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The Anatomy of a Roof

If you are leading a new construction project, or you’re looking to replace the roof of your old home, you might run into a language barrier. Roofs aren’t as simple as they look, and there is an immense list of terms roof contractors use regarding the anatomy of a roof as they install a new roof on your home or commercial property.

But giving you a list of words and their means is boring and hard to remember. After all, you’re not planning to build the roof yourself. You just need to understand what the professionals are talking about! That’s why we are explaining the anatomy of a roof in the order that it is installed on a building from the skeletal frame to the finished product. There are many components that make a roof possible, and we will go over each one in detail for you.

The Framework – an Important Aspect of the Anatomy of a Roof

When building the frame, two different methods are used:

  1. A truss frame is a premade frame that is raised up to the top of the building by a crane or even a helicopter depending on the size! Once they are hoisted in place, the trusses are installed and stabilized. These are the most popular type of roof framing.
  2. A stick frame consists of individually assembled rafters and ceiling joists. Each piece of lumber is measured, cut, and connected to form the frame. The advantage of a stick frame roof is the customization it lends to the roofline. However, building the frame piece by piece increases the labor cost of a roof and is unnecessary for the average residential property. 

When a building requires unique architecture, a stick frame roof can offer many more choices. This is especially true for projects that include more spacious attics or cathedral-style ceilings. 

The Decking

Wooden boards or composite decking is laid over the framework and secured. These boards are made specifically to withstand heavy loads. This base layer of a roof is referred to as the decking.

The Drip Edge

The drip edge’s function is to prevent water from getting under the roofing materials. It’s a simple piece of metal bent at a 90-degree angle that’s attached to the edge of the decking. 

Another word for a drip edge is “flashing.” 

Roof Underlayment

Wood is naturally porous and will rot and promote mold growth if it’s not kept dry. To prevent water from seeping through the wood and into the building, a shield made of synthetic material or felt is installed at every point in the roof that would allow entry into the house. This includes areas around the chimney and roof connections. 

Roof underlayment is the last defense against severe weather like high wind and heavy rain. If your flashing and shingles are torn or fail, your synthetic or felt underlayment will save the day and protect your home from water damage. 

Starter Shingles

The starter shingle is very different from a normal shingle. It is designed to begin the first layer of protection right over the drip edge only. Once they are nailed down around the entire roof, the normal shingles can be installed.

Roof Shingles

Finally! The roof is beginning to shape up and look familiar. Rough, square, asphalt rectangles are secured by nails in an overlapping fashion across the starter shingles. 

There are two types of shingles, 2-tab and 3-tab. When a shingle has 3 tabs, it’s also known as an architectural shingle. Architectural shingles have a longer lifespan and better durability than its 2-tab cousin.  

Step Flashing

If the roof touches a wall, step flashing is added to the corner after each row of shingles. Much like drip edging, step flashing is also a metal piece that has been bent to form a right angle. 

It’s made in a way that allows it to fit perfectly into the space where the roof meets a wall. Step flashing provides watertight protection against moisture damage. 

Roof Vents

Proper air circulation in an attic space is important for the health of your roof. In order to provide sufficient airflow into and out of the space under the roof frame, intake and exhaust vents must be installed. 

A ridge vent is one of the best forms of intake vent. It sits on the peak of the building and runs along the entire length of the roof. Other styles of intake vents include box vents, turbines, and cupola.

The most common type of exhaust vent is the soffit vent. These vents give stale and hot air a way to escape the confines of your attic space, making your home more energy-efficient. Other exhaust vent options include vents installed in your gables or over your fascia. 

A New Roof is Born

Once the finishing touches are made on a roof, it’s time to pack up and head home for the day! 

We hope that you enjoyed yourself as you learned about the anatomy of a roof. If you need roof repairs made, an old roof replaced, or a roof installed on a new construction project, contact Roofing Recovery today!

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Common Gutter Problems and Their Solutions

People might have told you to get your mind out of the gutter. But right now, you need to focus on common gutter problems and their solutions.

Did a storm damage your home, are your gutters old, or did someone install them improperly? Whatever brought you here, rest assured that you will find what you are looking for.

How Gutters Work

The purpose of a gutter is to navigate water that is pouring off of your roof away from your foundation. Gutters prevent water damage by catching rainwater and directing it away from your building.

Before we discuss gutter problems, let’s explore what a proper gutter installation involves. 

Pitch

Your gutters should slope ½ inch every 10 feet. If one side of the building is over 35 feet long, the slant should begin in the middle and end at the downspout. If it is shorter than 35 feet, the entire length will slant slightly to allow water to flow.

Downspout

Gutters work to avoid floods or foundation damage, so where they send the water is important. If it’s too close to your home, it isn’t doing its job.

Your downspout should direct water a few feet away. Approximately 4 feet offers plenty of room between your foundation and rushing water.

Hardware and Hangers

Hangers are specially designed frames that cradle the gutters. They hold them in place while the hardware fastens them to the fascia.

Intact hardware and the health of the fascia are crucial. If your fascia is rotting, old, or brittle, the gutters will be weak and prone to collapsing.

Now you’re ready to learn about common gutter problems and their solutions.

Scenario #1 Sagging Gutter

You may notice that your gutters don’t trace a straight line anymore. They should slant but not buckle! Early warnings of a sagging gutter is stagnant or overflowing water. The rainwater will sit and collect in one place instead of being carried away.

If the sagging is not corrected, the entire gutter becomes loose and sags. Eventually, it can disconnect and fall which poses a significant safety risk to anyone underneath.

A sagging gutter could be caused by multiple possibilities or the combination of a few.

Problem

The gutters were not pitched properly during installation. Instead of directing the water away from your home, the gutters collect standing liquid in one place creating a heavy weight.

Pro Tip: You can check the pitch of your gutters by running a garden hose through them. If the water flows toward the downspout, that’s an excellent sign. If the water collects in any areas, this could lead to problems like overflowing and sagging.

Solution

Remove the gutters and reinstall them properly at the right pitch.

The good news is, you shouldn’t need new materials. The sagging gutter might need to be repaired depending on its condition.

Problem

The hardware holding up your gutters has failed because it’s old, corroded, or was improperly installed.

Solution

This is a simple fix. All you need is new hardware. But not any hardware!

Mixing metals is a big mistake. If the gutters are copper, you do not want steel touching it in any way. When water washes over steel and copper, the copper aggressively corrodes the steel. This renders it useless in very little time.

Problem

The gutter is attached to the fascia which has deteriorated. This prevents the hardware from supporting its weight.

Solution

This is not an easy repair job. Remove the gutter and replace the fascia. Then the gutter should be reinstalled.

Scenario #2 Leaking Gutter

Your gutter appears to be fine until it starts to rain. Then, instead of finding shelter under your eaves, you feel a drip or even a steady stream of rainwater.

Problem

Leaking gutters are physically damaged. There is a tear in the material caused by severe storms, aging, or stress.

Solution

If you know your gutters are reaching the end of their life, it’s best to replace them. But if there is a crack or hole caused by flying debris, you can get away with filling or patching the spot.

Fill in small holes with a sealant. Larger holes require a patch to be made which attaches to the pre-existing gutter. It’s a simple repair that RecoveryRoofing can do for you in a snap!

Problem

Loose gutters will leak as they tip sideways. We see this problem most often after Florida’s tropical storms and hurricane winds. If left alone, the next storm could rip it off. It’s critical to get these fixed as soon as possible to avoid injury.

Solution

A loose gutter may only need its hardware tightened.

Problem

Bent or warped gutters happen with age or stress. They can twist and spill water, or pull away from the roof altogether.

Solution

Seal together a joint that has slight warping. But if the entire gutter is bending out of shape, replacement is the only option.

Scenario #3 Clogged Gutters

Keep your gutters clean to maintain their condition and help them to last as long as possible. Most of the issues discussed above can be caused by clogged gutters!

When you let debris, leaves, and bird feces collect, plant life will grow there. Birds will also nest. And suddenly, you have a small ecosystem on your house!

Although this might be cute, you won’t be smiling when you get the repair bill.

Prevention of Gutter Problems is the Best Solution

Instead of waiting until your gutters fall apart, have them cleaned once or twice a year. And if you don’t like doing that, hire your trusted roofing specialists at RoofingRecovery. We will install gutter guards which will protect your gutters all year round.

Do you need gutter repair or replacement? Get in touch with Recover Roofing for all your roofing needs!

 

 

 

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Home Buyers Roof Guide: The Different Types of Roofs in Florida

If you have lived in Florida long enough, you know that roofs have a tough job to do here. Not only are they beaten down by UV rays, rain, and humidity, but then along comes a hurricane and its cohorts high wind and hail. Together they can hit your roof hard enough to cause serious damage. Once your roof is gone, water gets inside and creates even more devastation. Certainly, some roofs can take this sort of punishment and keep on going, but every material has its breaking point. 

Today, we are talking about different types of roofs, what they are, and how they can hold up on your Southern area home. If you are shopping around for a roof replacement and feel confused over which roof material is best for your needs, this blog post will help you to decide.

The Most Common Types of Roofs in Florida

Because of our torrential weather patterns, not every roof type will survive. But a select few are tough enough to withstand the Florida climate and storms. Let’s take a look at which ones you have to choose from!

1. Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States and that’s also true for all of Florida. It’s affordable price makes it the go-to for many homeowners. Since the material costs less, it’s also cheaper to repair.

But not all asphalt roofs are created equal!

It’s important to avoid 3 tab shingles because they only offer a wind rating of 60 to 70 miles per hour. That means that when the winds exceed that limit, your shingles will fly away!

Quality architecture asphalt shingles are what you want if you are choosing an asphalt shingle roof. When they are properly installed, they can withstand winds of 130 to 150 mph depending on their manufacturer rating and the number of nails used. Six nails in an architectural asphalt shingle can withstand up to 20 mph more.

2. Wood Shake Roofs

Wood shake roofs are commonly seen along the eastern coastline and inland. This roofing material will not hold up in high winds and it’s more costly to repair. If your area is hit by hurricanes every year, pass on a wood shake roof.

If you live in a location that does not experience strong storms, then well-maintained wood shakes will last up to 40 years! They have a rustic charm that sets them apart and offers a striking look to any building. 

3. Slate Roofs

You may have seen these gorgeous roofs on some of the upscale homes in Florida. You won’t see it often because in comparison with other choices, it’s pretty expensive and it’s super heavy. Not every house will be capable of supporting its weight.

The advantages to slate roofs are so numerous that we have to include them in this list.

  1. Low maintenance
  2. Withstands hurricane-force winds
  3. Waterproof
  4. Durable
  5. Doesn’t rot
  6. Fireproof
  7. Environmentally friendly
  8. Customizable
  9. Long life (75+ years)

The biggest downside to slate is replacing the tiles. Finding replacement tiles that match your existing slate can be extremely difficult. That’s why we recommend that you buy extras to set aside and use for repairs. 

4. Clay Tile Roofs

Clay tile roofs are common in South Florida. They are less expensive than slate roofs with nearly all the same benefits. They are known to be durable, but you’re likely to see more cracks and chips after hail strikes than you would with slate. Clay tiles will also break when walked on. 

Clay tile roofs are very useful for property owners who are looking for an energy-efficient roof that prevents the hot sun from seeping indoors. They do not absorb the rays of the sun like asphalt shingles and do even better at blocking the heat than metal.

5. Cement Tile Roof

Concrete roofs are a smart choice for Florida properties on the coastline. They’re stronger than clay tiles which is a happy benefit if you suffer from hail storms. Concrete tile is also fire resistant and handles strong wind well.

The only drawback to cement roofs is that they are coated with an enamel that will eventually chip or wear off. That may take about 50 years if you’re lucky, but most manufacturers do not cover them with a warranty for that long. 

6. Metal Roofs

We’ve left the best for last! Metal roofs are a moderately priced material that offers the strength and resilience you need with a ton of stylish options to choose from. As a material, metal is the strongest you can choose when picking your roof, offering protection against 160mph winds.

It is a classic look that has been used for centuries to adorn homes, businesses, churches, and landmarks alike. Now more than ever, metal roofs have been designed to withstand the elements with ease and reflect the heat. 

Metal roofs are low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean “no maintenance”. Regular inspections are essential because rust will compromise the durability and longevity of your metal roof. If the protective coating is compromised, corrosion will result. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to fill in those scratches!  

Roof Replacement in Miami, Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach

Now that you have an overview of the different types of roofs: If you need a new roof installed on your residential or commercial property, contact Roofing Recovery to receive customer support and a professional assessment. Once we have inspected your property, we can get started on the roof of your dreams!

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Tips for DIY Roof Inspection Safety

Climbing up onto a roof to inspect it is dangerous, and we do not recommend that you try! If you are fearful of the idea or worried that you might fall, don’t do it! Hire a professional roof inspector from Roofing Recovery to do it for you. But if you are comfortable and confident in your ability to inspect your roof, we might have a hard time talking you out of it. So instead, we have collected these tips for roof inspection safety.

1. Wear the right shoes

If you wear smooth-soled shoes like dress shoes or loafers, you will slip. Asphalt shingles won’t grip a slick shoe and you’ll find yourself sliding down a slope that feels like sandpaper before it sends you flying one or two stories.

You need to wear shoes such as tennis shoes, gym shoes, or work boots with rubber soles and lots of traction. Shoes that grip the ground will also grab the roof under your feet and prevent you from sliding off. 

But remember, no shoe can replace good balance. If you have any concerns about being sure-footed at a treacherous height, please do not attempt to inspect your own roof.

2. Secure your ladder

Securing your ladder is a crucial step to ensure your safety. When you are finding a place to set up the ladder, find an even surface that will hold it steady. Wet surfaces or those with sand, mud, or loose dirt are not appropriate spots and will put you in danger. 

When you lean it against the building, be sure that the angle is correct. If the ladder is too vertical, it can tip away from the house and cause you to fall with it. 

Follow the 4 to 1 ratio rule: For every 4 feet of height, the ladder should be set 1 foot away from the building. If this is done properly, the ladder will sit at a 75-degree angle.

Watch out for your gutters when you lean the ladder against your house. It can crush or damage your gutters with your weight. To avoid an accident, purchase a “ladder stabilizer” so that your ladder rests on the roof and not the gutter!

3. Wear a Safety Harness or Ditch the DIY

If a roof is steep, it’s impossible to safely inspect it without help. When a roofing contractor needs to inspect, repair, or install a roof and the angle is sharp, we always use a safety harness to get around.

Safety harnesses are a worthy investment for roofers who use them every day, but if you do not have a safety harness lying around, you won’t save money on a DIY roof inspection.  The price you’ll pay for a high-quality harness is just as much as a roof inspection. 

Steep roofs are nothing to play around with, and you do not want to risk your life. Hire a professional and skip this venture.

4. Never Inspect Alone

Have someone spot you from the ground. If your ladder falls or you slip, your spotter can reposition the ladder and help you to get down safely.

If the worst should happen and you fall off the roof, having someone there to give you first aid and call emergency responders can be the difference between life or death. Inspecting your roof alone is never an option. Always have an able-bodied person there with you in case of an accident.

5. Don’t Leave the Ground

We aren’t kidding with this one! With advancements in modern technology, you can inspect your roof by yourself without ever leaving the ground. 

How?  

Use a drone with a video camera! 

Drones are especially useful if you live in an area of Florida that receives strong storms and heavy winds frequently. Who can afford constant roof inspections? Even if you can, you wouldn’t want to. But a drone is a one-time purchase that will help you to catch major repairs before they lead to serious water damage.

When the weather has changed for the better and the sun is out, fire up your drone and pilot it around the roof to scope out the area. If you find something suspicious, send it over to us and we will be more than happy to give you a repair quote!

DIY Roof Inspection

Now that you know more about roof inspection safety, you should check out our DIY guide on how to inspect your roof. It will teach you how to identify damage and deterioration that can compromise the function of your roof.

If you discover a roof problem that requires an expert’s skillful hand and you live in Dade, Broward, or West Palm Beach, call in the pros at Roofing Recovery! We will carefully trace leaks and find the source. Whether you require a quick repair or a full roof installation, Roofing Recovery has you covered!

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The Best Roof Ventilation Methods – Which is the Best Option For You?

Are you planning to get a new roof installed or are you scrambling to figure out why your current roof is falling apart so quickly? You came across the term “roof ventilation” and realize that the holes under your eaves actually have a purpose and the wings at the peak of your home aren’t just for decoration, they’re ridge vents! 

If you want to know the best roof ventilation methods for your residential or commercial property, you have come to the right place. Here at Roofing Recovery, we work hard to offer our customers a balanced ventilation system that’s right for them.

What is Roof Ventilation?

Before we go into roof ventilation methods, it’s important to understand what it is and why it’s crucial for a healthy roofing system. When you properly ventilate your attic space, a balance of air intake and exhaust occurs, causing perfect circulation. The airflow created keeps the attic space cool, lengthens the life of your roofing materials, and saves you on your energy bill.

When roof ventilation is poor, the temperature under your roof can become so hot that it cooks your roofing materials from the inside out. It also traps moisture, leading to water damage and potentially mold, and makes your AC work harder to cool your home or business. 

If that wasn’t bad enough, any warranty you have from manufacturers becomes void. Why? Because proper roof installation should always include a great ventilation method professionally executed. Doing so maximizes the benefits of airflow within the attic space. 

Now that you understand what roof ventilation is, we can cover the four methods available for residential and commercial properties in Florida. 

The 4 Vent Methods

1. Static Vents

These vents are nothing more than openings that allow natural convection to navigate the hot air and moisture out of your attic space. This is called passive ventilation. There is no electricity required and as the name suggests, they remain still; There are no mechanical parts to move or spin.

2. Moving Vents

This type of vent uses the power of the wind to turn moving parts that pull and push the air through. If you have ever heard a squeaking sound come from your neighbor’s home on a windy day, they likely have an old wind turbine to manage roof ventilation. When selecting a moving vent for your property, choose the highest quality if you want to avoid annoying squeaks or rattling noises. 

3. Electrical Vents

These vents have moving parts and require electricity to run. When you live in a hot climate like Florida, these can be a fantastic option to move the hot air forcefully out of your attic space, but they can be costly. Obviously, with an electric vent, you probably won’t save on your energy bill, but your roofing materials will last longer, so that’s a bonus.

4. Solar Vents

An energy-efficient “cousin” to the electrical vent, solar vents move the air whether it wants to or not without costing you extra money in utilities year after year. This is an amazing option to consider in Florida due to the amount of sun we get. However, if you have trees shading your property, it might not be viable. 

What are the best Roof Ventilation Methods, and which one is best for you?

The characteristics that make a roof ventilation option better than others really depend on multiple factors. What weather you receive, your tree coverage and the style of your home will affect the ventilation options you have to choose from. 

If you are often hit with strong storms or hurricanes, static ventilation could leave your roof more vulnerable to leaks. If you don’t have trees around your home, you might want to opt for energy-efficient solar vents. That way, you can get the most out of a smaller number of vents. 

No matter which vent method you choose, what matters most is the balance and effectiveness of the ventilation system installed. A professional roofing inspector will determine what vent types are best to use for both intake and exhaust, as well as how many vents of each type will be needed. His or her main goal is to facilitate an even flow of air leaving and entering your attic space.

Roof Inspection and Ventilation Installation in Broward, Dade, and West Palm Beach

If you feel that your ventilation (or non-existence thereof) is causing your roof to prematurely age and deteriorate, get in touch with Roofing Recovery. We will send one of our highly trained experts to inspect your roof and determine the cause. A few adjustments to your current system may be necessary, or a full replacement with a better one. 

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Are Rooftop Solar Panels a Good Idea?

So you want to spend less on your electricity bill and become eco-friendly at the same time?

You guessed it! The solution is solar power.

But there is a lot of homework ahead of you! First, you need to figure out if solar shingles are a good fit for your home or business, and then you have to decide on the brand and product.

Well, we hope to demystify solar shingles for you and answer the question, “Are rooftop solar panels a good idea?” Let’s discuss the common factors that sway customer’s decisions and let you decide for yourself.

rooftop solar panels

Aesthetics of Rooftop Solar Panels

As economical as solar panels are to purchase and install, they stand out on your property. They are a great option for people on a budget who want to reap the benefits of solar power, but they aren’t exactly pretty.

If you love the idea of solar power but think solar panels are ugly and have no place on your property, solar panels and tiles are your best option.

Unlike bulky panels, solar panels cover the entire roof in a uniform look that blends in with the roof design. They also increase curb appeal.

Return on Investment

350 solar panels can lower your energy bill between 40% and 70% depending on the brand and product you choose.

They can save you an immense amount of money in the long run, especially considering that a solar shingle roof typically lasts 20 years or more.

Since solar power has become a “hot” topic in real estate, having solar-powered anything will increase the value of the property.

So if you plan to sell in the future, this is a renovation project that will pay you back again and again.

Rooftop Solar Panels – Options

When you decide to have solar panels installed on your roof, you get to further customize your experience.

Choose your power output from a range that averages between 13 to 63 watts.

The shingle materials also vary. The most popular materials on the market today are TFSC and Mono Si cells.

Copper indium gallium selenide makes up the flexible TFSC which stands for: “Thin Film Solar Cells.” This material has efficiency rates between 10% and 12%, plus they are flexible and lightweight.

You may have heard of Mono Si before because they make microchips out of it. The official name is monocrystalline silicon. It’s more expensive, but for a good reason. Mono Si is a natural semi-conductor and has efficiency rates between 15% and 20%!

Roof Replacement or Roof Add-On

Solar panels look beautiful and generate power for your home, but most are built to capture solar energy, not to protect your building from the elements. We say “most” because Tesla has developed a solar tile that replaces clay or concrete tiles.

Tesla’s solar tiles claim to be durable too, offering a lifetime warranty on its ability to function as a roof, but only a 30-year warranty on the solar power aspect of the product.

So are they worth it? It depends on your budget. If spending $21 per square foot sounds reasonable to you, then maybe. But few can afford to spend that kind of money, even if they receive a 26% solar tax credit at the end of the year.

That’s why many brands create solar panels that fit over your existing roof. They act as additional protection if properly installed, but that isn’t how the manufacturers market them.

The Roofing Beneath

Before you hire a contractor to install hundreds of solar panels, make sure that your current roofing materials will last just as long. If you have an asphalt shingle roof that is deteriorating, it will fall apart under the solar panels well before the solar panels need to be replaced.

For this reason, it’s best to plan for solar panels after you install a new rooftop. That way, the solar panels will be replaced at the same time or before your roof gives out.

In Conclusion

A good idea for you may be a bad idea for someone else. Only you can decide if a solar power panel rooftop is right for you.

If you want to find an attractive alternative to solar panels, save money on your electricity bill, and improve the perceived value of your home or business, solar power shingles are a brilliant investment.

You have so many solar-powered brands and products available. Discovering the best solar power panels for your home or business is only a call away.

Contact Recovery Roofing for all of your roofing needs!

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The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is for homeowners and businesses that want an attractive roof that can regulate indoor temperature and protect your building for a few decades. But they aren’t all rainbows and sunshine; to keep them functioning and looking good while they do it, metal roofs require frequent (but minor) maintenance.

If you are looking to buy a metal roof or have one and want to learn more about it, we have collected the top pros and cons of metal roofing for you!

metal roofing

The Pros of Metal Roofing

Styles

When you think about a metal roof, an image of tin sheets may come to mind, but that is hardly the only look available today.

Metal roofs have come far in recent years with a wide variety of colors and designs that mimic shingles, slate, tile, and shake! Odds are, you have neighbors with metal roofs and never noticed.

Durability

Metal roofing is being made to last longer than ever! With new protective coatings, innovative brands like Galvalume® are much more resistant to corrosion and natural wear and tear.

A corrugated metal roof in Florida will last anywhere between 40 to 50 years. That’s right in between asphalt shingles (15 years) and clay tile (100 years). Depending on how old you are, a metal roof will last the rest of your life!

Energy efficiency

You don’t just save energy, you save money. With a metal roof, you can pay 20% less on your energy cost annually.

The modern cool paint technology that many manufacturers use today reflect up to 85% of heat from the sun. On an 80 degree day in the Tampa Bay Area, a metal roof will only heat up to about 90°F degrees while asphalt shingles will cook at 130°F!

Environmentally friendly

Metal is a natural resource that can be 100% recycled. In fact, some metal roof manufacturers use recycled materials for their roof panels.

If you care about the environment, then a metal roof is a great alternative to asphalt shingles. Toxins from asphalt run off of your roof every time it rains, polluting your property! However, when you have a metal roof, the rainwater remains clean for plants and animals alike.

The Cons of Metal Roofing

A metal roof can have many disadvantages and issues. We can’t cover them all. But we will go over the most common problems, especially the ones that all other issues lead to.

Rust

Metal roofs are made of painted aluminum or galvanized steel. Any abrasion, scratch, or cut in the surface of the paint will tear away the protective coating, exposing the pure metal to the elements. Brands like Galvalume® roofing can help to control the spread of rust, giving you more protection and time to repair.

If the wrong combination of materials are used, dissimilar metal corrosion will occur. Steel doesn’t play nice with most metals, including copper and aluminum. And they don’t even have to touch. If water runs off of one onto another, it can cause rust to form.

A metal roof can entirely fail if a rusting problem is not remedied. When you own one, you should schedule a roof checkup once or twice a year. Your trusted roofing contractor will look for damage and repair it to prevent further deterioration.

Poor installation

This is not the time to save money by finding the cheapest roofers in town. Inexperienced roofers struggle with metal roofing material, and their poor installation can lead to devastating water damage.

If the screws are under-driven or off-center, the fasteners are not well set and leave openings for water to get in. Sometimes rookie roofers will not completely finish the roof and forget to add all of the flashing. Another common mistake we see from other contractors is large gaps left in between panels.

The best defense against a bad installation job is research. Pick the roofing material you want and make sure the roofers you hire are approved by that manufacturer. When a manufacturer backs up a roofing company like Roofing Recovery, you know that they have been trained to install that product perfectly.

Scratching and scuffing

It’s difficult to avoid scratching and scuffing. Foot traffic is the #1 cause, but hail and debris caused by severe storms can also be a problem.

Roof abrasions can be manually filled in with a paint pen from the manufacturer of the metal roofing material. If you don’t fix them, it will leave these areas vulnerable to corrosion.

Metal Roofing Installation Near Me

They are worth the effort if you’re willing to make it. If you invest in a metal roof, you must be prepared to stay on top of damage. Schedule an annual maintenance checkup so that you never forget.

If you own property in West Palm Beach, Broward, or Dade, and want a metal roof installed, replaced, or repaired, contact Roofing Recovery for consultation. With over 3 decades of experience, we have mastered the art of roofing. Be rest assured that your metal roof will be perfectly serviced by experts in the field who take pride in their craftsmanship and care about your full satisfaction.

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