Are you on the fence about installing North Carolina metal residential roofing? Knowing the benefits will help you decide if a metal roof is a should-do, or a shouldn’t-do, for your North Carolina home.

It’s very easy to get confused when you’re researching roofing options. After all, this is a one-time, big project, and not one that you should take lightly. Your roof is your home’s protection, and as such it is well worth weighing the positives and negatives of each option.

Metal residential roofing has been growing in popularity in the last twenty years or so, with many homeowners choosing it over slate, tiles, asphalt and other traditional roofing materials. Let’s look at the reasons why.

Long-Lasting

Metal roofs are generally warrantied for 50 years, and there are metal roofs that have been around for over a century! Ever seen an old building with a greenish roof? That’s probably copper.

Strong

North Carolina metal roofs are extremely strong, and stand up to inclement weather like no other. They will not leak in heavy rain, blow off in heavy winds, or collapse surpassed. Under heavy snowfall. As far as protecting your house goes, metal roofing is unsurpassed. Also, since they do not catch fire, they are a form of fire-proofing for your house. Most insurance companies actually offer you lower premiums when you have a metal roof.

Eco-Friendly

If you ever do need to replace your roof (and you probably won’t during the time you’re in the house), your old metal roof can be recycled. Steel is considered to be the best material for roofing, as it helps reduce the use of chemicals. So if you want to go green in your home, a metal roof can help you do that.

Lower Utility Bills

Metal roofs reflect heat, rather than absorb it like traditional North Carolina roofing materials. That means you home will be up to 40% cooler in the summer months, and you will spend far less money and energy keeping your home comfortable. Some metal roofs have a finish that actually sends heat back into the air, which reduces your costs even more.

Lower Life Cycle Costs

Upkeep and maintenance are minimal with metal roofing, as it doesn’t split, crack, rot or curl as they age. Some metal roofs may need a new coat of finish every few years, but basically you can install it once and forget about it.

So should you or shouldn’t you install metal residential roofing? If you truly want to invest in and protect your North Carolina home, metal roofing is by far the best choice.

When it comes time to call a North Carolina roofing company for your next repair or replacement, you might want to think about going green. Yes, going green has gotten a lot of press in recent years, to the point where many are tired of hearing about it. But if you think of it not only in terms of helping the environment, but also in terms of saving you money in the long run, you might be willing to head down that path. Here are just a few of the benefits of taking your house’s covering to the next, environmentally friendly level.

One of the best benefits of clean, North Carolina green roofing is the savings. These types of house coverings come with a degree of built-in insulation that keeps energy efficiency at its maximum level. This means that your electric bill should see a huge savings each month. The house will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter months, while giving the air conditioner and heater a break. It will certainly not be enough to eliminate the use of central heat and air altogether, but it can allow it to work more efficiently, thus savings money (as well as cutting down on the use of natural resources).

If you have an interest in growing your own garden, green roofing can provide a new spot. Many types can be used to plant things directly on top of the house. This includes many types of vegetables like lettuce and herbs. This is not only something that private homeowners are getting into, but some resorts are getting into the action in order to keep fresh vegetables and produce in the kitchen. Plus it makes a nice novelty for guests to talk about. One of the biggest drawbacks to eating healthy foods is their cost. It always seems so much cheaper to eat foods that are bad for us. By keeping your very own sun garden, you’ll no longer have this excuse to fall back on.

Besides all of the benefits North Carolina green roofing provides directly to the consumer, it also has a big impact on the environment. The plants on the top of the house cleanse the air of carbons and provide cleaner oxygen for the surrounding area. Studies have also shown that they cut back on the amount of air pollution, which should be a concern for anyone living near an urban setting.

One of the most important aspects of the way your North Carolina roof is designed and built is proper ventilation. You simply cannot over-estimate its importance. What happens when a roof doesn’t have proper ventilation? Improper ventilation allows formation of condensation, moisture accumulation, and damage to the roof deck and, eventually, to the stability of the roof. Improper roof ventilation can also affect the health of your family.

The industry standard for roof ventilation to provide 1 square foot of intake ventilation and 1 square foot of exhaust or outflow ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space, provided the area is insulated with a vapor barrier. If the area is insulated without a vapor barrier, the requirement doubles.

Proper ventilation of the roof and attic of a home achieves several important functions:

It makes the attic space cooler
It makes the home more energy efficient
It prevents condensation and accumulation of moisture on the inside of the roof deck, and prevents rotting of the roof deck
It reduces the risk of fire
Several types of vents can be used to properly ventilate the roof of your home. Roof ridge vents are placed along the ridge line of the roof. Ridge vents are used for exhaust or outflow of moisture, heat, and stale air. Soffit vents and Eaves are placed at the lower extremes of the roof and provide the intake ventilation. If you live in an older home, your roof might not be constructed for roof ridge or soffit vents. Older homes were not built with the tight seals of today’s houses. There were cracks and openings around windows and doors, chimneys and other openings. These cracks and openings allowed fresh air to flow into the house. On the principle that hot air rises, the accumulated heat and moisture would rise to the attic and out the roof vents.

Without adequate ventilation, moisture rises with the hot air and forms condensation on the inside of the roof deck. This moisture is released into the air inside the house from bathing, cooking, plants, laundry and other causes. When the condensation forms on the roof deck, it begins to rot the wood. This introduces mold spores into the air, as well as damaging the wood. The result, if the problem is not noticed and repaired, can be destruction of all or part of the roof deck and creation of unhealthy air inside the house.

In our increasingly airtight homes, the importance of proper ventilation in roof construction cannot be over-emphasized. It is important to take the time and do the research to understand the ventilation needs for your North Carolina and how best to meet those needs.

You may be asking yourself, “Do I need a new roof?” If you are also asking yourself the following questions, then you should seriously consider a roof replacement:

1. Upon inspection of my roof, I noticed algae growth. Do I need a new roof?
2. I noticed curling and blistering on my roof. Do I need a new roof?
3. I see that some of my shingles are missing or broken. Do I need a new roof?
4. I noticed some rotting. Do I need a new roof?
5. I saw several dark patches and they appear dirty. Do I need a new roof?
6. I observed some sagging and buckling in my roof’s structure. Do I need a new roof?

If the answers to any of these questions are “yes,” consider a simple formula of economics. If you have a roof that is knowingly in need of repair, and may need a lot more maintenance in the future, would it be better to continue repairing your current roof or should you have it completely replaced? It may be less expensive, in the long run, to spend the money now on a new roof rather than continuously repairing one that is already damaged. In addition, a new roof may lessen the chance of extensive damage and insurance claims during a future storm or other inclement weather.

Before deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or deterioration. It’s important to remember that, during inspection, avoid walking on your roof if at all possible as this may cause further damage to the structure. It is advisable to use binoculars or a ladder to get the best view possible. There are two ways to inspect your roof, which includes both an outside and inside inspection.

The outside inspection is, perhaps, the easiest and should be done first. Most outward signs of damage can be seen immediately. There are specific signs to indicate that your roof may need to be replaced, including algae growth, curling, blistering, missing or broken shingles, missing granules, rotting, damaged flashing, buckling, loose or exposed nails, dark patches that appear “dirty,” sagging in the center of the roof or the presence of rust.

The inside inspection may take more time and effort, but is essential in determining the best outcome for your home. There are a number of indoor signs to indicate that your roof may be in need of replacing, including ceiling spots, sagging between the rafters or an outside light that is visible through the roof. The most obvious of the signs, which are ceiling spots, are easily visible and would be a clear indication of leakage. If a roof is found to be leaking, and appropriate repairs are not made, the water damage may cause additional damage to your insulation and increase energy costs. If you locate dark spots in the wood, test them in order to decide if the problem is one of immediate concern. If the spot feels soft to the touch or is damp, the indication would be that the problem is a current one. On the other hand, if the spot is dry, it’s possible that this is a previous problem that has been corrected or is no longer an issue.

If you find any of these signs to be present, contact a roofing contractor for a professional evaluation. Before deciding for yourself, ask for their opinion and request an estimate. In some cases, a simple repair may be all that is needed to correct a problem. However, if the problem is going to be reoccurring, consider the possibility of replacing the roof entirely. For instance, if your roof shows signs of rotting, this could be a larger problem in the future if it has spread throughout the structure. If, on the other hand, a few shingles are in need of repair, you wouldn’t necessarily want to replace the roof entirely. When making any major home improvement, consider each option carefully before making a final decision.

Damages to a Southport roof can have many causes. Some of the causes of roof damage are connected to the type of roof you have.  Whether you are trying to protect and extend the life of an existing roof or you want to protect a new roof, here are some of the main causes of roof damage.

1.  Poor Maintenance.  It is important to regularly inspect your roof for small problems and damages and immediately make repairs. This is especially true if your roof has little or no slope.  Regular inspection and maintenance will prevent small minor damage from becoming a major problem or leak.

2.  Wind Damage. Over time any wind can loosen nails in roofing materials. When this happens, a moderate wind can damage the roof. Strong winds and flying debris can also damage a roof, often removing some or all of the roofing material. The best way to avoid this potential damage is to check the roofing and the insulation regularly to be sure it is securely attached to the roof deck. You should also have a secure perimeter fastener.

3.  Other Weather Damage. Most roofing materials can be damaged over time by exposure to various weather conditions.  If you live in an area likely to see large snow accumulations, you need to be sure the roof is adequately supported against the weight of the snow and properly sloped so the snow will not stay on the roof any longer than necessary.  If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, you should know that hail can cause serious roof damage, and you should carefully inspect your roof after every hailstorm.  The sun, pollutants in the air and other chemicals in the air or in the rain can also damage roofing materials. Inspection and repair of minor damages can prevent big trouble.

4.  Problems with Flashing. Because the purpose of flashing is to create a water-tight boundary between roof sections, between roofing materials and other parts of the house and between roofing materials and roof projections, problems with flashing often cause leaks.  These leaks can damage the field of the roof as well as the interior of the house. Flashing problems usually happen because of either design or installation errors.  Some flashing problems can also result from wind damage.  Regular inspection of all types of flashing in all parts of the roof can catch problems early and correct them before there are major leaks.

Each of these major causes of North Carolina roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent repairs can help you avoid major damage to your roof and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.

Whether you already own your Southport home or are looking into buying one, one task to consider for proper house care is a thorough inspection of the roof. The roof is what keeps the rest of the home secure and protected from the elements. Having a professional check the current state of a roof can help you save money and headaches, depending on your situation.

Why get your roof inspected? As a homeowner or potential buyer, it’s important to know everything you can about the place you live.

Prevention: Regular roof evaluation – it is recommended to have a professional examine your house top every two or three years – can help determine if minor problems and leaks stand to become major issues in the future. These checks can spot damage by weather or rodents or other elements and allow you plan for timely repairs that may not cost you as much now as a larger fix would have down the road.

Value: If ever you think of selling your  North Carolina house, a buyer is going to want to know the condition of the roof. As it is the objective of the buyer to choose a home that doesn’t require extensive repair, should your roof require great attention it can make selling a challenge. Regular inspections can alert you to repairs necessary before you put your home on the market, and they can help evaluate the selling price.

Renovation: Say you wish to remodel your home and have an addition built. Even if you don’t plan to add a story to your house, a new room will require extension of your roof, and you want to be certain the structure matches your present one. Regular inspections can help you figure out what needs to be done to ensure the roof is even and strong.

Just a small payment for inspection can save you larger bills for repairs if you leave roof problems unnoticed and unattended.

Have you ever driven through the Southport, NC neighborhood and remarked how different and unique a particular metal roof looked? You probably thought a metal roof was way too expensive for your budget so you never even considered one for your North Carolina home. Lots of people believe the same way you do, not realizing that residential metal roofing prices is available at affordable costs. In fact, many experts will tell you that metal roof products are very good long-term investments.

Now a Good Looking Top

Since these roofs can be designed to look like other types, you will not be able to tell from on the ground that a simulated cedar-shake metal roof was not the real one. Lightweight steel roofs can be painted through a special process where real earth-tone granules are embedded in the final paint coat that then is covered with a high-protective clear coating.

Safety Sells

There are quite a few advantages using a this type of roof. For one, they do not burn! Aside from the obvious benefit from not being able to burn, a home topped by a metal roof may result in significant savings when it comes to insurance costs.

Energy Savings

During the summer, a metal roof causes less attic heat than traditional roofs while retaining a greater amount of warmth during the winter. This can be seen as a significant reduction or retention – as much as 34 percent in warm climates. The savings in air conditioning alone can warrant purchasing a metal roof.

Easy Installation

For homeowners thinking of making a switch to lightweight steel roofs, installation over old shingles is possible eliminating the need for any costly tear off. Metal roofing is manufactured in large sheets making it easy to install by experienced roofers.

Copper is Cool

Roofs made from copper not only provide all the benefits mentioned concerning steel roofs, but produce an aesthetically pleasing weathered green patina over time. The great drawback choosing copper is that it is very expensive and can price out as much as $1,100 per square.

One of the worst things that Southport homeowners can do is panic during a emergency. If you have water leaking from your roof, and you’re not prepared, you could find yourself in a very difficult situation. Here are a couple of things that you can do to avoid water damage and prepare yourself for roof leaks.

One of the best ways to prepare your North Carolina home for water damage and roof leaks will be to have plenty of buckets, plastic and a large shop vac. If you live in an older home, that might be suffering from a damaged roof or you have already experienced roof leaks in the previous years, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to pick up a few of these items from your local home improvement center.

There’s a good chance, that if it starts raining between the hours of 11 o’clock at night and six o’clock in the morning, you’re not going to have access to your local home improvement center, hardware stores or lumber yards. They’re going to be closed and your options are going to be limited.

If you don’t have enough money to repair your roof, you might not have enough money to purchase these items. If this is the case, you can usually pick up some extra 5 gallon buckets from a local painting contractor. Most painting companies have more five gallon empty paint buckets than they know what to do with and might be willing to part with a couple of them.

There are all sorts of different ways to gather these items without any money, you just need to be created. My main point in writing this article is to prepare yourself for roof leaks and potential water damage. I suggest that you read a few more articles on these topics, to prepare yourself for other types of home damage emergencies, also.