Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Installing Metal Roofing: The Details Behind The Steps


If you are currently preparing yourself for replacing your old roof on your own, you might already know that the steps of installing metal roofing are fairly easy, which is true. However, there are some people who might not know the reasons why these steps need to be taken. That is why we will be explaining them right now.

The first step in installing metal roofing is to remove the old roof and clear the surface of all leftover nails and rubble. This is important so that there are no bumps or barbs that can become obstacles to installing metal roofing.

It is also necessary to check the old wood for signs of termites. Before installing metal roofing, you have to make sure that the frame of the roof is able to withstand the weight of the new material and the pressures during construction. If not, you should consider replacing the wood first.

Another vital step in installing metal roofing is the drawing of guidelines for the laying down of the metal sheets. This will ensure that the sheets are all laid down straight. This particular step in installing metal roofing is more crucial when using flat metal sheets where it is very hard to see if the metal sheets are laid at the right angle or distance from the previous sheet.

Making each sheet overlap with the next while installing metal roofing is also very important. This move makes water leakages practically impossible. It will also prevent snow from being blown in during torrential storms. An overlap of at least 5 inches is recommended.

After installing metal roofing sheets, you now have to attach the metal edging around the perimeter of the roof. Besides giving a completed look to the metal roof, the edging also serves to seal off the holes between the metal sheets and the base of the roof.

In order to really make sure that the gaps are all sealed, you can also apply some rubber strips under the edges of the roof. This will prevent the propagation of insects and other small critters inside your roof.

Finally, it is time for the metal cap. This is the very last step in installing metal roofing. A metal cap is attached to the crown of the roof by using screws. The gaps formed between the edge of the metal roofing cap and the actual roof surface can also be sealed off using caulk or rubber strips.

As mentioned earlier, the installation of metal roofing is very easy. In fact, we are certain that you will be able to do a terrific job with your own roof.

But now that you clearly understand the reasons behind each of the steps in installing metal roofing, we hope that you will pay even more attention to the tiny details of your installation process and be even more thorough in doing all the steps. After all, the more successful you are in installing metal roofing, the better protected your house will be in the years to come.

Metal Roofing Material – Choosing The Best Kind For Your Home

One of the most commonly used roofing materials today is metal, which is popular for its durability and low maintenance requirements. However, there are also a few different kinds of metal roofing material, and in order to choose the kind that will work best for your home, there are several factors that you have to take into consideration.

First of all, you should know that each kind of metal roofing material has distinctive characteristics that could make them be the better choice over the other kinds. Determining the best metal roofing material is highly subjective, and a particular material that works well for someone you know may not necessarily be the best for you.

For instance, stainless steel is the metal roofing material that is most resistant to rust so this could be your choice if you live in a tropical area where there is a lot of rainfall. If your roof has an arched section, you will need metal roofing material that is very flexible and can easily be bent over the curvature of your roof. In this case, copper would be your best bet.

Another issue to consider is the cost of the metal roofing material. If you are on a limited budget, you can select from the less expensive kinds of metal like aluminum. This type of metal roofing material provides good protection for any dwelling but it needs to be constantly repainted to for an attractive appearance. Its low price tag makes it one of the most widely used metal roofing materials all over the world today.

If you can afford to spend a lot of money on metal roofing material, stainless steel and copper are excellent options for you. Both of these metals are very costly but have the longest lifetime of all metal roofing materials. They are both highly esteemed when it comes to aesthetic appeal and are also completely rust-proof.

Alloys are another kind of costly metal roofing material. There are a quite a few kinds of alloys and their common factor is that they all have reinforcements that make them more long-lasting and impervious to extreme weather conditions. They are very tough and can resist denting or deformation over the years.

When choosing a metal roofing material, you also have to factor in your personal taste. Your roof definitely needs to blend in with the design and color scheme of the rest of the house. Fortunately, most metal roofing materials are available in many different colors, textures and designs. This will make it easier for you to find something that matches your preference.

With all the kinds of metal roofing material, making your decision may be overwhelming. It is best to take your time and consider all your options. When you have decided on the kind of metal roofing material you want for your home, shop around for the best brand available. You can search the internet for metal roofing material and compare the prices that different companies offer for any single kind.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Different Types Of Metal Roofing And Their Uses

For the past several decades, metal roofing has always been the favorite of many home owners and roofing contractors for all types of homes and buildings everywhere in the world. This is not really that surprising if you consider all the benefits you can get from the different types of metal roofing materials.

First of all, any kind of metal is very durable and provides excellent protection against various weather conditions. Metal roofing is also very lightweight, which makes its installation very easy and simple, and it is also resistant to fire and rotting. On top of these, metal roofing is recyclable which makes it a very environmentally-friendly alternative.

There are many different types of metal roofing materials being made today and these are categorized according to the material they are made of. The most common metals used are aluminum, regular steel, stainless steel, zinc, copper, titanium and even some alloys.

Metal roofing can also be grouped according to how they are installed onto the house or building. There are two basic types of metal roofing according to this classification: the structural category and the non-structural or architectural category.

In the structural kind of metal roofing, the metal panels are attached to lathe boards. There is no need to install an underlying layer to support these types of metal roofing because they pretty much support themselves. The weight is spread onto the foundations and this gives it a very sturdy structure. These types of metal roofing may be painted over to enhance their visual appeal.