SB Roofing Blog

Metal roofing is becoming a popular alternative to shingles because it is strong, aesthetically pleasing and exceedingly durable. Should you consider metal roofing for your Virginia Beach home? Other than a great appearance, metal roofing offers many benefits.

Long lasting
Metal roofing offers exceptional longevity compared to other roofing materials. Metal withstand adverse weather conditions much better than other roofs. Metal roofs look great for years with little to no maintenance.

Better Energy Efficiency
The main benefit of metal roofing is that it can help to improve your home's energy efficiency. It reflects heat away from the home rather than absorbing it like other roofing materials, so the home's attic stays much cooler. This increase in energy efficiency will lower your utility bills.

Value
Like many energy-efficient additions, a metal roof can also boost your home's resale value while making your home look great, boosting curb appeal and helping it stand out in a crowded real estate market.

Standing seam metal roofs are available in steel or aluminum, and a variety of thicknesses.  They are fabricated to meet the dimensions of your home and are installed with unexposed fasteners, so you don't have to worry about penetrations that could cause leaks.

Professional-looking metal roofs are a great investment, and they are available in a wide range of styles and colors. Here are some of the advantages of Metal Roofs from SB Roofing:

• Light Weight
• Durable. The lowest end metal roofing will last 20–30 years which is roughly 2 times the lifespan of an average asphalt roof. Most metal roofing products today come with warranties from 25 to 50 years.. The coatings and fixings on steel roof sheeting can be designed for different environments including industrial and marine locations.
• Fire and spark resistant.
• Hail resistant.
• Wind resistant.
• Metal is readily recyclable. Aluminum and copper roofing products are available with over 95% recycled content. As an example: recycled Aluminum only requires 5% of the energy to produce as does new Aluminum.
• Energy efficiency. Coatings with high reflectivity commonly save 20-30% on air-conditioning costs because they reflect much of the sun's heat. This increases the thermal efficiency of buildings in high temperature areas.
• Labor efficient
• Most metal roofing products require very little or no maintenance.
• Metal roofs are often used to cover large buildings because of their high strength to weight ratio.
  

Due to the summer heat and strong winds in Virginia Beach, we recommend you perform roof inspections regularly. Virginia Beach roof inspectors will look for uplift around the perimeter shingles. During the next wind storm, is the perfect time to walk around your roof and inspect it from the ground. Look for shingle lifting. Shingle lifting is an indication that the adhesive strip holding down the shingles is no longer performing its duty and should be replaced. As a result, your roof may be vulnerable to leaks and shingle blow off.

Keeping your roof clean is the most important tip we can give you. Built-up debris and plant matter will cause moisture to gather allowing mold and mildew to grow leaving green stains or black streaks. These stains and streaks are unsightly and will damage your roof.  Have moss removed from the roof by sweeping while it is wet or by having a roof moss killer product applied. Also, check all gutters and downspouts to make sure water is flowing freely and clean out all roof drains and gutters from spring time flower blossoms.

We do NOT recommend pressure washing roofs. If you have asphalt shingles, pressure washing can remove the granules which are the shingle's sunscreen material. If you lose that sunscreen layer, the asphalt shingle will be exposed to harsh UV rays which will start premature aging and the shingles will become brittle. If you have cedar shingles, pressure washing them will remove the top, aged layer making your shingle thinner. You will then have to treat the newly exposed cedar so it will once again repel rain water.

Virginia Beach roofing companies like SB Roofing stand ready to provide more roofing tips, inspections, and maintenance if you have any questions about the quality of your roof.