Many homeowners are choosing to switch to metal roofing because of the energy-efficient benefits for their homes. Switching to any different roofing material will require some inspection and attention to detail. Working with a professional roofing company will ensure that the transition from shingles to metal is smooth. This blog will share the most common steps that ensure that a new metal roof is durable. By following these steps, your roof will have the quality that comes with professional installation. 

1- Evaluate The Current Roof Condition

Before you transition from shingles to metal roofs, the current materials and structure should be inspected. The insulation, roof flashing, and shingles should be inspected for damage that could benefit from being repaired before metal is installed. Hiring a professional roof inspector will help a homeowner have peace of mind about the longevity of their roof. 

If a roofing structure is compromised, reinforcements may need to be added before adding the weight of metal roofing. Even small reinforcements can be the difference between 25 to 30 years of life from a metal roof. 

2- Hire A Professional Roofing Contractor

Working with a professional in any industry is a better option for your money. Hiring a professional roofing contractor will ensure that your materials are installed correctly and last for their entire predicted lifespan. Premier Roofing And Restoration has some of the best roofing technicians in the industry. For residential roofing, proper inspection, repairs, and material installation are crucial for protecting the interior of your home. 

3- Choose An Installation Method

There are two methods that are typically used to transition from shingles to metal roofing. Finding the best option for your specific home will save you time and money on your roofing project.

Over Existing Materials

In many cases, metal roofing can be installed over existing roofing materials. Over shingles or tiles, metal can still provide the benefits as if it had been installed on its own. If your roofing structure can handle the additional weight, this method is preferred to reduce waste and cut project time when you transition from shingles to metal.

Tear-Off

The tear-off method involves removing the existing roofing material before installing the metal roofing. Tear-off is more labor intensive than other methods, which means that it can cost more and take longer to have a safe roof. Removing the other material will allow roofing professionals to better inspect the roof deck and installation. 

4- Install The Metal

Once the surface is inspected and prepped, you can install the metal roofing material. Depending on the type of metal you choose, the installation process will vary. Applying a metal roof will require fasteners or nails to secure the sheets to the shingles or roof. Install flashing and sealing around chimneys, vents, or other corners to prevent leaks. 

5- Add Insulation To Improve Energy Efficiency

Insulation is critical to the functionality of a roof. Metal roofs especially need insulation to help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Insulation will help lower your energy bills by creating a better barrier between the exterior temperature and interior temperatures. 

When installing metal roofs, you can utilize radiant insulation that will help improve the UV reflection of metal. Consulting with a professional roofer will help you choose the right insulation for your climate. 

Metal Roofs From Premier Roofing And Restoration

Our team is the top roof installer in Idaho because of our knowledge and timely services. We can install metal roofing to your existing shingles, or follow the tear-off method to give you a fresh start. While many homeowners want the satisfaction of installing a roof on their own, hiring a professional will save you from the risk of injury and limit repairs in the future.

Premier Roofing And Restoration wants to help all Idaho homeowners have quality roofing at an affordable price. As we have worked with residents in Idaho, we have heightened our passion for providing durable roofs for residential and commercial spaces. We use only the highest quality materials to ensure that you will have a protected home for years to come. Schedule an estimate for free or reach out to get started on a new roof today!

Cool roofs or reflective roof materials are best for homes in hot climates, or for homeowners who want to have a more sustainable home. Reflecting the sunlight away from the home, these roofs provide a multitude of benefits that can save you money, keep your home comfortable, and boost the home’s overall value. 

Reflective roof materials are a practical solution to many modern challenges homeowners face. High energy bills, HVAC inefficiency, and growing environmental concerns can be solved with cool roofs. This blog will share what materials are considered reflective and the benefits that they can provide for homes across the world. 

Popular Reflective Roof Materials

Some materials may claim to help keep a home cooler or reflect sunlight, but some materials just don’t reflect as much sunlight as others. The higher the reflective rate, the more benefits you will see.

Most roofing materials that come in lighter colors are more reflective than their darker-colored counterparts, but there are specialty materials that were made to reflect the highest amount of sunlight possible. 

Here are the common reflective roof materials currently on the market:

• Lighter colored materials
• Membranes
• Shingles
• Metal
• Stone
• Tile (high solar reflectance
• Green/living roofs

Lower Energy Costs

Roofs that reflect sunlight will help keep the interior temperature of a home at a comfortable level. By reflecting sunlight, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep the home at a set temperature. Especially during the summer, reflective roof materials can help you lower energy costs that can skyrocket by running air conditioners and standing fans all day. 

Extended Roof Lifespan

One of the most common causes of roof damage is harmful UV rays. The sun can cause rotting and weakening of shingles, slate tiles, and more. Materials with a higher reflective level don’t absorb the UV light that causes these issues and heat up the materials. Roofs will avoid cracking, splitting, and rotting by not absorbing the heat. 

Since reflective materials are less susceptible to damage, they will be able to withstand storms or insects and protect your roof for longer. Most roofing materials can last between 15-30 years, but reflective materials’ lifespan will extend closer to that 30-year point. Longer-lasting materials will save you from expensive repairs or roof replacement.

Environmental Benefits

Lowering your energy costs also will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide you put into the atmosphere. Pollution and greenhouse gases cause major problems for our environment which are mostly produced from home heating and cooling and automobiles. Reflective roofs help homeowners use fewer resources to heat or cool their homes, so they in return, help to improve the environment.

Tax Rebates

Cities and states are beginning to reward residents for any energy-saving potential they add to their homes. Installing an electric charger, solar panels, or reflective roof materials could qualify you for a tax break. Government incentives and rebates can help you pay for these installations around your home and keep up with their maintenance. Installing reflective roofs can enhance your return on investment for your home as many of these rebates are redeemable each year. 

Aesthetic Appeal

Not only can these roofing materials provide you with a higher home value, but they can also improve the overall aesthetics of the home. Many of these modern materials are colorful, and sleek, and help a home fit in with other homes in the neighborhood. They come in a wide range of colors and styles to help homeowners find an option that best suits their personality. 

Having the versatility of reflective roof materials gives you energy-efficiency benefits without having to sacrifice your design preferences. Reflective roofs are not unsightly and boost your curb appeal when installed. 

Cooler Interior Temperatures

As less heat is absorbed into the roofing material, your home will in turn be cooler inside. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to cool the home, especially during peak usage times. Reducing the need for air conditioning during the summer will save you thousands of dollars in energy bills without sacrificing comfort. 

Roof Installation From Premier Roofing And Restoration

Premier Roofing and Restoration offers roofing services to help Idaho homeowners have peace of mind. Our roofing team can help repair or replace your roofing materials to give you better energy efficiency as well. No matter the size of your home, your climate, or what materials you are looking for, our team is the experts you need to install a new roof. Schedule an estimate with our Idaho Falls team today! 

Roof damage is a common problem that homeowners and business owners experience. Roof punctures are a specific type of damage that can occur based on specific weather issues or if you have people walking on your roof. Once your roof is punctured, it will need to be repaired with precision in order to prevent future problems. 

Common Causes Of Roof Punctures

There are many ways that your roof can be damaged since it is consistently exposed to weather and external factors. Below are the common causes of roof punctures. 

Foot Traffic

Whether you are installing holiday lighting, having roof repairs, cleaning windows, or other work, foot traffic can lead to damage to a roof. Roof punctures from foot traffic are common when some of your roofing materials are weak. 

Falling Trees

Homes that are surrounded by large trees are more prone to roof damage. Dead branches or ones that are blown off during a storm can cause roof punctures. Fallen trees can lead to roof collapse and be an expensive replacement for homeowners.

Infestations

Different insects and rodents can lead to holes in your roof. Even small holes can cause leaks and mold growth in your home. The larger the infestation, the higher the risk of leaks or total roof collapse. 

Hail Damage

In climates with severe weather like hail, large-sized hail can cause punctures to the roof. Even small hail pieces can lead to weakened shingles over time. 

Roof Repair Or Roof Replacement

The extent of the roof damage will determine if homeowners should consider roof repair or replacement. Most damage to a roof from normal wear and tear will require the repair of a few materials. If repairs are not made frequently when damage occurs, a storm or walking on your roof could result in a total roof replacement.

If you suspect damage has been done to your roof, you will need to start with a roof inspection. A roofing contractor will identify the roof puncture or other damage, and then assess the structure to determine if repair or replacement is needed. When it comes to repairing roof punctures, there are a few steps that need to be followed.

Remove Damaged Shingles Or Tile

The first step is to remove the damaged roofing materials. This will give you a cleaner slate to work with and provide a clearer picture of the extent of the damage. Shingles and tiles will need to be removed carefully, so as not to damage the other surrounding materials. 

Replace Damage Wood

Once shingles or tiles have been removed, roofing contractors will be able to see how far the roof puncture goes. The damaged wood will need to be cut out with a saw and replaced with new wood. The cuts will need to be made without damaging the rafter. 

Damaged wood will need to be replaced with new plywood, framing wood, and insulation. Some repairs will need to be done from below, in the attic, to ensure that nails and brackets are placed correctly. 

Apply Tar Paper

Roofing cement or tar paper helps to seal any small gaps in a roof. They are typically placed around chimneys, in roofing slopes, and when new materials are added to an existing roof. The tar paper will need to extend underneath the existing tiles or shingles as well as covering the puncture hole. 

Attach New Roof Materials

Once everything is secured in place, the roofing materials will be applied. Working from the bottom to the top, contractors will apply the shingles using roofing nails and roofing cement to seal around the nails. 

Preventing Future Roof Punctures

While not all roof damage can be prevented, there are some precautions that homeowners can take to help extend the life of a roof. Avoiding roof punctures may not be possible depending on your climate, but doing your best to stay on top of maintenance will save your home from disaster. 

Some ways to prevent future roof punctures include:

• Trim surrounding trees frequently
• Choose a durable or puncture-resistant roofing material
• Have frequent roof inspections to stay on top of repairs
• Limit how often you walk on the roof
• Secure satellite dishes and solar panels properly
• Create a puncture-resistant walkway to access your roof
• Only work with roofing professionals

Roof Repairs From Premier Roofing & Restoration

Our Idaho roofing professionals know how to keep your home safe from weather and pest infestation. Roof punctures can seem like the end of the world, but when you work with the right company, they can easily be repaired. Premier Roofing And Restoration offers roof repairs, roof replacement, and gutter cleaning to help all homeowners have the optimal roof. Reach out to our team to schedule a roof inspection and improve your roofing materials.