Today, we’re going to discuss some of the things you need to consider when choosing the right systems. Let’s jump right in!

Temperature fluctuation 

If you live in an area where there are significant temperature fluctuations, you may want to think about using a slider or floating clip system. These clips have the ability to both expand and contract, and whether it’s hot or cold out – your metal roof system may move a bit. This will mean less stress on the panels as the system will be able to move with them. 

Style and design

Clip systems are traditionally only used on standing seam roofing systems. If you have more of a preference for a more classic look, then corrugated and exposed fastener systems will be more of the way to go. If you’re looking for sleek and modern- then concealed fastener system will likely be a better option. 

Budget

At the end of the day – money talks. Metal roof clips are no different. You should always consider your budget when considering which clip system to utilize. Fixed clips are traditionally more budget-friendly and better in residential applications. They can most certainly work in commercial situations as well. But if you’re looking to save some money – fixed clips are probably the way to go. 

Installation

Installations can typically take time and the more time they take, the more money you’ll have to spend. Concealed fastener systems are a little more difficult to install – particularly if you’re dealing with a company that doesn’t specialize in metal roofs. Exposed fastener options are far easier to install but might not look as sleek. The decision here is ultimately both an aesthetic and affordability issue. 

If you have questions about metal roof clip systems, feel free to give our team a call and we will likely be able to help you find the right one for your specific project. If you’re ready to get started today, feel free to reach out. Until then – good luck!

Today, we’re going to discuss what makes metal roofing panels superior to asphalt shingles and why you might want to consider them over an asphalt roof when it comes time for you to pull the trigger on your next roof. Let’s jump right in. 

Lifespan

Without a doubt – lifespan is perhaps the single biggest differentiator between the two shingles. Metal roofs can last up to 70 years and on the low end- 40 years. Conversely – asphalt shingles may need to be replaced as often as every 12 years. They’re also far more susceptible to natural dangers like tornados, hail and other dangerous weather events. Which when you break it down into the simplest possible terms – you could go through 3-4 asphalt roofs over the lifespan of just one metal roof. 

Energy efficiency

Metal roof panels are without a shadow of a doubt- better at both repelling extreme temperatures and maintaining stable temperatures. There’s less room for heat or cool air to leak or enter your home. This will quickly add up when it comes to energy bills, heating, air conditioning and the like. In many cases, metal roofs can pay for themselves in energy savings alone. 

Conversely asphalt roofs tend to absorb heat like a sponge – and radiate the heat to the home below. That can cause a lot of fluctuations in temperature and will cause your HVAC to have to work overtime to keep temperatures stable. While this isn’t the end of the world – most homes function like this – it does mean more expensive energy bills and more wear and tear on your HVAC system -which could lead to other costly repairs and maintenance for that further down the road. 

Sustainability

Look, many of us are happy to do our part to help with the environment, but owning an asphalt roof can make that more of a challenge. Asphalt shingles are petroleum based, meaning they’re too toxic to recycle and contribute to tons and tons of waste in landfills annually. Metal roofs on the other hand are recyclable and in many cases – are already recycled in one shape or another. 

At the end of the day – asphalt shingles are perfectly fine as an option, but the up front cost can be deceiving. If you’re interested in what a metal roof can do for your home, give us a call today and we’ll be able to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck! 

If you’re thinking about copper roofing for your next major home remodel, you might want to give this blog a read. Today, we’re going to briefly break down the pros and the cons and unlock the secrets behind what this form of metal roof can do for you and your home. Let’s jump right in!

The pros

The first and most obvious benefit of copper is going to be the overall aesthetic that it provides to your home. Copper is a gorgeous metal and when used right – can really add a tremendous amount of curb appeal and resale value to your home. That means that in many ways – it justifies the cost. 

Copper is also an extremely versatile metal as well. You can use it as a traditional, long-form metal roof panel. You can also turn it into shingles, tiles or even use it in custom shapes. Long story, short – copper can do anything for your roof you want it to within reason. It makes it a particularly attractive option when dealing with more challenging buildings architecturally. 

The lifespan and performance of the metal is unparalleled as well. The first benefit here is – it’s a significantly lighter metal than say, steel. So it puts less stress on your home especially if you’re someone who’s in a region where you get significant amounts of snow or lengthy periods of rainfall. 

Second, it’s the system’s overall level of durability. There’s a reason places like churches and other, larger maintenance intensive buildings gravitate towards copper. It’s resistant to things like mold and mildew – but it also won’t catch fire and is resistant to abrasions. Even better – there’s minimal maintenance that needs to be performed, and as such – represents a significant cost savings over time. And if that wasn’t enough – the energy savings are significant. Copper keeps air – both warm and cold – inside the building it protects – and is a superior insulator. This means less money going out (literally) the door on energy costs. 

There is one drawback

The one drawback is that the upfront cost is significant. There’s simply no getting around it. Copper is a premium metal and while it comes loaded with the benefits we discussed above, the old saying goes ‘you get what you pay for’ and that certainly applies here. That being said – because these roofs last so long and will save you money in so many other, hidden areas – that they’ll certainly prove their worth over time. But the reality is, many people might not be able to cover the costs up front and might suffer from a little sticker shock. But we assure you – there’s a reason people are flocking to these roofs. 

If you’re interested in learning more about copper roofs and how they can help your home, feel free to give us a call today and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Until then – we hope you found today’s blog helpful and good luck!

However, there are still some rumors out there – and beliefs that seemingly won’t die. Today, we’re going to discuss some of those urban legends and why you shouldn’t pay them any heed. Let’s jump right in!

Metal roofs get hot and don’t insulate homes well

This one doesn’t really seem that implausible. Metal gets hot in the summer and to the naked eye – the gaps in seaming can make it appear that yes, air could likely leak out. But just because it’s seemingly plausible doesn’t make it so. 

In fact – metal roofs do a better job on insulating your home than any other roofing system. So whether you’re in the warm air like down here in Tampa, FL or up north – you’ll be able to keep your home at the desired temperature. 

How it works is fairly straight-forward. In the day – metal roofs will reflect much of the radiation that would otherwise get absorbed by other roofing systems. This makes for a more consistent temperature throughout your home. It makes for a roof that’s not so hot in the day, not so cold at night – if anything, it’s simply more consistent. 

Metal roofs are lighting rods

You can quite literally read a mountain of peer reviewed research at this point that tells you this is scientifically incorrect. What makes thinking this even more crazy is that in the very rare event your home DOES get hit by lighting, the metal roof almost grounds your home and distributes the electricity more evenly and safely throughout your structure – making it an infinitely better and safe option in lighting storms than other roofing systems. 

In fact most fires caused by lightning largely depend on where they strike the home. And if it hits a metal roof, then, well – metal isn’t combustible nor is it flammable. So if you’re worried about weather – trust us – you’re good!

Metal roofs are still incredibly cost-prohibitive

Look, nobody here or anywhere else is going to tell you metal roofs are in the ‘affordable’ category of roofing systems. They’re still not, but they also probably shouldn’t be. But in spite of a high price tag, homeowners still get an incredible amount of bang for their buck. There’s the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ and while asphalt roofs come with the lower up-front price tag – you’ll have to pay for a new one 2-4 times before your metal roof even shows signs of wear and tear – a pretty significant difference! 

The other factor to take into consideration is the global financial crisis. Materials aren’t what they used to be and particularly when it comes to petroleum-based products like asphalt shingles – cost is significantly higher than usual while metal roofs are mostly holding in-line with historical norms. 

Simply put – everyone’s budget is their budget. But if you can afford it – the long term value of a metal roof system is hard to overlook. 

We hope you found today’s blog helpful! If you need metal roof clips or are in need of supplies for your metal roof, give us a call today. Until then – good luck! 

Let’s jump right in!

Energy bill spikes

One of the most surefire signs that your roof’s best days are way behind it is that you’re noticing a sudden or steady increase in your energy bills. Whether it’s been a fast spike or gradual creep – it’s usually a sign something is up. Now this might not be exclusive to your roof. In fact, it could be an issue with your HVAC system. But if you check that out and notice that nothing’s changing, it might be deterioration in your roof. 

Curled and cracked shingles

The most obvious tell is almost always the state of a roof’s shingles. If they’re cracked or beginning to curl – it’s probably time. This becomes an issue because it’s easier for water to infiltrate the spaces between and cause leaks and even worse – wood rot. And when the wood under your shingles rots – that can add on an entirely new element of expense to your new roof. 

All that being said – while this is a surefire sign your roof is aging – it might not be a sign you need your roof replaced immediately – but definitely worth keeping an eye on and keeping it on your radar. 

Bald spots, missing shingles and, uh plant growth

Any instance where there’s some sort of roof exposure should be addressed as soon as possible but if you notice multiple missing shingles and entire bald spots on your roof – it’s usually a sure fire sign that your roof has lived past its usefulness. In addition if there’s plant growth – make sure you keep an eye on it. This can lead to mold, fungus and other deteriorative issues. This usually happens because of too much moisture in one part of the roof so be sure to have it cleared and looked at. 

If you’re looking for a new roof system, make sure you do your research and get multiple quotes from multiple reputable contractors. Ask for a portfolio, call references and the like. And as always, if you need metal roof clips or are considering purchasing a metal roof, by all means give us a call. Until then – good luck!

There are practical issues to keep in mind as well as aesthetics – many of which we’ll be breaking down with you today. So here are some tips when it comes to choosing what color you’d like your metal roof to be. Let’s jump right in!

The practical

Always remember that your roof is more susceptible to the elements than any other feature of your home. Above all else it should be a given that it’ll likely experience some degree of wear and tear. When choosing a color, we’d recommend one that is going to resistant to ultraviolet light. Not only while this keep your home looking good throughout the duration of its life, but it’ll also save you the inevitable bill involved with coming back to touch it up. 

What effect are we going for?

There’s a lot more to your metal roof than just the sheen and the protection. There’s aesthetic value to consider too. How will the roof look like compared to the rest of your house? Will it maintain curb appeal? Both of these can impact the value of your overall home. Outside of the front door – studies say the condition of the roof is one of the first things prospective buyers will look at- so maintaining the good looks is important. 

Think long term

Choose a color you think will not only look good to you (this is your home, after all) but will also maintain its appeal long term. Make sure you’re choosing a color that you’ll be satisfied with well into the future. You could go bold – but ask yourself if you (or someone else) will like that color in say, 20 years. 

Don’t forget lighting

Lighting can cross people up when choosing a color. Don’t forget the color of the roof may seem good on paper but the amount of light your home receives could change things up quite a bit. Roofs can also look a little different in cloudy weather and at night- so just be mindful that just because it looks good under fluorescent lights at the store or online, doesn’t always mean that that’s the effect you’re going to get once natural light comes  into the equation. 

Hopefully today’s blog will help you make a little bit more of an informed decision when choosing the color of your roof. And as always, if you need metal roof clips or other metal roofing components – give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help. Until then – good luck!

Here are some common forms of roof damage and how you can help your own cause. Let’s jump right in!

Weather damage

Whether it’s hail, ice, snow, or wind – the elements can most certainly do a number on your roof. Especially in places like Tampa, FL where our roofs are exposed to some pretty strong elements – if you know a major storm is headed your way – do a quick walk around your home to check your roof prior to the storm and then a second one once it’s passed. You’ll want to look for:

• Missing/damaged shingles
• Curling on the edges of shingles
• Damaged chimneys
• Any sagging and or pooling water
• Damaged flashing

Any surface that gets pounded by thousands of tiny ice pellets, or has to deal with windcreep underneath its shingles – is likely going to be only to take only so much before there’s some sort of damage. 

What do I do?

The most important thing you can do right off the bat is to call a professional or the company who installed the roof. Document the damage, schedule an inspection and get an idea of what you need in order to pay for the repairs. Then we 100% advise to file an insurance claim. You have homeowners insurance for a reason. 

Next you’ll want to compare some estimates. We definitely recommend getting a few as well – as this’ll insure you get the best deal and help make sure you’re not getting scammed by either party. Once your funding is secured, it’ll then be time to schedule your repairs and get it fixed. Getting your roof repaired as soon as possible is important. Letting it linger could lead to even more, potentially even more costly damage. 

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful! If you have roof damage, be sure to reach out to a professional as soon as possible. Until then – Good luck!

Today, we’re going to talk about why you’ll want a metal roof on your home when hurricane season hits. Let’s jump right in!

Zoning codes for high-velo hurricanes

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the state set out to tighten their building codes when it came to the designation of what High-velocity hurricane zones are and some of these included product regulations. Now only three counties in Florida are designated as high velocity zones, but metal roofs not only meet codes and protect your home, but even if you’re not in one of these zones, they’ll be helpful in terms of protecting against high winds and the like. 

Debris

The biggest concern during a hurricane is often the debris that gets ripped about as a result of the exceedingly high wins. Things like storm windows are a huge asset to protect the interior of your home, but debris can really do a number on shingle roof systems and clay/ceramic systems as well. Metal roofs have what we call a Class 4 rating – meaning that they rarely show any signs of fracture. Yeah, you might get a dent here and there and certainly some scrapes – but it sure beats hunks of your roof and home ending up a mile down the road. 

Wind driven rain

Hurricanes dump a ton of water in the places they impact – and that water can create extreme dangers to homes – and not just in terms of flooding like we saw with Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. We’re talking standing water on roofs, or it seeping into cracks and crevices on top of your home. This water can cause leaks, but just as concerning it can drop down into places and form mold and other damage that can be hazardous to your health well after the storm has come and gone. Metal roofs keep your home better insulated and specifically due to their design, won’t allow for water to seep in or build up in any one particular place. 

So if you’re looking for the best possible protection about the next big storm headed your way, you should certainly consider a metal roof for your home. If you have any questions or any needs for metal roof clips and components, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck!

As such, a lot of homeowners have decided to install metal roofs on their homes – as it’s better able to deal with the extreme sunshine, salt, high winds and general beating that homes take in these environments. That being said – metal roofs in coastal areas need a little bit of extra care. Not keeping a proper eye on them can significantly reduce their life span – which often defeats the purpose of purchasing the home to begin with. 

Here are some things you should know if you’re considering a metal roof for your coastal home. Let’s jump right in!

Salt and metal roofing

At first, it might seem like metal roofs would be a poor fit when it comes to sea salt. And to an extent there’s some truth to that. If your roof isn’t properly treated, it can rust and warp in those kinds of conditions. A nasty cocktail of moisture and salt can corrode steel and most other metals, in fact. In fact, they corrode 10 times as fast than in other areas of the country. 

On the flip side – aluminum roofing – has NONE of those issues. Aluminum is an all-around more ‘seaworthy’ metal and is more rust-resistant and salt resistant than other forms of metal. So if you’re looking to invest in a metal roof in a coastal community – go with aluminum.

Why aluminum

The real key to aluminum roofs vs. coastal weather comes from its powder coating. This not only resits salt and moisture, but it also prevents your metal panels from fading and becoming discolored. In addition, they come with a variety of styles and choices to pick from – including standing seam metal roofs, aluminum shingles and the like. 

The other big factor to consider? Aluminum roofing is more cost-effective to install, taking about half as much time and investment as more traditional steel roofing systems. This  means you get the durability and value-add of a traditional metal roof without the hassle and a less disruptive project. 

So are metal roofs still a reasonable investment if you live in a coastal community? Yes – so long as you choose the right material for the job! If you’ve got questions about aluminum roofs and you are looking for some guidance – feel free to give us a call today! Until then – we hope you found today’s blog helpful and good luck!

In fact, right now is the best time of year to get your roof inspected. Today, we’re going to cover some of the things you can do to stay on top of your room and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Let’s jump right in!

Visual inspections

There’s lots you can do on your own to make sure your roof is where it needs to be. One of the easiest things to do is inspect it from the ground. Keep your eyes peeled for debris and missing shingles. You might even notice some signs of wear and tear from the ground.

Also, check your attic to make sure there’s no leaks, or areas where there might be some signs of decay and wear. In addition, be sure to keep your nose peeled for any musty or unusual odors as it could indicate you don’t have proper ventilation. Your attic can offer a lot of clues as to your roof’s condition, so be sure to check it out. 

Clean and repair your gutters

Even here in the Tampa, FL area, there can be a lot of buildup that ends up on a roof that can cause problems later. Particularly with regards to your gutters. Make sure your gutters are inspected at least twice a year and that they’re clear of any leaves. Branches and other miscellaneous detritus that may have built up. Even with metal roofs, buildup from gutters are capable of causing a myriad of issues. 

Check and repair loose flashing/metal strips

Metal roofs are remarkably resistant, but the flashing can be an issue from time to time. Make sure it’s secure and that if there are any loose connections or strips of metal, that they’re repaired as soon as possible. Check around your chimney, vents, solar panels or skylights. If anything is cracked – you’ll want to make sure these areas of your roof are resealed. 

Get your roof cleaned

Metal roofs generally stay cleaner – it’s a huge advantage to having them; however a once a year, annual clean is always a good idea. Not just from the debris, but especially here in the Largo, FL area – you’ll see a lot of salt in the air. Getting a good clean will only benefit the roof long-term. 

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful. If you’re looking for metal roof clips or any other accessories, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help. Until then – good luck!