Friday, October 30, 2015

Metal Verses Asphalt Roofing

Homeowners are always interested in the latest and greatest trends when it comes to upgrading their homes. One item that has become a subject of debate is metal roofing.  In comparison most homeowners will agree that metal roofing is an appealing option over asphalt shingles.  The debate between the two materials often centers on their cost verse longevity.  Does it make sense to pay almost double the amount of money for the materials and installation involved in metal roofing?  What other benefits does metal offer over asphalt to your home to warrant the expense?
What is lighter metal or asphalt roofing?
It is a common myth that metal roofing is heavy.  This could be nothing further than the truth.  In fact metal roofing weighs about one point four pound per square foot where as asphalt shingles weigh anywhere between two to five pounds for each installed square foot.  The major advantage of this is that metal roofing materials are easier to install over any existing roof without compromising the existing roof structure.
What is the lifespan of metal and asphalt roofing?
Most people are not surprised to learn that metal outlast asphalt when it comes to the longevity of your homes roof.  The worry surrounding metal comes from the myth that metal easily rusts.  This again is untrue; in fact metal outlast asphalt more than four to one.  Metal roofing sheets are not easily compromised by the sun and heat unlike asphalt.  The metal will continue to perform for decades over shingles.  Shingle roofing is preferred amongst roofing contractors only because they are easy to install and the roofing contractor does not need any specialized training to be installed.
What is the difference between the warranty between metal and asphalt roofing?
One thing many homeowners are shocked to find out is that the warranty of asphalt composition is that the warranty on the shingle doesn’t necessarily correspond with the lifespan of the actual shingle materials.  If the warranty on the shingle is stated at forty years most homeowners are lucky to get fourteen to nineteen years out of them.  This is hardly comparable to the one hundred year warranty period on metal roofing.
What is the aesthetic value between metal and asphalt shingling?
Asphalt has been seen as the most affordable option in roofing for awhile now.  This does necessarily make the most eye appealing choice.  With metal roofing you have a variety of choices in styles, colors and shapes.  Metal roofing actually offers more in terms of appearance than any other material in roofing.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

It May Be Time To Replace Your Metal Roof

How do homeowners know it is finally time to replace their metal roofs?  Metal roofing is usually chosen over asphalt because of its longevity.  Many times the homeowners that initially install the metal roof are not the owners when it comes time to replace it.  It is necessary to be able to access the condition of the roof in order to decide if it is time for the roof to be replaced.  Below are some of the things to look for before you call in a roofing contractor to install a new roof.
Severe Rust
Metal roofing comes coated with a rust proof finish.  This however does not guarantee or prevent rust from forming.  Overtime the coating can degrade which will result in the formation of rust on the metal roof.  Metal roofing with excessive rust can detract from the aesthetics of an overall well-kept home.  If homeowners begin to see rust forming on their metal roof they should address the areas with additional rust treatments.  Eventually it may become cheaper to replace the roof rather than continually treating the rusting areas.
Fragile Roof Structure
Overall metal roofing has a longer lifespan over asphalt shingles.  This does not mean that the roof will not experience a gradual deterioration.  This happens because overtime the roof is exposed to a variety of weather conditions. Severe weather leads to excessive rust which then leads to a weakening in the roof structure.  When this occurs the only option is to replace the entire roof.  If you see holes starting to form in the metal the roof structure will start to weaken at a faster pace.  Be prepared to replace the roof within the year if not sooner to avoid the expense of structural roof replacement as well.
Leaks
Unlike asphalt shingles metal roofing is held onto the roofs structure using bolts and screw to fasten it together.  Overtime the bolts and screws will loosen and break away.  This can cause a leak to occur which in turn can lead to water damage.  Water damage is unattractive and costly if left untreated.  It is more economical to replace the metal roof than repair constant water damage.  If the leaks are caught early it is possible to repair the hardware that has loosened.  The sooner the leak is discovered the less likely it is to cause long lasting water damage to the structure of the roof overall.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.