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Residential Roofing Materials
Hiring a roofer
Know the risks
It’s important to protect yourself and your home before starting a home renovation
If you need to hire a roofer, knowing the risks will help you avoid things like scams, poor workmanship and legal liability for an injured worker. Protect yourself as a consumer – before work on the roof begins.
Research roofing contractors
Roofing contractors are not licensed by the government but, with a little research, you can find a reliable roofing contractor.
Start by:
asking friends and family for recommendations
considering local businesses only, so you can more easily check their references
Get a quote
Ask for a quote from at least three different contractors by a certain date. A quote is a written estimate that should include:
a clear and complete description of the work to be done
an itemized list of the cost for materials and labour
Qualities of A Good Residential Roofing Contractor
There are several residential tasks you can handle by yourself, but roofing projects should be entrusted to a professional. Working with an expert will help you secure the best roofing materials and get your project done on time. It’s equally essential, however, to choose the right contractor for the job.
Licensed and Insured
Licenses and insurance covers are the first things you should look for from a contractor. You should ensure that both documents are valid and up to date. This will help you avoid working with amateurs who can cause you more damages. A contractor who is insured guarantees that you won’t be liable for any potential injuries in their work line.
Certified
Besides licenses and insurance, it’s a good idea to look at your ideal roofer’s certifications. Certified contractors will carry higher top-notch roofing materials along with robust roofing warranties. This will guarantee you the best services in town.
Reputation
AK Enterprises Roofing recommends that you work with a local Barrie residential roofing contractor. This is because the local contractor will have a proven reputation within the community. Additionally, they’ll have an in-depth knowledge of the different roofing options and will be equipped to work on your unique roofing needs.
Residential Roofing
When it comes to managing your home’s roof, there’s typically three things you need to consider.
What repairs to keep an eye out for?
When should I replace it?
Who to hire to replace it or repair it?
All Roof Repairs are Not Equal
When it comes to roofing repairs, there are two types to concern yourself with. The first kind are repairs that alert you to a problem
The second kind of repairs are preventative, before a bigger problem like the aforementioned leak issue. If there is already a leak or other signs of damage, your best bet is to contact a roofing profession like
Time to Replace that Roof?
There are five good reasons to replace your roof. The first is if the repair costs are just getting out of hand. That is a simple one. Another reason is increased energy efficiency. If you can also improve your attics ventilation or take advantage of a radiant barrier at the same time, then investing in a new roof is truly an investment.
Sometimes you want to change the materials used for your roof to help better protect your family or gain higher resale value on your home. Both of those reasons are solid reasons for getting a new roof.
Secret Questions To Ask Roofing Contractors
If you’re looking to hire a roofing contractor (and if you’re anything like our friends and family), then I’m certain you want to do the job ONE time, right? Roofing isn’t a fun job to do twice because the process can quickly take up lots of your valuable time and hard-earned money
The high cost of replacing your roof the wrong way is very high (more on this in a second). It’s one of the most expensive home remodeling projects you’ll ever take on! So with this being true I’m sure we can agree that as a homeowner you need to do everything in your power to make sure you hire an experienced contractor the very first time you replace your roof.
Big bucks only a few years later. Especially because the figures above don’t factor in the 3%+ yearly increase in roof prices or the cost of real damages that lead you need a second roof in the first place
Again, the easiest way to avoid these headaches is to take time preparing for getting your first set of roofing estimates. Sounds simple, but it’s one of the key steps most homeowners miss. They’re more concerned about how much the roof will cost- the estimate itself- than they are about whether or not the roofer will install your roofing system using industry best practice and manufacturer guidelines. This includes not only ridge vent installation, but also materials like synthetic underlayment and more
The big mistake many homeowners make while getting roofing estimates…
Nowadays, it’s easy to get a roofing contractor to your house. All you have to do is plug your name into a website and you’ll watch dozens of contractors compete for your business.
How to Roof a House
Follow along as we shingle a house from underlayment to ridge cap. The article includes detailed photos, drawings and clearly written instructions for every step of the job.
Can you roof a house yourself?
Make no bones about it—roofing is hard work. There’s no hiding from the elements. You can’t be afraid of heights and you need to be pretty fit. Before committing to this how to roof a house project, try this: Get out a ladder and climb up onto your roof. If you can’t walk around on it comfortably, hire a pro. If you passed this first test, go to the lumberyard or home center and throw a bundle of shingles onto your shoulder. Imagine yourself carrying that load up a ladder…many, many times.
If you’re still feeling positive about this how to roof a house at this point, why not give it a shot? You can skip a lot of heavy lifting by having your roofing supplier hoist the shingles onto the roof. Be sure you spread the load evenly across the length of the roof’s peak. However, don’t have the shingles delivered to the roof if you have two layers of old shingles yet to tear off—it could be too much weight for your trusses.
Windblown heavy rain and/or snow can force water up and under even properly installed shingles. Even worse are ice dams (frozen water/snow that builds up on roof edges), which can wreak havoc by allowing water to seep up under lower shingles and then drip into your house. To guard against such seepage, apply self-adhesive waterproof underlayment (“ice barrier”), which adheres tightly to bare roof sheathing and seals around nails driven through it. Buy it at roofing supply companies or home centers. In severe climate regions, most building codes require applying it 3 to 6 ft. up from the eave (minimum of 2 ft. past the exterior wall). Call your building inspector for local details.
Cover the rest of the roof with No. 15 asphalt-saturated felt underlayment (some codes may require No. 30). Each layer overlaps the lower one by at least 2 in. Follow this step by nailing drip edge along rakes (sides of roof), on top of the underlayment. As you did with the flashing, always lap upper pieces over lower pieces. The felt keeps the roof deck dry before shingles go on, protects against wind-driven rain as shingles fail and increases fire resistance.
Finding The Right Residential Roofing Service
Importance Of Understanding Your Residential Roof Warranty
Complete Understanding
The majority of homeowners and building owners tend to focus on the overall length of their roofing warranty. They never fully understand what said warranty consists of, unfortunately. The majority of warranties were designed to protect the manufacturer more so than the building owner. Before any work is performed, here are a few questions you should ask your contractor:
- What type of warranty am I receiving?
- What is the term of the warranty?
- What will void my roofing warranty?
- What are my maintenance responsibilities?
- What does a typical warranty cover?
If possible, ask for a warranty template before purchasing a new roof or coverage. Read through the paperwork in its entirety, ensuring you understand all the little intricacies and small print.
Benefits of Understanding Roofing Warranties BEFORE Your Next Roof Installation
A new roof is a big investment and roofing material costs have steadily risen over the last decade. That makes the warranty that a roofing contractor offers more of a decision factor when gathering estimates for your next roof replacement.
It might surprise you what may or may not be covered on a roof warranty. That is why it is so important to do your due diligence and find out what the typical warranty will cover before your purchase a new roof system.
Most homeowners tend to focus on the length of the warranty, which is rarely the root of roofing malfunction issues. Often homeowners confuse a ’30 year warranty’ or ’50 year warranty’ product warranty with the workmanship or craftsmanship warranty offered by the roofing contractor. Manufacturer warranties vary – some cover just certain material, such as shingles, while others cover the entire system.
Manufacturer warranties are often tiered, offering coverage on the material versus the entire system and/or labor cost for repair. Most require the contractor to perform warranted repairs for the first few years after the install.
Most roofing contractor’s warranties cover workmanship, not materials. These are the warranties you are better served paying more attention to. The roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty is where the rubber meets the roof. If something goes wrong with the roof, the roofing contractor is the one you will call.
4 Common Ways You Could Potentially Void Your Warranty.
1. Antennas and satellite dishes – If you drill holes in your roof to install an antenna or satellite dish you could possibly void at least part of your roof warranty. Since any leaking could be caused by the holes that you drilled.
2. Skylights and solar panels – Keep your warranty in mind before starting a home improvement project that involves major roof work, such as installing skylights or solar panels that require roof penetration or the removal of shingles
3. Pressure washing – Homeowners might choose to pressure wash their roof because of issues such as moss buildup. But they can severely damage their roof in the process because of the strong force of pressure washing.
4. Ventilation – Improper attic ventilation
can also nullify your roofing warranty. Inadequate venting can trap heat in
your attic and wear out your shingles.
In a nutshell, before installing that new satellite dish, solar panel or
skylight, make sure you can do the work without turning your roof warranty into
a useless piece of paper.
The Importance Of Understanding Roof Warranties Featured
As the area’s most trusted roofing contractor, we encourage our clients to fully understand the extent of their coverage. It’s beneficial during times when unexpected damages or maintenance issues spring up over the years. Here’s a deeper, more insightful look at roof warranties.
Know Your Coverage
Knowing the full extent of your coverage prevents you from spending more than necessary should issues arise with your roofing system. You can also be better prepared, financially, knowing which aspects of the roof isn’t under coverage should repairs or a full replacement be needed.
Have Leverage
Warranties are legal and binding and they ensure that whatever work you need, only a qualified roofing professional does it. Furthermore, and perhaps the biggest advantage you’ll have as a homeowner, is your warranty guarantees an inspection by no less than the roof manufacturer’s representative.
Protect Your Investment
Protection of your investment is what warranties come down to. As one of the most important and most expensive components of your home, it’s crucial to have a safety net should anything go wrong. Your roof bears the full brunt of extreme weather all year round and this daily stress can do a number on your roof.
Understanding the ins and outs of your roofing warranty lets you know what you are and aren’t entitled to. This keeps you from unnecessary spending during repairs and helps you prepare your financial resources for things not covered by the warranty.
Facts on Roofing Warranties
1. Only Defects in Roofing Materials are Covered
Warranties on roofing materials only cover manufacturing defects and not deterioration of the roofing system due to prolonged use. The lifespan of roofing materials depends on multiple factors including the installation procedure, environmental factors, and conditions such as the ventilation and insulation of the building. If a roofing material comes with a warranty of thirty years, it simply means it will remain free from any manufacturing flaws for thirty years.
2. Only Specific Conditions are Covered
Roofing warranties usually cover specific conditions, such as algae resistance, manufacturing defects, and blow-off resistance. If you get comprehensive cover for the roofing system, it is important to know the specific details and not assume that all eventualities are covered.
3. It is vital to Know Cover and Compensation Details
As a customer, it is important to go through details of the manufacturer’s warranty. If there is algae coverage on the roofing system, you may get compensated for cleaning the roof and not on residential roof repair or complete replacement of the roofing system. Understand the specific details of available covering to ensure that you are protected against known defects that may otherwise prove heavy on your pocket.
4. You Must Go Through the Installation Warranty
Apart from the manufacturer’s warranty, it’s also important to consider the installation warranty provided by your residential roofing contractor. Know what’s covered in the installation warranty and the length of cover. Warranty attributes are a great way to measure the confidence of your contractor in their work.
5. Always Take Note of What’s Not Covered
Apart from getting a comprehensive understanding of what is covered under roofing warranties, you must also get clarity on what’s not covered. Problems such as inadequate ventilation, defective design of the building, and faulty drainage systems are usually not covered under the roofing material and installation warranties.
This blog is a continuation of our first installment in this two-part series on ten must-know facts on roofing warranties. As emphasized in our first installment, it is always important to understand the finer details of your roofing material and installation warranties. Triumph Roofing and Construction provides free roof inspection services to help you assess the health of your materials and roofing structure. This write-up discusses five more facts that you need to know about roofing material and installation warranties. Let’s start.
Flat Roof Repair Advice
Tips for How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
Getting a roof repaired or replaced is a large investment, so it’s important that you get the job done by the right roofing contractor. It takes careful consideration and research to choose a good roofing company
Read Local Reviews
A good place to start is to read customer reviews of local roofing contractors. A couple of good review sites to check include Yelp and Google My Business. Once you find a few roofing contractors with good reviews, you can move on to the next steps
Check their BBB Rating
A good business will always be registered with the Better Business Bureau. Check for a high BBB rating and whether or not the company’s been registered with the BBB for a long time.
Look for Association Memberships
All roofing organizations require that contractors meet strict standards in order for them to retain membership within the organization. If the contractor belongs to one or more roofing association, you can be sure that they’re dedicated to meeting high standards for their work
Ask for References
Roofing contractors should be able to provide you with references. Ask them for 3-5 references and make sure that they check out
Tips For Choosing The Right Roofer For The Job
When you purchase a home you are making one of the most important decisions in your life. You’re also making one of the most important investments in your life. Choosing the right home is just as important as choosing the right roofer to fix your home when problems arise
If you live in the Northeast then you better be prepared to encounter some problems over the years. The tri-state area has no shortage of rough weather that puts serious wear and tear on homes. If you live in areas such as New Jersey, you’ll want to find the right roofer
Experience
Look for a roofer with years of experience and credibility. Be sure that whoever you decide to work with knows the industry and has worked on credible projects you can verify
References & Reviews
When you finally find a roofing company you feel comfortable with, ask for some references and do some homework. God roofers will have tons of reviews and a portfolio of the past jobs. Or you can read online reviews or and you’ll have a better chance of choosing someone who is the right fit for the job
Free Estimates & Warranty
Be sure that the contractor you decide to work with provides work that is warranted. A credible contractor is confident in his work and a warranty will establish that. The best warranty is a manufacturer warranty and it is always best to have the roofer explain it so both parties know what is covered.
Steps to Hiring the Right Roofer
Whereas other home upgrades are purely elective, roof repairs aren’t a choice; they’re essential. Besides being critically important to personal comfort, structural integrity, and the resale value of your home, roofing ranks among the largest and most expensive projects a homeowner can undertake. The significant costs involved motivate some ambitious do-it-yourselfers to do the work on their own. But for the majority of us, a roofing job means hiring a professional. So if you’re at an early stage of the process, take control by finding a qualified contractor with a solid reputation. Hire well, and you can expect the roofer not only to get the job done on time and on budget, but also to offer valuable insight on the best materials for your house style and the climate where you live. So rather than flip open the yellow pages and settle on the first company listed
Get a referral
One tried-and-true method of finding a reliable contractor is to query your friends and neighbors. Within the past few years, has anyone in your life had work done on his roof? Make a list of names, reach out to each person, and ask two questions: Was he happy with the job done and would he work with that contractor again? Testimonials provide the most accurate picture of what your experience might be with a given company, and you can count on personal contacts to give you honest feedback. Outside of your circle, you can also get leads from lumber yards and hardware stores.
Do your research
If you’ve identified at least three qualified roofers, you can get started investigating each one. Start by verifying the businesses’ contact information. Next, confirm that each one is licensed and insured. Consult your chamber of commerce and the Better Business Bureau to be certain there are no red flags to be aware of
Meet face-to-face them
Having narrowed the field, invite the prospective contractors to visit your home and scope out the job. You’ll want to discuss roofing materials and the extent of work to be done, but don’t forget to ask about the time and manpower needed for completion. Observe the contractor: He should be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and professional in demeanor. Certainly, you’re dealing with an authority on materials and methods, but don’t be deterred from participating in the decision-making process! Ask a lot of questions and before he leaves, remember to get a list of references (then remember to check them).
Get it in writing
Work shouldn’t begin until you have a signed contract detailing every aspect of the job. Make certain it covers safety procedures and liability, including workers’ compensation. The contract should also specify such things as clean-up methods, payment amounts, and the schedule. Consider requesting a lien waiver to protect against claims that could arise if the roofer fails to pay a vendor for materials.
Tips For Choosing A Roofing Contractor
When it comes time to repair your roof, choosing the right roofing company can be a big challenge. How do you make sure you choose a Calgary roofing contractor who actually knows what they’re doing? What should you look for in a good roofing company? And how can you tell if your new roof was installed incorrectly?
Choosing A Roofing Contractor In Calgary:
Getting A New Roof Shouldn’t Leave You Soaked! It certainly can seem like there are more roofing contractors than you can shake a hammer at in this beautiful city. And they’re all trying to get your business.
Professional Advice On How To Choose A Great Roofer:
Here at Advanced Level Roofing, we’ve seen far too many Calgarians victimized by these shady “roofing contractors” and the sub-standard roofs that they’ve installed.
Get referrals from satisfied customers (and watch for warnings from dissatisfied customers!)
Online reviews are a good place, but word-of-mouth reviews are worth their weight in gold. Ask your family, friends, and coworkers if they know of a roofing contractor they’d recommend and then do a quick follow-up investigation. Definitely check their reviews online, but also be sure to ask them some questions to make sure they’re a good fit for your needs
Are they properly licensed and insured?
A reputable roofing company will have insurance coverage for all its employees and subcontractors. They will also be able to show you a copy of their insurance certificate upon request, so don’t be afraid to ask to see it! If a roofing company doesn’t have insurance, or if they say they do but can’t back it up with proof, then walk away and don’t look back!
How to Choose a Roofing Company
As a Raleigh area homeowner, having your roof replaced is one of the most important and most expensive home improvement projects you’ll encounter. Your roof is the first line of defense for your home against the elements, so it’s essential to hire a trusted, reputable roofing company. As you may know from experience, a quick search online can be quite overwhelming. It is key to look for a few important criteria when it’s time to choose a qualified roofing company.
At Triangle’s Trusted Roofing, we specialize in residential roofing. Roofing is all that we do. We pride ourselves on quality and we provide top notch service. Whether you need a roof repair or a full roof replacement, we are happy to answer your questions about the process, the materials we use, and past jobs we’ve completed. From our vast experience of over 20 years in the industry, we want to share some tips to help you choose the ideal roofing company for your next roofing project
Insurance. Your roofing company needs to have workers’ compensation and liability insurance. These coverages will protect you, the homeowner, if an accident happens at your house. For example, if a worker gets injured on the job while on your property, by having valid worker’s compensation coverage, you will not be held responsible for expenses related to the injury. Liability insurance protects you from accidents that may happen while your roof is being worked on. We recommend you ask to see the insurance certificates and possibly even call the insurance company to verify the policies are active and valid.
Local. Choose a local company – this means they operate locally and have an established reputation in the community. Many roofing projects come with a workmanship warranty, ranging from 1 year to 10 years or more. This warranty is only as good as the likelihood that the company will still be in your area when you discover a problem and give them a call to assess the issue. Also, a roofing company who is local will be familiar with the weather conditions and climate of your specific area. By knowing local environmental factors, the roofer will be able to provide the best solution for your roofing needs.
Communication. Make sure your calls, texts and emails are being returned and that documentation is provided as promised. If the company can’t follow through on their communication, they may not be able to follow through on the agreed upon scope of work. Communication is key.
Is A Metal Roof A Good Investment For Your Home
Metal Roofing – Get The Facts!
Metal roofing has become a good option for all homes excluding those with very flat roof pitches. It is important to note that now shingle-style metal roofing products are indistinguishable from the traditional asphalt shingle roofs. If you are a person who wants to know about the metal roofing, then below are the twelve facts that you need to know:
1-Install It on Existing Roofs
Yes, you heard it right! You can install the metal roofing on the existing roof without tearing off the singles. Remember that the shingle removal is a preferred but tear-off is messy and raises the cost of the job as well. One of the big problems with this installation is trapped water vapor. If it stays trapped between the old roofing and metal roofing, then this leads to rot and mold. But this problem can be removed by installing a vented metal roof. The second option is that you can install new metal roofing over the furring strips (1 x 3s or similar) and it will raise metal to provide a ventilating air pocket between the layers. Remember that you should check local building codes before you are going to install a metal roof directly on the old shingles.
2-Does Not Attract Lightning
The majority of the people think that it may attract lightning but that’s not true. According to a technical bulletin by Metal Construction Association, it is said that metal roofing does not increase the risk of lightning strikes. Note that if metal roofing will be struck by lightning, then remember that this is less combustible in comparison to conventional roofing materials like wood shakes or shingles. According to the bulletin, metal roofing is an electrical conductor and noncombustible material, this makes it desirable construction available during lightning.
3-Energy-Efficient Option
According to studies, a metal roof will reflect solar radiant heat that will be reducing the cooling cost by 10 to 25 percent. In areas, where the cooling cost is more than the heating cost, they should add a shiny and granular coating on a metal roof to increase the reflective capacity of the roof. You will see a clear difference in energy savings of metal roof vs. asphalt shingles.
4-Cost-Effective Option
The metal roofing will carry warranties in comparison to the best asphalt shingles that last for 30 years. On the other hand, metal roofing will last 50 years or more. According to other statistics, it may last for 40 to 70 years. So, there is very little chance that a homeowner has to install more than one metal roof during his life. Remember that the metal roofing installation cost is more as compared to asphalt roofing but it will save your money in the long run.
5-It’s A Viable Option
In the past, you will see metal roofing on a high-end architect-designed home but now that’s not the case. You will see metal roofing in conventional houses as well. All the credit goes to the better manufacturing process and increased availability. As per the industry statistics, market share for metal roofing has increased at the rate of 3 percent every year in the past few years. You may be surprised to know that now 15% of all the roofing installation uses the metal roofing materials. To get metal roof installed, you should contact Corey & Corey to hire their expert roofing contractors Cape Cod. They will properly install the roof using proper tools and advanced techniques to provide you satisfactory results.
Metal roofs are loud
40% of respondents said that a metal roof may be too noisy.
Fact: While it may come as a surprise to many homeowners, a metal roof can be even quieter than asphalt shingles. Contrary to popular belief, metal panels or shingles are not loud at all!
An aluminum or steel roof has solid sheathing attached to the underlayment that actually helps silence the noise from rain, hail, falling branches and other weather conditions, better than other types of materials. So you do not ever have to worry about waking up to the sound of rain!
This misconception may come from people being in barns or industrial warehouses that have tin roofs. Indeed these roofs are good conductors of noise, but that is because very thin sheet metal is used and there is no insulation.
Since residential metal roofing adheres to much higher construction standards, there is no reason to compare it to these barn roofs and worry that they will be just as loud.
Pros and cons of metal roofs for your home
Advantages of metal roofs
- Longevity. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, depending on the material. Traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life expectancy of roughly 12-20 years.
- Durability. Some metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not corrode or crack, and may be impact-resistant (depending on which metal you choose). In addition, metal roofs don’t need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require. However, they should be inspected periodically to make sure no repairs are required.
- Safety. Metal roofs will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike.
- Energy efficiency. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.
- Environmentally friendly. Metal roofs not only have 25-95% recycled content, depending on the material used, but are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life as a roof. In contrast, most shingle tear-off waste ends up as part of the building-related waste stream — up to 20 billion pounds per year.
Disadvantages of metal roofs
Despite their many advantages, metal roofs have some potential drawbacks.
- Affordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. While the life of a metal roof is much longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.
- Noisiness. Metal roofs can be noisy, especially during a heavy rain or hailstorm. Adding more insulation during installation usually solves this problem, but that may increase costs.
- Expansion and contraction. Metal roofing materials that are attached as large panels tend to expand and contract. If they are not properly installed with fasteners that allow the metal to “breathe,” the panels may loosen.
- Inconsistency of color match. If a repair is required or a home extension is added years later, it may be difficult to find an exact match to the existing metal.
- Performance. If water accumulates anywhere on the roof because of poor-quality installation or repair, it can eventually cause serious damage. Low-grade metals may also be thinner and less durable. Some metals rust in certain climates or dent more easily than others during hailstorms or installation.
How to Get a Wireless Internet Signal in a Home With a Metal Roof
Metal objects can cause major wireless Internet disruption, so if you have a house with a metal roof you may need to take extra steps to ensure that your wireless Internet signal is as strong as it possibly could be. You want to avoid dead signal zones in the house where you are unable to get wireless Internet at all. You can adjust your modem and router in order to get in the best position for a signal.
Step 1
Purchase a wireless router with as long a range as possible. Metal roofing significantly decreases the signal strength of a wireless network in many cases, so you’ll want to start with the most powerful hardware possible
Step 2
Keep any metal objects within the home as far away from the router as possible. Situate the router so it is off of the ground, and ideally near a window to escape some of the metal roof interference.
Step 3
Use a wireless repeater to strengthen the wireless signal as you go through your home. The wireless repeater will also extend the effective range of your wireless network, although it will not have as great of an effect as it should, due to the metal roof.
Step 4
Move all of your computers to be within line of sight of the wireless router, if possible.
When you ask the question about the heat absorbancy of metal, there are a number of variables to consider:
- First, both the color and finish of the metal affects its heat absorbancy. Metal exposed directly to the sun will certainly heat up, but whether or not it heats up more or less than other roofing materials has to do with the color and finish. The Energy Star finishes that most of our metal roof products use are certified to be reflective of sunlight and therefore cooler than the older finishes. And a pale color will absorb less heat than a dark color.
- While it’s true that a metal roof will absorb heat when directly exposed to the sun, the same is true of any roof covering material. A dark colored roof in either asphalt, ceramic, slate or any other material will absorb heat at roughly the same rate. It’s unlikely that using the same color in differing material will result in a significant roof top temperature difference.
- Once the sun stops striking a roof directly, the lightest material will lose its heat fastest. The lightest roof available is metal, so it cools quickest. Once the sun stops shining on a metal roof, it quickly reverts to the same temperature as the surrounding air. With heavier materials like slate or concrete, their mass means they will retain heat much longer. The longer they stay hot, the more heat they’ll transfer to the building beneath. In terms of roofing materials contributing to heat in a building, once the sun stops shining, metal is the best possible option.