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Why You Shouldn’t Let the Initial Cost Put You Off Steel Roofs

steel roofs in London When it comes time to replace the roof more and more people are exploring the possibilities of steel roofing. When they’re first quoted a price however, some balk because steel roofing will typically cost a bit more than shingles to install. But with steel roofing there are a number of reasons to look beyond the initial sticker price and embrace this new technology anyway. And most of those reasons have to do with the fact that steel roofs in London will actually save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

The Many Economic Benefits of Steel Roofs in London

In some cases steel roofing will cost more upfront than some other options such as asphalt shingles. But initial out of pocket expenses only tell part of the story and don’t take into account the many long term economic benefits you’ll enjoy because of your new steel roof. Benefits such as:

  • Energy savings – Steel roofs are engineered to reflect heat during the summer months. This allows you to ratchet back the air conditioner and save money. But there’s another economic benefit to this as well: an HVAC system that doesn’t have to work as hard is one that will last far longer. So you’ll not only realise monthly savings on your energy bill, you won’t have to spend money maintaining or replacing an overworked HVAC system.
  • The true cost of asphalt vs steel – While it’s true that asphalt shingles often cost less to install what isn’t mentioned is that you may have to install 3 asphalt shingle roofs over the course of the expected lifetime of 1 steel roof. So the way to calculate the real price of asphalt shingles vs steel is to multiply the cost of a shingle roof by a factor of 3 and compare that to the cost of a single steel roof installation. You’ll then see how much steel will actually save you in the long run.
  • Durability – It’s one of the hallmarks of asphalt shingles that after an extreme weather event you’ll see big patches on the neighbour’s roofs where the shingles have been ripped away, exposing the interior of the house to the elements. This will not happen with a steel roof. Steel roofs form a unified front against the elements that makes them extremely tough, durable and long lasting. So you won’t have to pay to repair them after every heavy weather event.
  • Insurance savings – Because it’s more durable, because it’s safer than asphalt in a fire situation and because it won’t blow away when the wind picks up steel roofing will often result in a reduction in homeowner’s insurance premiums. And not just for one year. For every year you have the steel roof on your home. Just one more way steel roofs in London provide real, significant long term savings.

Steel roofing may cost a bit more up front but over the long run you’ll wind up saving boatloads of money compared to standard asphalt shingles. Contact London Eco Metal to find out more.

A Checklist to Find the Best Roofing Contractors in Mississauga

Roofing Contractors in MississaugaIf you have a mid-to-large sized home a new roof is likely to cost many thousands of dollars. As such you need to perform your due diligence before committing to a roofing contractor. Getting estimates is important, certainly, as is making sure you’re personally comfortable working with the roofers involved. But there’s more to finding the right contractor for this vital project than simply gathering estimates and warm fuzzy feelings. You’ll need to develop a checklist of important points that should be satisfied before you sign on the dotted line.

Vetting Roofing Contractors in Mississauga

In order to avoid a roofing disaster that could see you take an enormous financial hit and perhaps negatively impact the value of your home you’ll want to vet any prospective roofing contractors in Mississauga carefully. The following checklist will help you do that.

  • References – No references, no deal so this is first on the list. Before you discuss price or schedule make sure they’ll provide valid references and check them. If they can’t or won’t then move on to the next company.
  • Proof of insurance – Another non-negotiable item on your checklist. If they don’t have robust liability and personal injury insurance you’ll be liable for any injuries or damage they cause to your property or the property of your neighbours. No insurance. No deal.
  • A verifiable address – Some roofers have a snazzy truck to provide the reassuring visuals but little else. A verifiable business address goes a long way toward establishing that the contractor is in this for the long run and not just trying to make some beer money.
  • A written estimate – Any reputable contractor will be happy to provide a written estimate for the job. If the prospective contractor won’t they’re trying to leave the door open to piling all sorts of hidden charges onto the final bill.
  • Better Business Bureau profile – Check this on your own. You’ll be able to see if they have any outstanding lawsuits and read feedback from past customers. Remember, any company that has been around a while is bound to attract the odd lawsuit. It’s a pattern you’re looking for.
  • Who will do the work – Sometimes the person you talk to doesn’t even own a roofing company. They’re little more than a glorified salesman who secures the work then farms it out to subcontractors. Find out who’s doing the work.
  • Workmanship guarantee – Any reputable contractor should guarantee the quality of their own work. The length of these guarantees can vary, but if the company offers no such guarantee you should take a pass.
  • Industry affiliations – Membership in trade associations and the like is another sign that the contractor takes their business seriously. If they have no industry affiliations you’re perfectly justified in asking why.

Don’t just take someone’s word that they know what they’re doing and will stand behind their work. Make sure you carefully vet any prospective roofing contractors in Mississauga before selecting the one that’s right for you.

3 Hidden Benefits of Installing Metal Roofing

metal roofing KitchenerThe integrity of your home rests as much on the state of the roof as it does on the foundation. If either is poorly constructed or otherwise compromised it can have a cascading effect throughout the entire house. Making sure the roof on your home is as good as it can be is essential then to not only keeping the house dry and safe, it’s also vital to retaining or enhancing your home’s value. And no other roofing material will provide a bigger boost to the value of your house then metal. The reasons metal roofing is such a value winner have as much to do with things that aren’t seen as it does with the obvious aesthetic boost it brings to the home.

3 Subtle Benefits of Metal Roofing for Kitchener Homes

Metal roofing looks great. But it’s more than a one trick pony. Here are 3 not so obvious benefits of metal roofing for Kitchener homes.

  1. They’re Fire Resistant – While engineering advances in recent years have made asphalt shingles a bit safer than they used to be they’re still capable to making any house fire worse. Asphalt is after all a petroleum product. Metal roofs by comparison can actually help buy you valuable escape time in the event of a house fire by putting a non-flammable cap on the fire and denying it the upward draft it needs to thrive.
  2. They’re Environmentally Friendly – Compared to shingles and some other materials that actually soak up the sun’s heat and make your home hotter, metal roofing does a great job of reflecting sunlight and thereby lowering your air conditioning costs. In addition where asphalt shingles are typically made using primary resources metal roofing is often made largely of recycled materials.
  3. They’re Easier on Your House – Most homeowners don’t think about it but asphalt shingle roofs are incredibly heavy. All this weight is creates enormous stress on the framing of both the roof and the exterior walls. When you install a metal roof on your home you relieve most of this pressure which can actually increase your home’s longevity.

Bonus Benefit – Metal roofing can be customized to fit your most exacting design needs. Metal shingles are available that mimic whatever type of material you desire including asphalt shingles, ceramic tile, wood and more. No other roofing material provides you this type of design flexibility.

Conclusion

Metal roofing for Kitchener homes is an idea whose time has come. Besides making your home look great and making it better able to stand up to the voracious Ontario winters metal roofing will also go a long way toward making your home more energy efficient and safer in the event of a fire. That added element of fire safety will also likely result in a decrease in your homeowner’s insurance premiums. So there’s one more hidden benefit you need to consider. Call London Eco Metal on 1-855-838-9393 to learn more about the outstanding value that is metal roofing.

How Does Steel Roofing Compare to Other Types of Metal Roofing?

steel roofing in Toronto Metal roofs in general last longer than shingles, are more durable, provide more reliable protection during heavy weather events and are available in an astonishing array of colours and designs. Steel is the most popular metal roofing material, but why is that? Is it simply a matter of price or are there other factors in play that make steel roofing the go-to choice for so many home and business owners?

Why Steel Roofing in Toronto is So Popular

Steel roofing in Toronto is by far the most popular kind of metal roofing. Let’s take a look at the 5 different types of metal roof to see if we can determine why.

Copper – Copper has been in use as a roofing material for centuries. Many people consider it the most aesthetically pleasing roofing material and it’s certainly long lasting. So why isn’t it the most popular type of roofing material? One word: cost.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Timeless aesthetic appeal
  • Can be completely recycled
  • Pliable

Cons

  • Cost

Aluminum – While copper is the most expensive type of metal roofing aluminum isn’t that far behind. It does have one advantage over copper though in that it can be made to mimic the look of other roofing materials like shingles and tiles. Something copper doesn’t do particularly well.

Pros

  • Design versatility
  • Seals itself
  • Can be painted
  • Good for coastal areas

Cons

  • Cost

Tin – While the word “tin” is often used to describe virtually any type of metal roof the fact is that real tin roofs are a rarity. Tin is every bit its own element, just like copper, and not just a catchall word to describe metal in general. Most roofs that are referred to as tin today are actually galvanized steel.

Pros

  • Affordability
  • Design versatility
  • Durability

Cons

  • Hard to find real tin roofing

Zinc – A lot of people like zinc as a roofing material because of its self-healing abilities, its relative affordability and its looks. The self-healing referred to above is a quality of the metal whereby the patina tends to expand over small damaged areas returning them to the fold visually and functionally.

Pros

  • Cost effective
  • Long lasting
  • Easily manipulated
  • Paintable

Cons

  • Some people don’t like the chalky look

Steel – Now let’s look at steel and see why it’s in such demand. First of all the steel you install on your roof is probably made of recycled materials. Second, it’s readily available from virtually every company that does metal roofs. Third, it costs less than copper, zinc or aluminum. Fourth, it’s easily fabricated into an array of shapes that mimic other materials. Fifth, it can be painted to match any design considerations. So let’s recap.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Extremely versatile
  • Low maintenance
  • Very durable
  • Recycled and recyclable
  • Widely available
  • Not easily damaged

Cons

  • None to speak of

Conclusion

There are a number of good reasons why steel roofing in Toronto is so popular. Call London Eco Metal to find out more about how a steel roof can enhance the look and value of your home.

Steel Roofing Maintenance Requirements Compared to a Typical Asphalt Roof

Steel Roofing in TorontoThere are a lot of reasons both practical and aesthetic to choose steel roofing from London Eco-Metal Manufacturing. Those reasons include ROI, energy efficiency, aesthetic adaptability and the wide range of style options available, just to name a few. But there’s one more reason steel roofing in Toronto should be on your list of home or business improvements this year: low maintenance. When compared to the most common form of roofing – asphalt shingles – steel roofing provides significant savings on both short and long term maintenance.

Low Maintenance: Another Advantage of Steel Roofing Toronto

Maintenance can represent a significant long term burden in both time and money and always needs to be factored into the cost of a particular roof. Let’s look at the maintenance requirements of both steel and asphalt to see what we’re talking about.

Asphalt Roofing Maintenance Requirements

  • Removing debris from the roof – Particularly after heavy weather events. It’s crucial to the life of your shingles that someone get up on the roof after intense storms and also in the springtime to clear debris from the roof.
  • Inspecting the shingles – While you’re removing the debris from your roof you also need to inspect the shingles themselves to ensure none have been damaged by high wind or flying debris. If they have they need to be replaced ASAP.
  • Inspecting the flashings – The flashings around the chimney, skylights and other protrusions should be checked at least twice a year to ensure their integrity. If they get damaged the water they let in can undermine the roof, walls, wiring and insulation of your home.
  • Inspecting for moss – Moss and algae on your shingles can promote their breakdown. During your flashing inspections you should also check for the growth of mold and algae on the roof.
  • Checking for overhanging branches – Trees can grow faster than you think so you need to keep an eye on any trees growing near the house to make sure no branches are hanging over or worse, rubbing against the roof.

Maintenance Requirements for Steel Roofing in Toronto.

  • Washing the roof – In the springtime and perhaps in the fall too you may want to hose your roof down to clear it of dust, dirt and any leaves that may have gotten stuck.
  • Inspecting after extreme weather events – There may be high wind events that send branches and other flying debris into your roof. As such it’s smart to inspect the roof after such events.
  • Replacing damaged panels – In the unlikely event your inspection revealed any damaged panels simply call the company that installed the roof and inform them of the problem. They should be happy to replace any panels for you in a timely fashion.

As you can see maintaining your steel roof is a less intensive task than properly maintaining asphalt shingles. This is one more reason why steel roofing in Toronto has taken off in recent years. If you’d like to learn more about steel roofing give London Eco-Metal Manufacturing a call and talk to one of our metal roofing experts.

Why Price Shouldn’t Be the Defining Factor When Hiring Roofing Contractors

roofing contractors in Mississauga The roof is arguably the most important component of your home. You can survive, at least for a while, losing windows, the front door, siding and more but if the roof goes your home is essentially uninhabitable. Therefore it’s vital that the company you choose to repair or replace your roof is one with a solid reputation for high quality work along with the experience and expertise to handle any and all kinds of roofing emergencies. Should you choose a roofing contractor based solely on price however, what you’re most likely to get are excuses, delays and long-term trouble.

The Importance of Hiring Qualified Roofing Contractors in Mississauga

Not all roofing contractors in Mississauga are the same. Some are run by dedicated professionals with years of experience and a commitment to their customers, while others are run by guys looking to make a few bucks so they can pay their bills and go drinking with their buddies. These guys will typically offer rock bottom prices just to secure the job, but you’d do well to resist the temptation to take them up on their offer. Here’s why:

  • They’re cutting corners – Things like liability insurance, workman’s compensation insurance, proper equipment and high quality materials all cost money. If someone is offering to repair or replace your roof for significantly less than the competition they’re making up for that lost revenue somewhere. And you’re the one who will wind up paying in the long run.
  • They’re probably not insured – We just mentioned this above but it warrants its own entry on this list. Discount roofing contractors in Mississauga are often uninsured. You may shrug and say “So?” but consider this: if someone who works for that uninsured contractor gets hurt while working on your property guess who is liable? That’s right. You. And if they’re seriously hurt it could wind up costing you a life-changing amount of money.
  • In all likelihood they’re poorly trained – Roofers who are properly trained and have lots of experience don’t need to sell themselves short. Discount roofing companies though are often composed of industry castoffs and hangers on. Guys with poor training and limited experience who couldn’t get work with a reputable contractor. They’ll also work for cheap which is another reason the discount contractor can offer such a low price.
  • They disappear when the check clears – Reputable contractors keep the lines of communication open with their clients past and present. If there’s a problem they take care of it. Most discount contractors disappear back into the social woodwork as soon as the cheque clears and good luck trying to hold them responsible when, (not if), problems arise.

Gambling with the very roof over your head is not an activity that will pay off in the end. In order to ensure the roof you and your family depends on is always there to provide safe, reliable protection from mother nature just say “No thanks” next time discount roofing contractors in Mississauga offer you a rock bottom price.

Why Metal Roofing is the Greenest Material in the Roofing Industry

metal roofing in Kitchener The metal roofing products we offer our customers provide a durable, attractive finish that’s suitable for most types of pitched roof applications. They’re versatile enough to meld with your traditional building style and cutting edge enough to put the finishing touch on your contemporary home or office building. But that’s not all. There’s another reason to love these durable, easy-to-install panels that doesn’t get a lot of press, but should: they’re among the greenest building materials you can buy.

Going Green with Metal Roofing in Kitchener

Most of our clients are sold on the many aesthetic and practical advantages metal roofing provides. Many are also surprised to discover that they’re perhaps the greenest building material in the entire roofing industry and here are just some of the reasons why:

  • They’re made from mostly recycled materials.
  • As such they produce a minimal carbon footprint.
  • They can reduce the temperature in your attic by up to 1/3.
  • They can be completely recycled at the end of their long life.
  • The fact that they’re so light reduces on the energy used to transport them.
  • They reflect sunlight which reduces the stress on your air conditioning system.
  • Their light weight can also help extend the life of your home or commercial building.
  • Because they give your HVAC system a break it works more efficiently and lasts longer.
  • They break the cycle of landfill disposal followed by primary resource consumption.
  • They’re extremely low maintenance and long lasting.

In addition – Metal roofing reflects substantial amounts of solar radiation that contacts the roof of a building instead of absorbing it the way asphalt shingles and rubber do. Metal roofing for Kitchener homes can also be installed directly over many kinds of existing roofs further reducing trips to the landfill and the environmental contamination that ensues from the disposal of roofing materials. And one more thing; a metal roof also makes your home more fire resistant whereas asphalt shingles are little fuel packages waiting for a flame to set them off.

But Wait, There’s More

In addition to being an outstanding green building material metal roofing also has many other advantages over other roofing materials. Those advantages include:

  • Moisture resistance
  • Wind resistance
  • High ROI
  • Tax savings
  • Stain resistance
  • Lower insurance premiums
  • And virtually no maintenance

Whichever of our innovation, energy efficient products you choose metal roofing in Kitchener will provide you with the greenest roof in the GTA. We’re serious about environmental responsibility and are constantly revisiting the design, engineering and production of our metal building products in an effort to improve their performance, reduce their carbon footprint and extend their usable lifespan.

Contact London Eco-Metal Today

Metal roofing is an idea whose time has come and the number of homes and businesses that switch every year to metal roofs is proof positive of their relevance and effectiveness. If you’d like to transform your home or business into a green beacon for the community give London Eco-Metal Manufacturing a call today on 905-564-7663 and speak to one of our experts on metal roofing in Kitchener.

Increasing the Value of a Building With a Metal Roof

Metal RoofingWhen people think of roofing they generally think of shingles, usually in black or grey. But there are many more options, and one of the best choices for commercial and residential buildings is metal roofing. With quality and durability as important selling points, metal roofing is becoming a more popular choice than ever before. But why should anyone select a metal roof over other roofing material choices? Does metal roofing have enough benefits to be the right choice for your needs? And what kinds of questions should someone ask when considering metal roofing for a commercial or residential application?

What Do Metal Roofs Offer?

Among the benefits that metal roofs offer is durability. These roofs will not rust, and they last for years. They don’t break down the way shingles and roofing tiles can, so metal roofs can be used for a longer period of time. While they may cost slightly more to have installed in the beginning, the length that they lost can make them more cost effective over time than shingles or other choices. That’s especially true for commercial buildings, which are commonly much larger spaces than residential options. However, in recent years more homeowners are seeing the benefits of metal roofing and are starting to use it for their houses, as well.

How Are Metal Roofs Different From Other Options?

The difference between metal roofs and other options comes in the construction and installation of them, along with the materials themselves. Unlike shingles or tiles, which are much smaller and lighter, metal roofing comes in longer, wider sheets that are attached to the roof and one another. They are anchored down very solidly to withstand wind, rain, and other elements such as snow and ice. Some people are concerned that metal roofing will be louder than other options, but there are sound-dampening properties that keep these roofs quieter than most people would expect.

How Metal Roofs Benefit Commercial Buildings

For commercial applications, metal roofs are very often the best choice. Smaller commercial buildings may choose other options, but the vast majority of commercial buildings choose metal roofing. For the length of time it lasts, the ease and speed of installation, and other factors, metal roofing is the better choice for the vast majority of companies. There are big energy savings in metal roofs, along with warranties that can be good for up to 50 years and roofs that can last for more than a century. That reduces the cost of the roof over time. With such a large surface area for the roof, the need to replace it can be extremely costly for the building owner. With a metal roof, that is no longer a worry.

Are There Benefits for Residential Buildings?

Even though metal roofing is more popular for commercial applications, more homeowners are starting to see the merits of it. From large houses and barns on rural properties to smaller locations in bigger cities, homeowners are considering spending a little more to get a metal roof that they can rely on for their lifetime or longer. It can also be a strong selling point if the homeowner decides to move, considering the quality and value that the metal roof will provide to the new owner. Metal roofs are more energy efficient, more durable, and more long-lasting than other roofing materials. These are all considerations worth addressing for any homeowner who is considering choosing a metal roof for their home.

Who Should Choose a Metal Roof?

Anyone who wants to increase the value of their building would be wise to choose a metal roof. It is one of the best options for them to think about when considering upgrades and additional changes that add value. Commercial and residential owners can both see big benefits, including a longer roof life, more energy efficiency, noise reduction, and less worry about leaks, damage, and related issues. With that in mind, choosing a metal roof for residential or commercial applications simply makes sense.

Just Why Does a Metal Roof Last So Long?

metal roof When it comes to buying a product, it’s only natural to want one that lasts a long time so you can really feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth. Metal roofs definitely fit this category, with some having a life expectancy that’s almost unbelievable – yet entirely true.

Metal roofs – A Superior Material

Roofs on homes have evolved over time and seem to have reached the pinnacle of technology with today’s options. The secret to their longevity? Metal is simply a superior material. For example, let’s look at other roof types and why they don’t last so long.

  • Asphalt Roofs – With a life expectancy of around 15 years, they’re not the worst option but certainly pale in comparison to the 60 years that some metal options can last for. Simply put, asphalt roofs break down over time due to constant wear and tear from the weather, resulting in cracks, curling panels and buckling shingles. Not only that, but asphalt is a substance in which life can thrive. By having infestations of algae and moss on asphalt roofs, the life expectancy can drop further and leave your home prone to leaks and moisture, which could cause several other problems. Metal roofs don’t attract life of this sort and certainly don’t curl or buckle, meaning their life expectancy remains superior.
  • Wood Shake Roofs – Similar to asphalt roofs, the main reasons for the lack of longevity with wood shake roofs are the fact that they can fault, buckle and bend. Not only that, but they’re prone to rot, too, meaning they could have to be replaced after just a few years. As you know, metal doesn’t rot, and so you don’t have to worry about this having an effect on the longevity of your roof.
  • Clay Tile Roofs – Whilst clay won’t rot, clay roof tiles are extremely fragile and prone to breaking, meaning that if there’s a big storm in the area, there’s a chance that you roof isn’t up to it and you could end up having to replace a great deal of clay tiles that have either cracked, moved or broken completely. Metal is obviously stronger than clay tiles and is certainly strong enough to take whatever nature might throw at it – metal 1, nature 0.

Metal – In it for the Long Run

Metal lasts because it’s strong. A metal roof is highly unlikely to break or fault, and definitely won’t harbor any mold, rot or mildew through its long lifespan. Providing the roof is properly maintained and cared for, it should last for up to 60 years because its practically impervious to any weather; it won’t rot in rain, it won’t dry out in the heat and it won’t break in a storm.

True Longevity

If you want a product that really lasts a lifetime, then a metal roof is the one for you. Don’t settle for a material that will need constant maintenance and costly replacements whilst you live under it – “settle” for metal.

The Dos and Don’ts of Steel Roofs

steel roof A steel roof is a great product – long lasting, energy efficient and it looks great, too. But like all great products, there are some things you’ll need to do to get the best out of it – and some things you’ll want to avoiding doing. Here’s a handy list for you on how to properly care for your steel roof.

Your Steel Roof – Dos

  • Make Sure You Clean it Right – It’s only natural after a storm or period of heavy rainfall that your roof might look a little dirty, but there’s a wrong and a right way to clean it. By using a soft, well-soaked cloth or brush coupled with a solution of detergent and water, you can easily set about cleaning your roof and making it look good as new. Remember – wash from top to bottom!
  • Prune Surrounding Trees and Clear Your Gutters – Whilst it may not rot, by having organic debris on your roof or clogging your gutters, you’re running the risk of preventing it from drying out or damaging your roof, which could lead to problems such as corrosion, meaning it won’t perform as well as it is capable of doing.
  • Pay Attention to the Finishes – When applying a finish, ensure that you look for and remove any chips or shavings, which run the risk of oxidizing and leaving unsightly rusty patches. Make sure you opt for a finish that will produce little glare too – nobody wants to be blinded by a shiny roof, however beautiful it may look!

Don’ts

  • Walk Around on the Roof – Yes, steel is incredibly strong and likely stronger than any roof you’ve had before, but that doesn’t mean to should be walking around up there. Whilst your steel roof is strong and you’re very unlikely to damage it, it wasn’t designed for people to be walking on, so take care if you do have to go up and make sure you adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturer – the last thing you want is to hurt yourself.
  • Try to Install it Yourself – Whilst it’s great that people are experimenting more and more with DIY, there are some things that are better off left to the professionals – and a steel roof is one of them. Not only are they trained and experienced, they will they get the job done quicker and will also be able to provide advice on how best to take care of it, which is priceless.
  • Use Acid or Chloride Based Cleaners – These can be harmful for your roof and cause all kinds of problems, so stick to detergents. Also make sure that you’re using soft brushes rather than harsh scouring pads.

See? That Wasn’t Too Bad

Caring for a steel roof is easy and requires little more than common sense. By ensuring that you’re using the right equipment to clean it, taking the necessary care of it and not having parties up there, you’ll have one of the best products on the market and one that will last a very, very long time.