One of the more interesting roofing systems to wiggle its way into the mainstream in the last decade or so has been copper roofing. It’s not exactly a substance you’d figure would make for great roofing material but you’d be surprised! 

If you’re thinking about copper roofing for your next major home remodel, you might want to give this blog a read. Today, we’re going to briefly break down the pros and the cons and unlock the secrets behind what this form of metal roof can do for you and your home. Let’s jump right in!

The pros

The first and most obvious benefit of copper is going to be the overall aesthetic that it provides to your home. Copper is a gorgeous metal and when used right – can really add a tremendous amount of curb appeal and resale value to your home. That means that in many ways – it justifies the cost. 

Copper is also an extremely versatile metal as well. You can use it as a traditional, long-form metal roof panel. You can also turn it into shingles, tiles or even use it in custom shapes. Long story, short – copper can do anything for your roof you want it to within reason. It makes it a particularly attractive option when dealing with more challenging buildings architecturally. 

The lifespan and performance of the metal is unparalleled as well. The first benefit here is – it’s a significantly lighter metal than say, steel. So it puts less stress on your home especially if you’re someone who’s in a region where you get significant amounts of snow or lengthy periods of rainfall. 

Second, it’s the system’s overall level of durability. There’s a reason places like churches and other, larger maintenance intensive buildings gravitate towards copper. It’s resistant to things like mold and mildew – but it also won’t catch fire and is resistant to abrasions. Even better – there’s minimal maintenance that needs to be performed, and as such – represents a significant cost savings over time. And if that wasn’t enough – the energy savings are significant. Copper keeps air – both warm and cold – inside the building it protects – and is a superior insulator. This means less money going out (literally) the door on energy costs. 

There is one drawback

The one drawback is that the upfront cost is significant. There’s simply no getting around it. Copper is a premium metal and while it comes loaded with the benefits we discussed above, the old saying goes ‘you get what you pay for’ and that certainly applies here. That being said – because these roofs last so long and will save you money in so many other, hidden areas – that they’ll certainly prove their worth over time. But the reality is, many people might not be able to cover the costs up front and might suffer from a little sticker shock. But we assure you – there’s a reason people are flocking to these roofs. 

If you’re interested in learning more about copper roofs and how they can help your home, feel free to give us a call today and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Until then – we hope you found today’s blog helpful and good luck!

Metal roofs have undergone somewhat of a PR overhaul in the last 10 years or so. Often seen as cumbersome and expensive – they’ve become seen as long term investment pieces for homeowners-  with the aesthetic and functional value really beginning to show out in recent years. 

However, there are still some rumors out there – and beliefs that seemingly won’t die. Today, we’re going to discuss some of those urban legends and why you shouldn’t pay them any heed. Let’s jump right in!

Metal roofs get hot and don’t insulate homes well

This one doesn’t really seem that implausible. Metal gets hot in the summer and to the naked eye – the gaps in seaming can make it appear that yes, air could likely leak out. But just because it’s seemingly plausible doesn’t make it so. 

In fact – metal roofs do a better job on insulating your home than any other roofing system. So whether you’re in the warm air like down here in Tampa, FL or up north – you’ll be able to keep your home at the desired temperature. 

How it works is fairly straight-forward. In the day – metal roofs will reflect much of the radiation that would otherwise get absorbed by other roofing systems. This makes for a more consistent temperature throughout your home. It makes for a roof that’s not so hot in the day, not so cold at night – if anything, it’s simply more consistent. 

Metal roofs are lighting rods

You can quite literally read a mountain of peer reviewed research at this point that tells you this is scientifically incorrect. What makes thinking this even more crazy is that in the very rare event your home DOES get hit by lighting, the metal roof almost grounds your home and distributes the electricity more evenly and safely throughout your structure – making it an infinitely better and safe option in lighting storms than other roofing systems. 

In fact most fires caused by lightning largely depend on where they strike the home. And if it hits a metal roof, then, well – metal isn’t combustible nor is it flammable. So if you’re worried about weather – trust us – you’re good!

Metal roofs are still incredibly cost-prohibitive

Look, nobody here or anywhere else is going to tell you metal roofs are in the ‘affordable’ category of roofing systems. They’re still not, but they also probably shouldn’t be. But in spite of a high price tag, homeowners still get an incredible amount of bang for their buck. There’s the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ and while asphalt roofs come with the lower up-front price tag – you’ll have to pay for a new one 2-4 times before your metal roof even shows signs of wear and tear – a pretty significant difference! 

The other factor to take into consideration is the global financial crisis. Materials aren’t what they used to be and particularly when it comes to petroleum-based products like asphalt shingles – cost is significantly higher than usual while metal roofs are mostly holding in-line with historical norms. 

Simply put – everyone’s budget is their budget. But if you can afford it – the long term value of a metal roof system is hard to overlook. 

We hope you found today’s blog helpful! If you need metal roof clips or are in need of supplies for your metal roof, give us a call today. Until then – good luck! 

Every roof has its date with destiny – some sooner than others. Today, we’re going to talk about some of the signs to keep an eye out for that could mean it’s time to get a new roof. While biting the bullet and purchasing a new one isn’t ever easy, it’s a necessity but one worth being sure of.

Let’s jump right in!

Energy bill spikes

One of the most surefire signs that your roof’s best days are way behind it is that you’re noticing a sudden or steady increase in your energy bills. Whether it’s been a fast spike or gradual creep – it’s usually a sign something is up. Now this might not be exclusive to your roof. In fact, it could be an issue with your HVAC system. But if you check that out and notice that nothing’s changing, it might be deterioration in your roof. 

Curled and cracked shingles

The most obvious tell is almost always the state of a roof’s shingles. If they’re cracked or beginning to curl – it’s probably time. This becomes an issue because it’s easier for water to infiltrate the spaces between and cause leaks and even worse – wood rot. And when the wood under your shingles rots – that can add on an entirely new element of expense to your new roof. 

All that being said – while this is a surefire sign your roof is aging – it might not be a sign you need your roof replaced immediately – but definitely worth keeping an eye on and keeping it on your radar. 

Bald spots, missing shingles and, uh plant growth

Any instance where there’s some sort of roof exposure should be addressed as soon as possible but if you notice multiple missing shingles and entire bald spots on your roof – it’s usually a sure fire sign that your roof has lived past its usefulness. In addition if there’s plant growth – make sure you keep an eye on it. This can lead to mold, fungus and other deteriorative issues. This usually happens because of too much moisture in one part of the roof so be sure to have it cleared and looked at. 

If you’re looking for a new roof system, make sure you do your research and get multiple quotes from multiple reputable contractors. Ask for a portfolio, call references and the like. And as always, if you need metal roof clips or are considering purchasing a metal roof, by all means give us a call. Until then – good luck!

So you’ve decided to get a metal roof, you’ve chosen a contractor and you’ve even got an idea as to what kinds of panels you’ll be using. Now comes another important decision to make: what color do you want your roof to be?

And believe it or not – this is a big one!

There are practical issues to keep in mind as well as aesthetics – many of which we’ll be breaking down with you today. So here are some tips when it comes to choosing what color you’d like your metal roof to be. Let’s jump right in!

The practical

Always remember that your roof is more susceptible to the elements than any other feature of your home. Above all else it should be a given that it’ll likely experience some degree of wear and tear. When choosing a color, we’d recommend one that is going to resistant to ultraviolet light. Not only while this keep your home looking good throughout the duration of its life, but it’ll also save you the inevitable bill involved with coming back to touch it up. 

What effect are we going for?

There’s a lot more to your metal roof than just the sheen and the protection. There’s aesthetic value to consider too. How will the roof look like compared to the rest of your house? Will it maintain curb appeal? Both of these can impact the value of your overall home. Outside of the front door – studies say the condition of the roof is one of the first things prospective buyers will look at- so maintaining the good looks is important. 

Think long term

Choose a color you think will not only look good to you (this is your home, after all) but will also maintain its appeal long term. Make sure you’re choosing a color that you’ll be satisfied with well into the future. You could go bold – but ask yourself if you (or someone else) will like that color in say, 20 years. 

Don’t forget lighting

Lighting can cross people up when choosing a color. Don’t forget the color of the roof may seem good on paper but the amount of light your home receives could change things up quite a bit. Roofs can also look a little different in cloudy weather and at night- so just be mindful that just because it looks good under fluorescent lights at the store or online, doesn’t always mean that that’s the effect you’re going to get once natural light comes  into the equation. 

Hopefully today’s blog will help you make a little bit more of an informed decision when choosing the color of your roof. And as always, if you need metal roof clips or other metal roofing components – give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help. Until then – good luck!

Homes down here in Tampa, Florida and other coastal communities are wonderful – it’s great weather, the beach is right there and there’s almost always something to do. However, homes in this area also get a ring side seat for quite literally everything that Mother Nature is ready to throw at us. 

As such, a lot of homeowners have decided to install metal roofs on their homes – as it’s better able to deal with the extreme sunshine, salt, high winds and general beating that homes take in these environments. That being said – metal roofs in coastal areas need a little bit of extra care. Not keeping a proper eye on them can significantly reduce their life span – which often defeats the purpose of purchasing the home to begin with. 

Here are some things you should know if you’re considering a metal roof for your coastal home. Let’s jump right in!

Salt and metal roofing

At first, it might seem like metal roofs would be a poor fit when it comes to sea salt. And to an extent there’s some truth to that. If your roof isn’t properly treated, it can rust and warp in those kinds of conditions. A nasty cocktail of moisture and salt can corrode steel and most other metals, in fact. In fact, they corrode 10 times as fast than in other areas of the country. 

On the flip side – aluminum roofing – has NONE of those issues. Aluminum is an all-around more ‘seaworthy’ metal and is more rust-resistant and salt resistant than other forms of metal. So if you’re looking to invest in a metal roof in a coastal community – go with aluminum.

Why aluminum

The real key to aluminum roofs vs. coastal weather comes from its powder coating. This not only resits salt and moisture, but it also prevents your metal panels from fading and becoming discolored. In addition, they come with a variety of styles and choices to pick from – including standing seam metal roofs, aluminum shingles and the like. 

The other big factor to consider? Aluminum roofing is more cost-effective to install, taking about half as much time and investment as more traditional steel roofing systems. This  means you get the durability and value-add of a traditional metal roof without the hassle and a less disruptive project. 

So are metal roofs still a reasonable investment if you live in a coastal community? Yes – so long as you choose the right material for the job! If you’ve got questions about aluminum roofs and you are looking for some guidance – feel free to give us a call today! Until then – we hope you found today’s blog helpful and good luck!

Right now, the weather is heating up, the sun’s out and everything comes back to life. Days are longer and we’re looking forward to what should be a fun summer! That being said, now is a great time to take care of a lot of the home maintenance we might have been putting on the back burner the past few months, particularly making sure your metal roof is in good, working order. 

In fact, right now is the best time of year to get your roof inspected. Today, we’re going to cover some of the things you can do to stay on top of your room and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Let’s jump right in!

Visual inspections

There’s lots you can do on your own to make sure your roof is where it needs to be. One of the easiest things to do is inspect it from the ground. Keep your eyes peeled for debris and missing shingles. You might even notice some signs of wear and tear from the ground.

Also, check your attic to make sure there’s no leaks, or areas where there might be some signs of decay and wear. In addition, be sure to keep your nose peeled for any musty or unusual odors as it could indicate you don’t have proper ventilation. Your attic can offer a lot of clues as to your roof’s condition, so be sure to check it out. 

Clean and repair your gutters

Even here in the Tampa, FL area, there can be a lot of buildup that ends up on a roof that can cause problems later. Particularly with regards to your gutters. Make sure your gutters are inspected at least twice a year and that they’re clear of any leaves. Branches and other miscellaneous detritus that may have built up. Even with metal roofs, buildup from gutters are capable of causing a myriad of issues. 

Check and repair loose flashing/metal strips

Metal roofs are remarkably resistant, but the flashing can be an issue from time to time. Make sure it’s secure and that if there are any loose connections or strips of metal, that they’re repaired as soon as possible. Check around your chimney, vents, solar panels or skylights. If anything is cracked – you’ll want to make sure these areas of your roof are resealed. 

Get your roof cleaned

Metal roofs generally stay cleaner – it’s a huge advantage to having them; however a once a year, annual clean is always a good idea. Not just from the debris, but especially here in the Largo, FL area – you’ll see a lot of salt in the air. Getting a good clean will only benefit the roof long-term. 

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful. If you’re looking for metal roof clips or any other accessories, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help. Until then – good luck!

When it comes to installing a roof, there’s a lot to think about and grapple with. What model will you use? What’s your budget? Which contractor will you choose? These are the common questions. But one of the more fun things you’ll have to think about is what color you want your roof to be.

And, uh – yeah – this actually a pretty important question to ask! Your roof is a colossal part of your home’s aesthetic and curb appeal. If it looks bad, it can impact the value of your home. So today, we’re going to unpack how you can choose the right color for your new, metal roof. Let’s jump right in. 

Lots to choose from

There’s a lot more to choose from than your traditional shades of black, brown and gray. There’s a broad palette of colors you can coordinate to really help your home stand out from your neighbor’s in a good way! There’s plenty of online tools that you can use to play around with color schemes. Who knows – you might find something that gives you some inspiration. Paint companies like Behr, Sherwin Williams and Valspar have great sites to use and you never know – one change might inspire you to change the color of something else in your home as well. 

The hue for you

This might sound crazy – but the color of your roof can impact its energy efficiency. Modern metal roofing coatings are far more advanced than they used to be and many coatings come with reflective pigments, so even dark colors can meet energy standards. However, even with the improvement in technology, lighter colors STILL find a way to outperform the darker ones.

Saving some money

How significant can these savings thanks to the color of your roof be? Some studies suggest a highly reflective roof (provided it has proper attic ventilation and thermal breaks) can actually reduce your energy costs by 20%. That’s a lot of takeout, folks. And when you add it up over time, it can be the cost of a substantial chunk of your roof’s overall cost. 

So as you can see – choosing a color isn’t such an easy decision after all! So take your time, think about what you want, need and make the best decision for you. Also feel free to consult your contractor. Most will have online visualizers that can help you see what the end product will look like, so don’t hesitate to ask. And as always, if you’re looking for metal roof clips for your next big roofing project – give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help. Until then – good luck!