There are two types of green roofs; the vegetated green roof, which is usually installed over a PVC flat roofing membrane such as IB roof. The requirement for the PVC flat roof is that it can sustain pooling water that will not cause roof leaks. It also has to be able to withstand multiple cycles of freezing and re-freezing of the water on the surface of the roofing membrane. The PVC flat roofing membrane by IB roofs, is perfectly suitable for that purpose, because its hot air welded seams are stronger than the membrane itself, and will never leak due to the standing water or ice.

The vegetated roof is quite expensive to install, because it requires planting of the plants and gardens over the surface of the roof, which means that there has to be enough soil for the vegetation to grow. The water arrogation system and the water collection system may also be a part of the functioning and construction of the green vegetative roof.

Green Roof Garden on top of a commercial building

Needless to say, that getting all the systems installed on the roof can be quite pricey. There is a cheaper alternative of using vegetative green containers already containing soil and plants. When using these, you would still have to figure out a functional and effective way to water the plants in case there is not enough rainfall.

Green roof containers comprising a green roof

The biggest benefit of green roofs, is that they provide fresh air, and help mitigate urban heat island effect. They also provide great value in terms of insulation, and energy savings on cooling and heating costs.

The second type of green roof, is the roof that is energy efficient, and environmentally friendly. Thus, a metal roof that is made out of recycled metal, lasts a long time, and provides energy savings would also be considered green. The IB flat roof membrane that is long lasting, cool, environmentally safe and energy efficient is also considered a green flat roofing system.

One of the main advantages is simply the fact that insulation will be significantly improved. Some research that has recently been carried out as indicated that cooling requirements were reduced to just over 25% in the summertime when these types of roofs are installed. In addition, heat losses during the winter months are also reduced by over 25%, leading to dramatic energy savings on both counts.

Alongside the reduction in your energy usage, and therefore monthly expenses, greening your roof will also boost its lifespan by up to 3 times. These types of roofs will shield high temperatures, which can significantly reduce damage that is done due to expanding components when the heat begins to rise.

These roofs have also been shown to retain 75% of the water that falls on them. This will reduce the amount of run-off into the sewer systems, leading to significant water saving in the area in which you live. The water that is contained within your roof will not run-off, but will instead be released back into the atmosphere. This, in turn, will lead to a cleaner and more healthy local environment.

Of course, a green roof can also be very useful if you have a lack of space in your garden. Space is very expensive and if you cannot afford to purchase a home that has plenty of greenery, having a green roof is certainly great option for you. Not only will this give you the opportunity to grow certain crops on the roof, but you can also create a lively habitat for local plants and wildlife.

Of course, the visual and aesthetic appeal of your home will be significantly increased with the addition of a green roof. While it might not necessarily be to everyone’s tastes, most people love the addition of greenery in any home. Not only will this make your home appear more beautiful and colorful, but it may also add value to the home if you were to sell it to the right person.

All in all, you will certainly be doing your part to help save the environment by greening your roof as well. As mentioned, a green roof is far more suitable for the environment and it will be an excellent step for anyone to take if they want to be doing their part.

Aside from this, the money that you save will also be a personal financial benefit to you as well. Not only will you save money through the additional energy that you will save within the home through improved insulation, but you may also be able to make money when you come to sell the home as well.

Before re – roofing your house with a brand new roof, you will want to inspect it for the signs that indicate that it is time to replace your roof existing. If you notice the curling of the shingles, chipping and cracking of the shingles, evidence of missing shingles, then chances are good that it is time to replace your roof.

As a side note, I would like to say that I’m not a big proponent of the asphalt shingle roofing, because asphalt shingle roofs are inherently poor choice for the environment. Still, I’m providing this do it yourself asphalt shingle roofing installation guide to help you in re roofing of your house.

Before installing a new roof, you will have to find out how many layers of existing asphalt shingles are there on your roof. If there is only one layer, then you can install a new roofing system right over your existing roof. How ever if there are two or more layers of asphalt on your roof, then you will have to strip off all the old shingles before applying new asphalt shingles, or a metal roof for that matter.

In order to perform a roof tear off you will need the following:

The tarp to collect old asphalt shingles, the stripping tool and the safety equipment if you have to be higher than 6 feet from the ground. You can buy all of these at your local home improvement store. Set up a tarp nicely so that it can catch all the falling shingles without causing the damage to the walls of the house, or to flowers in the garden. Use the stripping tool to remove the old asphalt shingles.

When all the old shingles are removed, you will want to inspect the roof deck for signs of rotting and damage. Replace any rotten boards or plywood, and remove any nails left from the previous roof.

Now that your roof deck is ready, you will want to install the roofing trim, which includes gable and starter metal flashing first.

Once that is in place, you will want to install the roofing underlayment also known as a roofing felt or tar paper. If you live in a Northern climate, then you may want to install one layer of ice and water on the eaves of the roof and indeed the valleys. One layer of ice and water is two feet wide. It has to be installed right over the roof deck creating a small 1/4 inch overlap along the eve and the gable. Once that is in place, you can install roofing underlayment which will have to overlap the ice and water by 6 inches. Each new row of roofing felt will have to overlap the preceding row by 6 inches. You will want to use special nails with colored caps to secure the roofing felt and ice and water place.

Once the roof deck is prepared, you can start installing the asphalt shingles. Of course, you will have to obtain roofing shingles from the roofing supply warehouse first, which means that you will have to measure your roof and estimate the amount of roofing materials that will require. Also make sure that you have a sufficient roof pitch that is in accordance with the roofing manufacturer’s specifications.

Some of the tools that you will need to install the asphalt shingle roof will include the following:

Roofing nail gun, air compressor, air hoses, a pair of gloves, hearing and eye protection, a knife with the removable blade, color string, carpenter’s pencil, and a hammer.

Place your first shingle in the left bottom corner of the roof making sure that you cover the gable and starter trim allowing half an inch of asphalt shingle to hang over the gable and starter trim.

Use the nail gun to secure the first shingle in place. You will want to use a minimum of four nails per shingle. The nails will be applied slightly above the tabs and need line of the shingle. Be sure to use that colored string to designate vertical and horizontal lines which will serve as a guideline to make sure that your shingles are laid out in a straight fashion.

Your second shingle will be installed right next to the first shingle. You will once again use a minimum of four nails per shingle. If you live in the area that is prone to strong wind gusts, then I recommend using six nails per shingle, or in accordance with manufacturers specifications to ensure the proper wind uplift protection.

When starting a second row of shingles, you will want to cut off 6 inches from the first shingle, which will make it shorter by 6 inches. This will create the necessary overlap pattern required for water systems, and the smooth water runoff. Install the shorter shingle right over your first shingle making sure that the second shingle will cover the tabs and the nails that hold the first shingle in place.

Now, you should just continue shingling in the full shingle alternated by a shorter shingle fashion. Thus, you will begin every other row of shingles with a shorter shingle. You will find that it is easier to shingle a diagonal fashion. When you cover the entire roof with shingles, you will eventually get to the ridge-line.

If your roof has the soffit vents, then you will want to install the ridge vent before installing ridge cap. However, you’ll want to use gable ventilation if your roof does not have the soffit vents.

If you do have to install the ridge vent, then make sure that you leave a minimum of 3 feet of solid wood on each side of the roof, before making a cut in the ridge. To install the ridge cap, figure out which side of the roof the wind tends to blow from, and start installing the ridge cap on the opposite side. Install the double layer of ridge cap and into roof cement first. Then, overlap by half with every follow on ridge cap, which will have to be secured with roofing nails on both sides. If your roof has a hip shape, then be sure to use nails that are half an inch longer than regular roofing nails. This point you should be all done, but be sure that you practice on a small roof such as a shed or a small garage before embarking on the installation of the roof for your home. Also please make sure that you know how to use safety equipment, and never work alone.

As the environmentally unfriendly asphalt shingle roofs begin to fade away, the new age metal shingles roofing systems become available as an energy efficient and environmentally safe metal roofing alternative.

The beauty of installing metal shingles roof is that it looks very much like the traditional asphalt shingle roof that we are used to, but it can last twice and even three times longer than an asphalt shingle roof.  Many metal shingles roofing systems contain at least 30% of recycled metal content, which qualifies them for a LEED green building credit.  Coated with cool-roof rated and energy star qualified metal roofing colors, metal shingle roofs reflect solar radiant heat away from your home.  This in turn, reduces the interior temperature of your home, which helps keep in your home cooler without writing your air conditioner as hard as you would normally have to with an asphalt shingle roof.  This is a great advantage because now you can save money on your cooling costs, and preserve the environment by using less energy and making your air conditioning equipment last longer than it would under heavier loads.

Metal shingle roofs are relatively easy to install, and they can be installed right over-top the existing asphalt shingle roof.  For people concerned with preserving the traditional look of asphalt shingles, installing metal shingles will provide the traditional historic look without compromising reliability, and environmental principles.

Metal shingle roofs cost at least twice as much as asphalt shingle roofs, but because metal shingles roofs can last twice as long as an asphalt shingle roof, the high price of installing a metal roof becomes justified.  Further, energy savings, and the beauty of a metal shingle roof will make the decision of installing it more attractive.

Other benefits of installing metal shingle roofs include the following:

Metal shingle roofs will not chip, rot, or crack due to harsh environmental conditions.
Metal roofs do not support fire.
Metal roofs do not increase the chance of lightning, and help dissipate the electric charge.
Metal roofs feature strong wind and uplift ratings, and can perform extremely well in the storm prone areas.
Metal roofs can lower your homeowner’s insurance by as much as 35%
Metal roofs shed snow and ice, which helps prevent ice dams.
Metal roofs retain their value throughout the entire life cycle.
Metal roofs are fully recyclable at the end of their service life

Metal Shingles Roof – Made to Last

Metal roofing offers a far greater number of benefits to the homeowner.
Metal roofs are fully recyclable, energy efficient, environmentally safe, and are plain good for the environment. Consider installing a metal shingles roof for your home and retain the traditional look of asphalt shingles, while addressing all the problems normally associated with it.

Metal Shingles roofs are available in Aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper.
If you like the look of metal shingles roof, then consider getting a roofing estimate to install a metal shingles roof for your home.

Integrating metal roofing and green building technologies allows us to build a house that is ultra energy efficient, sustainable, and environmentally safe. If you are planning to replace your existing sloped roof with an energy efficient green metal roofing system, consider installing standing-seam metal roof manufactured by Englert Inc. You can choose from 26 standard cool metal roofing colors rated by cool-roof rating council, and LEED accredited by the U.S. green building council.

When it comes to combining metal roofing with other sustainable building elements, Englert Inc is a true pioneer in exploring, combining, and bringing fully integrated standing-seam metal roofing systems to the consumers.  Englert manufactures standing-seam metal roofs available in aluminum and galvalume steel.  Coated with specially developed metal roofing colors, these metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, thereby reducing the heat gain of the building.

Englert roofs but can help cool interior building space, and save up to 50% on cooling costs.  Kynar coated metal roofing profiles offered by Englert. Inc, come with a 35 year color finish warranty.

In addition to manufacturing standing-seam metal roofs, Englert also manufactures seamless roof gutters that can be integrated with water collection systems.  Ranging from 225 gallons to 1700 gallons these water collection tanks can be installed along with metal roof, thereby creating a fully integrated energy efficient metal roofing system combined with the seamless gutters that can collect up to 95% of the rainwater depositing it into water collection system.  The collected water is non potable, but it can be used for landscaping, car washing, and other household needs.

Englert Inc.  Also offers solar roofing panels that can be integrated with their standing-seam roofing systems.  Englert would provide all the equipment necessary equipment including solar roofing panels, and the inverter.  They also provide and analysis of the roofing system, which helps you decide exactly what type of solar roofing panels will provide the maximum return for your home.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of off this cool metal roofing and green building technology, and applying it to your home to make it greener, then fill out our roofing estimate form to see how we can help you install a metal roofing system manufactured by Englert Inc.  on your home.  We can also help you with integrating solar roofing panels and green building components into your new roof.

By virtue of being involved with roofing industry, I am often asked how to stop ice dams from forming on the roof. So, rather than answering individual questions, I decided to write this helpful guide for homeowners who are looking for simple ways to prevent ice dams.

Before we begin, let’s define an ice dam, and examine how an ice dam forms. An ice dam, is literally a wall of ice that forms on the outside edges / eaves of a sloped roof, and in the gutter. The wall of ice prevents the water formed by means of melting snow to properly run down, which causes it to run down the walls of the building damaging ceilings, wetting insulation and causing rotting and damage to walls and paint.

What cause an ice dam, and how does an ice dam form? The mechanism of an ice dam formation is best explained by poor insulation, and ventilation of the building’s attic. When the attic is poorly insulated, the warm air from inside the building escapes through the attic and rises up to the pick of the roof, where it warms up the roofing surface, which melts the snow seating on the roof. The snow begins to melt and melted water runs down the roof slope, underneath the blanket of snow. When it reaches the eave of the roof, it begins to refreeze again forming a wall of ice, which turns into an ice dam.

As you can see in the picture above, the upper portion of the roof is exposed as the snow has melted, and water ran down, and turned into an ice dam, that looks rather extreme! The reason, for the exposed roof shingle, is that warm water that was rising up in the attic, reached the highest point in the attic where it transferred the warmth to asphalt shingle, which in terms has melted the snow on top of the roof. When the melted water reached the edge of the roof, which was not as warm as the top, the water refroze forming icicles  and ice dams on the roof. As you can see, the mechanism of ice dam formation is not external, but rather internal, and has to do with inadequate insulation in the attic.

How to prevent ice dams? Clearly an adequate insulation is the key in preventing ice dams from forming in the first place. As long as, we can find a way to keep the warm air inside the house, and stop it from leaking into the attic, we can stop the ice dams from happening. Thus, we have to find a way to properly and fully insulate our attic.

Attic Insulation

For most roofs located in areas with snowfall a minimum of R – 49 insulation value will be required. If your home is 30 years or older, than chances are that it is not properly insulated, and you will improve the energy efficiency and functioning of your home by upgrading your insulation to R -49 value. So if you have an older home, you will first want to find out how much insulation you already have. An easy way to measure your attic floor insulation is by measuring its thickness, which you can measure with a simple ruler, and then multiply the thickness in inches by 3.14. This will give you the approximate R-value. Thus, if you have six inches of Fiberglass blanket insulation, you will get; 6 x 3.14 = 18.84. which means that you need to get an additional 10 inches of attic floor insulation for your home to meet the Department of Energy Requirements.

Refer to to Energy Star’s recommended levels of insulation table to determine the proper R – value for your geographic zone.

A word of caution:

If your home is a victim of ice dam formation, and you consider adding additional insulation to your attic, stop right here, and check for air leaks and drafts in the attic, ceilings and in between the walls before you add more insulation. Properly sealing the leaks in your attic, will play a major role in helping you prevent the ice dams. Take time to identify and locate air leaks in your attic and seal them with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping. This will make your attic more energy efficient, and you should not add more attic insulation until you have completed this step first.

Attic Ventilation

Once your attic is properly sealed and insulated, it is time to examine attic ventilation. Ideally, you will have sufficient soffit vents, which will allow for air circulation aimed to remove warm air from the attic and bring the cold air from outside. Remember, as long as we can keep our attics, cool, we can prevent warm air from rising up and warming up asphalt shingle, which melts the ice and causes water to run down the slope underneath the snow pack. A home energy contractor can advise on appropriateness of your attic ventilation and recommend adding additional ventilation measures to your home.

When buying insulation materials, be sure to choose energy star rated products, which by the way, qualify for energy efficient improvements and can earn you governmental tax credits. Also, consider insulating walls, and and windows in your home, which will further increase energy efficiency of your home. Doing so, will help keep your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and prevent the ice dam build up.

As one of the best methods to deal with ice dams problem here in the snow country is to use standing seam metal roofs. This will be especially useful if other methods cannot be used for various reasons or are ineffective. Standing seam roof will let the snow simply slide off the roof, and ice dams won’t be able to form. Even if ice dams do form, for example if there is a snow retention system in place, the single-piece standing seam panels will not be vulnerable to the water back-ups as is the case with asphalt shingles.

Check out how standing seam metal roof is installed:

Please share your successful attempts in preventing ice dams, and ask more questions if you have them.

Ever since mid 1800s, corrugated steel metal roofing has been used extensively on agricultural, commercial, and industrial roofs. You might remember the old barns, and farm houses covered with U shaped corrugated steel roofing. Corrugated roofs would often show rust in many spots of the roof. In those early days, corrugated roofing panels were made from bare non-coated steel, which accounted for excessive corrosion factor, which gave corrugated roofs a bad reputation at the time. Nonetheless, steel was a cheap and abundant roofing material, which made it economically feasible to replace the corroded steel panels as and when needed. Such were the expectations for the corrugated steel roofs of the time.

But what about today? First lets look deeper into what modern day corrugated metal roofing represents…

What exactly is Corrugated Metal Roofing all about?

Corrugated roofing is primarily made out of steel in form of U, V, R 5 V crimp shaped roofing panels. Corrugated metal roofing is a system of 32 to 36 inches wide roofing panels held in place by exposed screws / fasteners matched to the color of the panels. Caulk is used at connecting points of overlap in between the panels for water tightness. Corrugated roofing panels can also be made from galvanized, galvalume, stainless steel, and aluminum. Corrugated roofing panel does not have a lot of thickness, which makes it quite affordable, but it does require some maintenance every once in a while depending on the system. More information and system specific details covering features and benefits of corrugated roofing are provided below.

Red color painted corrugated roofing panels

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Modern day corrugated metal roofing systems offer corrosion resistance, energy efficiency and provide economical roof solution for commercial, agricultural, industrial, and sometimes residential use. Corrugated roofing panels are usually made from thin gauge steel, usually a 24, or 26 gauge steel, which makes it economical and practical, when it comes to covering large areas of roofing surfaces. Corrugated metal roofs are more practical and longer lasting than asphalt shingle roofs, and they cost much less than standing seam metal roofing.

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Corrugated roofing panels can be made from aluminum, galvanized steel (G-60, or G-90 steel),
galvalume coated steel, and stainless steel. When going for a long lasting economical solution, galvalume steel provides an optimal combination of cost effectiveness and material longevity and reliability. When coated with a Kynar coating, corrugated roofing can provide significant energy savings and qualify for LEED building credits, issued by US green building council.

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Corrugated Steel R panels – Green Building accredited roofing material

In commercial, agricultural, industrial, and semi residential metal roofing and wall panel material selection process, corrugated roofing panels are a real contender to be a material of choice based on two factors: inexpensive, rather long lasting and energy efficient building envelope roofing and siding alternative. Consider corrugated steel R panel manufactured by Flexospan.

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Corrugated steel roofing panel presented above is LEED certified, inexpensive roofing solution for commercial and industrial uses. It is light weight, provides solar reflectivity, and good thermal emmitance, which will help keep the building cool. The downside of using corrugated roofing systems such as 5 v crimp, R panels, and U panels, is that all corrugated roofing systems come with exposed fasteners. Standing seam, on the other hand comes with concealed roof fasteners, which offers higher degree of weather and water tightness, but standing seam a is significantly pricier metal roofing option.

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As you can see in a diagram above, corrugated 36 inch R panels are installed using a 4 inch overlap at a 32 inch mark. The exposed fasteners (usually galvanized steel screws color matched to the panel, and  combined with special rubber washers for water-tightness are required) are installed 12 inches on center, and then with 16 inches on center, creating a 12 and 16 inches overlap. The use of caulk at the panel connecting points is required as well, which sort of complicates the installation process, and reliance on caulk shows a major design flow of corrugated steel roofing system.

Over the years corrugated roofing systems have benefited from many aesthetic and roof integrity system specific improvements, which now makes it a considerable alternative to conventional asphalt shingle roofs that go into landfills after 15 years of service. Although metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingle, corrugated roofing is quite affordable compared to standing seam. There are now, many corrugated roofing systems that can be used for home re-roofing projects. However, keep in mind, that metal roofing systems with exposed fasteners may require re-tightening some every 10 years or so. Also, should you decide to invest in a corrugated roofing system, I recommend that you go with aluminum, or galvalume steel corrugated roof system coated with Kynar 500 coating, not the cheap acrylic paint finish, which will fade quickly.

Exposed fastener metal roofing for residential homes

McElroy Metal provides an affordable metal roofing alternative with exposed fasteners that can be used for residential homes.

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The panel presented above, is V – 5 crimp panel, with exposed fasteners. It can actually be used for residential roof projects. V 5 Crimp roofing panel, and its installation (materials and labor) is rather affordable when compared to traditional residential metal roofing systems such as metal shingle, shakes, tiles, and standing seam roofing.

Resources for additional information about corrugated roofs, materials, and pricing:

http://www.roofingcalculator.org/metal-roofing-calculator.php

http://www.corrugatedmetal.com

http://www.flexospan.com

http://www.bobvila.com/BVTV/HomeAgain/BTS-1105-MetalRoofing.html

If you own your own home, or happen to live in a two or three  family home, chances are that the roof over your head is made out of composition, or fiberglass asphalt shingles. Some of the implications of having a composition shingle roof are chipping, cracking, splitting, or tearing of the asphalt shingle due to the aging of the shingle, and exposure to thermal heat of the sun. An older asphalt shingle roof shows signs of wear due to rain washing out the sand granules, which causes roof leaks, and requires roof repairs. These common problems are especially apparent with the thinnest 15 year asphalt shingle, but happen to all asphalt shingle roofing products, and with all roofing manufacturers.

Fun facts about Asphalt Shingle Roofs:

It may come as a surprise to you, but asphalt shingle roofing is not a waterproof product, and it relies on the roof slope to shed the water off from your roof. In many cases asphalt shingle roof failures occur due to shingle exposure to rain, which traps moisture before the installation, and causes premature failures. The tearing of the asphalt shingle often occurs because of a very thin fiberglass mat, an underlay to which asphalt and sand granules are glued. Asphalt typically fails faster in warmer temperatures due to being exposed to the sun, and subjected to temperature changes, which may cause rapid expansion of the roof.

What you should know about Asphalt Shingles Roofing:

What most homeowners do not realize is that today’s asphalt shingle roofing materials have been undergoing a dramatic decline of quality and performance, ever since late 1970′s. Back then, oil embargo and rising costs of asphalt, pushed roofing manufacturers towards shifting production from organic shingles to a thinner and cheaper fiberglass shingle. All of a sudden, asphalt shingles that used to weigh 240 pounds per square of roofing material (100 sq. ft.),  were replaced by a “new” 30 year shingles weighing just mere 190 pounds per square. Additionally, to keep up the weight on asphalt shingles, while keeping down the costs, roof manufactures began to use more stone granules, instead of asphalt. The reduction of asphalt content in fiberglass shingles decreased the lifespan of asphalt shingles from commonly expected 20-25 years of service, down to 10-15 years. The promises of a 30 year limited warranty is nothing more than a marketing gimmick used on unsuspecting consumers. The warranty refers to the fact that asphalt shingle is free of manufacturer’s defects, and not to the actual expected service life.

The results of this roofing industry’s consumer deception are premature failures of asphalt shingle roofs, expensive roof repairs, unappealing looking roofs, and decline in property value if the roof is 10 years or older. Today you will be lucky if your 30 year shingles lasts 15 years.

Only steel, aluminum and copper metal roofing can last some 30, 40, 50 years and longer. This is why I recommend metal roofing systems, and cool flat PVC roofs that easily outperform and outlast conventional EPDM rubber and tar roofs by a factor of three. Metal roofing is a far superior and technologically advanced roofing material that is light years ahead of asphalt shingle roofing, in terms of quality, durability and performance.

Should I roof with asphalt shingle

Should you decide to re roof your existing roof with an asphalt shingle roofing due to the lower cost of initial investment, I recommend that you choose Building Products of Canada, residential asphalt shingle roofing. Canada gets a lot of snowfall, so this Canadian roofing manufacturer uses the thickest grade of asphalt shingle roofing for their residential roofing products. The granules, also, seem to last longer on their asphalt shingle roofing products.

Inexpensive Metal Roofing Alternative

Another inexpensive alternative, to asphalt shingle roofing, would be Kynar coated, energy star rated, galvalume corrugated steel metal roofing system featuring “R” panel design with exposed fasteners. Corrugated metal roofing may outlast asphalt considerably, and provide energy efficient roof replacement solution for your home that is also economical, and environmentally safe.

If you mention metal roofing, most people with think of corrugated iron that became ubiquitous as a roofing material following its invention in the early 19th century. The problem with corrugated iron, which actually became corrugated mild steel as early as the late 19th century, although the common name never changed, is that it inevitably rusts and starts to degrade after just a few years, even if galvanized. By contrast, today`s sophisticated metal roofing products are tough, durable and with proper care and maintenance can easily last 50 years or more. Copper is also, of course, 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly roofing materials.

These facts have been reflected by a dramatic increase in the popularity of metal roofing products in the past 20 years, or so. Longevity is just one benefit of modern metal roofing products. Metals such as aluminum, steel, copper and alloys are surprisingly lightweight and are quick and easy to install. Indeed, although more expensive than some other materials, copper has been used as a roof for hundreds of years. Copper roofing sheet is sold by weight, with the thickness measured in ounces (oz) per square foot; 16 oz cooper sheet is typically used for residential roofing applications, while 20 oz copper sheet is used for commercial applications. Copper sheet for other purposes may be sold by gauge, where the higher the gauge the thinner the material.

Most DIY questions relating to copper roofing are about cleaning, repair and maintenance. Cleaning is the most important of the three, because careful periodic cleaning of a copper roof can extend its lifespan by 30% or 40% and, in so doing, negate the need for the other two. Dirt and grime allowed to accumulate on a copper roof will accelerate the rate of deterioration, but so too will harsh, oxidising cleaning agents. A certain amount of care and research is therefore required when choosing a cleaning agent. Ketchup, vinegar or a combination of lemon and salt can all be used to clean copper very effectively.

Properly looked after, however, a copper roof should last for many tens, or even hundreds of years. Copper actually improves with age; the green coating of copper carbonate, or copper chloride, otherwise known as verdigris, that builds up on the surface actually protects the underlying metal from further oxidation. Sealing a copper roof with polyurethane spray, annually, can also prevent air from getting to the copper and slow down the rate of oxidation in exposed areas.

Consider, a new copper roof, as a metal roofing alternative for your re-roofing project. Although, copper is rather pricey, its initial cost of investment can be justified by improved aesthetics of your home, and a sharp looking new copper roof, which will provide ageless beauty and protection. Copper roof, would probably be a good option to define the beauty of your home, in rural area. Talk to your builder, and architect to see if copper roof, can be a good option for your home.

Take a look at colorful metal roofs on the buildings of St. Petersburg.

In Europe zinc roofing enjoys tremendous popularity, protecting well over 60% of residential roofs. In United States zinc roofing was first used in the early 1800s, but it hasn’t gained the same level of popularity as in Europe, where zinc roofing is by far the most popular residential roofing material. In fact, in Paris buildings’ rooftops are still over 80% zinc.

Zinc as a green building material

Zinc is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials; zinc is 100% recyclable and ecologically friendly throughout its life cycle. This along with its long-term durability qualifies this metal as a green building material. Roofs made with zinc are expected to last 80 to 100 years and even longer, while zinc walls can last anywhere from 200 to 300 years. The unmatched durability of zinc even in harsh climates contributes to its widespread use in Europe. A zinc material requires very little to no maintenance over its life. Its patina constantly renews itself as it weathers and ages, it doesn’t require coating to protect it from corrosion and it does not need to be painted. It will never fade, chip, discolorate or crack. Its color will always be uniform, even as it ages.

Zinc is an environmentally safe building material, and it can be used even for the rainwater collection. Zinc requires only 1/4 of the energy required to produce aluminum, and 33% of the energy to produce the same amount of copper or stainless steel. Zinc contains as much as 45% of post-consumer recycled content. It is 100% recyclable at the end of its service life architectural zinc can be recycled for use on another building.

In the U.S and Canada zinc roofing is predominantly a high-end roofing product. Zinc is beautiful and unique, but it is also more expensive. Zinc offers a look that stands out. It is noninvasive, and its colors blend in beautifully with the building and its surroundings. The beauty of zinc resides in its unique look that makes a statement of unpretentious and undisputed style, and unmatched durability.

Clearly, zinc roofing presents an attractive and stylish roofing option for the owners of high-end homes, as well as anybody who aspires to have a great roof. In fact, high-end homes make up over 80% of the zinc roofing market in the United States, and Canada. But prices of zinc roofing fluctuate constantly and just like with copper, it is important to monitor them.

Financially, zinc roofs fall in the same category as copper roofs. Zinc costs more than aluminum and steel, but it is comparable to the cost of stainless steel and copper roofing. The cost of installing zinc roofing is even higher than that of copper; zinc is a brittle metal that may require preheating the metal before forming. But with all the expense that goes into purchasing the materials and installation, zinc roofing benefits far outweigh the cost of initial investment, and its long lifecycle requiring virtually no roof maintenance, makes it a rather attractive high-end roofing option for retrofits, re-roofing, and new construction applications.

In the United States, zinc roofing products are manufactured by Rheinzink – roof coverings.

Rheinzink offers double lock standing-seam system, interlocking tiles systems, Roll Cap system, and stepped roof, an industrial roofing system. Rheinzink is a member of U.S. green building council. Rheinzink zinc building products contain a minimum of 30% post consumer recycled content; contributing to LEED credit.

Green Building Directories

http://www.allconstructiondirectory.com/green-building/

http://www.homeimprovementdir.org/home-improvement/green-building/

Photo Credits

images by photoeverywhere.co.uk

As far as the roofing industry in U.S is concerned, steel roofing is the fastest growing metal roofing product for the residential roofing industry. In fact, steel roofing is gaining more market share than any other residential roofing product in America. You may wonder what is the reason for the popularity of steel roofs for residential homes. The answer is simple, steel roofs provide a far better reliability and durability than asphalt shingle roofs.

Residential steel roofs are available in two main profiles; metal shingles and Standing-seam. Steel shingles roofing profiles resemble conventional asphalt shingles roofs, cedar shake tiles, and even a natural slate. Steel shingles is available in a variety of cool-roof rated colors and styles. Steel shingles features a four way interlocking  shingle design, which provides unsurpassed roofing system reliability. Such a roof can withstand hurricane winds up to 110 miles per hour. Coated with combination of zinc and aluminum alloy, steel shingle roofs are well protected against oxidation and rust. Painted with a high quality Kynar 500 paint finish, steel shingle reflects solar radiant heat and keeps your building cool, which helps reduce cooling costs. Steel shingles roofs carry a 50 years manufacturer’s warranty against material defects and corrosion. A properly installed steel shingle roof may well be the last roof you ever have to install on your home.

Clearly, modern day steel shingle roofs provide a great alternative for the building owner who wants an energy efficient, reliable, and long lasting roof. Of course, steel shingles is a premium roofing product that requires professional installation and attention to detail. Expect to pay double the amount you would normally pay for an asphalt shingle roof. The appraised value of your property, energy savings and durability of a steel roof are just some of the benefits of installing steel shingle metal roof for your home.

Steel shingle roofing profiles we install

Steel Standing-seam roofing is another great alternative for a building owner who is looking for a reliable, stylish and an energy efficient metal roof. Standing-seam is available in over 30 cool-roof rated metal roofing colors that can complement the appearance of any home. Another great benefit of Standing-seam steel roofing is that it is solar roofing ready. Thin film photovoltaic solar roofing panels can be easily integrated with a standing-seam metal roof. This is yet another way to to make your roof greener and more energy efficient. Solar roofing panels usually pay for themselves in 7 to 10 years.

Another steel roofing profile that we used to install in the past, is stone coated steel roofing tiles. We no longer install stone coated steel roofs because we find that steel shingle roofs provide a better overall roof system design, and offer superior reliability. Still, stone coated steel roofs represent a great roofing product and we often see it being installed on homes in hotter climates such as Florida and Texas.

We install steel roofs in greater Boston Massachusetts, Cape COD, Plymouth, Newton and in offers cities and towns. We also provide steel roofing services in Connecticut and New Hampshire. Fill out an online roofing estimate form to request an estimate for a new steel roofing system. If you happen to live outside of our service area, then you can still locate manufacturers and contractors specializing in metal roofing in an industry directory of metal roofing contractors and manufacturers. If you’re interested in installing a new steel roofing system yourself, then I recommend reading our DIY Metal roofing installation guide for helpful tips on how to install standing-seam and metal shingle roofs.

Roof is the upper most part of a building’s structure designed to provide protection from the rain, snow, and other nature’s elements. Roofs around the world vary in the type, or shape of the roof, steepness, and type of roofing materials used. There are two ways in which the roof can be constructed; one piece impermeable shell such as PVC roofing membrane, glass or metal dome, or it can be constructed from many different water resistant pieces such as asphalt shingles, ceramic tiles, or natural slates that divert the rain water away from permeable gaps in the roof.

Roofs of the world

In places with little rainfall, roofs tend to have a minimum roof pitch and are predominantly flat. In places with a lot of rain and snowfall, roofs tend to have a steeper pitch, which helps divert the rain water and shed the snow away from the roof. Throughout the world, roofs are built from both natural and man-made materials. Natural building materials such as wood and vegetation are used to build up roofs. In Asia, many roofs are constructed from bamboo. In Africa, roofs can be a covered with banana leaves and other types of vegetation. In the Middle East, many roofs are built from the solid concrete slabs, and are predominantly flat. In America, the most common type of roofing material is asphalt shingles, an oil based roofing product. Cedar shake, slate, sheet metal, and clay tiles are among other less common roofing materials used in the U.S. for pitched roofs.

From thatch to green roof gardens and solar roofs.

Thatch roofs

In Europe, especially in United Kingdom thatched roofs, made from waterproof vegetation, provide protection for thousands of homes. Even today some well to do people in England, choose to install thatched roofs to attain the traditional look and style. Thatched roofs have been used for thousands of years because thatch or plant vegetation was a readily available, and abundant building material. Thatched roofs are considered sustainable because they are made from from the naturally growing leaves. In modern day thatched roofs have lost their prominence due to the high expense of labor required to install a thatched roof. Another problem with thatched roofs is that thatched roofs roofs are predisposed to catching fire, especially in areas with drier climates.

Bamboo roofs

In oriental cultures, bamboo is used for the construction of the roofs. Bamboo is a fast growing and abundant building material that combines flexibility and strength. Bamboo roofs are characterized by the cave in effect in the middle of the roof due to be bending of the bamboo beams used in the construction of the roof.

Concrete roofs

Concrete roofs are common in Middle East countries such as Egypt, Iraq, and others. Concrete roofs are predominantly flat, and often contain parapet walls to provide protection for the people may choose to spend their time on the rooftop. This is common in hot Middle Eastern countries where people may sometimes sleep on the rooftop to find the relief from the heat at night. Concrete roofs are generally several inches thick, and are constructed from one piece concrete slab. Concrete roofs are extremely heavy and require strong outside walls and beams to hold the concrete slab. Some companies install concrete roofs in the United States in hurricane prone areas. Concrete roofs provide excellent hurricane protection and are best when the building is made from a one piece shell integrating foundation walls and the roof and reinforced with steel beams acting as a skeleton for the cured of concrete.

Asphalt shingle roofs

Asphalt shingle is a petroleum based product made from fiberglass mat saturated in asphalt to attain water resistant properties. Then, the top coating of asphalt is applied and sand granules are added. Asphalt shingle is not a waterproof product and relies on pitch to divert water away from the roof. Typically minimal pitch of 4 inches for every 12 inches of run is required for the asphalt shingle roof. The average expected lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 17 years. Asphalt shingle roof performs better in more temperate and cooler climates. In hotter climates, sun and thermal shock due to rapidly changing temperatures shortens the life of an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingle roofs are at least expensive to install, but short lifespan and lock of proper recycling methods account for frequent re roofing, expensive tear offs and environmental degradation due to disposal to the landfills.

Cedar shake roofing

In the past, cedar shake roofs used to be made from a longer lasting wood, and would actually last longer on the roof. Today cedar shake roofs don’t last as long as they used to, and aside from aesthetic appeal provide little benefit to cost return.

Ceramic and clay tiles

Made from ceramic and clay the styles are heavy weighing 6 pounds per square foot. This requires a specially reinforced roofing structure. Ceramic tiles provide Spanish tile roof look and can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years depending on quality of the material.

Slate roofs

Natural slate is a pristine and long lasting roofing material that conveys durability and style. Slate roofs have been used throughout the world for hundreds of years. Slate tiles vary in thickness and can last anywhere from 50 200 years. Slate tile is heavy weighting 8 pounds per square foot, it requires special roof construction reinforcement. Slate roofs are very expensive, but they are made from a natural stone, and can last for the lifetime of the building.

Sheet metal

Roofs made from rolled steel and aluminum sheets are lightweight environmentally friendly and last a long time. Steel roofs are coated with aluminum and zinc alloy and provide effective and reliable protection. Steel shingle roofs, and standing-seam roofs made from steel and aluminum can last 50 years and longer. Their costs falls somewhere in the middle that in the cost of asphalt shingle and slate roofs. The high end sheet metal roofing product featuring zinc and copper can last as long as 100 years and do not require coating. Stainless steel and titanium roofs are also available to building owners were not limited by the budget. Coated metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat keeping the building cooler and providing energy savings. Some of the metal roofing systems are cool-roof rated, which means that their energy efficient and have a high degree of solar reflectance and thermal emissivity. Cool roofs reduce the use of cooling energy in warm seasons, which reduces air conditioning load and mitigates the effects of heat islands in the big cities. Metal roofs are considered green because they are ecologically and environmentally safe, and can be fully recycled at the end of their useful life.

Solar roofing

Photovoltaic solar technology has given birth to innovative solar shingle roofing products and the development of roof mounted solar panels that can be added to the rooftops of residential and commercial buildings. Roofs integrated standing-seam solar panels are the latest in the advances of solar roofing industry. Solar roofs generate electricity and can actually pay for themselves when installed on the roof that gets a lot of sun exposure.

Green roof tops

Green roofs help mitigate the effects of urban heat islands associated with roofs that capture solar radiant heat and emit it back to the surrounding environment creating heat island of fact. Green roofs feature vegetation on the rooftop that provides excellent installation, which keeps the building cool. Fresh air and beauty are other benefits of green roofs. Green roof can can be constructed in two ways; built up turf and added vegetation with carefully designed irrigation, water collection and drainage systems. A less expensive way to build a green roof is to use green roof containers that can be arranged on the rooftop of the building.

Roof construction

And the U.S. Most roofs are built over attic spaces that act as insulation and noise barrier. Roofing underlayment serves as an additional level of installation and water barrier protection. A proper roof ventilation of the attic must be incorporated into the construction of the roof. This will help move with the roof insulation and help prevent the rotting of the roof deck. Properly insulated and adequately ventilated roof will keep your building cooler, last longer, and help prevent ice dams. Roofing beams are constructed from timber, or steel frame. The type and weight of the future roof needs to be considered in the construction of the roofing frame including roof beams trusses that will carry the weight of the roof.

Related reading:

Roofing materials

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Projects That Will Increase Home Value & Curb appeal

Now that Spring is finally here, many home-owners across America will gear up and prepare to bring their homes back into tip-top shape before the Memorial day weekend. Some families just might finally start that exterior vinyl siding project that they’ve been putting on hold until the good weather, and others might be planning on fixing their leaky roofs, or replacing their worn out old roof altogether. Whatever your preference may be, today I will cover  3 home improvement projects that will increase your homes value & curb appeal.

Energy Efficient Siding Options

Vinyl siding – If you’re the type of home-owner that lives a busy lifestyle and don’t want to be bothered with the high maintenance of wood siding, then vinyl siding would be a perfect fit for your home. Vinyl siding prices still remain the cheapest alternative to wood siding today.  Vinyl siding is designed to mimic all types of wood siding and also come in a wide-array of colors to choose from. Having insulated backed siding not only will reduce your energy bills, but, will also reduce outdoor noises – a bonus if you live on a busy road.

Fiber cement siding — If you’re looking to make a bold statement and GO GREEN at the same time, James Hardie board siding would be the best solution for you. Fiber cement siding is comprised of more than 90% sand and cement, making it inherently resistant to flames and a sustainable building resource for exterior siding. Hardie board siding also comes with a 50-year limited transferable warranty, so rest assured this type of siding has you covered!

Energy Efficient Roofs:

Metal roofs -If you’re like many homeowners who are frustrated with those pesky irritating roof leaks and are in need of a more reliable roof system, you can’t go wrong with having a metal roof system installed on your home. Now, I know what you’re thinking, metal roofs, what??? We are talking about residential roofs right? Yes we are. Believe it or not, metal roofs come in many roofing profiles that mimic cedar shake roof shingles, asphalt roof shingles, and can even mimic a natural slate roof, hence the reason for the huge growth in popularity for this type of roofing system.

So how would having a metal roof installed on my home increase my homes value and curb appeal? Now that’s a great question. Metal roofing shingles carry a 50 -year manufacturer’s warranty against material defects and corrosion. A properly installed metal shingle roof may well be the last roof you ever have to install on your home. So in return, not having to replace your asphalt shingle roof every 10-17 years will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Decks:

Composite decks – by having composite decking installed on your deck or even on your flat roof deck can bring you the satisfaction you’ve been craving in a outdoor living space. Composite decks are a green option made from recyclable grocery bags and wood shipping pallets. Composite decking also comes in a wide array of traditional decking styles and colors to choose from, making this choice in decking very popular to many homeowners and home buyers. Composite decking is also very low-maintenance and requires very little upkeep, a simple wash with the garden hose yearly is all you’ll ever need with composite decking – no more having to stain your deck again.

This post is courtesy of Massachusetts Siding Pro – Mike Martin from www.mbmcarpentry.com

By no means do we endorse installing an asphalt shingle roof on your house, as that would be a poor choice in terms of quality and environmental considerations, but we are providing this guide to better educate you about general roofing costs. Shopping for a new roof is not the same as going to the supermarket to buy a household item. Understanding roofing costs involves knowledge of the local roofing market conditions, price variation with respect to the specific roofing product considered, and the particular roofing company’s pricing strategy.

There are many variables that can influence your roof replacement costs, but the major factors affecting the price of the new roof come down to the local roofing market conditions, and weather or not you are dealing with a real roofing company, or a fly by night operation. The roofing cost itself should not be the only factor influencing your decision. You need to pay particular attention to the roofing contractor you’re dealing with.

Ask yourself a few simple questions; Is your roofing contractor presentable, friendly, and knowledgeable? Did he explain to you product benefits and warranty details? Did you get a written roofing proposal? Can your roofing contractor provide roof work references, and proof of roofing liability insurance and workers’ compensation? Is your roofing contractor pleasant and helpful, or are they sketchy and pushy?

All the other things being equal, roofing costs will be influenced by the following factors:

Residential roofs range in difficulty and scope of work involved in a roof replacement. The ranch type single story house with simple gable roof structure is easy to work on and can be completed in one day. A multistory house with oddly shaped roof is much more difficult to work on and will take longer to complete. The cost differential can be very significant between easy and complex roof. The complex roof may cost up to 50% more than a simple gable roof.

Another factor influencing roofing costs is whether or not your roof has skylights, dormers, chimney flashing, and end-wall terminations. All of these can drive up your roof replacement costs.

Does your old roof require a tear off or not? If your old roof already has more than one layer of asphalt shingle, or if your roof has sustained a significant water damage, then your old roof need to be completely stripped before the new roof can be installed. And this could increase your roofing costs by 75 to 125 dollars per square of roofing surface. The cost would include the old roof tear-off and a cleanup.

Special circumstances:

If your existing roof is made out of asbestos, then you’ll have to get asbestos removal company to remove your existing asbestos roof before a new roof can be installed. The asbestos removal procedure would have to be coordinated with your roofing company, and will result in an additional expense to you.

Estimating Roofing Costs:

The cost of installing a new roof can be estimated by multiplying the base price to shingle a simple one story gable roof by the number of roofing squares. An average ranch type house roof measures 17 to 20 roof squares. The basic roofing product a three tab asphalt shingle costs roughly $80.00 per square. The roofing felt and nails will add another $20 to the cost of materials. Thus, we have a $100 per square of roofing materials. Multiply that by 20 squares and you get $2000 for the roofing materials alone. Most roofing contractors will charge around $250 per square to install asphalt shingle on your home. This translates into $5000 for labor costs. Add the cost of labor and material costs and you get $7000 for an average single story ranch type roof.

Keep in mind that $7000 would represent the base price to install a new roof. Your roofing costs may be higher if you have to tear down your existing roof, it would add another $2000 for the roof tear off and clean up. If you have a multistory roof with steep roof pitch, multiple skylights, chimneys, and dormers, then your cost could easily go up to over $10,000. keep in mind that the base roof cost may vary from one company to another and may be different in different parts of the county.

Sometimes it may be necessary to get several roofing quotes to really get a good idea of what a new roof installation will cost for your home. Shop around, ask questions about roofing materials your new roof will be getting, roofing warranty details and get everything written in the contract.

Related Posts:

Roofing Prices – Provides real life examples of Roofing Installation costs.

Metal Roofing Cost – Provides comparative analysis of installing metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles, and how it affects the long term roofing costs.

Roofing Materials – Guide to common roofing materials and their costs

Roofs – All about different types of roofs in the world.

Take a good Look at Construction Estimating

The cost of any construction should not be a total mystery. In fact, with a little careful planning and strategic forethought, one should be able to obtain a fair estimate for the total cost of the construction project. The more experience one has doing construction estimating for the home building or home additions projects, the closer they will be able to come to the actual dollar figure spent. Every tiny detail of the project, from materials to labor and permit fees will have to be included in the total construction estimating process. Of course, it is always better to figure a generous estimate, rather than run out of budget for the project because your estimate fell short.

The first step to obtaining a proper estimate is finding a plan for the construction. Without a plan, it would be impossible to determine what materials are needed. Once the plan and size of the project are determined, make a materials list and obtain the material and labor prices for all of these items.

Remember that the cost of materials will vary in various parts of the country, so make sure you are getting this list of prices from the area where you will be making the purchases. Also, don’t forget to factor in any pre-building work on the land or small details such as nails.

Choose a contractor. Some will choose to work with a single general contracting firm for the whole project while others prefer subcontracting the work to specialized trades such as carpenters, masons, roofers, plumbers, and electricians. Those who choose to subcontract the work out will basically have to act as the main contractor, overseeing all the work and details on their own. Keep in mind that this will require a little more time and availability, and be honest with yourself about your skills in this area. If you are worried about being able to handle it, best not to try. This is a huge job that is really meant for the experienced.

Get pricing from the contractors that have been selected. One benefit of working with a general contractor is that they will account for the total cost of the manual labor. This will save a lot of time and worrying over financial matters.

Add up all your costs together to find your total home building estimate. Don’t forget that there are many fees involved in the construction work, and these will account for quite a substantial amount of money as a part of the total construction costs, so make sure you know what to expect in this area.

Running out of the building supplies or money in the middle of a project is no fun at all. Those who do not feel experienced enough to come up with a good estimate should probably hire someone else to do the job, as this can really lead to the loss of a lot of money in the long run.

Guesstimates are simply not acceptable in this field. Those who are planning a building project need to know what to expect financially. And a proper estimate is crucial in helping them prepare and plan to be able to afford the new construction.