The Metal Roofing Alliance Blog

Tell Us Your Metal Roofing Story and Win!

2010-09-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) wants to know why you chose a metal roof over any other type of roofing material. Was it metal's durability, strength, energy efficiency, or was it all of the above? Whatever the reason, we want to know.

With our "Tell Us Your Metal Roofing Story" contest you get the chance to show off your beautiful metal roof and be entered to win a $500 Home Depot gift card. Simply submit your photo and story through the Facebook application at MRA's Facebook page, get 10 people to "Like" it via Facebook and you'll be entered to win.

Here's the link to the contest page: http://apps.facebook.com/metalroofingstories

And as an additional incentive to participate, you have the opportunity to help others in your community. The Metal Roofing Alliance will donate $500 to the winning homeowner's local Habitat for Humanity charity.

Finally, the contractor that installed the winning metal roof will receive a free one year Silver Level Metal Roofing Alliance membership or $1,000 credit towards a Gold level membership.

What are you waiting for? Go check it out now!

Don't Miss out on the Tax Credit!

2010-08-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

The $1500 Tax Credit for installing a new metal roof expires on December 31, 2010 - contact a local contractor now to be sure you don't miss out!

For more info: http://www.metalroofing.com/v2/content/guide/costs/energy-tax-incentive.cfm

One Green Change Makes Big Impact

2010-08-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

There is one home purchase that can do more for the environment and a household budget than any other single investment - install an energy-efficient, sustainable metal roof. Here are five reasons why:

Cool metal roofs reduce energy costs from day one (up to 25% lower utility bills).
Tax credits are available to U.S. homeowners who choose an Energy Star® labeled metal roof before 12/31/10. (details: http://www.metalroofing.com/v2/content/guide/costs/energy-tax-incentive.cfm)
Unlike asphalt shingles, which are petroleum-based, metal roofs are 100% recyclable, and provide lasting protection that increases the value of your home.
Metal roofs are made with recycled materials, and provide a market for recycled steel -your old car or dishwasher can be turned into a new roof.
Metal is an investment grade roofing product. In fact, many homeowners who install a metal roof will never have to buy another roof - not so with other materials.

For more information, visit the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance at www.metalroofing.com

The Sky's the Limit

2010-07-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Great article on the benefits of Metal Roofing from Craig Shutt at HGTV

Link: http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_4923882,00.html

Keeping the PACE

2010-07-07T10:09:00.001-07:00

Have you heard about PACE financing? It's a program being offered in several cities across the U.S. that allows homeowners to spread out the cost of energy-efficient home upgrades, such as a metal roof.

Homeowners repay the loans, with interest, over 20 years via an annual assessment added to their property tax bill. It's a great opportunity to have the immediate benefits of a metal roof without incurring all the costs up-front. It's basically, a buy now, use now, pay later, option.

Check with your state's energy office to determine whether PACE financing is available in your area. If it's not, encourage your local legislators to enact PACE bond issues. It's a win-win for both homeowners, and the environment.

For more PACE information, visit: www.pacenow.org

Metal Roofs: One size doesn't fit all

2010-06-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this great metal roof, featuring MRA member Gerard Roofing's products. It's a great example of how a metal roof can add both beauty and durability to your home.

And, you can choose from a rainbow of colors.

Local Level: A Look at Some Specific Weatherization Programs - Remodeling Magazine

2010-06-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Great article on local funding of weatherization programs. Metal roofing plays a part in many.

Local Level: A Look at Some Specific Weatherization Programs - Remodeling Magazine

Metal Roofing Maintenance

2010-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

MetalMag has a great story on maintenance issues for Metal Roofing.

Check it out here: http://www.metalmag.com/roofing/up-up-and-away.aspx

Metal Roofing On The Web - 5/27/2010

2010-05-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today's Roundup of Metal Roofing Stories, News and Headlines from Across the Web.

METAL ROOFING NEWS & HEADLINES

Moss doesn't have to cost a lot of green

Bonner County Daily Bee - May 27, 2010

The president of Northwest Executive & Environmental Services, Inc., discusses roof moss growth, and encourages area home owners to install metal roofing as a means to prevent damage from moisture penetration.

"One possibility is to install a metal roof. Moss can't grow on smooth surfaces. So if you are thinking about installing a new roof, consider installing a metal roof..."

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Solar goes sleek with new home products
USA Today - May 20, 2010
Custom-Bolt Metals in Chino, Calif., offers Fusion Solar, a thin-film solar laminate integrated with standing-seam metal roofing.

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Five Advantages Of Metal Panel Roofing
NY Breaking News (blog) - ‎May 25, 2010‎
Just another WordPress Blog.
Metal panel roofing has become more and more popular, especially now that it is available in so many different styles and finishes. ..

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PRESS RELEASES

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Custom-Bilt Metals Covers Rincon Band Chapel with FusionSolar
MarketWatch (press release) - May 18, 2010
Custom-Bilt Metals, and metal roofing contractor announce the completion of a 5.7kw solar system integrated with standing seam metal roofing on the newly rebuilt St. Bartholomew's Chapel on the Rincon Reservation, Valley Center, CA.

"Our business expertise is installing metal roofs and this was our first integrated ... Custom-Bilt Metals has consistently led the market in metal roofing ...

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McElroy Metal and Inovateus Solar Form Roofing and Solar Power Partnership to Provide Turn-Key Solution for Major Projects
PR Newswire (press release) - ‎May 4, 2010
More and more standing seam roofing projects are incorporating solar. McElroy Metal and Inovateus Solar have formed a roofing and solar power partnership to provide specification, engineering and installation solutions for such projects.

"We look forward to providing McElroy Metal roofing contractors and their customers the support they need in the field for successful solar power..."

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METAL ROOFING UPDATES

(Follow MRA's updates @invgraderoofing)

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‎
FollansbeeSteel‎: Metal roofing highlighted in this article by Mike Holmes about reducing waste when renovating:
Renovating is wasteful, but it doesn’t have to be‎ - canada.com
Twitter - May 27, 2010 9:37:42 am

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LindusCon‎: How to Replace Corrugated Metal Roofing: Corrugated metal roofingis designed to last longer than a traditional as...
How to Replace Corrugated Metal Roofing | DoItYourself.com‎ - doityourself.com
Twitter - May 16, 2010 5:14:54 pm

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greenreports‎: The 95 Million Dollar California PACE Program Growing Rapidly as Gazoo Energy ...: While the PACE Program is growi...
The 95 Million Dollar California PACE Program Growing Rapidly as ...‎ -marketwatch.com
Twitter - May 05, 2010 5:54:32 am
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LATEST METAL ROOFING DISCUSSIONS

Ask-the-Experts is a forum for exchanging information concerning residential metal roofing, including general material and metal roofing installation questions.

If you have a metal roofing question, please post it in our forum and a member of our panel of contributors will provide a response.

Posted On: 05/26/10 09:07 PM
Geographical Location: NY
Is there any advantage or disadvantage to having a flat/satin finish over the typical gloss finish metal roof. I am looking at a medium gray in color. Thanks.

Replied On: 05/26/10 11:51 PM
If we were talking about interior wall paints, I would tell you that a Semi-Gloss is more durable than a flat.I don't know if that translates into the acrylic/enamel roof finishes as well. A matte finish will certainly look more like the day it was put on when compared to a gloss roof.

>> View more discussions about painting/coating metal roofs

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Posted On: 05/25/10 12:43 PM
Geographical Location: Eastern Kansas
I live in an association community and the board has contracted to install new metal shingles on our houses. They are installing them over the existing wooden shake shingles. My questions about this are the following:

1. Is this the recommended way to install a new metal roof or just the 'cheapest"

2. Does leaving the old shake shingles continue to contribute to our silver fish and brown recluse spider problems we currently have?

3. We have alot of freeze/thaw days with ice and snow in the winter. Would installing the metal shingles directly onto the plywood roof and not laid over the old shake shingles be any advantage in leaks from freezing and thawing ice and snow in winter?

Thanks for taking time to look at these quesitons. I don't know the brand of metal shingles being used but I can find out if that makes a difference.

Replied On: 05/26/10 09:23 AM

1. Cheapest

2. Should not make a difference although the void space will be much more livable in that case as opposed to going direct to the deck.

3. Yes to the extent that you could more easily install the ice/water membrane over plywood decking as opposed to old shingles.
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If you're interested in the cost-savings and environmentally friendly benefits of metal roofing, locate MRA approved contractors in your area.

Metal Roofing on TV Now

2010-05-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Coming to a TV screen near you! The MRA has just launched its latest TV campaign, on some of the most-watched networks. Be on the lookout!

Earth Day Tip: Look Up!

2010-04-21T12:58:00.001-07:00

Searching for ideas to make your home a greener place to live, with a smaller eco-impact? This Earth Day, start by looking up – the roof over your head can make a big difference to the environment.

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. Consider these Earth Day roofing facts:

Did you know that 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. The 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.

Highly reflective “cool” colored metal roofs look just like traditional roofs, provide year-round relief from high energy costs, and are sustainable, green building products.

Roofing tax credits are available. Homeowners who make energy efficient updates to their home-including the installation of a painted or coated Energy Star® labeled metal roof-between January 1, 2009 and December 21, 2010- may be eligible for a tax credit worth 30 percent of the installation costs (materials only) up to $1,500 per home.

Installing a metal roof reduces a home’s energy needs. Tests conducted by the independent Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) prove that a cool metal roof can save a homeowner up to 25% in cooling costs compared to a dark-gray asphalt shingle.

ORNL’s field tests have also shown the combination of venting and increased reflectance can reduce the heat penetrating the roof deck by about 45 percent for stone-coated metal roofs compared to an asphalt shingle roof in certain climates. Ongoing research with standing-seam cool-colored metal roofs is showing similar results.

Metal roofing provides a market for recycled materials. 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 -- other roofing materials are routinely removed and disposed of by the ton in landfills.

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.

So, if you're looking to help save money and the environment, start at the top!

Good News for Contractors

2010-04-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

A recent survey by BNP media shows that the residential metal roofing market continues to grow. For full story, click through to article at Architectural Roofing & Waterproofing magazine:

http://www.arwmag.com/Articles/Article_Rotation/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000751243

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing: A Complete Online Resource

2010-03-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

A complete guide for home-owners.

When it comes to weighing the pros and cons of metal roofing against traditional asphalt roofing, the comparison isn’t a difficult one, home owners find.

Investment grade roofing is commonly known to provide far more advantages than traditional asphalt roofing-- namely, increased energy efficiency, protection from the elements and even tax credits – thusly, there's a surplus of information online and readily available for consumers seeking out this information.

Fewer comparisons, however, are available for pro and con weighing home-owners, between the various types of metal shingles available within the residential metal roofing market.

For home-owners considering Investment Grade Roofing, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison guide covering pros and cons of metal roofing, stacked up against asphalt shingles, and cross compared across the various metal roofing types.

Metal Shingles vs. Asphalt: Comparison

Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

ASPHALT ROOFS

Advantages:

Looks good upfront

Less upfront costs

Disadvantages:

Curls, splits, molds in as little as 1 year

Destroyed by elements – wind, hail, fire

Can require re-roofing every 12 to 20 years

Most expensive roof to own over time

Pros and Cons of Metal Shingles

Pros:

Saves in long-term maintenance costs

Most roofs come with a 50-year warranty

Saves in home heating and cooling energy costs

Resistance to elements in any climate

Adds re-sale value

Costs recouped at more than ¾ of the job cost

Good for the environment (100% recyclable material)

Insurance discounts available

Energy tax credit incentives available

Cons:

Cost more than substantially more initially, than a premium asphalt roof.

Q/A on Perceived Possible Disadvantage of Metal Roofing

A recent question posted by a home-owner in our Ask-The-Experts forum deals with the topic of expansion and contraction.

Dan writes:

Looking at the advantages of installing a metal roof, I have come across information referring to expansion and contraction problems; that over time, with heat and cold, the panels expand and contract lossening the fasteners and causing leaks. Is this a concern?

Answer: This question is probably best raised with individual metal roofing manufacturers. There are various methods by which various products deal with expansion and contraction. There are lots and lots of metal roofing products available today which have no problems with expansion and contraction. Some of the methods for accomplishing this include clip fasteners (rather than fixed fasteners) and accordion-style folds in the metal …

(Ask the contractor you’re working with, or Find A Contractor Near You

Comparing Advantages of Different Metal Roofing Types

Steel Roofing - Advantages

Galvanized Steel(steel with a coating of zinc/aluminum)
& Galvalume Steel (steel with a coating of aluminum/zinc)

Extraordinary outdoor corrosion resistance and longevity

Broader range of application than other roofing materials

Broader range of price levels and products than many other kinds of metal roofing

Due to their strength and weight. Steel roofs have passed the UL 90 wind tests

Aluminum Roofs - Advantages

Light weight - Consumers can re-roof their home and reduce the weight on their housing structure

Does not require structural reinforcement

Resistance to rust and corrosion over time

Aluminum roofing shingles are completely recyclable and often have a high recycled content

Does More for the Environment.

Perhaps the most important of advantages a metal roof provides, is its positive impact on the environment.

The decision to purchase and install metal roofing can have a greater positive impact on the environment than even a lifetime of household recycling.

Homeowners may not be aware that the recycled content in metal roofing is extremely high, which conserves both natural resources and the energy needed to convert those resources into usable materials.

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If you have specific questions about the advantages of metal roofing, or require more specialized support, please refer to the MRA's Ask-the Experts forum.

Locate an MRA Contractor Near You

Reduce Heating Costs with Metal

2009-12-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

Energy Efficieny

Homeowners can take advantage of the energy efficient and environmentally friendly aspects of metal roofing to protect from the elements, reduce energy bills and add value to their home.

Yep, It's Metal > Metal Shingles Photos

2009-06-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Many people have misconceptions about what a metal roof looks like. In fact, many of your neighbors may have investment grade metal roofs protecting their homes, and you don't even know that it's there. That's because metal shingles are available in a wide variety of styles that will fit in to any neighborhood.

Here are a few examples of modern metal roofs. If you'd like to see more, please visit the MRA metal shingles photo gallery. You'll also find metal roofing photos on Flickr.

Roofing Choices Save Energy

2009-07-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chu's still talking about white roofs. A white roof is a good idea, but a highly reflective metal roof is even better. New technologies allow even darker colored metal roofs to absorb less heat through the use of highly reflective pigments that reflect solar energy.

Tom Black, executive director of the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)comments: “We applaud Dr. Chu’s intent, however in reality; white roofs aren’t feasible for most homeowners. Curb appeal rules. The good news is that highly reflective residential metal roofing is available in a wide variety of styles and colors to suit any home.” For more info, visit www.metalroofing.com

Building Green Feature

2010-01-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

The inaugural issue of Rural Builder:Green featured a great feature on a metal roofing project by MRA member MetalSales.

For the full article, visit: Rural Builder Green

Look for more information about this metal roof in the coming year - Garden Wise TV will be producing a feature on the project.

Harnessing Solar Power with Your Metal Roof

2009-12-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

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 example, MRA member Petersen Alumnium offers many solutions for homeowners wishing to make the most of their metal roof.

For more information, and a white paper regarding solar energy and metal roofing, please visit MRA member Petersen Aluminum.

Metal Roofing Reduces Heat and Cooling Costs

2009-11-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

MRA recently participated in the Green Build International Conference and Expo, demonstrating the eco-benefits of metal roofing (see photo).

Tests conducted by the independent Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) indicate that a cool metal roof can save a homeowner up to 25% in cooling costs compared to a dark-gray asphalt shingle.

ORNL’s field tests have shown that the combination of venting and increased reflectance can reduce the heat penetrating the roof deck by about 45 percent for stone-coated metal roofs compared to an asphalt shingle roof in certain climates. Ongoing research with standing-seam cool-colored metal roofs is showing similar results.

Is that a car on your roof?

2009-11-13T05:51:00.000-08:00

Did you know that an old car, dishwasher or refrigerator can be recycled to re-roof a home? It's true -- all steel roofs contain a minimum of 25% recycled content, and many have a much higher percentage.

According to Bill Hippard, President of Metal Roofing Alliance, "At the end of its useful life, metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable -- other roofing materials are routinely removed and disposed of by the ton in landfills."

So, choose a new metal roof, and you may even have a little bit of your dream car, too.

All Metal Roofs are "Green"

2009-10-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Metal roofs allow for an infinite number of color choices - from the traditional brown, black and gray to the more unique, red, green or even pink. No matter the color, all metal roofs offer numerous environmental benefits. See video below for more details:

If you'd like to share this information on your blog, feel free to visit MRA's YouTube page for easy downloading instructions.

Blog Cabins

2009-10-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 2 of the last 3 "Blog Cabins" featured on the DIY Network featured a metal roof?

For more details, See: 2007 Project

2008 Project

You can watch the video here - including the durability test the build team devised -shooting a potato at the roof panels, which held up beautifully!

You'll soon have a chance to vote for the roof for the 2010 project - stay tuned - we want to see another metal roof!

Why Choose Metal? Video Series on YouTube

2009-10-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

MRA has posted several new short videos regarding the benefits of metal roofing on YouTube. Feel free to share them with friends, or add to your blog, it's easy!

Trends in Roofing

2009-09-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Check out this new article on roofing trends, with an emphasis on metal roofing:

Cedar Rapids 10

MRA members agree: white roofs aren't the only way

2009-09-18T04:08:00.000-07:00

Thomas McKay, representing MRA member PPG, sent the following letter regarding white roofs to Dr. Chu. Nicely done, Tom!

August 31, 2009

The Honorable Steven Chu
Secretary of Energy
U.S. Department of Energy

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I am writing on behalf of PPG Industries to respond to your suggestion that Americans use white roofs on their homes and buildings. While that would certainly save energy and help ease global warming, as you suggest, there is no need to limit roof color choices, particularly if the homeowner or building owner is planning to install a metal roof.

Thanks to a new generation of coatings that reflect the sun’s infrared (heat) energy, architects, building owners and homeowners can now select from a wide range of climate-appropriate metal roof colors, including medium and dark tones, without significantly sacrificing the energy performance associated with white roofs.

According to Solar Reflectance Values (SRV) published by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), PPG has several colors, including dark evergreen, slate grey and terra cotta red, that are considered “cool” for steep-sloped roofs, according to ENERGY STAR, the CRRC and U.S. Green Building Council. PPG also makes several light-toned colors that meet the criteria for low-sloped or flat roofs.

The color issue is especially important for steep-sloped roofs, which are used most often for residential buildings, where color and design are paramount. Low-sloped roofs are more common to commercial buildings. Since they are rarely seen by the public, there is limited need to provide additional color.

Here’s another important thing to consider: When comparing the SRV of a white roof against that of a dark color, the solar reflectance for the white roof will always be higher (and in some cases, much higher). However, when the heat flux (the amount of energy migrating into a building that must be removed by air conditioning) between the two roofs is measured, the difference is not proportional to their respective SRVs. If you’d like, I can provide a case study by the Florida Solar Energy Center that effectively demonstrates this phenomena.

In addition to color selection and the sustainability of their coatings, metal roofs have a number of critical environmental advantages over competing roofing materials. For instance, metal roofs are completely recyclable at the end of their useful life, which means they can be remade for other applications after their initial service as a roof is over.

Metal roofs also last longer than other materials, such as asphalt shingles, EPDM, TPO and built-up roofs, which are susceptible to cracking caused by temperature-driven expansion and contraction. This durability also enables metal roofs to maintain their original solar reflectance longer than other products because they more readily shed dirt, leaves and other organic materials.

Finally, metal roofs are less expensive and energy-intensive to transport than concrete, cement and clay tiles, which can weigh several hundred pounds or more per square. (Metal roofs weigh about 75 pounds per square.)

As you know, choice and individuality are among the values Americans cherish most. PPG and the roofing industry as a whole are working to give customers the color choice and the energy performance they demand while promoting a healthier, more sustainable planet.

Sincerely,

Thomas McKay
Product Manager
PPG Industries, Inc.