Roofing Contractors Choose Metal over Asphalt

Roofing contractors usually have two choices when roofing Michigan roofs; Metal or Shingles. There are numerous other materials on the market but these are the two most widely used and installed.  Many times roofers will choose metal roofing over shingling for both commercial and residential use when cost is not the main factor.

Your homes roof is a significant part of the house it is your homes caption. No matter how beautiful your home is if the roof is worn out and looks tired your home becomes an eye sore.  The roof is the most exposed part of the house.  It is the surface that gets hit with the harsh weather before any other area of the home.   It protects your loved ones and treasured belongings from the rain, snow, sun, sleet, and other harsh weather conditions.

If you notice that your roof has a leak or is damaged it may be time to think about a new roof.  In some cases roof repairs are costly and it makes more sense not to waste money on repairs when a new roof is inevitable.  The roof decking may have rotted, the tar paper worn or the shingling cracked.
With the harsh weather that our roofs see roofing contractors take their time when recommending suitable materials that will be both affordable and durable for your roof.  Most people nowadays live in their homes for more than a few years so they want their roof to be and stay strong.  This is why for many families roofing contractors recommend metal roofing when it is without a doubt that a roof needs to be replaced and not repaired.

Choose Metal Roofing over Asphalt Shingling

• Longevity

When it comes to weather resistance, metal roofs receive double thumbs up because they can withstand any kind of weather. Although the life span of a roof is about 60 years, it has been said that metal roofs made from copper and Zinc in UK last over a 100 years due to proper care and maintenance.

• Good For the Environment

Metal roofs can be recycled over and over again. As a matter of fact, these kinds of roofs are made from recyclable content. It keeps the temperature in the house cool by reflecting the heat that comes upon it which makes it one of the most energy efficient roofing materials. You can make money by selling it off.

1. It is light in weight.

This is one of the lightest weights that can be used as a roofing material. Although there are different types of metal roofing materials with different weights, roofing contractors believe that steel roofing materials can weigh between 100 pounds to 250 pounds per square while aluminum roofing materials can weigh about 50 pounds per square. Asphalt shingles are quite heavy. They can range from about 200 pounds per square to 500 pounds per square for high-quality laminated and textured shingles.

• Durable

Roofing contractors would pick metal roofs over asphalt shingling any day because metal roofs are stronger during turbulent weather conditions unlike asphalt shingling. There are insurance companies that give a discount price to home buyers with metal roofs. The discount can be as high as 30% in premium if you have a metal roof that is weather resistant.

• Warranty

The manufacturers of these kinds of roof offer warranties for as long as 50 years which is very unlikely to happen with asphalt shingling.
Although asphalt shingling have their own good purposes, metal roofs are better although they are costlier. Don’t try to cut cost when trying to buy your roof but think about what you need.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.

Today’s Asphalt Shingles

Have you been researching roofing products?  Are you trying to find out how to get quality shingles without wasting money on a warranty that might not make a difference? Is it quality of the shingling even important? If the roofing is installed correctly does it really make a difference if you pay to the roofing contractor to install ten year shingles over twenty five year ones?

One of the most popular options in roofing is asphalt shingles.  They are popular for a number of reasons including that they are inexpensive, long lasting, fire retardant, and are available in a number of colors and styles.

Some shingling can be purchased with a warranty of thirty years.  This means they are guaranteed to withstand the weather and protect your roof for thirty plus years.  Shingles are no longer only produced in one simple three tab style. Now shingling composition is composed of heavier, thicker granules and produced to replicate slate or wood shingles.  Shingles are now classier than the more traditional predecessor.

Shingle roofing is most often chosen by homeowners because it is less expensive than all other roofing materials to purchase and install.  It is also easily replicated and repaired if damage from inclement weather happens to damage it.   Unlike wood shingles that are thin and rot quickly or metal that is four times the cost.  These benefits, along with the optional dimensional styles allow asphalt shingles to be chosen over other roofing materials more often.

Roofing contractors like working with asphalt shingles not only because of their durability but because the material itself is lightweight and easy to manipulate when working with it.   It is most often chosen by homeowners because of its longevity and stylish design options.  Whatever you choose when looking into a new roof be sure to work with a professional roofing contractor to ensure the best quality roof you can afford.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.

Will Tesla’s Solar Roof Change the Residential Solar Market?

Solar has been on an amazing growth trajectory. As we approach the milestone of 2 million homes with solar power, we need something more beautiful to reach the mass market. Enter the Tesla solar roof. Tesla’s solar roof has redefined the popular conception of what residential solar can be. In an industry that has done very little product-level innovation, Tesla’s new product is a radical reimagining that has left consumers in awe. Industry wonks have tried to make sense of Tesla’s solar roof by digging into the numbers and converting dollars per watt to dollars per square foot. But in the mind of the customer, Tesla’s solar roof will be the definition of next-generation solar -- whether it makes economic sense or not. Elon Musk’s initiative has captured a latent yearning on the part of customers for a tailor-made design that integrates with their homes and the way they live. As the CEO and founder of SunTegra, a competing solar shingle and tile company, I’ve seen first-hand that the next generation of solar customers want a low-profile, more integrated solution that blends in with their home. Until now, the customer challenge has been awareness. Most homeowners didn’t know that alternatives to conventional rack-mounted systems even existed. Thanks to Elon Musk and his ability to capture the media’s attention, this is no longer a problem. To achieve broader market adoption, solar roofs will have to be competitive, available when a roof needs replacing, and easy to install. Is the Tesla solar roof price​d competitively? As the founder of a company that already manufactures and sells solar roofing products, I was very interested in deconstructing the economics of Tesla’s solar roof product relative to conventional rack-mounted solar and other solar shingle products that already exist on the market. Here is what I found. Based on Tesla’s online calculator and released information, the company has pegged the installed price of its solar tiles at $42 per square foot. By estimating the output and size of their solar tile, I have calculated that $42 per square foot translates to an installed price of approximately $3.50 per watt for just the active solar panel area. Today, the average price for conventional solar with a premium all-black solar panel is about $3.25 per watt -- making Tesla competitive with a higher-cost system. Of course, the competitiveness of the price truly depends on when the customer will receive the product and whether Tesla can earn a reasonable profit. I expect Tesla’s pricing will have to be higher longer-term. Another thing to remember is that the solar portion of the roof is only part of the equation. If you buy the Tesla solar tile, you still need to buy the non-solar glass tiles for the rest of your roof. Based on information released by Tesla, the installed price for the non-solar glass tiles is approximately $11 per square foot. This installed cost is expensive if compared to high-volume common roofing materials -- $3 per square foot for asphalt shingles and $7 per square foot for concrete tiles -- but is similar to lower-volume, high-end roofing materials such as ceramic or clay tiles, standing seam metal and slate. Based on these roofing costs and Tesla’s published aggressive pricing, Tesla’s total roof solution requires a premium for the most common types of roofing materials, but is economic for high-end roofing materials. In comparison, the SunTegra solar roof solution offers a lower premium for more common roofing materials compared to conventional solar, but is less economic than the Tesla roof for high-end roofing materials. Although high-end roofing products represent a smaller portion of existing housing stock, they likely overlap quite well with Tesla’s high-end target customer, who is also shopping for the latest Tesla electric car. From a business perspective, it makes sense that Tesla is doubling down on its loyal customer base. When will the Tesla solar roof be available in volume? In order to really change the market, the Tesla solar roof product will have to be made available in high volume. If history is a guide, Tesla has a habit of hyping products before they are ready to scale. Many in the industry believe the same will be true for Tesla’s solar roof. Tesla likes to dangle the beta to generate interest, and then deliver the final product behind schedule. There are two factors that lead me to believe that high-volume rollout of Tesla’s solar roof will take several years. The first factor is practicality. Tesla’s solar roof is still in development and has likely had limited field testing. A solar tile roof, as it is contemplating, requires many electrical connections and needs to reliably function as a roofing material. The product and installation methods need to be developed and regulatory issues have to be addressed before high volume can occur. From experience, I know this takes time. The second reason is cost. As I alluded to above, my own estimate is that Tesla’s initial pricing is closer to the actual cost and that the company will have to charge a higher premium to make a profit. That leads me to believe that its strategy will initially focus on low-volume test customers that will be forgiving as Tesla works out the kinks. Will competitors fill the gap? If in fact Tesla has created market demand without a product to deliver scale, there may be an opening for companies like SunTegra. (Others are making the same argument in the pages of GTM.) The residential solar industry has flattened out and needs new products to energize sales. If Tesla’s solar roof initiative is successful, other solar retailers such as Sunrun, Sunnova and Vivint will be looking for product partners that can help them compete. Tesla’s solar roof initiative won’t transform the solar market overnight, but it has helped redefine what residential solar can be. I believe the market will follow suit. Welcome to the solar mass market. Original Source: https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/will-teslas-solar-roof-change-the-solar-market Original Date: May 31, 2017 Original Author: Oliver Koehler

Questions to Ask to Find The Right Roof Contractor

Do you need a new roof? Maybe your roof is leaking badly, or the shingles are even falling off. Whatever is wrong, you have decided it’s finally time to hire a new roof contractor, but now you are unsure of who to hire. Choosing a new roof contractor can be an overwhelming task, but if you ask the right questions, you can feel confident in your decision.
Are you licensed and insured? Don’t hire any new roof contractor who is not both licensed and insured. And don’t just take their word for it; confirm it yourself. You can verify insurance coverage by calling the insurance company. A new roof contractor should have both worker’s compensation and liability insurance to protect you from injuries to workers or any damage to the home that may occur during the duration of the job.
What do you offer in terms of a warranty? Even though today’s shingles style lasts longer than the older styles, a warranty is something every new roof contractor should offer. The longer the better, but what’s most important it to double check that the warranty you discussed is included in your written contract. You need to know what is covered and for how long.
Are you local? When you hire a new roof contractor, you want to hire someone that has an excellent reputation in YOUR community. This should be a company who can provide local references, people you can call and confirm were happy with the work they had done. Locally owned and operated is also important because you want to trust that you can find them if any problems arise.
Can you provide a written estimate upfront? Hiring a new roof contractor can be pricey, and that is somewhat to be expected, but what you don’t want is to hire a company assuming it will be one price, only to find out later the price has tripled. Your new roof contractor needs to provide you with an honest estimate upfront that they put in writing for your wallet’s protection. And make sure the writing isn’t vague. The contract should be very detailed so you know exactly what you’re getting.
How long have you been in business? It’s good to know how many jobs a new roof contractor has completed, so you can feel confident in their level of experience. Experts agree anywhere from 10-15 years is a good range. You just want to make sure this is an established company with jobs under their belt.
How important is safety to you? Your new roof contractor should strictly adhere to OSHA standards.
What roofing options do you offer? You want options when it comes to roofing solutions, so make sure to find out what is available to you. A new roof contractor should have multiple packages, from simple asphalt shingles to an upgraded metal roof.
A new roof can increase your home’s value, and it will certainly keep you safe, but what’s most important is to find a new roof contractor who is a trustworthy professional, so don’t forget to be thorough in your questioning before you sign any contracts.
Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.

What to Consider Before You Hire a Roofing Contractor

If you are looking for a roofing contractor, you want to make sure to avoid scams and shoddy work. This can be easier said than done, so how should you go about hiring a roofing contractor? Start by considering the following list of helpful tips:
Referrals – Get local referrals. You want to choose a roofing contractor that is locally owned and operated, one that has an established reputation in your area. When you choose a roofing contractor who is well known in your community, you are less likely to be scammed.  Check Better Business Bureau ratings, and look for manufacturer designations, too!
Insurance – Any roofing contractor you hire should have both worker’s compensation and liability insurance. This is a non negotiable. And they should be able to provide a copy of their insurance so you can verify its validity, which you absolutely should take the time to do. You don’t want to end up financially responsible for the hospital bills of an injured worker, or the property damage a worker caused, either. Bottom line is you want to know you’re covered if anything happens on the job, so give their insurance company a call to put your mind at ease.
Licensing – While most states require licensing for roofing contractors, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t inquire whether or not a company is licensed. It’s another good idea to verify the company is licensed, so make sure to ask for a copy allowing you to double check that it is up to date. And it’s also not a bad idea to research the specific licensing requirements for a roofing contractor in your area.
Communication – You want to hire a roofing contractor that answers your calls, provides you with documentation that you ask for, follows up with you, addresses your concerns, and answers your questions. Communication is paramount to every business, and you shouldn’t hire any roofing contractor incapable of effective communication.
Material options – Your roofing contractor should offer you multiple options, and they should offer more than just asphalt shingling packages. You want a company that will work with you to determine which roofing solution works best for your needs and budget.
Estimates – Make sure your roofing contractor gives you an exact price upfront, one that the company puts in writing.
Warranties – Your roofing contractor should offer an extensive warranty. Don’t settle for anything below average.
Price – You want to get the best roofing contractor for your money, and who doesn’t love a deal? But don’t let price be the only thing you take into consideration because in the end, you might actually pay more if you have to have shoddy work fixed by another roofing contractor later on.
This list is just a starting place, so don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions before you select a roofing contractor. It can be difficult to find someone committed to professionalism, safety, and quality workmanship, but if you want to protect your home and your wallet, make sure the roofing contractor you hire crosses off all of your checkpoints.
Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.

Increase Your Roofs Lifetime With Metal Roofing

There are a lot of different roofing materials that you can choose from when you are considering having your roof redone. This can be a very important decision as the roof is what is responsible for protecting your home and its contents from the elements. When your roof is damaged or needs to be replaced, water can get in and cause severe damage to your home. One of these options is metal roofing, which is becoming a popular choice in recent years. If you are interested in this type of roof, you will need to find a metal roofing contractor that can complete the job correctly.
You may be wondering why anyone would want a metal roof. There are actually quite a few benefits that metal roofing has to offer its owner. One of the most important benefits is the life expectancy of metal roofing in comparison to other roofing types. Metal is resistant to a lot of issues that other materials have such as rot, mildew, fire, and insects. Warranties for this type of roofing can vary between 20 and 50 years. Keep in mind that if you choose a variety with a painted finish, you will only really get a warrant of about 30 years. These types of roofs will typically last for as long as you own the home.
Metal roofing is a lightweight option that is also very easy to install. A metal roofing contractor can install these shingle sections very quickly, which can be a great benefit in case a storm is coming while you are getting your roof installed. Time is crucial when your house is that exposed and metal roofing can often shorten the installation process by a few days. Since it is lightweight, you also do not have to worry about other steps of the roof installation process like building additional supports to hold up the roof. This can save both time and money on the process.
Lastly, metal roofing is an energy efficient option. The metal material will reflect the heat that comes from the sun, which will reduce the heat in your house. This can save you a lot of money when summer hits and you are always running the air conditioner. Everyone is all about energy efficiency these days and metal roofing can be a green option for you to consider.
You should know that metal roofing is one of the most expensive roofing options on the market. What you should consider is that while you are spending more money upfront to get this type of roofing installed, you will save a lot of money in the long-term. Metal is a highly durable material as well as a material that is very low-maintenance. If you are going to spend a fortune on getting your roof done, you want to make sure that it lasts for as long as you live in the house. A metal roofing contractor can help you look at metal roofing and see what your options are with this material.
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.

Roofing Contractors Recommend Asphalt Shingles For a Popular Look

When you see any home, the most common type of roofing that you will see is shingle roofing. There is a very good reason why this is a timeless choice for homes. Actually, there are several reasons that you will see here as to why people seem to love choosing this option for their roof. When you do decide on shingle roofing for your home, you should be sure to find a trained shingle roofing contractor that can install this specific type of roofing. Each shingle roofing contractor has their own different types of materials that they offer, so you should look very closely at this before making a decision.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular variety of shingles that are used on homes today. The biggest reason for this is because it is the cheapest variety of shingles on the market. You can get varieties that look like more expensive materials for half of the price, giving you a richer look at a price that is much easier on the budget. Another bonus here is that this type of roofing can be repaired very easily, meaning that you will not have to replace an entire section of roofing in order to repair it. If you are looking for the most cost-effective roofing solution for your home, this is going to be the best option for you. There are quite a few varieties here, so you can certainly find something that you love within your budget.
These types of shingles are also incredibly easy for a shingle roofing contractor to install. This means that they can get the job done faster than with some other materials. This is crucial because when you get your roofing torn off, you are exposing your home to weather that can potentially damage it and cause a lot of problems for you down the road. This will also save you a lot of money because you will be spending a lot less on installation costs. If you are someone who is trying to reduce your carbon footprint, you will be happy to know that this type of roofing is also recyclable. When you get these shingles removed from your roof, they will recycle them into a by-product that is actually used for paving streets. You should also know that this type of roofing is incredibly durable, and it can often last around 20 years or more with the right maintenance.
Installing a new roof can be a very expensive venture. It is for this reason that you want to make sure that you are spending your money wisely. You want something that is affordable and that is durable. You also want something that is aesthetically appealing, enhancing the look of your home. What home owner doesn’t want to take pride in how their house looks? Shingle roofing has been a timeless classic for a long time when it comes to homes and these are just a few of the reasons why. If you are getting a new roof for your home, find an experienced shingle roofing contractor to get the job done.
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.