Roof Services

 

CertainTeed Shingle

CertainTeed shingles have been a top choice for homeowners for years because of the quality, variety, and realistic cost. There are many styles of shingles that can be purchased in our showroom. No matter what style of home you have, we have a shingle that will match exactly! Additionally, we offer wind-resistant options to help make your home even safer from all kinds of weather.

Our Opinion: We have installed CertainTeed and find them to be the second best!

GAF Shingles

GAF is a roofing company that offers shingle installation, as well as other services such as roofing repairs and flashing replacement. GAF also offers lifetime workmanship warranties, which will guarantee your shingle’s quality for the life of your roof. We are committed to providing the best service at the fairest prices possible.

Our Opinion: GAF shingle is not a bad shingle however every time we have had to deal with the manufacturer they don’t seem to stand behind their “Lifetime warranty” you will find it has a lot to be desired.

TAMKO Shingles

TAMKO shingles can be a great option for you if you need a new roof. TAMKO offers a variety of services ranging from building a new house to installing a new shingle roof. You can find out more about the different ways we can help you on our website, or give us a call to discuss your needs with one of our experts.

Our Opinion: We have installed this shingle as well, We have found this shingle to be very inconsistent!

IKO Shingles

Since its beginnings in the late 1940s, IKO Shingles has been providing siding solutions for homeowners all over the country. Initially, it started with installing asphalt shingles on homes. As time progressed, the company expanded their service offering to include steel siding and vinyl siding. Other services include gutter installation, soffit installation, fascia installation, and exterior painting.

Our Opinion: Let’s just say HORRIBLE, we have found most roofing companies are using this to come under price with others that are using top-notch products! Life is all about choice, would you want to put a substandard product on the largest investment you own?

Metal Roofs

Although metal roofs have some advantages you will have to decide whether those advantages outweigh the large cost difference.

Metal roofs are one of the most durable roofing materials you can use. However, some people don’t like them because they can attract lightning strikes. Others think that installing a metal roof is more difficult than installing other types of roofs.

What are the different types of metal roofs?

EF Metal Roof

Exposed fastener metal roofing is defined as a roofing system where the panels are fastened to the structure through the face of the metal and directly into the roof deck or framing below. The panel edges lap one another, and the fastener goes through both layers of metal. It’s called “exposed fastener” because the head of the fastener is visible and not hidden by a seam. An exposed fastener system is typically considered the economical choice of metal roofing and is classically used on residential, structural, industrial, and agricultural buildings.

Advantages of Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

LESS EXPENSIVE – One of the most significant benefits to choosing exposed fastener metal roofing is that it’s less expensive, especially when compared to standing seam systems. There are many reasons for the lower price, including:

Wider panels (up to 36”)
Fewer metal panels need to be purchased.
Less labor is needed because the wider panels cover the roof faster.
Thinner gauge panels
Exposed fastener systems generally use 29 to 26-gauge metal, which is thinner and cheaper.
Lower Quality Paint systems
Polyesters and silicone-modified polyester (SMP) paint systems are popular choices for exposed fasteners because they’re less expensive than the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) paints typically used on standing seam systems.
Less accessories purchase
Exposed fastener systems are directly fastened down to the structure through the metal, so there’s not a necessity to buy any kinds of clips. This can save on costs for the buyer.
Exposed fastener systems usually use fewer accessories and different flashing products, like foam closures, to install the roof system. Again, this cuts down on costs and speeds up the installation.

NO SEAMING REQUIRED – Exposed fastener systems do not require hand or mechanical seaming of the two panels. Most systems use a lap seam where the edges of each panel overlap the one adjacent to it and are then fastened down together at the same time. This is often why exposed fastener metal roofing tends to be considered the less labor-intensive option when compared to standing seam metal roofing.

PERFORMS RELATIVELY WELL – Exposed fastener systems do hold up to weather conditions relatively well, especially if it’s been correctly installed for its environment. Plus, there typically aren’t broad, flat areas on most of the panels, which helps reduce the visibility of oil canning if it occurs. Also, since you can screw down the entire width of the panel, you have many attachment points to the deck. However, most exposed fastener systems are not engineered to stringent industry standards like standing seam metal roofing is, meaning how the roof will perform isn’t verifiable. Panel testing, if any, varies based on the manufacturer and system being offered. It’s important to ensure that the product you are purchasing has the appropriate testing for the building type and location.

MORE CONTRACTORS HAVE SKILLS & TOOLS TO INSTALL IT – Many contractors promote that they know how to install metal but keep in mind that installing standing seam and installing exposed fastener panels require a much different skill set. Since exposed fastener metal roofing is easier to install, most contractors who install roofing have the necessary knowledge, experience, and tools needed to offer exposed fastener systems to their customers. Installing all metal roofing requires skill as far as lining up the panels, correctly spacing the fasteners, and cutting the panels to match the roof’s geometry, it doesn’t require the same level of craftsmanship as a standing seam metal roofing does.

Disadvantages of Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

MANY ROOF PENETRATIONS – If someone came up to you and told you that they were going to drill a hole in your roof, you would be concerned, right? Exposed fastener metal roofing actually requires installers to make many holes (for fasteners and screws) in the metal that is protecting your structure, which opens the roof up to numerous problems. Most notably: Water penetration and leaking. In fact, springing a leak is one of the most common problems with exposed fastener roofs, primarily because water can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Also, because leaking is a concern, always be cautious of how low of a slope and what type of underlayment you use on your roof for exposed fastener metal roofing systems.

Stand Seam Metal Roofs

is defined as a concealed fastener metal panel system that features vertical legs and a broad, flat area between the two legs. It’s also described as having raised seams, or vertical legs, that rise above the level of the panel’s flat area. Standing seam systems have fasteners that are hidden, whether the panel is attached to the roof deck using a clip or is directly fastened to the deck under the vertical leg utilizing a fastener flange. Standing seam is considered a higher quality system that is commonly used on architectural and commercial buildings.

Advantages of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

NO EXPOSED FASTENERS – Easily one of the most significant benefits of standing seam metal roofing is that no fasteners are visible on the surface, which means they aren’t exposed to UV, moisture, wind, and other elements that can cause a fastener to wear or fail over time. Also, standing seam systems don’t put holes in the panels that are protecting your structure. Plus, some people see fastener heads as unsightly, which is why using a standing seam system to hide them is common. (Note: There are flashing materials and details that require rivets and exposed fasteners to function correctly.)

WARRANTIES – Another safeguard of standing seam systems are the warranties, specifically the weather-tight warranties, which are offered by reputable manufacturers. These warranties promise that the metal roofing system will not leak or fail during specific weather conditions; if it does, the manufacturer is responsible for remediating the issue. (Please note: Most weather-tight warranties are only available for commercial projects.)

ALLOWS FOR THERMAL MOVEMENT – When you restrict the expansion and contraction needed for proper thermal movement of a metal panel, you can run into problems, such as oil canning, fastener withdrawal, increased noise, and more. In standing seam roofing systems, the panels generally aren’t double pinned (if installed to our recommended details), meaning they can expand and contract better. This is especially true if slider/expansion clips are installed or if it’s a snap-lock system where the metal can move freely with a clip.

LONGEVITY & LIFECYCLE– Metal roofing lasts significantly longer and requires less maintenance, especially when compared to other roofing types, such as asphalt shingles or concrete tiles. Since fasteners don’t penetrate the surface of the metal on a standing seam system, regular maintenance to check for withdrawing, loose, or damaged fasteners is even less frequent. However, maintenance on a standing seam roof is still essential and often must need to be performed by a professional contractor. Also, standing seam metal roof systems typically offer a PVDF paint system, which will increase the lifespan of the appearance of your roof.

ENGINEERED SYSTEMS TESTED TO PERFORM TO HIGH STANDARDS – Engineered standing seam metal roof systems are tested to the high standards set forth by industry leaders, including ASTM, UL, and FM Approvals. Requests for engineered construction materials are becoming more and more popular, especially with commercial structures in hurricane and high-wind zones. Engineered standing seam metal roofing systems typically adhere to testing standards for wind uplift, air leakage, water penetration, fire/combustion resistance, and impact resistance.

SLEEK, CONSISTENT, & MODERN LOOK – Standing seam is becoming more and more popular in architectural applications because of its modern and clean look. In addition to the sleek, straight lines offered by these panel systems, the metal can come in virtually any color, including custom colors, to match any structure.

ARCHITECTURAL FREEDOM – Standing seam systems can be used on structures with many different planes and sophisticated, complex designs, which is another reason why architects are specifying these systems more often.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT – Standing seam systems are frequently made with cool roofing coils that have highly reflective paint pigments and highly emissive metal. This means these systems do an excellent job of reflecting the sun’s rays and dispelling the associated radiant heat that other roofing types may retain. In other words, cool roofing can help a building’s cooling system work less to keep the indoors cool. There is also a variety of ENERGY STAR® rated colors and finishes to choose from.

DIFFERENT MATERIAL OPTIONS – Some consumers think that standing seam metal roofing is only available in Galvalume or other steel substrates. In fact, painted aluminum, zinc, and copper are all viable options for standing seam profiles. Remember to look for and ensure that these alternatives are installed to local building codes, as installation methods can vary from steel to these other materials.

MOUNTING OPTIONS– One of the best parts about standing seam is the option to mount items, such as solar panels, snow retention systems, swamp coolers, or other rooftop additions, without penetrating or making any holes in the surface of the roof. For more about reliable mounting clamps and other hardware.

Disadvantages of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

HIGHER COST – One of the most significant drawbacks to standing seam metal roofing is the fact that is can be more expensive when compared to other metal roofing types, especially exposed fastener systems. However, it’s not always the highest price, as metal shingles and other stamped metal materials tend to come in at a higher price, even though stamped materials are often made from 26 gauge or thinner substrates.

LESS QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS AVAILABLE– Finding a contractor who is qualified, skilled, and experienced in a metal roof installation is crucial, especially because standing seam systems require careful craftsmanship. Since standing seam installations may be considered too complicated or tedious, there are far fewer contractors to choose from who have a proven track record and relevant experience.

LABOR-INTENSIVE INSTALLATION PROCESS – For exposed fastener systems, it’s a relatively simple process of putting the material on the roof deck and nailing/screwing it down. For standing seam, it’s much more complex and labor-intensive and may include:

Forming the metal panels using portable (on-site) roll forming or buying from regional manufacturers
Correctly spacing the clips on the panel legs and fastening each one down
For snap-lock systems: Aligning the panels and snapping the legs together
For mechanically seamed systems: Aligning the panels and hand or mechanically seaming the panel legs together
Making any necessary slits in the metal to account for roof plans, geometry, and flashing areas

NOT FOR USE ON A FLAT ROOFING STRUCTURE – Standing seam systems are not suitable for buildings or homes that have a roof below a .5/12 pitch (mechanical seam). These flatter pitches do not allow water to adequately drain, which could lead to premature degradation, color changes, and the overall failure of the panel system. Furthermore, snap-lock systems should not be installed below a 3/12 pitch.

HARDER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE – If damage or another issue occurs with one panel or a smaller section of the roof, it can be tough to replace efficiently because each individual panel must be separated from the ones that are staying on the structure. This process can be especially tedious for mechanically seamed systems, as each panel will need un-seamed and the sealant will also need to be removed/broken through.