Your Roof Is a Big Part of Your Energy Costs

Did you think that the new siding and storm windows were going to save you on energy bills this winter? Along with the insulation you had added to the attic, you really thought you were going to save some money! Still, it seems like all that heat was going right out the roof didn't it?

What about your roof itself? We all know from elementary science that heat rises. While that added insulation helped, when the temperature dropped to zero or below, your energy costs went up. The roof is your home's hat. Hats keep the warmth inside our bodies, which is why we wear toboggans. When our toboggan gets a hole, our body's heat leaks out. The same thing happens with your roof.

While getting a new roof isn't the cheapest thing to do, look at it as an investment. It will help your energy costs and it also eliminates the source for allergens that may be making your family sick or suffer from allergies. A new roof also will improve your home's overall looks and increase its value. You may not be able to see where your roof is worn from the ground, especially if your home is more than just a single floor.

Calling a professional roofer to inspect your roof is the first thing you should do. A legitimate, quality roofer like Dun-Rite Roofing will provide that inspection and a quote for free. If you call a roofer that charges, pass them up and go to another one. Don't wait until you see shingles missing or notice a leak. The damage could already be done.

New Roof Plans? Go Metal!

When it comes time to re-roof your home, you may be thinking about going metal. They are many attractive colors and designs in metal roofs today and metal will last longer than any other type of roofing material you could choose. They are eco-friendly and you can select aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, tin or zinc.

Dun-Rite Roofing has done many metal roofs on homes over the years and we always choose metal products that are tested and labeled by FM Global, UL, or an equivalent. We want to share with you the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofs:

Advantages – The Benefits

● Durable – Many metal roofs will take wind gusts up to 140 mph if installed correctly. They don't corrode or crack and depending which metal you choose, may be impact-resistant. A metal roof won't require periodic maintenance that can be costly at times, however, you should have it inspected from time to time.

● Energy Efficiency – A metal roof will reflect the sun's heat and reduce your cooling costs as much as 25%.

● Environment - Metal roofs are usually as little as 25% recycled materials and some are as much as 95%. All metal roofs are 100% recyclable should they ever come to an end of their life.

● Long Life – A metal roof will last anywhere from 40 to 70 years versus the traditional asphalt tiles that last maximum 20 years.

● Safe - Metal roofs are fire resistant, which is a big plus in areas that are prone to wildfires.

Disadvantages – The Drawbacks

● Expensive - Metal roofs are more expensive than traditional roof materials, however, they last longer so the ROI is a higher rate.

● Noisy – A metal roof is not for a light sleeper. When it rains it is loud and when it hails, it’s even louder. You can have more insulation added which will help, but that would increase the cost of have the metal roof installed. Again, look at the ROI for the long run.

● Color Inconsistency – Once a metal roof is installed, any necessary repairs the contractor may not be able to match the color exact.

● Contracts and Expands - When properly installed, a metal roof will be attached in large panels which will contract and expand as it cools down and heats up.

● Performance – If a low grade of metal is used, the durability will lack and they could rust which can cause serious damage.