A metal roof is predicted to last from 20 to 50 years. The outcome is fewer asphalt shingles being dumped into landfills each time a typical roof needs repaired or replaced. Check with your local metal roofing company to see the manufacturer’s warranty on the type of metal roofing you have selected.

Many people still believe metal roofs soak up the rays of the sun, causing the inside of their home to be warmer, thus increasing their heating and cooling costs. Improvements have been made to allow metal roofing to reflect the sun which can actually decrease your home’s energy cost by up to 20 percent. Check out www.CoolMetalRoofing.org  for more information.

This is a great money saver for you. The initial cost can be more expensive than a traditional shingled roof, but a metal roof is practically maintenance free once it is installed. Insurance companies are now offering a discount on homeowners insurance for having a metal roof. Check with your local agent to see if this could apply to you.

In conclusion, “going green,” has never been easier. A new metal roof will not only save the environment, but also cut energy consumption by up to 20 percent.

• A proper inspection of the overall condition of your metal roof is vital. Older roofs will take longer to clean especially if they have not been properly maintained over the years. New roofs should be relatively easy to clean. Remember, cutting corners will cause more work later and possibly damage your investment.

Step 2 – Safety First

• Always keep safety first when working on any type of roof. It is recommended you use a safety harness and safety rope when working on any type of roof. Never work on a roof alone. Have someone at home in case of an emergency. If in doubt, always call a professional metal roofing contractor.

Step 3 – Removing Paint Corrosion

• Never scrape the paint on your metal roof unless you are absolutely sure that it will not damage the coating on the metal roof. If you must remove paint corrosion use a metal wire brush instead. This should remove all loose paint and corrosion.

Step 4 – Cleaning

• Tri-Sodium phosphate or TSP is the most common cleaning agent for removing mold and mildew from metal roofs. Mix 1/2 cup of TSP to one gallon of water. TSP is widely available and can be found in most paint stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using TSP. Once you have mixed your cleaning solution carry it up to the roof along with a soft brush. Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and begin scrubbing the areas with mold and mildew. Rinse completely with water and repeat if necessary to remove all of the mold and mildew.

Step 5 – Removing Dirt and Debris

• Remove the dirt and debris from your metal roof with a power washer. When using the power washer always start at the highest peak of your roof, this way all of the dirt and debris can be easily washed away. It is recommended that you use only water to clean your roof. Some detergents can leave a hazy residue on your metal roof leaving it dull. Also, keep the nozzle of the power washer a uniform distance from the roof and clean in a sweeping motion. Remember to read your manufacturer’s instructions before using your power washer.

Regular cleaning especially in areas where mold and mildew are prevalent not only ensures a maintained roof which will last for many years, but also enhances the beauty of your home.

What do you look for on a Metal Roof?

• Most metal roofs are galvanized, aluminized, or galvalume coated from the manufacturer. These pre-coated materials are almost maintenance free. It is not uncommon for manufacturer’s to warranty a metal roof for up to forty years.
• There are various types of metals and some metals must not touch each other, if they do chemical reactions can occur leading to corrosion. Check with the manufacturer of your metal roof to find out what type of metal has been installed on your home.
• When using screws make sure they are the same type of material as your metal roof to prevent corrosion. Also, only use screws with a washer to prevent corrosion from occurring.

How do you repair a Metal Roof?

• Performing a regular inspection of your roof is your best defense against costly damage. While a metal roof is relatively maintenance free, occasionally you will need to perform minor repairs due to the elements. Even though the manufacturer warranties the finish of your metal roof for up to 40 years, you will still need to touch up the paint from time to time. Especially, if you live in areas where temperatures go from one extreme to another.
• Small holes can be repaired with roofing cement or roofing silicone. For larger holes contact a professional metal roofing installer to make the necessary repairs for you.
• If the roof is not properly cared for small problems can turn into disastrous problems and shorten the life of your metal roof.

How do you find leaks?

• To find the leak look just above where you see a water stain. Look for mildew, mold and additional water stains on insulation, rafters, and interior walls.
• If the source of the leak is not near the moisture spot(s) inside there could be a problem with the roofing material. Keep in mind that water may travel a long distance, following a path before passing through the roof into the home.
• Take your measurements from inside the home and use these measurements to guide you from the outside.

Once you have found the leak(s) you need to follow the steps below to prevent any more damage from happening.

• To control where the water will fall, attach a piece of string near the stream of water and then let that string hang down into a bucket. The water should follow the string. 
•  If you notice your ceiling sagging where the water stain is, the ceiling is probably holding water. To drain the water drill a small hole in the ceiling and place a bucket underneath to catch the water.

Download the entire article >> Leaky Roofs Not Just Annoying but Costly

Before Inspecting Your Roof, Here Are Some Important Safety Tips:  

• Make sure the ladder is on solid, level ground.
• Secure the ladder at the top to prevent it from slipping.
• Inspect the ladder, rungs and rails for damage.Always use both hands when climbing the ladder. 

What Do I Need to Look for?   

1. Check flashings on the roof. Flashing refers to thin continuous pieces of sheet metal or other resistant material installed to prevent water from getting into your home from an angle or joint, such as around dormers, chimneys, and vent pipes. If it looks as if there is damage, fix these problems right now! If you are unable to do the repairs yourself call a professional roofing contractor and have them mend the problem for you. 
2. Asphalt roofing materials have a granular surface. As the asphalt ages, it becomes weak, and lose some of its granules. Look for bare spots in asphalt shingles. If you see shingles curling up, buckling, or blistering, it is time for a new roof.
3. A metal roof has a design life of 50 years if maintained. Metal roofing comes in galvanized iron or steel, aluminum, and copper. Each has its own wear distinctiveness. Look for signs of pitting, rusting and corrosion that  the natural results of aging. Look for loose or open seams and joints that can lead to leaking.

Download the entire article >>VMR_Roof_Inspection_Saves_Money

Works Cited  

Roof Checkup Guide for Homeowners. (n.d.). Retrieved February 3, 2010, from NRCA: http://www.nrca.net/consumer/checkup.aspx  

Smith, A. (n.d.). Inspecting Your Roof . Retrieved February 2, 2010, from Do It Yourself: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/inspecting-your-roof#ixzz0eOKXsAhg

Metal Roofing is Cool 

According to the Cool Metal Roofing, cool metal roofing is a family of sustainable, energy-efficient roofing products comprised of unpainted metal, pre-painted metal and granular-coated metal.  It is available in a wide variety of finishes, colors, textures, and profiles, for steep-slope and low-slope applications.

Cool Metal Roofing is Highly Reflective

Metal roofing meets the EPA Energy Star Roof Products Program performance criteria. Metal roofing is also eligible for other cool roof incentive programs.

Cool Metal Roofing is Available with High Emissivity

Emissivity meaning the ability of a surface to emit radiant energy compared to that of a black body at the same temperature and with the same area is as high as 90% which can be achieved for painted metal roofing.

Cool Metal Roofing is Very Durable

Metal roofs are credibly proven to last over 30 years with minimal maintenance. Metal roofs effectively resist wind, hail, fire, and earthquakes. Painted metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of a long, useful life.

Cool Metal Roofing has Low Life-Cycle Cost

Due to its credible long life and documented durability, metal roofing makes an attractive investment.

Cool Metal Roofing is Aesthetically Pleasing

Metal Roofing is available in a wide range of finishes, colors, and profiles.

>>For more information on Cool Metal Roofing Products call (229) 232-8951.

 The news came as a surprise even to those well-versed in metal roofing.

Late last year the Florida Solar Energy Center released the results of a real-world study of the heat gains in houses with different metal roofing materials. The experiment monitored indoor cooling energy usage for seven side-by-side homes in Ft. Myers, during the summer of 2000. Each home was virtually identical except for roofing material (one had a sealed attic and roof deck insulation).

The study showed that white S-tile produced the lowest attic heat gain.

But the home with the white metal roof posted the lowest overall cooling cost.

Compared to a dark gray shingle roof, the study reported, “a white, galvanized metal roof should save a customer who lives in an average-sized 1,770 square foot home approximately $128 or 23 percent annually in cooling costs.” Flat white tile offered a savings of 17 percent. Terra cotta roofing, the most popular roofing material in Florida, netted a modest $15, or 3 percent savings over dark shingle. Read More>>