Toronto roofing contractors & metal roofing installations by London Eco Roof

Fact or Fiction? Top Myths About Metal Roofing

Metal roofing provides sustainable energy efficiency and versatile elegance perfect for the 21^st century. Metal construction overall has enjoyed growing popularity over the last decade as homeowners, commercial business owners, and institutions have opted for green construction. However, metal roofing pros and cons are often plagued by myths. Fact or fiction? Let’s find out.

Myth 1: Lightning Hits Metal Roofs More Often

Perhaps one of the longest lasting myths about metal roofing remains the idea that lightning is attractive to metal roofs. However, lightning actually hits the closest, usually tallest, object as it heads towards the earth. Believe it or not, even if your home is struck by lightning, metal roofing is not flammable, one of the key factors to consider when listing metal roofing pros and cons.

So not only does metal roofing NOT attract lightning, it protects you from fire in the odd, very random, chance that your home is struck during a storm.

Myth 2: Hail Destroys Metal Roofs

Metal roofs enjoy lasting durability that greatly outlasts traditional asphalt shingles. Does this include hail? Yes. Hail does not dent metal roofing. In fact, metal is ideal for harsh weather conditions, unlike asphalt shingles.

Myth 3: Metal Roofs are LOUD

Contemporary metal roofs have a roof deck that insulates from sound. A century ago metal roofing, like traditional barn roofing, may have been loud during a storm. Today insulation protects inhabitants from loud noises. Speak with your contractor about how to enhance the insulation of your home for even more quiet peace.

Myth 4: Metal Roofs Rust

Today metal roofs have a special coat that protects against moisture, weathering, and rust. Additionally, metal is not susceptible to fire, critters, mold, or termites. The special roofing paint protects your home for decades.

Call our trusted staff today about metal roof installation. We are ready to answer any question you may have about metal roofs. Our friendly staff is ready to help you. Contact us.

Best Practices for Tight Metal Roof Seams

Metal roofing provides additional protection, sustainability, aesthetic elegance, and energy efficiency. However, your metal roofing suppliers and contractors must use best practices for weathertight seams to ensure that you enjoy each of these benefits. Unfortunately, not all contractors spend the time necessary to ensure that your installation runs smoothly. This can cause serious structural and aesthetic issues from misalignment, roof leaks, and serious damage.

Find the Right Contractor

Like most construction, your structure will only be as good as your contractor. Choose a quality seasoned contractor with years of experience. Your metal roof suppliers should give you the best materials possible for your climate and building project. Speak with our talented friendly staff about the specifics of your construction project. We will do our best to meet your needs. Proper management and installation are key during installation. Be sure to hire the right people.

Equipment Needs

The equipment requirements differ depending on the type of project. Be sure that the equipment used is from the right manufacturer and is in top notch shape. The wrong equipment can ruin your metal panels and seams.

Hand Crimper and Electric Seaming

Metal panels are often sealed with metal clips. Speak with your contractor about hand tooling and the seaming process. You may need an electric seamer to finish the job. You will need at least 10 amps and 120 volts to run the equipment. A dedicated electrical circuit is best. Avoid surges by speaking with your contractor about the needs. You also need a 10 gauge minimum cord less than two hundred feet for the best power. Generators cannot provide enough energy to run the electric seamer.

Safety and Cleaning

Installation can be dangerous. Be sure that you choose qualified contractors with years of experience. The electrical seamers are heavy and cause harm. They should be tied off with safety line. Keep unnecessary personnel away from the site. Remove debris and oil from the electric seamer. Check the grease level each day. Add a little grease from a grease gun as needed.

Follow these simple best practices during metal roof installation. Contact our seasoned professionals today about your project. Our friendly staff will answer all of your questions. Call us. We look forward to hearing from you.

What You Need to Know Before You Install a Metal Roof

Metal roofing provides you with an attractive long-lasting upgrade to your home. Consider metal roofing pros and cons. For example, metal roofing provides additional energy efficiency and last for half a century. Additionally, metal roofs withstand harsh weather and are flame-resistant. What do you need to know before you install your new metal roof?

Materials

Metal roofs can be made of numerous materials. Each type of metal roofing has its own sets of pros and cons. You will need to consider the material carefully before construction. Some of the most popular metal roofing materials can be:

Tin
Copper
Aluminum
Steel
Zinc
Corrugated Metal Roof Panels

Galvanized steel and aluminum remain the most popular types of metal roofing. Both lightweight and rustproof, aluminum provides a great option for coastal regions. Galvanized steel over an asphalt roof almost eliminates external noise. Galvanized steel withstands denting and damage. Like all metal roofing, steel and aluminum are fire-resistant.

Copper is the costliest option. Copper does not require additional painting and does not rust. Over time copper gains a beautiful classic patina. Most homeowners reserve copper for more ornate aspects of their home. Copper withstands fire, harsh weather, and rusting easily.

Cost

The overall cost of the roof depends on several factors. What time of year will you be installing your roof? What materials have you chosen? How large is your roof? Additionally, you can save considerably by installing your metal roof over an existent asphalt roof. Call us today to discuss how you can save labor costs and build the roof of your dreams.

Versatile Styles

Metal roofing has numerous styles for every taste and budget. You can choose from shingles, single-seam roofing, and other options. We have a wide variety of colors and finishes to match your overall home aesthetic.

Call our seasoned professionals today. We are happy to help you with your roof construction needs. Contact us now.

Does Snow Melt Faster on a Metal Roof?

Ice damming, leaking, and snow buildup can cause serious issues for your home during the harsh winter. Many homeowners find that metal roof snow guards can help reduce ice damming considerably. But did you know that metal roofing both prevents ice dams and can reduce snow buildup overall? The metal roofing system uses a combination of gravity load, roof color, other systems to melt the snow and prevent snow buildup and ice damming

What Causes Ice Damming?

Overall, ice damming occurs when melted snow runs down a roof and hits colder areas of the roof at the eaves. The melted snow then re-freezes. Metal roof snow guards prevent this from happening. Ice damming often occurs when the temperatures are extremely cold and the sun does not melt the entire roof. Instead, the “hot spots” on the roof cause snowmelt on only parts of the roof. Ice damming can also form when snow “packs” and does not slide off the roof.

Snow and Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has a system to increase snowmelt overall. The snow accumulates and lets gravity force the snow downward to avoid buildup. You can help this process by choosing specific roof colors that help increase snowmelt. High-quality metal roofing will have no side effects of ice melting.

Snow Guards

During very harsh winters, ice and snow dams can cause serious harm to property and people. Snow guards hold snow. They prevent ice and snow from falling off the roof and causing damage or injury. The snow is released in small amounts. This minimizes harm to property and people.

You don’t want an avalanche of snow and ice to fall. The guards are ideal for steep roofs with noticeably slick roofs. However, you may not want snow guards on low pitched roofs. Speak with a professional before installing any barriers on your roof.

Call our seasoned professionals today about how metal roof installation and how to protect your roof in the winter. We can help you keep your home safe. Contact us today.

Do Metal Roofs Rust?

Metal roofs provide extra protection and insulation for your home. Whether you opt for aluminum, stainless steel, copper, or another type of insulated metal roof panels, you might have some concerns regarding rust. While traditionally centuries-old metal roofs did have a classic red rust patina, today modern technology prevents rusting.

Dispelling the Myth of the Rusty Roof

As a homeowner, you might think that a metal roof will end up deteriorating over time. However, today the metal sheets and coils that become insulated metal panels have a special coat engineered to withstand rust formation. This protective coating prevents rusting considerably. You can enjoy your metal roof for over half a century or more. Add protective paint systems to further help prevent corrosion.

Galvalume®

Engineers use many protective coats to protect your metal roof from rust. Galvalume® has a protective coating of aluminum, zinc, and silicone. The core substrate is steel. Manufacturers hot-dip the steel with the protective coating. The combination of strength and low-cost makes your roof rust-resistant. Engineers designed Galvalume® to have self-healing properties.

Aluminum

If you live in a coastal region, aluminum roofing will protect your home more than steel. Why? The constant salt causes rust and corrosion over time. However, aluminum takes longer to corrode than steel. Additionally, the white aluminum rust blends in with most roofing materials, avoiding that old “red rust” look. Speak with our roofing professionals about which material is best for your region.

Other Materials

Zinc will develop a patina layer called zinc carbonite. Zinc carbonite protects from corrosion over time. Stainless steel has rust-resistant qualities. Copper roofing develops a protective patina, as well.

Maintenance

Like any roof, your metal roof needs regular maintenance to prevent rusting. Although you will not have to replace and repair your metal roof with the same frequency as traditional asphalt roofs, you will need to take care of any scratches, dents, and perforations to prevent damage.

Call us today about installing a metal roof for your home. Our friendly experienced professionals are ready to help you.

The Rise of Metal Construction

Metal roofing has surged in popularity as homeowners and commercial business owners opt for sustainable construction options. The metal architecture design and construction has a century-old history. This roofing replaced traditional wood and slate starting in the 1800s.

Early Metal Roofing Construction

Roofs traditionally made of slate and wood suffered from deterioration and fire damage. Metal architecture design and construction did not start until the early 1800s. Occasionally builders would use copper or lead to cover traditional wood surfaces.

American Robert Morris manufactured sheet iron in the 1790s. England followed up by corrugating iron in 1829, developed by British architect and engineer Henry Palmer. The corrugation allowed for more malleability and design potential. The London Dock Company developed strong material. It exhibited strength, corrosion resistance, and was relatively transportable.

Global Growth

From there, the French developed galvanized materials, treating the metal with zinc to prevent rusting. Soon the new metal roofing covered factories and post offices throughout Europe, India, New Zealand, Australia, and North America.

By the 1900s industry had adopted metal roofing panels for construction. Primarily used for industrial and commercial purposes, metal roofing took a few decades before residential use gained popularity.

Tinplate Roofing

Canadian builders adopted tinplate iron roofing throughout the 1900s. Lightweight, low-maintenance, and low-cost, tinplate roofing remained popular. Terne plate, a similar material that was dipped in tin and lead, was used at the same time. Often the two types of construction seemed similar.

Contemporary Construction

Today metal construction has proven sustainability. Builders use it in residential, commercial, institutional, and architectural construction. Metal roofing last for over fifty years with little maintenance or corrosion. Sustainable metal construction technology is the future.

Why You Need to Upgrade to Metal Roofing in 2019

Want the benefits of a fireproof, long-lasting, and attractive roof? Residential roofing has countless benefits to both homeowners and the environment. With countless metal roof options, impressive longevity, and safety that beats traditional asphalt roofing in any contest, savvy homeowners today are choosing metal roofs.

Proven Performance for 50 Years!

Depending on your climate, expect to change a traditional asphalt roof every fifteen to twenty years. Homes that experience harsh weather conditions like freezing temperatures, significant precipitation, high winds, or large amounts of snow need to be maintained considerably. Metal roof options include anything from attractive shingles that mimic traditional roofing options to more architectural styles.

Yet each type has one thing in common: Your metal roof will last for a lifetime.

Metal roofing has a longevity of half a century or more with relatively little maintenance. While metal roofing has a higher upfront cost, homeowners save thousands of dollars. Metal roofs suffer minimal damage over time. They are not affected by termites, mold, and moisture like traditional roofing.

Most homeowners only install a metal roof once in their lifetime!

Fireproof and Wind Resistant

With natural disasters, wildfires, and massive storm systems cropping up more and more each year, having a reliable roof to protect your home and family is a must. The interlocking panels of a metal roof means that you don’t have to worry about leaks, flying shingles, and serious damage when that next snowstorm or high winds hit.

Metal is fireproof. During a fire, your roof is resistant to any flying embers that might ignite. Your home will be protected. Save damage and lives.

Energy Efficiency

Finally, your new metal roof will save you money in energy. This sustainable form of green construction keeps your home cooler in the summer and locks in heat. Call us today to find out how we can help you install your new metal roof. Talk with our talented professionals.

4 Components of a Professionally Installed Metal Roof

Professional roofing installation ensures that you will enjoy over fifty years of security and protection for your home. What are some of the key components of a professionally installed roof by metal roof suppliers?

Long Life Fasteners

Homeowners new to metal roofing may not be as familiar with installation as with other traditional roofing options like asphalt. What should you ask your metal roof suppliers during installation? What do you need to know as a homeowner? You want a roof that has been installed properly, meaning that it has been secured and will not leak or gain moisture.

One of the key components for this is the long-life fastener. These fasteners significantly increase overall performance of your roof. No matter whether you use a standing seam panel or R panel, you need to have fasteners that will not rust over time, especially if they are exposed to the elements.

Weathertight Seams

A standing seam roof can be susceptible to leaks if not properly installed. The seaming equipment should match the roof panel system. Hand crimpers help form the roof’s seams, minimizing leaks and damage. Electric seamers finish off the roof.

Proper Panel Alignment

Whether you use Snap Lok or Mechanical Seaming, make sure that the roof is aligned properly. This will increase overall longevity. The roof will safely expand and contract. Watch for modularity of the roofing installation as well as substrate squareness. The clips allow the roof to contract and expand independently from the substrate.

Professional Contractors

It cannot be stressed enough that the most important component of a properly installed metal roof is an experienced team of contractors. Your contractors need years of experience in installing metal roofs. Our friendly staff has specific training and experience to ensure that they keep labor costs low while also reaching a high standard of excellence. Call us today about installing your new metal roof.

Why You Need Fire Resistant Roofing

With natural disasters like wildfires and the high flammability of older homes, finding the right fire-resistant roofing materials may save your home and your life. Even in places that are not susceptible to dry climates, older flammable materials provide a substantial risk to homeowners and their families. Metal roofing is resistant to flames and provides extra protection. Let’s explore the pros of cons of metal roofing and other materials.

The Basics of Fire Resistance

Fire resistance is based on continuous tests. Looking at the pros and cons of metal tiles? One of the key benefits of metal tiles is that they provide a fire-resistant Class A protection. Class A roof protection means that your metal roof withstands severe fire exposure. This means that your home has extra protection from fire – whether manmade or from a natural disaster. Class B materials are often combustible materials coated in a protective chemical to reduce (but not eliminate) flammability.

The Dangers of Class C

Class C roofing is highly susceptible to fires. Wood shingles and shakes, plywood, and particle board will only survive light fires. Today’s safety conscious homeowners will choose much safer innovative materials.

The Power of Metal

Why choose metal? Traditional roofing and construction materials are susceptible to flammable materials. This can be anything from a lightning strike to a stray burning ember in the wind from a forest fire. Protect your home and your family. Reduce damage and save lives. Metal roofing and insulation is non-corrosive. Metal materials can be found in a number of unique styles and colors.

Contact our talented professionals today about your construction needs. We are happy to answer your questions. Enjoy our superior customer service and years of quality experience.

What Usually Causes Ice Damming?

Ice dams affect homes in harsh cold regions. They are a way of life. Can ice dams form on metal roofs? What are some of the key problems that lead to ice damming? How can you prevent ice dams? Let’s find out.

Ice Dam Basics

Ice dams are large ice chunks formed along the margins of your roof. Water melting behind the ice can seep back up under your shingles. Can ice dams form on metal roofs? Metal roofing considerably reduces ice damming overall. The excess water can lead to damage to your ceilings, walls, and home.

Hot Attics

If you do not have enough insulation in your attic then you can end up with an ice dam. A hot attic in a home that is not energy efficient can lead to damage from ice dams. This can also happen when an attic has poor ventilation. Have a home energy audit completed to assess how you can make your home more energy efficient.

Changing Temperatures

While you can work to make your home more energy efficient by installing metal roofing and insulating your attic, sometimes the extremes of temperature change can lead to ice damming. For example, ice dams occur when there are extreme fluctuations between night and day. Remove as much snow as possible from your roof if you know that there will be extreme differences in the weather.

Heat from the Sun

Snow melts under the sun’s rays, even when the temperatures hover below freezing. Radiant heat can be unpredictable. Removing the snow from your roof will help reduce any damage from ice damming due to the sun’s radiant heat.

Freezing Point

When the temperature hovers right around freezing or just under the freezing level, ice dams will form. Once again, roof raking will help reduce ice damming. By taking preventative measures like an energy audit, raking your roof, and keeping your home energy efficient, you will reduce the overall negative effects of ice damming.

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