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Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

October 30, 2020 by Ryan Nielsen

Whether you’re installing a roof on a new home or it’s time to replace your existing roof, it’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of various roofing materials. While there’s a wide variety of options on the market, not all of them offer substantial durability and longevity — two roofing traits every homeowner should look for.

Metal roofing, with its sleek, uncomplicated aesthetic, has recently surged in popularity — not only due to its appearance but also for a variety of other reasons. Curious what you can expect when you opt for a metal roof installation? The experts at Alpine Roofing and Construction outline the pros and cons of this popular material below.

Metal Roofing Pros

Durability and Longevity

Of all roofing materials on the market, metal wins out in the categories of durability and longevity. With a quality installation, you can expect a metal roof to last at least 40 to 70 years. However, many homeowners find that metal roofing lasts even longer than its projected lifespan.

As far as longevity goes, most metal roofing materials come with a 30- to 50-year manufacturer warranty and, depending on the installation company, you’ll also get a workmanship warranty. In terms of durability, metal outperforms most other roofing materials because it’s designed to withstand multiple types of environmental impacts, including:

Wind. Most metal roofing materials are rated to withstand wind gusts of up to 140 mph. In our windy Texas climate, metal is the optimal choice for maintaining the integrity of your roof even during severe weather.
Fire. Metal is naturally fire resistant and, depending on the product, may also feature a special coating to further reduce the risk of fire damage.
Rot. Unlike many other roofing materials, metal is not susceptible to developing rot after prolonged moisture exposure.
Corrosion. Most metal roofing materials feature special coatings designed to minimize or even eliminate the risk of corrosion and rust.
Chipping and cracking. Metal roofing will not chip or crack with prolonged environmental exposure. As such, it reduces the need for ongoing roof maintenance and repairs.

Design Versatility

For decades, metal roofing was typically found atop commercial buildings. Today, however, that’s no longer the case. According to industry data, metal roofing is now the second-most-popular residential roofing material, topped only by asphalt shingles.

Homeowners throughout Texas and beyond are increasingly gravitating toward metal roofs, not only for their durability but also for their visual appeal and design versatility. Because modern metal roofing materials are available in a wide variety of colors, finishes, and shapes, they’re able to complement any architectural design and exterior aesthetic.

Improved Household Energy Efficiency

Metal is naturally more reflective than any other roofing material, which makes it a great choice for those looking to reduce their household energy consumption. Due to its natural reflective qualities, a metal roof features considerable heat emissivity, meaning it reflects rather than absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet rays. As a result, homeowners can reduce their annual cooling costs by up to 25%. Many types of metal also feature specialty coatings to further increase their heat-reflective properties.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Not only does the metal manufacturing process have a smaller environmental footprint than that of other roofing materials, but metal is also fully recyclable. If you’re looking for high-quality building materials but are keen on reducing your carbon footprint, metal roofing is an excellent choice.

Metal Roofing Cons

Greater Initial Investment

Because metal boasts greater durability and longevity than the vast majority of other roofing materials, it’s one of the most expensive types of roofing on the market. Depending on the type and quality of the metal, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $900 per square of material.

Keep in mind, though, that while your upfront investment might be greater, a metal roof will outlast virtually all other types of roofs. When you consider the fact that you’ll likely need to replace most other roofing materials within 15 to 30 years, the additional investment is well worth the expense.

Installation Expertise and Time

A high-quality metal roof installation requires special equipment, techniques, precision, training, and expertise. As such, installing a metal roof may require more time than the installation of other types of roofing. Labor costs for installing this type of roof are also higher than those for most other roofing materials.

Susceptibility to Denting

Although metal roofing is highly durable and can withstand decades of environmental impacts, it’s not impervious to damage. Certain types of metal — typically those that land on the more affordable end of the spectrum — are more prone to denting from hail, tree branches, and other falling objects. Keep in mind, though, that metal, like any other roofing material, is available in a range of qualities and price points. Typically, the higher quality the material, the less prone it is to denting. If you’re thinking about installing a metal roof on your home, get in touch with our team at Alpine Roofing and Construction so we can advise you on your options! For over 20 years, we’ve proudly served both residential and commercial roofing clients throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metro, and our number one goal is your complete satisfaction. To learn more or schedule an estimate, feel free to call our Dallas, TX, office at (214) 528-9897, or send us a message. We’ll be in touch.

Do I Need Roof Repair or Replacement?

October 22, 2020 by Ryan Nielsen

When it comes to protecting a house, your roof is one of those key pieces in the equation. Without it, your house doesn’t stand a chance. That’s why roofing problems are always serious and need to be addressed quickly. When your roof takes damage, you’re often going to have to make a choice. Do you just want to replace the damaged parts of your roof, or should you get a whole new roof? Determining the right answer is fairly complicated, and it requires you to compare a lot of options. This guide is going to show you the most important things you should consider when facing this decision.

Age

Typical roofing is expected to last 15 to 20 years, although some high-end shingles are good for around 40 years, even in hurricane winds. If your roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, getting a replacement should be the go-to choice. The work has to be done anyway. If you only repair one section, you’ll likely see more damage in the next storm — again and again until the roof is replaced. Skip the hassle.

If the roof is under 10 years old, repair is likely the better choice, assuming the damage is not so extensive that full replacement is justified.

Are You Sticking Around?

If you think you’ll be selling the house in the next couple of years, it can and should affect your decision. The condition of the roof will impact your ability to sell the house, especially if your repair uses mismatched shingles. You can’t go for the cheapest repair and hope to make it someone else’s problem.

You should seriously consider how the condition of the roof would impact your desire to buy. There are certainly investors and house flippers who would make you an offer despite a banged-up roof, but if you want the most out of selling your house, a replacement might be justified.

The Type of Damage

Damage that is limited to shingles and the outermost layer of the roof is the best candidate for repair. The repairs are cheap (relative to roofing work), and they can resolve issues just fine.

Replacement becomes a more appealing option when the damage gets deeper into the structure. Obviously, if the framing is compromised, you have to get a new roof, but problems with shingles and studs aren’t so cut and dried. If those sorts of problems affect your roof, you want to compare costs versus the extent of the damage. A small repair is usually justifiable, but as the damage becomes more extensive, it becomes worth it to replace the roof, at least on that part of the house.

Estimate

Sometimes, the answer is easy. If the cost of repair is close to the cost of replacement, replacement is the better choice. Replacements come with a new warranty and should last much longer. Unfortunately, the prices aren’t always close enough to make an easy decision.

The method is to weigh cost versus value. This isn’t always easy, but you’re comparing the cost of the service and dividing it by how long you expect it to last. A cost-per-year-of-life analysis produces a reasonable estimate that you can use to help make the decision.

What Does Your Insurance Say?

Ultimately, your insurance is usually the biggest factor in making this decision. Your provider will do a ton of calculations to decide whether repair or replacement is more cost effective, and it’s good to have that on your side. They also might be bound by laws and regulations to go a certain route.

Typically, your insurance will want you to get a quote from a qualified roofer. They’ll use that quote to determine what they are going to pay to you. That amount might be enough for a replacement (or almost enough). It might only be enough for a focused repair. That makes the decision easy.

In some cases (usually after natural disasters), the insurance company will be bound to replace roofs en mass. If you’re in that situation, you might as well get a new roof. It’s ultimately the better option, provided you aren’t on the hook for the bill. When you’re ready to get deeper into deciding whether to get a roof repair or replacement, you’re going to want an expert opinion. You can get estimates for repair and replacement pretty easily. Contact Alpine Roofing Construction. We’ll set you up with one of our roofing experts. We can assess the damage and let you know exactly what your options are. You can take our quotes to your insurance company, and we can work out a plan to make sure you have a good roof over your head.

How to Get Insurance to Pay for a New Roof

September 25, 2020 by Ryan Nielsen

A damaged roof is the kind of bad news that can ruin a day in a hurry. Until it’s fixed, you have to worry about leaks and additional damage. Getting it fixed is not always an easy endeavor. Roofs are large, and you need certified work. That means you have to find a good roofer to do the work, and you have to figure out costs. Fortunately, you have home insurance, and it frequently covers roofs. Having that financial support can take the sting out of this problem. With that in mind, it helps to understand how you can go about getting money from your insurance company to pay for a new roof.

Check Your Coverage

The first step is figuring out how your insurance works. Since every policy is unique, you want a clear idea of what you should expect before you get deep into the process. Review your policy closely, and see exactly what it says about roofing. You want to see what is typically covered. You want to explore exceptions. You also want to see if your insurance company has a claims checklist. That will help you acquire all of the necessary information and paperwork to get through the process smoothly.

A few common practices for home insurance include depreciation clauses (which might reduce how much the company pays), time frames for making a claim, preferred roofers, and specifications between repair and replacement. All of these clauses will determine the rest of the process.

Contact Your Insurer

You might think of this as the real first step. You have to let the company know that you want to make a claim to get this ball rolling. Before you do, it helps to document the damage. Photos are your best friend. Get as many angles and spots as you can. Get pictures of the interior, especially if it shows signs of leaking. If you can reasonably get on the roof, take photos up there. Make sure you time and date all of your evidence to make it easier for the claims adjuster to follow along.

If you can’t get on the roof, one of the best tools is a drone. Perhaps you can borrow one and get great photo evidence of the damage.

If there is no real way for you to get good photos, your best recourse is a roof inspection. You’ll be looking at paying out of pocket for this, but if you have professional roofers outlining the damage, it will help with your insurance claim.

When you have all of this information, start submitting your claim. Depending on your insurer, it might be easier to make an online claim or it might be easier to call. Either way, they are going to take you through most of the process. You’ll have forms to fill out and a chance to share your documentation. After that, you get to wait while they start processing things on their end.

Check Out Roofing Companies

While you’re waiting, you want to find the roofers who are going to fix the damage. Some insurance companies will make recommendations, but regardless, you want to do your own homework. When you’re comparing roofing companies, always check their certifications and insurance. You don’t want roofing accidents to compound the problem.

You also want to make sure they work with your kind of roof. Not all roofers will handle tile or metal roofs, for example. Definitely check reviews, and be sure to compare prices.

Follow Through With the Insurer

The insurer should update you with the claim, but you can follow through on your own. When you have a roofer and a claim, you’ll want to see how payments process. In most cases, the insurance company will cut you a check for the value of the claim, and you’ll handle hiring the roofer. That said, exceptions do exist, so make sure you know the process before you commit to paying for roofing services.

It’s worth noting that insurance claim amounts aren’t really based on the cost of repairing or replacing the roof. They’re based on the value of the policy and the home. It’s complicated, but the short of it is that you should be prepared to get a claim for less than it costs to fix your roof. That won’t necessarily be the case, but as the saying goes, prepare for the worst and hope for the best.The claims process can be draining. Having good expectations can help, but there are always additional resources. You can get help from roofing companies like Alpine Roofing Construction too. We deal with insurance claims all the time, and helping you is part of doing the job right. Contact us today and see what it takes to get your roof fixed.

Signs That You Need a New Roof

September 22, 2020 by Ryan Nielsen

Roofs cost a lot of money. It’s only reasonable that most people put off getting a new roof until they really can’t wait any longer. But a roof that’s in need of repair can also cost you a lot of money in terms of structural damage. Here’s how you can tell whether you might need a new roof.

1. You’re Already Spending a Lot on Repairs

Just like cars or other major expenses, if you’re spending a lot on repairs, it might be better to get a new one. If you’ve been experiencing a lot of roof leaks and having to invest in a lot of repairs over the past few years, you could actually save money by replacing your roof altogether. Get a quote on the repairs that you suspect you might need over the next year and a quote for replacing the roof entirely — and keep in mind, you’re going to need to replace the roof eventually regardless.

2. Your Roof is Older Than 20 Years

Roofs, like anything else, have a lifespan. If your roof is 20 to 30 years old, realistically you’re going to have to replace it sooner rather than later. Why wait until serious damage occurs? You can plan ahead for roof repairs now.

When you plan for your roof repairs, you have time to get quotes. You have the time to schedule everything when it’s the best time for you, and when you can be out of your home for the duration. If you wait until your roof actually falls apart, you’re going to have to do it last minute. It’s far more likely you’re going to have to spend a premium for the roof replacement, specifically because it’s going to be a rush job.

3. You Have a Lot of Missing Shingles

If you’ve got a lot of missing shingles, there could be other issues at play. Missing shingles are only the first indication that something could be wrong with a roof. At minimum, you need an inspection to determine whether there’s been any water damage or pest damage under the shingles. But if you’re going to be replacing most of the shingles on your roof anyway, it could be that you’re better off replacing the roof.

When you replace your roof, you won’t need to worry about cosmetic issues such as missing shingles. You’ll improve the value of your home — and you won’t have to do your repairs piecemeal like you would have to if you were just repairing and patching a section at a time.

4. You’re Experiencing Leaks

Once you’re experiencing leaks, it’s very likely that you need major repairs or a replacement. Leaks are more dangerous than you might think. They aren’t just an inconvenience or something that has to be cleaned up. They could unleash toxic mold into your home and cause serious structural damage. Many people underestimate the raw destructive force of water in general. You need to get leaks addressed quickly if you don’t want the damage to spread to other parts of your home.

5. You’ve Experienced Significant Damage

Many of these are fairly subtle signs, but there can be more obvious signs too. If you’ve had a tree come down through your roof, for instance, it’s better that you replace your roof entirely. When there’s physical damage to the roof, it often goes beyond what’s visible to the naked eye. While it might seem that only one section of your roof is damaged, changes in weight and tension could have caused damage elsewhere, too. If you replace your roof entirely, you don’t need to worry about other issues cropping up later — you can just get everything fixed.

6. You’re Ready to Renovate

A new roof is actually one of the most dramatic ways to change the appearance of your home. If your roof is older and in need of repair, replacing it could mean an entire facelift for your home. You can consider different styles of roof than the one you have now, such as wood shake, metal, or ceramic. And, of course, the end result will also improve the value of your home, especially good if you’re considering selling your home within the next few years.

So, do you need a new roof or not? The truth is, unless there’s been some major damage, it’s not always possible to tell whether your roof has to be repaired or replaced. It’s best to consult with the professionals. Contact Alpine Roofing Construction today to find out more.

Why Choose Standing Seam Metal Roof for Your Property

August 20, 2020 by Jeff Folsom

When it comes to roofing materials a few decades ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who would recommend metal roofing for your property. After all, back then, it was only often seen in barns and industrial buildings. Nowadays, however, installing a standing seam metal roof in your property is a worthy investment due to the various benefits they can bring.