SB Roofing Blog

There are several reasons standing-seam metal roofing is becoming more and more popular.  Metal roofs are durable, fire retardant and almost maintenance-free.  They offer environmental benefits, using a majority of recycled material in their construction. They are also energy efficient; metal reflects heat and blocks its transfer into the attic. Research has showed that metal absorbed 34% less heat than asphalt shingles, and homeowners switching to metal roofing reported savings up to 20% on their energy bills.

It is true, metal roofing is more expensive and for many homeowners asphalt shingles are the only way they are able to replace a roof, however, over time steel pays for itself. It is an investment with benefits.

The environmental benefits of metal roofs include their use of recycled material ranging from 60% to 65% use in the construction. Because it weights very little, metal roofing can be installed over existing roofs, eliminating the need to dispose of excess material in the landfill.  Steel is considered the best material for green buildings, as it helps in achieving the goal of reducing and eliminating the use of chemical substances while increasing energy efficiency and reducing waste.

Another advantage of installing a metal roof is its low maintenance. It will not crack, curl, split, rot or lose impact resistance with age, and moreover it lasts for 50-60 years. Therefore, the maintenance expenses for metal roofs are minimal. Contact SB Roofing for more information.

Original article – Republican Journal

Residential metal roofs provide energy savings, beauty, and protection for your Virginia Beach home for a lifetime. Metal roofs are also available in a wide variety colors to complement any style home. Metal roofs last 2 to 3 times longer than most other roof types. A metal roof will probably be your last roof.

The main benefit of metal roofing is that it can help to increase the efficiency of your home.  This increase in energy efficiency saves you money. Residential metal roofs utilize reflective pigment technology.  It reflects heat away from the home rather than absorbing it like other roofing materials thus lowering utility bills.

All metal roofs are made from 30-60% recycled material, so by choosing a metal roof, you'll do your part for the environment. Traditional shingles add an estimated 20 billion pounds of waste to U.S. landfills annually. Metal roofs can often be installed over an existing roof, no more tear-off and disposal.

Contact SB Roofing for an estimate on a metal roof for your home.

Overall, metal roofs perform better in hurricanes than asphalt or other types of roofs. In fact, Sal Alfano of Remodeling Magazine reported that homes renovated with standing-seam metal roofing show a rate of up to 95.5% cost recouped for homes in the Eastern states, and 6% resale value gain over homes roofed with asphalt.

Over time you'll save money on metal roofs too even though the initial cost is higher than most other roofing materials. The good news is, metal roofs lasts a lifetime, asphalt requires reproofing every 10 to 20 years. And as stated above, a metal roof can increase the resale value of your home.

But, it’s hurricanes that are on people’s minds, so you should know that most metal roofs have been tested to 90 psf uplift testing. That is very strong. Overall in a wind storm, metal will generally do better than asphalt. The best new though, is that metal roofs are just as wind resistant old as they are new. You won’t find that with shingles.

If it is time to replace your roof, contact SB Roofing, Virginia Beach.

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.

Promising rock-bottom prices and quick turnaround for a new roof, unlicensed and untrained home improvement “professionals” prey on consumers when they're most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, this is a common practice that usually results in poor installations that later cause trouble, when the installer has moved on to the next town. 

Choosing a new roof to protect your home and family is a big decision, and deserves careful consideration.
The nonprofit Metal Roofing Alliance recommends homeowners ask these questions before signing a contract for a new roof:

1. Is the company licensed, and are the employees bonded and insured? How long has the company been in business?
2. What types of roofing materials does the company offer?  The industry has evolved - there are many choices beyond the old asphalt shingle.
3. Will the contractor provide a written, final estimate?
4. Can the new roof be installed over the existing roof?
5. What are the environmental considerations of the new materials and disposal of the old roof?
6. What company manufactures the roofing material the contractor will use?
7. How long with will the new roof last?  What does the warranty cover?
8. Will the company use subcontractors?  If so, how will they be managed/supervised?
9. Is there pending legal action against the company?
10. Can you speak with former customers? 

Most homeowners will have to buy three or more roofs in their lifetime.

A growing number of homeowners are avoiding the chore and cost of multiple roof installations by choosing durable and environmentally-friendly metal roofs.   Resistant to cracking, shrinking and eroding, metal roofs stand up to hail, high winds and even wildfires.  Today's residential metal roofing is competing with common roofing material - such as asphalt shingle, cedar shake, clay tile or slate roofing - only stronger and more durable. No matter the style, most homeowners who choose a metal roof will never have to worry about re-roofing again.

Original article on PR Newswire

Choosing the right roofing materials for repair or installation of a new roof is a pretty hard thing to do especially for those who do not have any experience. Roofing is one of the most important facets in the structure and integrity of your home, so it is necessary to do the proper research for the best roofing materials for your home and your needs.

Deciding on the best roofing material to use depends on your personal preference but it also depends on the area where your house is located.

Asphalt Shingles - The most cost effective among all types of roofing - that's why they are widely used. Asphalt shingles provides a variety of colors that add style to your roof. Asphalt shingles usually have 30-, 40-, 50-year or limited lifetime warranties. They are widely being used by homeowners.

Architectural Shingles- Synthetic Architectural Shingle roofs are designed to look exactly like the natural roofs, such as slate or cedar, but synthetic materials are lighter weight and usually less expensive to repair. Synthetic slate and cedar are highly fire resistant.  They are also backed by a 50-year manufacturer's warranty.

Standing Seam Metal Roof – Similar to  asphalt shingles in functionality and durability, they are inexpensive, long-lasting and easy to install. A properly installed metal roof should last at least 50 years. They are great in warmer climates where they reflect the heat from the sun.

Wood Shingles - the ideal choice of many homeowners. The color of wood shingles turns lighter over time, but this look is often what the homeowner is looking for. With proper care and maintenance, wood shingles could last for about thirty to fifty years.

Your home is your most valuable possession. Protect it with a long lasting, durable metal roof from SB Roofing. Standing seam metal roofs have a more modern look.  They are available in steel or aluminum, and a variety of thicknesses.  Metal roofs are a great investment, and you'll save money in the long run.  A metal roof can last a lifetime, whereas materials like asphalt require reroofing every 10 to 20 years.

The average life of a non-metal roof is 17 years. A metal roofing system offers durability, lasting 2 to 3 times longer than many other roof types. Chances are good that a metal roof will be your last roof. And they are available in a wide range of styles and colors.

Regardless of the roofing style, color or finish you have on your home now, there's a metal roofing style to match. Metal roofing in both light and dark colors reflects heat effectively to reduce cooling needs during the Virginia summer and they insulate homes better during the winter. This can help to lower your energy bills. They are made 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.

A very necessary, but often dreaded, home improvement project that homeowners face is repairing the roof. It is a huge project and it is one that will affect the overall appearance of your home. If you choose the wrong material for your roof, you won’t like the look of your home, and you could be stuck with it for years. If you choose the right material, your roof will look great, last a long time, and do its job. The problem is there are so many types of roofing shingles to choose from, it's impossible to know about all of them or which to choose.

Composite shingles are one of the most popular shingle materials. They are made from different materials that are put together. These shingles are popular, because they are inexpensive. However, they don't last that long compared to metal materials. Using composite roof shingles is the latest trend in roofing. Composite shingles are similar to other conventional and traditional shingle materials. You also have a lot of options in their appearance because they come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

As for metal shingles, there are copper, steel and iron roof shingles. There is also standing seam metal roofs which have a more modern look.  They 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. This professional-looking product is a great investment, and it's available in a wide range of styles and colors. They are very durable, and maintenance free.

Wood shingles, or shakes, are made from medicated woods like pine, spruce, or cedar. The color of these shingles is vibrant initially but, after the first year they usually turn to gray. Some setbacks of wood as shingles are breakage, deformity, and cowering. So it is usually recommended that you do roof replacement in 10 years or so.

Architectural Shingles resemble a shake shingle in appearance.  There are many advantages to these shingles starting with the warranty which usually ranges from 30 years to lmited lifetime. They are much thicker than the standard 3-tab shingle and have a more three dimensional look that resembles wood shakes or slate.  And they add a very nice accent to the look of your home.

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used. Asphalt roofing shingles are made of paper, glass, or fiber and are very strong. These shingles can last up to twenty years