Toronto roofing contractors & metal roofing installations by London Eco Roof

Are Insulated Panels Affordable?

Utilizing insulated metal panels (IMPs) within building projects has become one of the most innovative developments within the construction industry. Used as interior cladding, exterior roofing, inner-room partitions – you name it! These panels combine durability with versatility; reducing overall construction time, increasing structural lifespan, and minimizing both operating costs and maintenance responsibilities. But how much will they cost you?

How Much Do Insulated Panels Cost?

At first glance, IMPs may seem more costly than traditional building materials. However, it is important to consider the many advantages of constructing with IMPs. Because IMPs are pre-fabricated and lightweight, they are far easier than traditional building materials to install. They also easily achieve airtightness and insulation levels with no extra work. This means building time will be quicker AND cheaper. So, while IMPs may be more expensive to buy upfront, over the whole project, the costs will only be 3 to 5% more.

Saving Over The Long Term

It is also important to consider how IMPs will save you money over the long term. Their insulation and reflective properties keep cold air in and hot air out – or vice versa during the winter. Leading to huge savings in terms of heating and cooling costs. IMPs also lend themselves to a long shelf life which requires minimum maintenance; saving you repair and replacement costs that are unfounded in traditional building materials. Don’t forget to consider the unexpected. Durable metal panels can resist hurricane force winds and can also help protect your business from fire thanks to their flame resistant foam core.

While up-front costs may seem higher, it is important to bear in mind all the ways IMPs save you money in the long run. From labor to maintenance to energy efficiency. Metal panels are a wonderful, eco-friendly, and long-lasting investment to make for your home or building. Wondering which style of IMPs is right for your project? Contact our team today to learn more! We will be happy to answer any of your questions at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com!

Do Insulated Panels Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer?

An overbearing sun may be okay if you’re visiting the tropics. But you likely don’t want the same conditions beaming into your building or home. This is why it is important to fortify your building with insulated metal panels (IMPs). IMPs are one of the best ways to protect against intense summer rays, keeping your home cool and comfortable.

Why Are Houses Hot In Summer?

For most traditional home builds, there is very little between the wall material and the sun. Heat transfer caused by conduction through the wall begins, and as heat flows from hot to cold, the heat from the sun will enter your home and be absorbed by the cool air coming from your air conditioner. As a result you will need to run the air conditioner longer and harder to maintain a comfortable room temperature. Obviously, the longer and harder you run your A.C., the more money you will need to spend to stay cool.

How Do IMPs Help?

IMPs reduce heat transfer thanks to their high R-Value and a low thermal conductivity. This provides your building with a superior thermal performance. As a form of continuous insulation, there are no gaps or pockets left unprotected, and they are even air tight around the joints. All of which will help keep the heat out and your cool air in!

IMPs Go Beyond Heat

IMPs can also help protect against moisture infiltration caused by humidity. If your home does not have a proper vapor barrier, when the vapor penetrates the walls, moisture will then get trapped in the insulation and become wet. Hello, mold that can lead to allergies and other illnesses. Luckily, with properly installed IMPs you can eliminate the fear of these harmful penetrations. With no gaps or joints left unprotected, IMPs are the perfect way to keep your building both air and weather-tight over its lifetime.

Aside from IMPs, metal roofs are also a great way to keep your home cool during the Summer. Modern metal roofs have been designed to efficiently reflect more heat and can reduce your cooling cost by as much as 25%! Interested in IMPs or Roofing Panels for your home? Contact our team today to learn more. We will be happy to answer any of your questions at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com!

Is Metal Roofing Lightweight?

You likely haven’t put much thought into how much your roof weighs. But once you start to consider the question, it becomes obvious how important this detail really is. The roof is one of the largest features of your home. After all, it covers the entire house! Depending on the materials used in its construction, a residential roof on a 2,500-square-foot home can weigh as much as 50,000 pounds. That’s equivalent to having five full-grown African elephants up there.

Weight of Metal Roofs

Luckily, roofs come in many different materials – including our favorite, metal! On top of boasting environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, metal roofs also come in at the lowest weight among all “standard” roofing materials. Did we mention they hold up better than the rest of the materials too? The average weight of 100 square feet of different metal panels is as follows:

45 pounds: aluminum shingles
80 pounds: steel shingles
120-150 pounds: steel standing seam

Cons of a Heavy Roof

A well-constructed home can easily support a roof weighing up to 50,000 pounds. However, the homes structural and support materials weaken over time. And if the weight of the roof is too much, the aging home is more likely to move and shift underneath it all. Extremely strong windstorms and, even worse – earthquakes, can wreak havoc with the structure of an older home. And in the event of a fire, a heavier roof is more likely to collapse and cause further damage. Now is also a good time to mention that metal roofs are also highly fire and flame resistant.

So why should you consider a light metal roof? Not only for the above benefits, but also for their durability, insulating properties, fire-resistance and their ability to keep looking great decade after decade Metal panels are a wonderful, eco-friendly, and long-lasting investment to make for your home. If you would like to learn more about your metal roofing options, contact our qualified team of professionals at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com.

Are Metal Panels Eco-Friendly?

We make decisions every day that contribute to our overall carbon footprint. Reusable bags at the grocery store or declining a printed receipt are some small steps we can take. But as home or building owners, there are even bigger moves we can make that have a larger impact. One such decision is building with metal panels. Whether you plan to use these panels for side cladding or for a roof, the sustainability benefits are the same. So what is it about metal panels that make them so eco-friendly?

100% Recyclable

Metal panels contain a high percent of recycled materials – your wall cladding could have been a refrigerator or automobile in its past life. And when the lifecycle of your panels eventually come to an end, the material can be recycled yet again! When the service life of a metal roof ends (decades after installation), the material can be recycled yet again.

Energy Efficienct

According to data from ENERGY STAR, heating and cooling can account for up to 50% or more of a home’s total utility consumption. The use of metal roofing can help with energy efficiency through solar radiation reflection if you use unpainted metal, or by increased re-emittance of solar radiation with pre-painted or granular coating metal roofing systems.

Incredible Life Span

While recyclability and energy efficiency are great reasons to choose metal, the biggest reason people use this material is its long shelf life. Roof shingles have a life expectancy of 20 years; compare that to a metal roof’s expectancy of anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Not only does this save you money in the long run, but avoids asphalt shingles finding their way into landfills every 20 years.

Other Reasons

There are plenty of other factors that make metal panels eco-friendly. They are the perfect material for collecting rainwater thanks to their anti-microbial paint systems. They’re also able to shed large materials easily without the range of crevices and cracks for those materials to adhere to. Metal panels also have the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any regularly used building material, so they’re ideal for solar panel installation.

For these reasons and more, metal panels lend themselves to the best that sustainable buildings have to offer. Protecting the earth and your bottom line. Contact our team today to learn more. We will be happy to answer any of your questions at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com!

What is the Lifespan of a Metal Roof?

If you are considering making the upgrade to a metal roof, you probably have a lot of questions. Such as, can a metal roof withstand my local climate? How hard will a metal roof be maintained? Are there energy benefits to a metal roof? And perhaps the most important – how long will this investment last me? Good news! Metal roofs are known for more than their good looks; they are also known for their long lifespan!

So What Is The Expected Lifespan of a Metal Roof?

When it comes to the lifespan of traditional roofing materials, metals are unrivaled in their longevity. In fact, the majority of metal roofs can often last 50 to 100 years with the proper care and maintenance. Compare this to other asphalt shingles, which last between 10 and 20 years. And homeowners can rest easy knowing that when the gig is up, their metal roofs can be 100% recycled.

What Factors Contribute to the Lifespan of a Metal Roof?

Metal roofs are better able to withstand the slight contraction and expansion that comes with changing temperatures. Because of this adaptability, they are far more durable than conventional roofing materials. They also have the highest impact resistance and hail rating!
Metal roofs are not susceptible to cracking and crumbling when exposed to high UV like shingles are.
Thanks to their overlapping construction and protective sealant, metal roofs are far less likely to experience water damage compared to other roofing structures.
Metal roofs are unattractive to pests, such as termites. Making them far less exposed to outer factors that would challenge the roof’s integrity.

Ways To Ensure Your Metal Roof’s Longevity.

Ensuring the longevity of your metal roof is easy with proper care and maintenance! You should clean your metal roof at least once per year, but ideally after the change of each season. Don’t forget to clean gutters, drains, and other debris from the surface of the roof. Structural maintenance is also important, albeit a bit more in-depth. You should have your panel seams inspected at least once per year and make sure areas in need of new/more sealant are attended to.

Metal panels are a wonderful, eco-friendly, and long-lasting investment to make for your home. If you would like to learn more about your metal roofing options, contact our qualified team of professionals at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com.

Using Metal Wall Panels In Construction

Utilizing metal panels within building projects has become one of the most innovative developments within the construction industry. Used as interior cladding, exterior roofing, inner-room partitions – you name it! These wall panels combine durability with versatility; reducing overall construction time, increasing structural lifespan, and minimizing both operating costs and maintenance responsibilities. What ways can metal panels be used in your next construction project?

Metal Wall Panels Can Be Used Anywhere In Construction

One of the main benefits of metal wall panels is their versatility! On the exterior, they can replace traditionally heavy wall cladding, such as concrete or masonry products. Panels could even be used to create a roof decking or smaller details such as trims. On the interior, metal panels can replace conventional materials such as wood or drywall . Creating unique wall and ceiling surfaces that are strong and aesthetically pleasing. In both applications, the panels can be used as the entire material or as an accent – creating a focal point on the structure.

Metal Wall Panels Can Be Used In Any Type of Construction

Industrial, agricultural, commercial, residential. It doesn’t matter what sort of structure you are erecting, metal wall panels can be used within it. This is in part due to the hundreds of available styles and finishes. The panels can be flat or have varying types of ridges; they can be smooth or have one of many different textures. They are available with natural metal finishes, clear coated, painted in any number of colors or even as composite panels with metal or veneered wood surfaces. Metal wall panels also come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to better accommodate your intended application.

Tips For Achieving Optimal Performance From Your Metal Wall Panels

In order to get the most benefits out of your metal wall panels, you have to incorporate them into your construction project appropriately. The construction team should:

Pay attention to joint detailing between the interior and exterior walls to avoid thermal bridging.
Seal around door and window openings with a sealant that can withstand your local climate.

Metal wall panels are an excellent option for taking your construction prooject to the next level. When installed properly, your wall panels can provide a sustainable, durable, and low-maintenance material for years to come. Wondering if we can help with your next construction project? We will be happy to answer any of your questions at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com!

Do Metal Panels Trap or Repel Heat?

“Will a metal roof or panels make my home hotter?” One of the most common questions we receive as metal roof contractors. With an answer that surprises many homeowners, as a metal roof can actually help make your home cooler! This is due to two separate factors: the metal material and finish, as well as the construction or assembly of the structure. Let’s dig deeper to find how metal panels trap or repel heat.

Material Matters

Different metals conduct heat differently. You could, for example, have a roof made entirely of copper. A totally copper roof would be an excellent conductor of heat. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is a very poor conductor of heat. On top of the material, both the color and finish of the metal will affect its heat absorbency and retention. So yes, a metal roof will certainly heat up when exposed to direct sunlight. But throw a reflective finish on the panel and you have a far cooler roof than asphalt.

Construction

While the material and color will certainly affect the amount of heat collected by your roof, the biggest contributor to heat transferring to the home below is the type of construction between the roof and the home. How well that room ventilates plays an important role in controlling the ambient temperature. Once proper ventilation is established, ceiling insulation should be considered. The more there is, the less will be conducted into the room below. To help keep your home cool, some metal roof installers will include above sheathing ventilation (ASV). This system allows air to flow between your roof sheathing and the insulation, then get released. That means less heat energy is absorbed by your home.

Metal roofing is one of the most energy efficient materials available to homeowners and can help lower the energy used to cool off your house. Instead of absorbing all the sun’s heat, metal works to keep the hot air out, which in turn reduces how much air conditioning you need.

So there you have it! With proper installation, metal panels or roofs can keep your home cooler as opposed to trapping heat. Wondering if metal panels are suitable for your next project? We will be happy to answer any of your questions at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com!

How To Plan A Metal Roof Project

Choosing a new roof for your home is an exciting and critical time. This roof must last you for years to come; while remaining durable as well as aesthetically pleasing. Luckily, when you choose to go with a metal roof, you choose an attractive and functional material with long lasting strength. That being said, planning for this type of structure is not as simple as saying “I want a metal roof!” There are a wide range of colors, styles, capabilities, and costs surrounding the different types of metal. With so much variation, the advice from an expert can do wonders for clarifying which roof is right for you. Follow these tips to help you plan for your metal roof today!

Research And Decide On A Budget

As with all major purchases, establishing a budget is one of the primary steps you should take. You can begin by researching the average types and associated costs of metal roofs in your area. Bear in mind that while some roofs may be made of the same material, varying finishes will come with their own additional costs. From here, you can plan how much you should save to purchase your new metal roof.

Choose A Metal That Is Compatible With Your Home

Before even considering styles or colors, you should consider which material is the most compatible with your home. This includes how well the metal withstands your local climate as well as how well it can function with the other aspects of your house. Will the metal be exposed to high winds, a lot of rain or snow fall, or are you in a tropical area with a lot of salt in the air? Is your area dry or humid? Will the roof be built on top of an existing one, or is this a new construction?

Choose A Style You Enjoy

One of the beauties of metal roofing is that you have a wide variety of panel styles to choose from. You may like the look of true standing seams or corrugated, perhaps you would like to replicate the look of shingles or slates. Personal preference will play a huge role in which style you plan for. Some homeowners may even consider how their roof will look amongst others in the neighborhood. Whichever style you decide on can set your home apart in terms of beauty and distinction.

Research Contractors In Your Area

Ideally, the Contractor for your metal roof installation should have an eye for design paired with an excellent reputation. Get a feeling about their client history by not only exploring portfolios, but by reading reviews. After completing your due diligence on several reputable companies, it’s time to ask for estimates. Consider your budget and their expertise when finalizing your decision.

Your next step is choosing a start date and voila! You will soon be preparing for your new metal roof installation. Wondering if we can help with your next project? We will be happy to answer any of your questions at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com!

How To Select Trim For Metal Roofing

Your roof does so much more than protect your home from the elements. Your roof is the cherry on top, the final piece of the puzzle, and the detail that can make or break your home. While you are familiar with the varying colors, textures, and finishes available for your overall roofing structure, the trim may have escaped your mind. Don’t forget about the gables and eaves either! These smaller, but still pertinent details, play a major role in how your home looks. If you want your home to look its best, keep these factors in mind when selecting trim for your metal roof.

Your Home’s Exterior

Consider your home’s exterior. All the way from the doors, to its siding to its windows. Even consider the landscaping. You will notice that your home has its own unique, distinct sense of flair. The roof, trim, and all the little bits in between should enhance and compliment these details.

Your Desired Look

Remember that colors can be combined to influence perceptions. For example, selecting a trim color that complements your home’s siding can give your home a vintage feel, where the color scheme is reminiscent of the past. On the other hand, choosing a trim color that is in contrast to the palette used across the rest of your home lends itself to a more expressive, creative, and attention-grabbing appeal. You can also choose colors that look like metal, such as platinum or slate gray. These can give your metal roofing trim a fashionable, trend-setting appearance.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs deliver long lasting beauty and performance, while simultaneously saving on energy costs. Metal roofing utilizing cool colors are known to have energy savings ranging from 7%-15% of overall cooling costs. Because more heat is reflected, energy bills are lowered. Cool painted metal roofs also retain 95% of their initial reflectance and emittance over time. Equaling a longer lifespan over conventional roofing systems. When choosing your trim, you may consider these cooler colors as well.

Want to learn more about your metal roofing and trim options? Get in touch with our team today to learn more. We will be happy to answer any of your questions at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com!

Aesthetic Benefits of Metal Roofing

Not only does a metal roof transform your home aesthetically, but provides a host of other benefits incomparable to other roofing materials. Metal roofs are environmentally friendly, low maintenance, light weight, protective, durable, and versatile. But if you are looking for that unique detail that will truly set your home apart – metal roofs are the clear choice. What are some of the many aesthetic benefits of metal roofing?

Metal Roofs Are Versatile

From cape cods and contemporary style homes to tiny houses and cabins, there is no home that a metal roof won’t work well on. Any home or building can possess a stunning profile utilizing metal panels thanks to their:

Vast Array of Colors and Finishes: Whether you are going after neutral and natural tones or bold pops of color, there’s a metal panel to suit your style. Looking to add depth to your home? Textured panels are the perfect choice. Whatever home facade you envision, painted, textured, and natural metal panels can help create it. What better way to guarantee an eye-catching building than through the creative use of color?
Varying Profiles: There is no one size fits all metal panels. Corrugated metal roofs offer that classic metal roof look. While standing seam metal roofs offer a more clean and contemporary look. All without the sacrifice of structural integrity!

Make The Impossible, Possible

Because metal is lightweight and malleable, it can be bent and curved without sacrificing strength or integrity. The malleable nature is a major advantage when working with unique or challenging building forms. Providing roofing solutions that are impossible to consider using traditional construction methods. Consider the slim overhangs that are only achievable with a metal roof. Or the easy integration of other materials, such as wood or glass, within the roofing structure.

While the practical benefits of metal roofs are many, so too are the aesthetic advantages. From extraordinary details, wide range of colors, and array of creative construction ideas, metal roofs become a clear choice. If you would like to learn more about your metal panel options, contact our qualified team of professionals at 1.855.838.9393 or info@londonecometal.com.

Metal Roofing Blog