to have gutter systems regularly cleaned to avoid clogs and the accumulation of leaves and other debris that could potentially corrode the metal or allow water to enter the home. Lastly, it is recommended to have the sealants and coatings on a metal roof re-applied after 5 to 10 years or as specified by the manufacturer.
