Looking for a roof replacement? In this three-part blog series, learn the basics of metal roofing to see why it might just be what you’re looking for.

3. Metal roofing has been around for a long time but it has been
overshadowed by more popular options like asphalt shingles. Now that
you’re looking for a replacement, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore
your options and get to know what metal roofing can do for you and
your home.
WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?
For starters, metal roofing has come a long way. From simple corrugated
sheets of metal, the roofing material is now available in a number of
forms, successfully mimicking a variety of other roofing materials while
doing away with their weaknesses. Like the appearance of tile? Want
to retain the look of shingles for your home? No problem. Just because
you’re using a metal roof doesn’t mean that your home has to look like
a barn or a shed. Metal roofing prides itself in offering the best in form
and function, ensuring that your new roof doesn’t only protect your
home well but that it also does so in style.
POPULAR OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Steel
Lightweightbutdurable,steelisthemostpopularofmetalroofsaround.
It’s typical for steel roofing to come in a coated or colored finish, which
helps it offer superior resistance against corrosion, a problem common
with metals.
PART 1: WHY IT’S TIME FOR METAL

4. Aluminum
Like steel, aluminum metal roofing comes supplied with colored
finishes. The material doesn’t age well on its own and colored finishes
takecareofthatproblem,whilealsoboostingaluminum’santi-corrosion
properties.Infact,itoffersbettercorrosionresistancethansteel,making
it ideal for use in coastal areas. Aluminum is also easy to form, allowing
homeowners to use it exactly as they wish.
Copper
Unlike steel and aluminum, copper looks better as it ages. It is naturally
allowed to weather so finishes are not applied over it. However, even
without protective coating, copper easily resists corrosion, allowing it to
withstand the elements on its own. The only drawback is that copper’s
natural beauty and durability comes at a steep price.
All of these materials come in shakes, shingles, and panels. Custom
profiles are also available too so don’t hesitate to talk to your local
contractor about the kind of metal roofing that will be suitable for your
home.
o o o o o
So far, you’ve learned that metal roofing blends form and function well. In
the next part, we’ll discuss further what the roofing material can do for you
by talking about its advantages. Read on for more!
PART 1: WHY IT’S TIME FOR METAL

6. Thanks to technological advancements, metal roofing has developed
into a roofing option that addresses many of the concerns homeowners
have, combining form and function to be a worthy roof replacement.
More and more people are realizing what metal roofs have to offer but
still many are sidelined by misconceptions they have about the roofing
option. As we talk about the advantages of metal roofing, hopefully
these misconceptions melt away, revealing what it is truly capable of.
METAL ROOFING: THE ROOF TO HAVE
Why? Here are a number of reasons:
It offers ultimate protection from harsh elements.
Infact,metalroofingisratedtowithstand120-mphwinds,theequivalent
of an F2 tornado. This means that high winds accompanying hail and
rain will be no match to a properly installed metal roof, even when the
roofing option is a lightweight material.
It can be made to look like other roofing materials.
This means you get to enjoy the strength and durability of metal with
the appearance of wood, stone, or clay, if you so choose.
It has superior longevity.
It can last two to three times longer than the usual roof, going anywhere
between 40 and 60 years. An asphalt roof, on the other hand, typically
averages 12 to 20 years.
PART 2: THE ADVANTAGES OF A METAL ROOF

7. It is energy-efficient.
It naturally reflects heat and quickly loses what it does absorb, keeping
heat transferred to your home to a minimum. This prevents indoor
temperature from wildly fluctuating, which forces your HVAC system
to work doubly hard to keep you comfortable. An overworked HVAC
system guzzles energy, resulting in a massive electricity bill for you.
It is highly resistant to fire.
Metal is not flammable and non-combustible, meaning it won’t catch
fire even when hit by lightning. Not that a metal roof attracts lighting.
Instead, lightning seeks out the highest object in an area, which is
antennas, poles, and towers are commonly hit.
It is made of recyclable material.
Metal roofs contain 30% to 60% recycled content, reducing trash
dumped in landfills. This lets you do your bit for the environment while
enjoying a roof you can rely on for years.
o o o o o
These advantages make a metal roof a great choice for a replacement.
Should you decide to get one, make sure you make the most out of your
investment by knowing how to care for it. Head on over to the last part of
this blog series to learn more.
PART 2: THE ADVANTAGES OF A METAL ROOF

9. Thanks to how metal is simply built, metal roofing is able to provide one
of the best levels of protection available in the market today. But while
the roofing material is naturally sturdy, allowing it to withstand a range
of attacks from the elements, it is not invincible. Eventually, damage will
pile up and when it does, you’re going to have a problem. Fortunately,
you can avoid all that trouble by knowing how to specifically care for
metal roofing.
A RULE OF THUMB
Anintegralpartofcaringforametalroofismakingsurethatmaintenance
tasks are carried out regularly. It is up to you to decide on specific dates
but do schedule routine checks. Metal roofing is tough, so thorough
examinationsonceortwiceayearwillsuffice,unlessanextremeweather
event occurs. When severe weather hits, make it a point to check your
metal roof immediately after it passes so you can assess damage as
soon as possible and act accordingly. Some of the things that should
always be checked for during routine maintenance include: sealant
failure, damaged or loose panels and fasteners, snow or hail damage,
damaged surface coating, and clogged gutters.
PART 3: CARING FOR A METAL ROOF

10. OTHER MAINTENANCE TASKS
Repainting
Make sure you use acrylic latex paint when repainting your roof.
Brushing on primer before you apply roof paint is also recommended
as paint will adhere better to the primer, making it last longer. Copper
roofs generally don’t need repainting because they develop a natural
patina.
Repairs
Address holes or open seams to prevent moisture from seeping into
your roof. You can use roofing cement to plug up small holes but if
they’re big enough to be noticeable, you have to patch your roof, using
the same kind of metal to do so.
Replacements
Replace all loose parts and portions to maintain the integrity of your
roof. If fastener gaskets are starting to fail, replace them. If sealant at the
seams have started to thin out, reapply to replace what has been lost
due to wear and tear.
The best thing about caring for a metal roof is that you can entrust the
responsibility to a local roofing contractor. They have the necessary
skills, knowledge and experience so they’ll know right away what to
look for and what must be done to keep your metal roof in top shape at
all times.
PART 3: CARING FOR A METAL ROOF

11. Arry’s Roofing
Services, Inc.
401 East Spruce Street,
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
(727) 362-2230
ArrysRoofing.com