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How To Tell If The Water Stains Are Condensation Or A Leak

Science is all around us. Gravity pulls water downward, sometimes right through the ceilings of our Phoenix-area homes. Condensation makes water appear seemingly out of thin air. Spotting the difference between a roof leak and condensation can help you avoid costly repair bills. Condensation Explained Condensation is a phase change when water vapor — gaseous water — turns to liquid water. Condensation forms inside your home when more water is added to your indoor air than the air temperature can handle. Warmer air absorbs more water vapor than cooler air. The pot of spaghetti water boiling on the stove? It’s sending out lots of water vapor. Some of the gaseous water condenses on your home’s interior surfaces. Condensation comes from the kitchen, bathrooms, and dishwasher. Good air circulation and ventilation cure condensation problems. If you do not exchange your indoor air frequently enough, you may get condensation on: Ceilings Walls Wood surfaces Metal fixtures Condensation causes m...

Will Your Metal Roof Need Maintenance And Can It Rust?

Poor piggies. The term “piggyback,” as in asking two questions in one sentence such as “Do metal roofs need maintenance and can they rust?” has nothing to do with pigs. It comes to us from the word “pickapack,” as in “worn on the shoulders like a pack.” A piggybacked question — one that smooshes two questions into one sentence — is just as useful as the knapsack you throw over your shoulders. And the answer, like the knapsack, needs a little unpacking.  Will My Metal Roof Need Maintenance?  As long as we’re in the questioning mood, let’s turn that thought around and ask, “Can you name something made by humans which needs no maintenance?” Probably not. So, yes, your metal roof will need maintenance.  If you enlist the help of the same roofer who installed your metal roof, you can get proper metal roof maintenance:  Clear metal roof panels of dirt and debris Remove accumulated organic litter and inorganic debris from valleys Repair minor scratches Repair rust spots Ins...

What Makes Metal The Best Roofing Material For My Home?

What is the best flavor of ice cream? That’s sure to start a friendly disagreement. What is the best roofing material? Ah, another battle of words, no doubt. Your neighbor likes tile; your relatives live under shingle roofs. And yet, for most Arizona homeowners, one clear answer rings true: metal roofing.  Oh, Those Winds Arizona is a gorgeous state. And yet it does have a bit of a wind problem, doesn’t it? When haboobs sweep across our majestic deserts, roofs pay the price. Shingle roofs erode quickly, and wind uplift can snatch whole strips of shingles off residential roofs in the blink of a (dust-bitten) eye.  What roofing material can possibly hold up against these biting, strong winds choked with sand and ready to tug weak roofs completely free of our homes?  Metal roofing.  Metal roofing can be firmly anchored to your home’s structural wood members with hurricane clips (nobody has yet renamed them monsoon clips, but they should). Standing seam panels, metal sha...

Why Hiring A Roofer With The Right Insurance Is Important

Conscientious roofers know the importance of roofers having insurance, and homeowners should, too. Proper insurance and credentials protect not only the metal roofing contractor, but also all the contractor’s customers. Ask! In our day-to-day work with homeowners in both Minnesota and Arizona, we often run into timid folks who — despite making a substantial investment in a beautiful, gleaming metal roof — are hesitant to ask basic questions. Do not be that homeowner! You are the client, and the contractor is providing a valuable service. Ask the tough questions! Ask your contractor basic questions like these: Do you use subcontractors? — The right answer here is, “Never,” because subcontractors are not insured under the contractor’s protection and can expose you, the homeowner, to things like Workers Liens. Are you a general contractor? — The right answer here is, “No,” because general contractors lack the right insurance and training for installing metal roofing, a very specialized tr...

How Do Roofing Contractors Come Up With Estimates For Roof Replacement?

If you have a worn or older roof, it’s time to look into getting a replacement before leaks and other problems develop. While comparing roofing contractors for a roof replacement, you can expect to get an estimate from each one. These estimates often seem expensive to homeowners, which can be frustrating, but there are several factors involved. What goes into estimating a replacement cost? The following factors are all part of figuring out how much a new roof will cost. Cost of Materials The materials needed for your new roof are a big part of the estimate. The cost of roofing materials can vary, depending on which type you get, along with other factors. For example, metal roofs typically cost more than asphalt shingle roofs, although they have a longer life expectancy. The cost of materials also includes other components of your new roof, such as underlayment, soffit, fascia, shingle nails, and flashing. Your estimate will increase depending upon the amount of these types of materials...

What Are The Benefits Of A Metal Roof In Hail?

When comparing different roofing materials for a new roof, it’s essential to choose one that can withstand severe weather. Metal roofs provide notable advantages in areas that are prone to hail, strong winds, or both. Learn more about the benefits of a metal roof in hail and windy weather. Strength Metal roofs are made to withstand being hit by hail or buffeted by strong winds. When you have a metal roof on your home, you won’t have to worry about having parts of it come loose as you would with a shingle or tile roof. Metal roofs are also able to handle hail without being at risk of other kinds of significant damage. Puncture Resistance Large pieces of hail or debris being thrown around in the wind can puncture certain kinds of roofing materials. This can easily lead to leaks and extensive water damage. Metal roofs are resistant to punctures from hail and debris, such as tree branches. Although metal roofs might end up with dents, these won’t penetrate through to the wood decking under...

The Best Way to Clean a Metal Roof

How to Clean and Maintain a Metal Roof If you’ve got a metal roof on your home, you should know that it’s an excellent investment. Metal roofs last for decades and have very few of the problems associated with traditional shingles. However, maintaining your metal roof is still an important part of keeping it looking new and working its best. So, if you think it might be time to clean your metal roof, then keep reading for some helpful tips. Read more: The Best Way to Clean a Metal Roof Cleaning Your Metal Roof The great thing about metal roofs is that they do not require much maintenance. Some areas of the country may see moss grow on them, but it is rare & we will share how to treat that. Here are some tips: Begin by trimming back any trees or bushes that are coming into contact with the roof. Even if a branch only occasionally touches the roof during high winds, it is important for it to be trimmed back so that it doesn’t cause damage to your roof during a storm. Man pressure was...