If considering a new roof for one’s home there are a number of options available. Some of those options include the use of traditional asphalt shingles, concrete tile and metal roofing. Each of these types of roof have their own unique advantages as well as specific costs associated with their use.

For example if considering the use of metal roofing panels it is important to know about this type of roofing product, benefits associated with this choice and how the roofing panels are applied.

About Metal Roofing Panels

The use of metal roofing panels are a practical, earth friendly and economical way of roofing a business or residence. Typically, metal roofing panels are a combination of different metals. Those metals include aluminum, copper and zinc. Additionally, the blended metals are covered with 26 gauge steel.

This combination of metals makes for a light weight roofing product that generally weighs around one pound per square foot. In addition, the cost of metal roofing panels can range from .50 to $6.00 per square foot.

Benefits

There are many advantages associated with the use of metal roofing panels. Some of those advantages for the consumer are financial as well as time saving. This is because when an individual uses metal roofing panels as a roof covering they can anticipate that covering to last at least 30 years. This product longevity along with minimal maintenance can be a tremendous cost savings for the individual or business.

One other associated advantage when an individual installs metal roofing panels are the energy savings that the individual will experience. This also, in turn, represents a cost savings.

How Metal Roofing Panels Are Applied

Metal roofing panels are generally manufactured in long panels. These panels are then attached to the plywood that overlays the roofing frame. Generally, between the metal roofing panels and the plywood is a layer of felt. This felt helps to absorb the pelting sound of the rain on the metal roofing panels. Additionally, as part of the construction process, there is added insulation that is installed. This added insulation is installed between the plywood on the roof and the installed dry wall.

Also, the roofing panels made of metal may be corrugated. These corrugated metal roofing panels are usually made of galvanized iron. Corrugated simply means that the metal is pressed together to give the appearance of being folded. This process strengthens the product to make it more durable.

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Replacing a roof is not a chore everyone wants to confront and most homeowners look for ways to make the time between re-roofing longer. Metal roof products have been around for a few decades and newer styles and colors are making the metal roofing products more popular than ever, as they are designed to last the lifetime of the house.

Available in a multitude of colors, there are also different designs for different types of architecture. Some of the metal roofing products are designed to look similar to wood shake shingles and others to resemble typical asphalt shingles. For roof surfaces with a high pitch, metal roofing products appear to be vertical siding and can add to the structure’s appeal, especially with color coordinated to the rest of the metal roof.

There are some advantages to installing metal roofing products, the first of which is the durability. Whether it is steel, aluminum or copper it will probably last as long as the house, but if you do not plan to stay in the house for a long time, you probably will not realize the cost savings over the years. The initial investment will be higher than traditional asphalt shingles, but for those who plan to stay in the house for a long time it can be a good investment.

Snow No Match For Metal Roofing Products

During the winter when snow falls, the metal roof will warm quickly from the sun, helping to melt the snow and keep the roof clear. On the down side, not everyone will be thrilled listening to rain beating on a metal roof and being in a house with metal roofing products can be unnerving in a heavy downpour or in a hailstorm. However, there are insulating products available to deaden the noise on the inside.

Hail can also damage metal roofing products as can other hard items that happen to hit the roof. Although there are many dent-resistant products, there may still be some damage if proper precautions are not taken.

Metal roofs are fire resistant and are typically given a Class A fire rating. However, if the roof was installed over an asphalt roof, that material will burn and could cause the fire to become hot enough to melt the metal roofing products.

Installation of metal roofing products is usually quicker as most come in sections or sheets and a contractor can install them considerably faster than traditional shingles. They are also good on roofs with little slope.

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Finding a good roofing contractor can be a bit like finding a good used car salesman.  You never can quite tell the truth from the exaggerations.  A roof in Wisconsin has to be able to take extremes in weather – from blizzards, searing heat to gale-force winds.  Wisconsin roofing contractors have to be more trustworthy.  Your home depends on it.

Questions, Questions

You know the old saying, “You never know if you don’t ask”?  When it comes to choosing a Wisconsin roofer, that’s precisely the saying you want to keep in mind.Roofing contractors don’t stay in business long if they do shoddy work.  Word gets around, and watchdog groups like the Better Business Bureau or even your local news television station will shut them down. 

Ask around to people you trust who’ve lived in Wisconsin a long time.  Ask them to recommend any good Wisconsin roofing contractors to you.  Also ask the National Roofing Contractor’s Association (NRCA) and the Wisconsin Roofing Contractors Association (WRCA).  They have user friendly websites or you can call them.  The WRCA’s phone number is 414-227-1230.  Members of either group must pay to be a member, but they also get training, news and the latest methods of roofing.  You can also request installation manuals from the NRCA and see if your roofer follows the recommended directions, just to be sure.

When talking to your prospective Wisconsin roofing company, he or she should not be bothered by any of your questions, so ask them all.Find out how long they’ve been in business, if they can provide references, what kind of warrantees do they provide, where can they be reached if there’s a problem, and if they need to be paid all at once or in installments.Good Wisconsin roofing contractors should be able to coherently explain why and how they’re going to install or fix your roof.

Get It In Writing

It is very important to get as many details about the estimate in writing, including costs of materials, labor, how long the job going to take, what safety precautions does he or she take, and what are the guarantees, and who pays any hospital bills if he or she is injured doing your roof?  You may need to take out a bank loan to pay for the job, so your bank is going to need all of this carefully detailed information.  Good Wisconsin roofing contractors will understand and try to help you as much as possible – so he or she can get paid!

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