Author: Ross Murray

Metal Roofing 101: Benefits Installation And Maintenance Tips

Ross Murray Roofing Services , , , ,

Metal Roofing Montana has become increasingly popular due to its durability, longevity, and aesthetic versatility. It is a smart option for homeowners who intend to stay in their homes over the long term.

metal roofing

Metal roofs require a little maintenance to ensure they keep their beautiful appearance and extend their lifespan. It is recommended to schedule a professional roof inspection twice per year.

Strength

Metal roofing has been growing in popularity over the last several years as homeowners discover its durability and longevity. If you’re considering this option for your new construction or replacement roof, understanding metal roofing basics will help you make the right choice. This beginner’s guide to metal roofing covers everything from material selection to installation and maintenance tips.

The most popular metal roofing materials are steel and aluminum. Both are highly durable and come in a variety of gauges and finishes. Both materials are extremely versatile and work well in all climates. For example, steel roofing is rust-resistant and can be used in flat or standing seam applications. Aluminum is lightweight and works well in coastal areas and humid environments.

A metal roof can be made to look like almost any other roofing style, including traditional shingles, ceramic tile, and wood shakes. It’s important to choose a roofing style that complements your home’s architecture and reflects your taste.

You can also choose whether to have the fastener panels hidden or exposed, and you can customize your metal roof with different colors, textures, and coatings. You can even have your roof designed to resemble cedar shakes or stone.

A metal roof can increase your home’s resale value by up to 6 percent, and it will help cut energy costs by reflecting sunlight and reducing air conditioning use. However, like any roof, a metal roof requires regular maintenance and inspection to ensure that it’s performing at its best. This includes cleaning, debris removal, and ensuring that gutters and drains are clear of build-up. It’s also important to inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as scuffs, scratches, and dents.

Durability

Metal roofs are known for outliving their asphalt shingle counterparts, with lifespans between 40-70 years. Additionally, their durability and energy efficiency help save homeowners money on heating and cooling costs. With a variety of finishes available, metal roofs can be customized to complement the architecture of any home.

Metal roofing is also more environmentally friendly than other roofing materials, as it can be recycled and reused without losing its strength or quality. Additionally, it resists corrosion, rust, mold, mildew, and pests. Its longevity helps protect underlying structural materials, as well as other exterior features like siding and brick.

Another benefit of metal roofing is its resistance to heavy rain, snow, and high winds compared to other roof types. However, it is important to have the correct insulation and ventilation in place to keep your home comfortable year-round.

When installing a metal roof, it is important to have the proper tools and equipment. For example, you will need an impact gun to install fasteners on the panels. Also, it is essential to check the weather forecast before starting to ensure a dry installation.

When it comes to maintenance, regular inspections can help prevent problems. Keeping the gutters clean can prevent water runoff and debris buildup. In addition, it is a good idea to trim nearby trees to avoid damaging the metal. Inspect the roof regularly for dents, scratches, and fading, and repair any damage immediately. It is also recommended to wash the roof with soapy water twice a year to prevent streaking and to remove dirt and grime that could lead to stains. Finally, it is a good idea to have a warranty on your new metal roof to help cover any repairs that may be needed in the future.

Style

When people first think of metal roofs, they may picture the classic metal roofing seen on barns and sheds. However, today’s homeowners can choose from a wide array of styles, including those that mimic the appearance of traditional shingles, cedar shake, slate, and tile. This gives homeowners a lot of choices and allows them to find a metal roof that perfectly fits their home’s style.

A metal roof’s strength and durability also help cut the cost of maintenance and energy costs. It can withstand high winds, blunt impact, and all the precipitation that commonly knocks out asphalt-fiberglass shingles or wood shakes. It can even be a good choice in areas with frequent hail storms, as long as it has a Class 4 rating, which means it will resist denting, tearing, and other damage caused by large hailstones.

In addition to its weather resistance, a metal roof offers a great deal of insulation and can deflect the sun’s harmful UV rays. This reduces a home’s energy bill and keeps the occupants comfortable throughout the year.

In terms of maintenance, a metal roof is fairly easy to keep clean and in good condition. Regular inspections should be done, and any issues addressed promptly to avoid further problems. For instance, if there’s snow buildup on the roof, it can be swept off using a long-handled broom or brush. You should also trim nearby tree branches, to prevent them from scratching the surface of the roof. Regular cleaning is also a must, to prevent dirt from building up and causing further damage.

Reliability

When homeowners invest in metal roofing, they are making a long-term decision that will benefit them for decades to come. Metal roofs offer durability, longevity, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. When they are installed properly by a professional and maintained regularly with regular inspections, a residential metal roof can last 25 to 50 years or more.

In addition to a long lifespan, a metal roof will also provide better insulation than traditional shingles, helping to cut down on energy costs. And, a light-colored metal roof can help to deflect the sun’s harmful UV rays, further saving money on cooling bills.

A metal roof can also withstand the impact of hail better than a shingle or other material roof. In areas where hail is common, look for a metal roof with a Class 4 impact rating or higher. This will mean that the roof has passed UL’s most severe impact test by withstanding a 2-inch diameter steel ball dropped from 20 feet without tearing, fracturing, or splitting.

A professional should be hired to install a new metal roof. While sinking screws may not seem like a complex task, this type of roofing requires skill and expertise to ensure it is watertight. When selecting a professional, search for one who specializes in the style of metal roof you are interested in. And, be sure to ask for references. To keep track of cutting lines and panel overlaps, use a permanent marker. Don’t use a pencil, as the graphite can degrade metal surfaces. Lastly, trim nearby tree branches to avoid damaging the roof’s surface. Schedule professional inspections every year to check for scuffs, scratches, flaking, or chipping and to address any leaking issues.

Warranty

Metal roofing is a smart investment for homeowners, especially when you consider that it outlasts asphalt-fiberglass shingles and cedar shakes by three to four times. It also provides valuable energy savings. Some insurance companies provide discounts for homes that have a metal roof installed.

A metal roof also offers excellent value because it typically carries a manufacturer’s warranty as well as a service warranty from your roofing contractor. Many of these warranties extend for 30 to 50 years. These warranties are transferable if you sell your home, which adds value to your property and provides peace of mind for the buyer.

The upfront cost of a metal roof can be more than that of other types of roofing, but the investment pays for itself over time. The durability and longevity of a metal roof can protect your home from the elements, reduce energy costs, and increase its resale value. Additionally, the high fire resistance of metal can lower your San Antonio homeowner’s insurance costs.

Some people have preconceived notions about metal roofs that aren’t entirely accurate. For example, they may believe that a metal roof is noisy in the rain or that it will attract lightning. In reality, metal roofs are not noisy in the rain and can be quieter than other types of roofing materials.

However, it’s important to hire a qualified roofer for installation and regular maintenance of metal roofing. A qualified roofer will be familiar with the different products and can offer a quality job at a reasonable price. He or she will also be able to address any concerns you have about the process. When it comes to maintenance, it’s best to clean your metal roof at least once a year to remove any built-up debris such as moss, fungus, or bird droppings. It’s also a good idea to trim nearby tree branches that can scratch the surface of your metal roof.

Solid Solutions: Understanding the Importance of Concrete Restoration

Ross Murray Concrete Contractors , , , ,

Concrete is the backbone of our buildings. When this important material is damaged or compromised, the result can be costly and dangerous.

concrete repair

There are many repair techniques for damaged concrete. Some can be performed by a homeowner, while others require a professional. Major structural repairs should always be completed by a licensed professional. To learn more, visit https://www.bakersfieldconcretecontractorservices.com.

Concrete structures are designed to carry structural loads, be durable against the effects of weathering, and withstand the stresses and strains that can occur in service. However, these stresses and strains can cause concrete to crack over time.

While these cracks can be cosmetically distressing, it’s important to repair them as soon as they appear to ensure the integrity of the structure. A professional contractor can identify the type of cracking and determine its significance in order to choose a suitable repair method.

A common repair approach is to use a concrete patching compound or filler to cover the cracks and smooth them out. These are available as pre-mixed compounds that can be applied directly to the surface of a concrete element. For hairline cracks and small surface damage, this may be all that is required.

Larger surface cracks and wider structural cracks can often be repaired with epoxy injection. This involves injecting a highly reactive resin into the crack to create a high-strength, permanently closed seal. The resin expands to fill the crack, and dries with a slightly textured finish that blends in well with surrounding concrete surfaces. This can also be used to seal leaking cracks and is very effective for non-dormant or active cracks.

It’s important to take precautions when using these types of repair materials, especially if working on a ladder or in high places. Wearing safety glasses, a respirator mask, and gloves is recommended. Any contact with the repair or sealing compound or concrete dust can result in chemical burns or other serious injuries. It’s also a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area.

Depending on the severity of a crack, it may be necessary to remove and replace the concrete element. This can be a very time-consuming process that should be completed by a qualified and licensed contractor who understands the proper procedures for removing and replacing concrete.

Concrete can be prone to a wide range of defects and problems that are difficult to identify or prevent. These issues can include improper design, over or under consolidated aggregates, over watering for workability, finishing the surface before bleeding occurs, and poor workmanship during construction. These problems can contribute to a weaker, more brittle concrete that is more prone to cracking and failure in service.

Spalling

Spalling, or the loss of the top layer of concrete on a surface, is one of the most common problems to affect concrete structures. While superficial spalling may only affect the appearance of a driveway, sidewalk or other surface, deeper spalling weakens the overall concrete structure and can lead to structural damage. Once spalling begins, it can spread quickly, leaving behind a patchy, pitted surface and exposing aggregate. Spalling can also cause serious safety issues for pedestrians and drivers, as it exposes hidden surfaces that can be tripping hazards.

Spalled concrete is typically caused by a combination of environmental factors and structural deficiencies. Exposure to hot and cold temperature extremes over long periods of time can cause concrete to experience stress, which leads to spalling. If the concrete is improperly mixed, poorly finished, or not cured properly, it can become even more susceptible to spalling.

Although replacing the damaged concrete is the best option for addressing spalling, there are some less costly solutions that can be used to repair the existing surface. For example, resurfacing products are available that can be applied to the existing surface to restore its appearance and prevent further spalling.

Regardless of what concrete repair solution is used, it’s important to prepare the area before resurfacing or applying any kind of concrete patch. This includes cleaning in and around the affected area, removing any loose debris and rebar (if applicable). If there are cracks or holes in the concrete surface, these should be filled and roughened to improve bonding. Any exposed rebar should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any corrosion and coated with a rust inhibitor to avoid further deterioration.

Once the concrete has been repaired, it’s important to allow ample time for it to cure and harden before resuming use. For large areas, this can take several days or more. For small patches, it’s often possible to resume use much sooner.

It’s also important to remember that spalling is a progressive problem. A few flakes of concrete that have loosened aren’t a big deal, but as the deterioration continues it will only become easier for moisture to penetrate the slab, leading to more spalling and eventual collapse.

Leaks

Water damage to concrete is common and can have a major impact on the longevity of a structure. It can happen through a range of different means, from faulty construction to environmental factors. It is important that any damaged concrete is repaired as soon as possible to prevent further problems.

Concrete is prone to water damage because it is porous, meaning that it allows water in and out of the material. As the water enters the concrete, it dissolves the minerals that make up the cement and causes them to disintegrate. This can lead to the formation of cracks, which are then filled with air and moisture. This creates a perfect environment for the growth of mould, which can further deteriorate the concrete.

If left unchecked, water can also cause a slab leak in the foundations of a building. This is because the copper pipes that run beneath the concrete can start to leak. This will result in a significant drop in water pressure throughout the house, and it can even be a safety hazard if the leak is from underneath a hot water system.

One of the best ways to identify a slab leak is by looking for damp spots or water stains on the floor. You may also notice a musty odour or signs of mould. These are all indicators that there is a problem with the slab and it is essential to take action quickly.

There are a number of different products that can be used to help seal leaks in concrete. These include foams, quick-setting mortars and epoxies. However, these are usually a band-aid solution and they don’t provide a complete waterproof barrier. A more effective option is to use a hydraulic cement product like Kryton’s Krystol Plug(tm). This uses crystalline technology to react with water ingress and fill in the capillary pores and micro-cracks, preventing water infiltration. For more information about repairing concrete cracks or to discuss your project, get in touch with us today. We can offer advice and a range of solutions to suit your needs.

Crack Sealing

Crack sealing in concrete repair is an essential step in preserving your property and preventing future damage. Exterior concrete cracks can occur due to temperature changes, ground movement, improperly placed joints and excessive loads. If left untreated the cracks can get worse, causing further deterioration of the concrete. Crack sealants provide a protective barrier, stopping water and sand from entering the concrete, reducing the rate of deterioration and extending the life of the concrete.

When using a crack filler, be sure to wear eye protection and waterproof gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area. Before applying the crack filler, widen the crack to a minimum of 1/4 inch using a chisel and hammer (the edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted “V”). Clean the crack of any dirt, gravel, debris or oil, as this can prevent the concrete crack filler from bonding to the surface of the concrete.

After cleaning the crack, apply a primer/sealer to both sides of the crack, as this will increase adhesion. Let the primer/sealer dry for at least 24 hours. Next, mix the concrete patching compound following manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. When the mixture is ready, stab a trowel into it to eliminate air pockets and assist with working it into the crack. Smooth the crack filler immediately after application to avoid any lumps or unevenness.

The best concrete crack fillers to use are low modulus healers/sealers. These types of resins will seal the crack, help to bridge the crack, and bind the concrete back together. They are also designed to be able to move with the crack, which is important for conditions where there will be mechanical or thermal movement of the concrete.

Once the concrete crack filler is smoothed, use a caulking gun to force the concrete crack filler into the crack. If needed, place a backing rod in the crack prior to applying the concrete crack filler. Then, slowly draw the caulking gun along the crack, forcing a bead of concrete repair caulk deep into the crack. Let the crack filler cure as directed.