Choosing a Roofing Contractor for Roofing in Sioux Falls SD

Published by admin on May 1st, 2011 - in Choosing a Roofing Company, Metal Roofing, Roof Repairs, Roofing Brandon SD, Roofing Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Roofing Specials, Uncategorized

Tips when Roofing in Sioux Falls….

Anyone looking for roofing in Sioux Falls, should know how to choose a fast and affordable one.

Roofing in Sioux Falls and Brandon SD.

Roofing in Sioux Falls and Brandon

Here’s some bullet points to make sure you get the best bang for your buck and also cover your bases when roofing in Sioux Falls, and tips on choosing an affordable roofing contractor in Sioux Falls or Brandon SD, as well as surrounding areas.

 

  • Get at least 3 bids….preferably not bids from Service Magic or other “for profit” lead selling sites…they charge roofing contractors $50 to $200 or more per lead and that can start to add to a roofing contractors overhead pretty fast….. not to mention they just send 3-4 contractors that anyone can find on their own anyway nowadays ……so just pick 3 based on your own research and criteria for picking a Roofing Contractor when completing your needs for roofing in Sioux Falls.

 

  • Go with architectural shingles instead of 3-tab shingles. It shouldn’t cost much more, and the look is so much nicer. Don’t get raked over the coals for the upgrade though….. When I personally roofed peoples homes I’d sometimes give free upgrades if the homeowners couldn’t afford the difference, just because architectural shingles were simply easier to install and looked much better from a neighbors viewpoint (for future referral business). The cost of shingles has increased greatly over the last few years, so free upgrades are not realistic anymore, but do a little research and get an idea of what the price differences are. WARNING: Menards Generic Shingles are not of the same quality of GAF, Tamko. Malarkey & Certainteed…. so don’t base your research on their specials in the weekly ads when roofing in Sioux Falls or Brandon SD!! (it’s not an apples for apples comparison, but if you’re OK with lesser quality shingles, than communicate this fact with your chosen roofing contractor, and again….even the cheapest architectural shingle is still generally better than using 3-tab shingles:)

 

  • Stay away from companies that are still blowing money on old school marketing like Yellow Page ads, TV and Radio ads, Billboards, etc…… these marketing areas are overly expensive and rarely produce results compared to how much they cost. They are also simply no longer the ways people find service providers in today’s marketplace ….. so any company wasting money on them who is roofing in Sioux Falls or Brandon SD, is flat out spending more then they are getting back. Any roofing contractor using these outdated methods will have to figure out ways to cover their losses… or they will simply be out of business soon. (If you are a Local Contractor roofing in Sioux Falls and reading this it’s time to focus on the future of marketing, not the past…… www.OnlineMarketingSiouxFalls.com )

 

  • Make sure you’re getting a 5-10 year warranty. Any company that knows what they’re doing and stands behind their work will give a 5-10 year warranty on their work as a standard procedure. If it costs extra to get a 10 year warranty, then compare bids when all is said and done, and make sure you choose accordingly (warranty and product upgrades are a huge profit maker for slick salesmen)

 

  • Don’t ever get pressured into signing a contract, especially if told the price is only good for right then and there.

 

  • Stay away from companies with obnoxious overhead in fancy office space. Roofing Supply companies and Lumber Yards generally have showrooms for clients to browse through, there’s really no need for any company roofing in Sioux Falls or Brandon SD, to have more office space then is necessary to run their business of doing roofing in Sioux Falls and Brandon. (If the building is owned by the company, than it may no longer be an overhead expense, but instead an additional asset, especially if renting out additional space to other tenants… so if that’s the case, then it’s a good thing)

 

  • Be wary of contractors who are constantly driving huge brand new trucks and equipment. This may be my own personal opinion, but the last time I checked, roofing in Sioux falls and Brandon SD was a dirty nasty, tar infested trade, and using brand new trucks simply doesn’t make much sense (except for possibly hauling materials and equipment). This is not a hard and fast rule, but the closer you get to average looking used work trucks, and equipment, the closer you are getting to the companies and people who are actually doing the work of roofing in Sioux Falls and Brandon SD. Sales people have an impression to make, so a nice vehicle is expected, but with today’s gas prices, any salesman selling roofing in Sioux Falls and driving a brand new quad cab dually for doing estimates or sales presentations is not being very conscious of wasteful spending….. and that extra money is coming from somewhere…… probably their customers.

 

  • Know what a quality install involves, so that you can tell the difference between a hack job and a quality install. Rake edges should be clean cut and straight, Valleys should be straight and clean, and no nails should ever be left exposed.  Properly installed step-flashing should not be visible, and cuts around vent’s and roof stacks should be clean cut.  A quality crew roofing in Sioux Falls and Brandon SD will know how to do everything to the proper standards, and quickly as well.

 

  • Be wary of super low bids. (unless you know exactly why they are lower) If a bid is thousands of dollars less then others, make sure the Roofing Contractor is actually Licensed (if required in your state) and Insured, and get proof . Now…. if you want to dance with the idea of acting as your own contractor on your roof, then using a Licensed Contractor is not mandatory. (www.BeYourOwnRoofingContractor.com)….. but……. The Liability Insurance is still a must, in case a claim ever needs to be made. Homeowners don’t need to be licensed when roofing in Sioux Falls or Brandon SD, as long as they pull their own permit. Many roofing sub-contractors have liability policies and do much of the work for many Big Name Roofing Contractors who are roofing in Sioux Falls and Brandon SD, and there’s no law that says a homeowner can’t be there own roofing contractor, especially when they are smart enough to use properly insured roofing sub-contractors.

Most quality companies roofing in Sioux Falls and Brandon SD will come and fix a problem if one arises, but if they don’t…. and there is no Liability Policy in your hand to make a claim on…. then you’ll be flat out of luck:)

So…Once you’ve picked your chosen Roofing Contractor (or roofing sub-contractor…if you choose to be your own roofing contractor), the most important thing you can do before starting the project is…. ask for proof of active Liability insurance and keep a copy for yourself. (This will guarantee that if any future problems do arise, that the installers will stand behind their warranty, because no company roofing in Sioux Falls or Brandon SD wants a claim to be made against there Liability policy.

Sadly, some unscrupulous contractors roofing in Sioux Falls and Brandon SD try and do work without Liability Insurance in place…… there’s con artists in all trades and business, and the same holds true with contractors roofing in Sioux Falls, Brandon and the surrounding communities…..so make sure you protect yourself.

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Reasons To Paint Your Roof White

Published by admin on May 21st, 2011 - in Roof Repairs, Shingle Choices

There was a time when the job of a roofing contractor simply involved the building and repair of roofs. Due to a report by NCAR, (National Centre for Atmospheric Research) roofing contractors may well have a significant role to play in repairing the planet.

The NCAR study used a computer module to ascertain what effect climate change will have on Urban areas. The computer module estimates how much of the sun’s energy is absorbed by darker colored roofs and road surfaces. Dark colored surfaces attract more heat than lighter colored ones. Black roofing materials absorb solar energy then release the heat back into the atmosphere. This action is one of the major causes of the Urban Heat Island Effect. (UHIE)

The UHIE causes highly populated city areas to be warmer than the surrounding rural areas. London is a prime example of a city affected by the Urban heat island effect. The British capital is three degrees warmer at night than the surrounding rural area. In warmer climates this puts increased pressure on air conditioning units and increases energy consumption.

White Roofs
If the NCAR study is to be believed, simply changing the color of human constructions could alleviate the effect. By painting roofs white, more of the sun’s energy would be reflected back into the atmosphere. This would reduce energy consumption by keeping the building cooler. The benefits to the environment are significant.

The NCAR computer module predicts a huge drop in carbon emissions, if we globally painted every roof white. The result would be a reduction of 44 billion tons of CO2 gasses per year. Or to put it another way, it would have the same effect as removing every motor vehicle from the road for 11 years.

The United States department of energy have already started to change the color of roofs on departmental buildings. So far, two million square feet of roofing has been painted white. This has led to energy savings worth half a million dollars per annum.

Reflective roof colors are good for your wallet as well as the environment. As well as the money saved on fuel bills the life of the roof will be extended. Ultra Violet ray’s are harmful to most roofing surfaces. The sun causes bitumen based roofing materials to degrade quicker. By deflecting Ultra Violet ray’s the effective life of the roof will be extended.

Should all roofs be painted white?
In cooler climates painting your roof white could actually increase energy consumption and carbon emissions. The cooling effect of the roof may result in the need for increased heating within the building. In addition, the location of the roof is important. A pitched roof within an urban environment could divert Ultra Violet rays into the adjacent buildings. This would increase energy consumption to the neighboring properties.

On the whole, the principle of white roofing is a sound one. Light colors will increase the serviceable life of most roof types and reduce energy consumption in warmer climates. If location is targeted correctly, white roofs could play a major part in halting climate change.

Simon is a roofing contractor working in New Zealand. For more information visit https://www.roofing.net.nz.

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The Truth About The Better Business Bureau When Picking a Roofing Contractor

Published by admin on May 12th, 2011 - in Choosing a Roofing Company, Sioux Falls Roofing Specials

When picking a roofing contractor, I doubt most homeowners know that the BBB makes all of their profits from the businesses that pay them for listings within their service. This in itself is counterintuitive to their stance as a consumer protection service.

Sioux Falls Roofing Contractor

That being said, as a roofing contractor in Sioux Falls, I’ve been a part of them at different times in my Roofing career. Not because I believe in what they do, but because the bulk of the public still does…..time will tell how long that will last.

Truth be told, most listing services online produce about the same effect as a BBB listing……in that if a roofing contractor does bad work, then customers will leave negative feedback on their listings. The new way that the web is allowing interaction between consumers and businesses is allowing for the same thing that the BBB did before all of the new web 2.o social media became the norm online.

Anymore the BBB is simply an overpriced listing….. kind of like advertising in the good old fashioned Yellow Pages big book/door stop…… not many people see it, but as a roofing contractor or any business…. you have to pay out the nose in order to still be a part of it.

Anymore if a potential client asks if I’m a roofing contractor with the BBB I simply tell them it cost me over $500 per year and never brought in a single project, so after a few years of wasting money on them I canceled, but if the customer would like I could make one call and get my A+ roofing contractor rating right back…..(I also mention that paying clients get negative remarks and situations taken off quickly, if they ever even become public).

Regardless of the BBB stance as a consumer protection company… the sad truth is that they are a business that makes millions off of other businesses, and reality would dictate that their loyalties go to where their money comes from.

In a strange way, the BBB is like the old gangsters offering protection to local roofing contractor businesses, and then increasing the cost of protection…..to the point where it no longer is protection, but extortion.

Because of the common phrase “check them with the BBB”…when searching for a roofing contractor…the BBB has risen to the point that it kind of strong arms businesses to pay their unreasonable listing fee just because consumers expect it.

In my experience as a roofing contractor, the listing with the BBB was a waste of marketing money, and only a few people ever checked out my roofing contractor profile with the BBB …. and none of them ever became a client.

They (the BBB) also sent me regular emails to events ranging in price from $100 -$500, and I’m sure this is simply part of their profit producing strategy.(I believe each office  is a locally owned franchise, so listing fees vary depending on the area located, but I could be wrong on that…so don’t quote me… I’ll have to do a little more research and then update this post at that time:)

Now I have no problem with any business making a profit, but when a certain amount of deception is the driving force of a businesses profits….. well…..I don’t find that very acceptable at all.

Needless to say my feelings of “needing” to be a roofing contractor listed with the BBB faded thereafter.

So in closing….

To all consumers who believe that any roofing contractor or reputable business will be listed with the BBB…. all you are doing is feeding a lie that needs to be stopped. Because the truth of the matter is that anyone who pays the BBB money gets an A+ rating and complaints seem to disappear like magic. (Why would the BBB bite the hands that feed them?)

(There is a dispute resolution department, which is pretty much a way of saying… “Hey paying business….this consumer is upset…show that you’ve at least tried to make it right …..and everything will be good”)

I’m not saying my roofing company will never be a part of them again, but I’d like it to be known that the BBB is nothing more than a more expensive listing service… with a complaint line……. not a true gage of whether a company is actually a “better business” than another.

Like I said earlier, almost every listing service online has a place for consumers to leave reviews or complaints… so the BBB isn’t all that special anymore…… they’re just another place for a roofing contractor or any other business to market themselves. (as long as they don’t mind the up-sell promotions while being listed with them:)

If you truly want to know if someone is an honest and quality Roofing Contractor or any type of business, learn a little about the product/industry, and then ask questions to see if the roofing contractor or salesman is knowledgeable, or just kind of “winging it” with their answers.

This way when a sales guy is saying something that doesn’t make much sense, you’ll know he’s full of crap.

It’s hard to pull a fast one on a consumer that has done his/her research on how to pick a quality roofing contractor.

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Roofing Companies In Sioux Falls SD

Published by admin on May 9th, 2011 - in Choosing a Roofing Company

There’s so many roofing companies to choose from in Sioux Falls, that it can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to figure out who to use.

Roofing companies in Sioux Falls come in all sorts of sizes and backgrounds. Just because a Roofing Company has been around for many years doesn’t mean they are the best choice.Roofing Companies in Brandon SD and Sioux Falls SD

In my youth I worked for many different roofing companies, and some of the most well respected Roofing Contractors pulled the most crap….

Stuff like having crews skip using the proper amount of ice and water shield on the back of the house and only installing it properly on the front so neighbors and inspectors wouldn’t know they were stiffing the homeowner……. or simply reusing the paper, yet still charging the homeowner like the new stuff was actually used. (if the homeowner knew and approved it I guess it would be different…but i doubt many knew… especially when the employees would quickly hide the existing rolls like they were actually used:)

For many years I worked as an independent sub-contractor that worked for whatever  construction or roofing companies needed extra help on a project, so I’ve done work with many different roofing companies and contractors over many different years…… It was never my place to tell any contractor how to run their business, but I’m sure they knew fully well that what they were doing wasn’t exactly ethical. (NOTE: I always did my projects up to code. I would never let my company take the blame for this type of crap, if the truth ever came to light and started hitting the fan:) It was generally the employees of the main contractor who would pull this stuff, and I’m guessing they did it with the full backing of their boss. I just did whatever project I was requested to do….. and then moved on…. but I saw alot of shady activities along the way:)

It seamed like alot of the biggest and most well known and established roofing companies and contractors got to the point that maximizing  profits  took  precedence over doing the quality work they were getting paid to do……  and it didn’t matter anymore because their longstanding reputation made them untouchable in their community. City Inspectors didn’t scrutinize the big guys, and Homeowners never had a clue they were getting screwed over.

This is obviously not always the case, but it always bothered me when people just used whatever roofing company or contractor had been around the longest, without even verifying the true quality of the work that was being done.

Anyhow….back to the story….So then I’d do projects for a small-time Contractor who wasn’t always as busy as they would’ve like to be, but who always did better quality work at better prices than the big boys, but just never seamed to get the recognition they truly deserved.

I’m sure most of it came down to who they knew, or how much these roofing companies networked around their community, but it always bothered me when I’d see owners of a roofing company who didn’t even know how to shingle or install any type of roof…or even basic carpentry…… and yet they were looked at as the authority in roofing in their area…..and believe me there’s alot of them out there!! They’re called “Paper Contractors”, because they’re skilled at shuffling paper, but not using the actual tools of the trade.

Regardless of whether you use a new or old contractor, or a skilled or paper shuffling contractor…. It’s important to know what it is that you should be getting for your money when choosing between all the different roofing companies, and that’s where a little education comes in handy.

It’s hard to know who to trust nowadays, and sadly, smooth talking clean shaven salesmen are able to win peoples trust and take advantage of them on a regular basis…..and in many different industries.

At least when it comes to getting your roof replaced, I hope you use the tips given within this site to weed out the bad or overpriced roofing companies from the good ones….. and how to see past any slick talking salesmen who’s more concerned about how big of a commission he can make, than in how good of a job his company does.

Some of the best and most devious salesmen are owners of construction companies. Many of the contractors I’ve crossed paths with in my life have proven this point fully, but there’s more good ones than bad, so just try and stay clear of the bad roofing companies.

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Sioux Falls Roofing Repairs – Here’s some solutions

Published by admin on May 4th, 2011 - in Choosing a Roofing Company, Roof Repairs, Roofing Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Roofing Specials

Many times when a roof is leaking, it’s not always the case that the roof itself is in need of replacement. Properly executed roofing repairs can many times extend the life of an otherwise good existing roof….. but good luck finding an honest enough roofing contractor who will actually give you this option….

Wait…. there’s an honest roofing company right here that will help with roofing repairs.

Sometimes if the leak is pinpointed, a tube of silicone can provide the necessary roofing repairs for your Sioux Falls home to fix the problem for a few months (or maybe years if a small enough roofing repair)….. sometimes there may be more detailed roofing repairs needed to properly repair the roof leak.

Here’s a few of the most common roof leaks that can be fixed with the proper roofing repairs, without having to replace the entire roof:roofing repairs Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls roofing repairs

  • It’s possible for leaks to come from  damaged siding above step flashing allowing water in above and behind the flashing metal where the roof and house walls meet.
  • It could also be that flashing was installed improperly and is directing water below the shingles instead of on top (Install error)…..or that it was nailed too close to the bend (also an install error)… (usually flashing is 2-3 inches by 2-3 inches of “L” shaped metal, and are to be nailed at the ends of the metal away from the bend)
  • It could also be a tab or shingle that has blown off or became loose and fell down enough for water to get past it, and thus just that specific area needs to be fixed.
  • Other common areas where leaks start requiring roofing repairs, are around chimneys, where flashing is either rusted through, improperly sealed in the chimney mortar, or there’s no flashing metal at all and just tar that has aged and cracked to the point it will no longer keep water out.
  • Improperly installed vents, boots, and valleys can also be a place for water to leak in, especially in winter time when snow can build up. The best way to pinpoint areas where water can get in is to simply “Think Like Water”….. meaning if water were to be poured on an area where would it flow? I’m amazed at how many roofing repairs I’ve done where the previous installer (usually weekend warriors) have installed areas in a way that funnels water right underneath shingles and completely ignore the common sense approach of “what will water do if poured here”?

Obviously if the roof is getting quite old you’ll need to budget for the replacement soon, but perhaps a few targeted roofing repairs can give you a little more time before the replacement of your Sioux Falls roof becomes necessary.

I’ll be adding some more tips on Sioux Falls roofing repairs in future posts, but for now just realize that a roof leak doesn’t always mean you need a whole new roof.

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Roofing- A list of all the different roofing materials to use

Published by admin on May 1st, 2011 - in Metal Roofing, Roofing Sioux Falls, Shingle Choices, Slate Roofing, Wood Shakes

Remodeling and renovating your home is always a fun endeavor. It allows you to explore new and fascinating ideas. This is particularly true when it comes to the exterior of your house. Remodeling is commonly done on the interior of many people’s homes, but it seems that the only time the exterior gets a makeover is when it becomes a necessity. Picking new looks for the outside of your house can be very exciting and interesting. Roofing is one of the few exterior building projects that allow a great level of creativity. There are many types of shingles available on the market today. The type you choose is dependent on the budget you have in mind, the existing style of the building, and your personal taste.

Three Tab (asphalt)Roofing in Sioux Falls installs all types of shinglesThree tabs are probably the most affordable. They come in a very wide variety of colors and are made of asphalt. This is the type of roofing that you have likely seen while driving through the suburbs at any point in time during the last few decades. They are often seen in black, but they also come in shades of gray, tan, green, red, and even blue.

Architectural (asphalt)
Architectural’s are very similar to three tabs in that they are made of asphalt and offer a similar level of protection. Some of the newer varieties offer a longer warranty and better energy efficiency.

Lifetime
The lifetime line is considered designer roofing. This type comes in various configurations, often made to look like traditional wood, metal, ceramic, or even slate. These can be somewhat expensive, but they can also last the entire life expectancy of the homeowner. Additionally, they withstand high winds and have the best fire rating available.

Wood
A roof made of wood, often called a Shaker style, is still available though it is not as common as it once was. These might be found on Tudor style, Queen and, or even Gothic homes.

Slate
Slate has been used on the roofs of buildings for many, many years. The reason for this is because of its long lasting quality. This quality is also what makes it expensive. If one has the means to use slate for their roof, it is something they should certainly think about. Not only does this material offer outstanding performance, it also looks quite appealing.

Roofing Contractor in Sioux Falls

Slate

While this list is not all-inclusive, it does point out numerous types of roofing used today. The style that you choose for your own house will be very much dependent on your budget and your personal taste. If you are unsure about changing from the current style of your roof, ask the contractor to bring samples so that you may compare them to the other materials used on your home.

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How to Choose Cedar Shingles and Cedar Shakes

Published by admin on May 1st, 2011 - in Roofing Sioux Falls, Shingle Choices, Wood Shakes

Cedar is a form of coniferous tree. Cedar wood is generally useful for shakes and shingles due to its quality. Cedar is extremely

Roofing in Sioux Falls, Cedar Shakes

Cedar Shakes

durable and decay-resistant. They’re also scented. The scent of cedar can be used being a repellent to moths. As a result additionally, it ideal to use for cabinets as well as other storage furniture. If you are going to purchase cedar to your shakes and shingles, you might like to consider several factors.

Follow this advice regarding how to buy cedar shingles and cedar shakes:

Fire Resistance. If you’re planning to produce houses roof shingles and shakes away from cedar, you have to pay attention to its capacity fire. Naturally, cedar wood is not fire proof. In case you are worried about this, you should purchase cedar wood that has been pressure treated. Pressure treated cedar wood is done with chemicals which are fire resistant in order to pass for fire resistance. You have to take this into consideration, particularly if you reside in a place where fires are always happening.

Flat vs. Steep. If you reside in an area where you experience lots of snow and rain, you might like to have your cedar shakes and shingles be steep. Having a steep roof is a lot more advantageous in order that rain and snow is not going to accumulate on top. They will just slide off. This may avoid the snow from damaging the wood. When you have a set roof or perhaps a roof isn’t steep enough, water and snow on top could cause leaks.

Price. The price for cedar shakes and shingles can vary between $50 to $350 per sq. ft.. The cost will depend on the hearth resistance rating with the wood and also the style. You will pay an increased price for fire resistant cedar wood, but it is a great investment. This may ensure you that you will be safe if you find fire.

Type of Cedar. The most typical kind of cedar wood that is used for shakes and shingles may be the red cedar. Red cedar isn’t only durable, it may also withstand a specific temperature and climates. This is why red cedar will be the obvious choice for both commercial and residential roofs. Another quality that makes red cedar a good choice may be the color of the wood. Additionally, you will have the ability to apply different types of finishes on red cedar so it’s an easy task to change the appearance from the wood.

These are the stuff that you must consider if you are buying cedar shingles and cedar shakes. When purchasing materials for the home, you should not be worried about the expenses if you’re getting the money’s worth. Buy materials which will keep your family safe and at the same time give your home a pleasant appeal. Additionally it is good to learn the different benefits and drawbacks of each and every material to enable you to weigh your options and choose the best one for the home.

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Benefits of Metal Roofing

Published by admin on May 1st, 2011 - in Metal Roofing, Roofing Sioux Falls, Shingle Choices

A roof is one of the most crucial aspects of a home and the one that can make all the difference to the appearance of your home.

Metal Roofing in Sioux Falls

Metal Roof

Apart from mere looks however, the roof of a house is needed for shelter and protection of a home and decisions on it should be taken with due care and a lot of thought. Whether you are building your new home or planning a replacement for your old roof, you will look for the best products possible.

Choosing the material

If you decide on metal roofing, there are quite a few things that you have to consider to ensure that you get the product that suits your situation, and is the right choice. The budget, look of your home and how you want the roof to blend in with the ambiance are all critical aspects. Hiring the services of a good professional roofing contractor makes things far simpler and easier. You must be careful however, that you select a company that is reliable and honest.

Why metal roofing?

There are many options when choosing roofing materials. Metal roofing costs considerably more than other materials, but lasts much longer than asphalt and other traditional roofing. It is extremely durable and you would end up saving money on repair and replacement. As long as you prevent rust from developing on the top and corners of the roof, you should be able to make it last for generations.

Weather Conditions

Each type of roofing reacts differently to weather conditions, so it is important to choose material that is appropriate for the climatic environment of your home. Metal roofing is extremely tough and can withstand all kinds of inclement weather like rain, hail, snow and strong winds. Metal is usually used in areas where there is a lot of snowfall, as they enable the accumulated snow to slide off thereby preventing any collapse of the roof. Metal can also help reflect hot sunlight in areas such as Florida to cut down on air conditioning costs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, you must select the roofing material that is appropriate for your home and for the place where you live, as that determines the life of your roof. Your roof would be durable if it is made of the right material for your home. Each kind of roofing material has pros and cons and you must decide which would be the best for your home.

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Installing a metal tile roof

Published by admin on May 1st, 2011 - in Metal Roofing, Shingle Choices

Metal roofing tiles offer an attractive solution to modern roof coverings. Pressed metal tiles come in a number of different styles

Sioux Falls Roofing, metal roofing tiles

Metal Roofing Tiles

mimicking more traditional clay or slate roofing.

Metal roofing tiles have come a long way since their introduction 50 years ago. The first tiles introduced had a bitumen coating which tended to melt in hot climates. Premium modern finishes are acrylic and are guaranteed to last in excess of 50 years.

Metal roofing offers a lightweight alternative to the heavier concrete and clay tiles they imitate. Weighing less than a third of the weight of a concrete covering, they require a less substantial structure to support the roof. This brings the build cost down and offers more flexibility with structure choice. The installation time of metal roofing is much quicker than that of clay or concrete. This also reduces labour costs and allows the second fix trades to commence earlier. Each roofing manufacturer will provide an installation guide for their product. Here are a few extra installation techniques not normally covered.

Setting out

Setting out the roofing before installation is a major part of any new roof build. With metal tile roofing it is imperative to get the correct gauge right from the start. Unlike concrete tiles that have a certain amount of play in the gauge measurements, metal tiles have to be spot on or they will not fit. For this reason it is common practice to use set out pins to ensure accurate fixing of the batons. A measuring stick is used to mark the gauge up the rafter, before driving in the set out pins. The batons are then cut in place before being lifted clear to allow the building paper to be laid. It is possible to cut down the setting out time by half by building a separate, smaller gauging rod. The smaller rod is used to fix batons around hips and valleys and saves a lot of time messing around with a tape.

Cutting and bending

At roof terminations and intersections tiles are cut to fit allowing for a 50mm bend in the tile. It is this turn up/down that provides the waterproofing of the roof. It is important to bend a sufficient upturn or water may be blown under the ridge or hip.

I have found by taping the jaws of the bender with several layers of duct tape, it allows the tiles to be gripped firmer without damaging the paint of the tile. Aim to use half the tile per cut. This will leave you enough metal to get another cut for the opposing side.

Valley cutting

Marking and cutting the valley at ground level gives a much neater appearance. Instead of measuring each tile cut individually, the tiles are laid along the ground as if they were on the roof. The tiles must be tight and correctly aligned. The bottom and top course is then marked using a bevel. Two people may now chalk a line along the length of the valley. This gives a much straighter line than individual measurements.

Laying the tiles

Contrary to other roofing practices, pressed steel tiles are best laid from the ridge down. Lay the under lap into the prevailing wind. This will ensure the maximum wind resistance and stop the roof lifting.

The first full top course is laid out and fixed at the head of the tile, allowing the subsequent row to be slid underneath the bottom. It is important to even out the tiles to make the best use of the cut ends. By finishing the tiles 450mm from the end of each verge it will allow two cuts to be made from one tile. In windy conditions it is a good idea to lay four rows at a time before nailing the top 3 courses. As with all roofing, foot traffic should be kept to a minimum. By walking directly above the fixed baton you will prevent any denting of the surface.

When it comes to the final installation of ridge and hip tiles, take extra care with the “cutting in” at intersections. The aim is to provide a watertight seal using correctly folded cuts rather than using silicone to keep the water out. By spending a little extra time with your cutting and bending, the roof will have a neat appearance and give years of maintenance free service.

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