The Metal Roofing Alliance Blog

10 Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Roof

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:49:00 +0000

Think about it -- the roof is the part of your home with the biggest responsibility - it protects you, your family and everything you own from the elements. Chances are, most homeowners will have to buy three or more roofs in their lifetime. Best to give the process some thought before you're faced with a leaking roof damaging the things you value most.

The nonprofit Metal Roofing Alliance (www.metalroofing.com) recommends you ask these questions before signing a contract for a new roof:

Is the company licensed, and are the employees bonded and insured?

What types of roofing materials does the company offer? The industry has evolved - there are many choices beyond the old asphalt shingle.

Will the contractor provide a written, final estimate?

Can the new roof be installed over the existing roof?
What are the environmental considerations of the new materials and disposal of the old roof?
Who manufactures the roofing material the contractor will use?
How long with will the new roof last? What does the warranty cover?
Will the company use subcontractors? If so, how will they be managed/supervised?
Is there pending legal action against the company?
Can you speak with former customers?

For more information, or to find a local metal roofing contractor, visit the Metal Roofing Alliance at www.metalroofing.com.

Is Your Roof Reindeer-Ready?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:39:00 +0000

While Santa and his elves are finishing up toy making and preparing to pack the sled, there's an important job homeowners have to do to prepare for the upcoming Christmas holiday -- make sure your roof is Reindeer-Ready.

Turns out reindeer aren't as "tiny" as the classic story suggests. The average adult reindeer weighs at least 250 pounds. Multiply that by eight (or nine, if you include the shiny-nosed variety), and your roof could have a ton of extra weight to support this Christmas, not including Santa and presents.

To be sure the roof is ready for everything winter has in store, including reindeer, the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance (www.metalroofing.com) suggests the following roof review, which can be done without a ladder:

For homes with asphalt shingles, look for black areas indicating cracking shingles.

For homes with shake or shingles, look for pieces that are curled upward, split, broken off or missing.

For homes with slate roofs, look for black areas that indicate slate is missing.

Look for heavy wear around the valleys, the areas where water runs off the roof into the gutters.

Look at the materials around the chimney and vent pipes and check for cracks, gaps and missing or fractured caulking.

Check eave overhangs for water damage.

Use binoculars to check around the chimney, trim and other flashings for signs of cracks, shingles that are coming up off the roof and general wear.

Conduct an interior inspection for stained or discolored ceilings, which most likely indicates roof problems.

Check your gutters for asphalt shingle granules. Lots of granules means less coverage on your roof.

10. Remove branches, twigs and leaves from gutters and clear out down spouts to allow for snow
and ice run off.

"If your roof's not quite ready for the threat of harsh weather and holiday landings, you may want to consider installing a durable metal roof," said Bill Hippard, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance (www.metalroofing.com). "Most metal roofing is installed directly over the existing roof, reducing installation time, and clean-up. Additionally, metal roofs have long-term warranties and provide an eco-friendly, sustainable solution."

Residential metal roofing now comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, ranging from traditional standing seam to shake, slate and tile. For more information, or to find a local metal roofing contractor, homeowners can visit www.metalroofing.com.

Holmes on Homes

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Mike Holmes, contractor and host of HGTV's Holmes on Homes, is a big fan of metal roofing. In a recent article on roofing options, he said: "I list metal first because, in my books, it comes out on top when you look at durability, fire resistance, environmental friendliness and a host of other factors."

For the complete article, click here.

The Money Pit Features Metal Roofing

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:22:00 +0000

Check out this recent post from The Money Pit - it talks all about the benefits of cool metal roofing.

Natural Metals

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:10:00 +0000

Looking for a New Eco-Friendly Roof? Choose Metal

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:31:00 +0000

Homeowner looking for an eco-friendly, durable roof chose metal.

Custom Home, Metal Roof

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Homeowners discuss why they chose a metal roof for their new custom home:

Metal roofs look better than ever. Angie's List details the many advatages.

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:21:00 +0000

For more info., visit:

Metal roofs look better than ever. Angie's List details the many advatages.

Hear All About Metal Roofing

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:44:00 +0000

MRA's President, Bill Hippard, recently served as a guest on Michael King's HomeTalk USA Radio Show.

To listen to the interview, click here: Metal Roofing Radio Interview

Natural Metal Roofs

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:30:00 +0000

Natural metal roofs have all the durability and eco-friendly elements of metal roofs, and make a unique architectural statement.

Here are a few recent projects by MRA member VM Zinc. Who wouldn't want to live in one of these amazing homes? For more information, visit the MRA Photo Gallery, or VMZinc.

Turning a Chore into a Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:28:00 +0000

Like many homeowners, Barb and Tom Bruns were dreading having to replace their roof. Let's be honest - nobody dreams about the day when they can re-roof. The humble roof just doesn't get that kind of love and devotion.

However, by working with MRA Member Metal Roofing Systems (http://www.beautifulroofs.com), the Bruns found the process quick and painless, and are raving about the results.

"We love our new metal roof. We chose Classic Metal Roofing Systems' Country Manor Shake style. It turned out more beautiful than we had ever imagined!" explains Mrs. Bruns. "I must say it's one of the best home improvements we have made to our 21 year old home. The house now has a real 'wow' factor that's even visible from down the street! It's an amazing facelift to our home. It's got the neighbors and passersby stopping to admire."

For more information, or to find a contractor in your area, visit the Metal Roofing Alliance at www.metalroofing.com

Home Talk USA to feature Metal Roofing

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Coming Soon! Metal roofing will be featured on an upcoming episode of HomeTalk USA with Michael King. Click here to learn more, and listen online! MRA's president, Bill Hippard will share information on the benefits of metal, and dispel a few roofing myths.

Consumer Alert: 10 Questions To Ask Before Choosing a Roofing Contractor

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Consumer Checklist: how to avoid roofing scams. Choosing a roofing contractor you can trust.

Following the recent severe weather across the country, "storm chasing" contractors may begin showing up in affected areas, offering questionable products and services to homeowners looking to repair or replace a roof. Promising rock-bottom prices and quick turnaround, these often unlicensed and untrained renegades prey on consumers when they're most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, this is a common practice that usually results in poor installations that later cause trouble, when the installer has moved on to the next town.

Choosing a new roof to protect your home and family is a big decision, and deserves careful consideration.

The nonprofit Metal Roofing Alliance (www.metalroofing.com) recommends you ask these questions before signing a contract for a new roof:

Is the company licensed, and are the employees bonded and insured? How long has the company been in business?

What types of roofing materials does the company offer? The industry has evolved - there are many choices beyond the old asphalt shingle.

Will you provide a written, final estimate?

Can the new roof be installed over the existing roof?
What are the environmental considerations of the new materials and disposal of the old roof?
Who manufacturers the roofing product the contractor will use?
How long with the new roof last? What does the warranty cover?
Will there be subcontractors? If yes, how will they be managed/supervised?
Is there any pending legal action against your company?
Can I speak with your last 3 customers?

See "Consumer Checklist" page or click here to visit Scribd and download an easy-to-print version of this checklist.

Tornado Proof Roofing?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:22:00 +0000

With winds over 150 mph, no home is safe from the impact from a direct hit by a tornado. Fortunately, deadly storms like the recent tornado outbreak are rare. Homes are much more likely to be damaged by milder, but more common weather events, including hail storms, rain, snow, wildfires and strong winds.

The humble roof doesn't get a lot of attention in the home improvement marketplace. Unlike a kitchen or bath remodel, nobody dreams of one day replacing their roof. However, consider this - the roof is the part of your home with the biggest responsibility - it protects you, your family and everything you own from the elements. Chances are, most homeowners will have to buy 3 or more roofs in their lifetime.

Many homeowners are avoiding the chore of going through several roof installations by choosing durable and environmentally-friendly metal roofs. Resistant to cracking, shrinking and eroding, metal roofs stand up to extreme weather, and are available in a wide variety of styles and colors. Metal roofs will last 50 years or more, in effect taking “buy a new roof” off the table in effect taking "buy a new roof" off a homeowner's to-do list forever.

For More information, or to find a metal roofing contractor in your area, visit www.metalroofing.com

What do Real Homeowners Think About Metal Roofing?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:49:00 +0000

Earth Day Tips for Homeowners: Reduce, Recycle, Re-Roof?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Sure, everyone knows about CFL bulbs and curbside recycling. What many homeowners don't know is that

the roof over their head can make a big difference to the environment.

Many consumers are shocked to learn that traditional asphalt shingles are a petroleum product, with a big environmental impact. Not only are asphalt shingles adding to dependency on fossil fuels, they need to be replaced every 15-20 years, and there is no good way to dispose of them – landfills are full of asphalt shingles.

Eco-friendly products, including metal roofs, are rapidly replacing petroleum-based asphalt shingles. A recent McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics® survey showed metal roofing now comprises 11% of the residential re-roofing market, more than doubling in just ten years.

An old car, dishwasher or refrigerator can be recycled to re-roof a home. All steel roofs contain a minimum of 25% recycled content, and many have a much higher percentage. At the end of its useful life, metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable. In addition, many metal roofs now feature Energy Star ratings that qualify for tax credits.

"According to the EPA, approximately 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste is generated and disposed of in the United States each year," states Bill Hippard, President of the not-for-profit Metal Roofing Alliance. "California alone generates 1.5 million tons of shingle waste each year."

Most people never think about their roof until there is a problem with it. Planning ahead is the key to making wise, eco-friendly home choices.

Clinton Ford of Fayetteville, North Carolina installed an EDCO metal roof in 2009. “I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about this roof ever again. I chose a metal roof because of the durability and energy efficiency," said Ford. "The roof looks great, and it has significantly reduced my energy bills. This is the best investment I've ever made."

Eco-friendly metal roofs are available in a wide range of colors and styles, and feature long term warranties. Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Panels can easily be integrated into metal roof systems, making them an even better choice. Metal roofs can also allow consumers to harvest rainwater for reuse.

For more information, visit www.metalroofing.com.

Go green, save green with a solar metal roof

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Here's a great new article on Metal Roofing from Angie's List.com. Click here for details:

Go green, save green with a solar metal roof

Snow and Ice Still Creating Headaches for Homeowners

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:39:00 +0000

Even after digging out from this year's record-setting snow and ice storms, many homeowners are still dealing with the aftermath. Others are hoping to prevent future damage to their homes. Snow and ice can result in major roofing problems, including ice dams, leaking and collapse.

Snow and ice on a roof exert vertical loads that can cause a roof to sag, or fail. Although powdery snow weighs little, slushy, wet snow can weigh over 62 pounds per square foot. A typical roof is 2,200 square feet, which amounts to 136,000 pounds of weight on the roof.

Like a beaver's dam, an ice dam can also form on a roof's edge, preventing melted snow from draining off. In some cases, the water backs up behind the dam, and leaks into the home, causing wall, ceiling and insulation damage.

Some homeowners have resorted to raking snow and ice off roofs. While raking may provide a short term solution, it can also create long term problems, such as removal of shingles or damage to the roof deck, leading to leaks.

“Homes that have been damaged by this year's ice and snow would benefit from the installation of a durable metal roof. Not only will it protect your family for years to come, a metal roof sheds snow quickly and reduces the risk of damage from ice dams," states Bill Hippard, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “This is precisely why many log homes or vacation properties in heavy snow areas feature metal roofs.”

By design, metal roofs shed snow quicker than most roofing materials. When the sun shines, its heat passes through the snow, hits the metal, and is reflected back. Just like snow melting on the hood of a car, the sun heats up a metal roof, allowing snow to melt over the entire roof surface. As the ice and snow melt from the bottom on a metal roof, there is an increased rate of shedding.

Although rare, ice dams can occur on a metal roof; however, they will be less destructive than on homes with other roof types. The interlocking nature of the panels, the strength of the metal and the underlayment used beneath metal roofs reduce the chance of melted snow and ice leaking into the home.

For more information, or find a local contractor, visit www.metalroofing.com.

Don't Want to Replace Your Roof?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Tax Credit Extended for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:37:00 +0000

In December 2010, Congress extended the Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives for Appliances, New Homes and Retrofits to Existing Homes for 2011 with some modifications to eligibility requirements, and reductions in the cap to $500 per home, and 10% of installed cost for qualifying equipment.

Check back to the MRA blog or website for more Specific eligibility information, which will be posted in January. (Source: The Tax Incentives Assistance Project)

Note: if you installed a qualifying new metal roof in 2010, you'll still qualify for the $1,500 tax credit.

For updates, please visit: www.metalroofing.com.

Solar Panels add value to Metal Roofs

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:34:00 +0000

Winner of MRA's Facebook Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:50:00 +0000

Eco benefits of Metal Roofing

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:12:00 +0000

Environmental Benefits of Metal Roofs, By Bill Hippard of Precoat Metals

Why Choose an MRA Contractor?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:50:00 +0000

Peter Croft from Metro Roof Products discusses why he recommends homeowners choose an MRA contractor.

Metal Roofing News from Metalcon 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jean) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:16:00 +0000

Metalcon is the metal construction industry's biggest trade show of the year. The Metal Roofing Alliance is at the show, and will bring updates to our blog throughout the week.

Today, Joe Connaker, President of EDCO Products, talked with us about why consumers are choosing metal roofs.