If you’ve decided a metal roof is right for your home, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is what type of metal roof is right for your home. To help you decide, here are the pros and cons of four of the most common types of metal roofs: 

#1 Aluminum

There’s no doubt that aluminum is the favorite type of metal roof on the market today. Aluminum is durable, lightweight, and naturally corrosion-resistant, which makes it ideal for nearly any home. Today’s aluminum roofing materials come pre-painted. You can choose from a full range of available options from the manufacturer, and the metal comes to your roofer ready-to-install. 

Aluminum is a relatively easy material to manufacture, and since most roofing aluminum is made from recycled, post-consumer products, it’s also a type of metal roof you can feel good about. This flexible metal is also available in nearly any shape or profile you prefer, from aluminum shakes or shingles to a traditional standing-seam metal roof. 

The biggest drawback of an aluminum metal roof is the cost. Though it’s nowhere near as expensive as copper or zinc, the average aluminum roof does cost more than a traditional asphalt roof. If you balance that with an aluminum roof’s longer lifespan, however, the upfront costs often outweigh the overall cost of the roof. 

#2 Copper 

If you’re going for a bold, beautiful look, you can’t beat a classic copper metal roof. This type of metal roof has been around for centuries. Copper is praised for its natural beauty and the attractive blue-green patina it forms when left exposed to the elements. Copper is an exceptionally durable roofing material, but it has its drawbacks. 

The biggest concern with a copper roof is typically cost. A full copper roof can be very expensive, so many homeowners opt for just a flash of copper roofing on a porch or on a roofing accent like a dormer. Copper also has a tendency to streak and stain other materials as water runs off of it, so it’s good to consider carefully where you’d like to install copper roofing on your home. 

#3 Zinc

Zinc is another long-lasting type of metal roof. Like copper, zinc will patina over time, which makes it more durable and ensures it will not rust. Zinc has a very low melting point, making it easy to manufacture with much less energy than other materials. If you’re looking for a green roofing choice, energy efficiency matters, as does the fact that zinc is 100% recyclable. Since zinc doesn’t need to be coated like aluminum, there’s nothing altering the original material. If you needed to reroof (though it would take decades) you could recycle the old roofing materials entirely. 

With all of those benefits, it’s easy to see why zinc is a popular type of metal roof, though it does have a few cons. Like copper, zinc is very expensive to install. You’d need a specialized roofing crew, and the material itself is costly. Zinc is also a softer metal, so it doesn’t hold up as well to hail as some other options might. 

#4 Steel

Steel roofing has long been used for commercial roofs, but is now becoming a popular type of metal roof for homeowners as well. Steel is an alloy, which means it’s composed of iron and other elements. As you might expect, steel, which is used for other heavy-duty aspects of construction, is exceptionally durable. It’s also the least expensive metal roofing material on this list. Made from recycled material, steel is a great option for many. The biggest problem with steel is that it rusts. To combat that, steel roofing materials are manufactured in three different ways:

• Galvanized Steel Roofing – The most common type of steel roofing, galvanized steel uses a layer of zinc to protect an inner layer of steel from corroding. 
• Galvalume Steel Roofing – Instead of using a zinc coating, galvalume steel uses a combination of aluminum and zinc to protect the inner steel layer of roofing. The aluminum offers better corrosion protection, and makes for a more uniform appearance on the final product. 
• Weathering Steel Roofing – The least commonly used steel roofing material, weathering steel is composed of two layers of steel. The outer layer is designed to rust, protecting the inner layer. Since this type of metal roof is designed to rust, it’s usually only used as an accent piece, to add a bit of character to a home. 

From aluminum to copper, zinc, and steel, there’s a wide variety of types of metal roofs. Choosing the right metal roof for you will depend on the look you’re going for, as well as your environment, and your budget. If you’ve made your decision and are ready to install your new metal roof, we’d love to help! Werner Roofing proudly installs Sheffield Metal standing seam roofs. Contact us by phone at 616-844-5382, or request a free, no-obligation quote online today. 

A common misconception is that skylights can hurt your home’s energy efficiency by trapping heat during the summer or letting in more cold air during the winter. The truth is, if properly installed, skylights can help you save serious money on energy bills, including heating, cooling, and lighting.

Are Skylights Energy Efficient?

In addition to improving the appearance and quality of light in your home, skylights are energy efficient year-round. They can help to light and heat your home during the colder months, as well as keep it cool during the warm days of the year. In order to reap these benefits, you must choose your windows carefully and install them properly.

Complaints with skylights usually arise from improper installation or window selection. If you choose the wrong type of window for the area you’re installing it in, you may not be happy with the results. For example, choosing a window with a high solar heat gain will keep you warm in the winter, but could trap in heat during the summer. Thoughtfully placing skylights on your home will help you avoid this problem and keep you comfortable year-round. 

Also, if the window is not installed properly, it might have air or water leakage that could cause damage and discomfort. This issue could be resolved with expert help. If you aren’t sure you can do it yourself, it’s always better to work with professionals. They can help you plan which skylights to choose and where to place them, as well as install them perfectly to provide you with a beautiful and valuable energy-saving solution.

How are Skylights Energy Efficient?

If chosen and installed properly, skylights can be an excellent and efficient addition to your home. Here’s how it works: 

Energy Efficient Skylights 

The specific skylights you choose matter. If your skylights are energy efficient, they will have a low U factor. The U factor is how window performance is measured in terms of transmitting non-solar heat energy. A lower U factor means the window is more energy efficient. You can find your window’s U factor in the energy efficiency rating. 

You’ll also want to look at the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) which will tell you how it transmits solar energy and converts it to heat. If you want your window to transfer more heat into your home, during the winter, for example, you’ll choose a window with a high SHGC rating. Conversely, if you want a window with a better shading ability, you’ll opt for a lower SHGC. Whatever skylight you choose should have minimal air leakage and be able to transmit the right amount of visible light for your space. 

Proper Skylight Installation

The skylight installation process can determine if your skylights are energy efficient or detracting from your home’s energy savings. It involves careful planning and many layers of sealing to create a moisture barrier to make the skylight as effective as possible.

After locating the ideal location for your new skylight, the installer will create and frame the opening. If the ceiling is not sloped with the roof, they can install a light shaft that will pass through an attic space to the roof. Then, they will place an underlayment which goes beneath the shingles to make sure water moves away from the window properly. 

Depending on the skylight type and brand, the installer will place about three phases of flashing, one around the bottom, step flashing around the sides, and solid flashing over the top, attached to the skylight to create a water-tight seal. Different types of skylights will have different mounts and are suitable for various types of roofs. Your skylight supplier will be able to help determine which type is right for your home.

Choosing the Right Skylight

Energy efficient skylights come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Tubular skylights are particularly efficient, but they’re not as common as traditional flat skylights. 

Tubular vs. Flat Skylights

Tubular skylights have a domed window at the top to capture light from various angles throughout the day. They are especially efficient because they capture maximum sunlight with minimal heat gain or loss, but they don’t have the usual look. Flat skylights offer the traditional experience of being able to see the open sky above, and can still be very energy efficient. Adjusting these characteristics will maximize the energy efficient abilities of flat skylights:

Skylight Size

Flat skylights should be about five percent of the size of the floor area of the room they’re located in, especially if the room has other windows. This way they will maximize light transmittance without creating an overwhelming glare.

Location of Skylight

In warm climates, skylights should be placed on north-facing roof slopes, while in cold climates, south-facing slopes will capture the most possible sunlight. In areas that experience both warm and cold temperatures, consider locating skylights on east-facing slopes. Here, the morning sun will provide some heat and the skylight will be shaded from the most intense afternoon rays. Putting a skylight under the shade of deciduous trees will also help limit summer heat gain.

Skylight Slope

Your skylight should be tilted to the angle of your latitude plus ten degrees. This enables the skylight to capture the most sunlight and heat in the cooler months and deflect the high summer sun.

Skylight Material & Ventilation

Energy efficient skylights should be double-pane, with a low U-factor. You might consider coatings on the window to limit heat gain, but remember that heat gain can be energy-saving during the winter. 

Adding ventilation capabilities to your skylight can improve indoor air quality and reduce the possibility of mold. Ventilating skylights are energy efficient in kitchens and bathrooms. Some skylights have built-in sensors that close when they detect rain or moisture on the outside.

Professional Skylight Installation

Once you’ve chosen skylights that are energy efficient, it’s important to install them correctly to capitalize on their benefits. The best way to do this is to work with professional installers. Not only can you rely on them to help you choose the best skylights that are energy efficient for your home, but they will make sure they are water-tight and working perfectly for you.

Whether you’re worried about how skylights affect your energy efficiency, or you’re ready to get a few skylights installed, talk to the Werner Roofing team. We proudly install Velux Skylights, and we’d be happy to help you decide whether skylights are the right option for your home or not. Reach out to us online to get started.

Metal roofs and hail get along better than you might expect. Metal roofs can handle hail extremely well, even better than most other roof types. Even in extreme weather situations, damage to a metal roof will take the form of small dents, but not puncture, break or tear the roof.

Hail damage to a roof is usually not the hail itself, but the water that can seep through a roof damaged by hail. If there’s a crack in the roof, water can flow through it and cause serious damage to home interiors and trigger long term problems like mold and rot.

All roofing types, including shingles, tiles, and shakes can be damaged by hail, but metal roofs are highly resistant to damage. Hail damage to a metal roof, if it occurs, will very likely be small cosmetic dents and not cause structural problems, puncture the metal or compromise its integrity.

Factors That Affect Possible Hail Damage

If there is a hail storm in your area, certain factors can determine how damage to a metal roof is deflected or weathered.

Strength of Storms

The strength of the storm will determine the size of the hail that can form. Most storms produce hail that is less than two inches in diameter. Metal roofs are routinely tested in technical development to handle this size of impact. If you live in a region where more extreme hail is common you may need to consider a metal roof that has ribs or striations to deflect hail blows. 

Slope of Metal Roof

Similar to how hail damage appears on an exposed car, most of the dents occur where the surface is nearly flat. On a metal roof, the steeper the slope, the less force hail can exert directly on the surface and the less likely it will dent.

Structural Support of Metal Roof

If your metal roof has a sturdy support that limits how much the metal can flex, dents are less likely to form. Conversely, if the roof is supported by a structure but open underneath, the metal can be pushed by the hail and may dent more easily.

Other factors that can determine the amount of hail damage a roof receives are the thickness of the metal, the panels’ structure, and the paint finish. Most damages will be cosmetic damages, like dents or scratches. Your insurance may provide coverage for cosmetic repairs.

Insurance Claims for Metal Roofs and Hail Damage

Insurance companies often favor homes that have metal roofs, offering reduced rates because they give better protection against hail than other roof types. If your roof has received hail damage or you want to prepare in case it does, take a close look at your insurance plan to see what it covers.

There are differences in all policies, but most will include sections on wind and hail damage. Some policies will only cover structural failure and not cosmetic damage that doesn’t cause the roof to fail. Other policies may offer a cash value if you need to replace your roof that depreciates over time. Read the fine print of your policy so you know if you’re covered if damage occurs, or if you need to make changes to your insurance coverage.

Hail Damage Waiver

You may have been asked if you want to sign a waiver for wind and hail damage. By not signing the waiver, your policy should protect your roof both structurally and cosmetically. If you waive these potential damages you could save a little on your premium, but you lose the guarantee that your roof is protected. Your decision depends on a few factors. 

Location

Is hail a common occurrence where you live? If you want your roof to continue looking like new despite the threat of hail in your area, consider not signing the waiver.

Structure

Is the construction of your roof one that would deter or hide dents? For example, does it have a steep slope and is it made of a thick and ribbed metal? If so, you wouldn’t need to worry about dents except in extreme situations, and you might want to sign the waiver to save some money.

Value

If your metal roof is large and expensive, it’s worth paying to protect it. Not signing the waiver will protect your investment and maintain your home’s value.

Filing Insurance Claims for Metal Roofs and Hail Damage

How to file an insurance claim for your metal roof with hail damage:

• Contact your insurance company as soon as you notice damage to your roof. 
• Consult a trusted contractor to meet with you and the insurance adjuster to evaluate the damage. The contractor can provide valuable insight into estimating repair costs and follow through to make sure any repairs or potential replacement match the original in strength and appearance. 
• Reach out to your metal roof supplier to make sure they will work with your insurance company and supply the necessary materials.
• Find a contractor and roofing company you trust to carry out the repairs. You don’t have to use the suggestions of your insurance company. A company that you hire will be more likely to do a better job because they are looking to satisfy you as the customer and not your insurance company.

Has your metal roof undergone some hail damage? Talk to the Werner Roofing team. We regularly install and repair metal roofs and hail damage, and we’d be happy to take a look to see how we could repair yours. Reach out online or give us a call at 616-844-5382.

Metal roofing is a rising trend for homeowners across America. If you’ve been driving around noticing a lot of bright, clean metal roofs on your favorite farmhouses, you might be wondering what the deal is.    Whether you’re building a new home and haven’t yet decided what roof is best for your design, or it’s time for a new roof and you want to explore all of your options before you make a decision, we’re here to give you a rundown on all things metal roof. Let’s start by looking at why metal roofs have become so popular lately:

Why Are Metal Roofs So Popular?

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners throughout the MidWest, and even throughout the country. But what’s the big deal?

Beautiful Aesthetics

In the old days, metal roofing didn’t have a great reputation. Often, it would stain or rust, making a home seem unkempt and old. These days, following major advances in construction and building materials, metal roofs are now available in a full spectrum of colors, and can even be designed to imitate the look of traditional asphalt or ceramic shingles. Best of all, they no longer rust or stain over time, thanks to new protective metal coatings. 

Environmentally Friendly

Today’s homeowners are conscious of the environment. You appreciate energy-efficient appliances and home features and are always looking for ways to minimize your carbon footprint. Metal roofs are typically made from a combination of metals — like aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and tin — most of which are recycled, and all of which are recyclable. Choosing a metal roof means choosing a recyclable, environmentally-friendly roof. 

Energy Efficient

On average, a new metal roof can save you anywhere between 10-25% on your energy bills. Instead of absorbing the sun’s rays, which asphalt shingles do, metal roofs reflect those rays, directing their heat away from your roof and your home. As a result, metal roofs can be as much as 100° cooler on the surface than asphalt roofs. 

Exceptionally Durable

Metal roofing is one of the most durable, long-lasting roofing materials on the market today. When you invest in a metal roof, you can expect a lifespan of anywhere from 40-70 years. Best of all, metal roofs require very little maintenance. While you might choose to have your roof re-coated to protect it from UV rays every few years, that’s essentially the full extent of metal roofing maintenance. Since most metal roofs are installed in sheets, there are no shingles to curl or fall off. 

Perfect For Winter

As you might expect, metal roofs are fairly slippery. This allows precipitation, especially snow, to slide right off, rather than build up. For homes here in snowy Michigan, that’s a big deal. When snow can slide right off your West Michigan metal roof, you don’t have to worry as much about ice dams or heavy snow building up and adding extra weight onto the structure of your home. 

Easily Installed On Top of Existing Roof

Another benefit of metal roofs that’s often forgotten is that they can be installed over existing asphalt roofs. Since metal roofing materials are so light, it’s not always necessary to tear off the existing roof before your roofers put up the new metal roof. This can save you money and quite a lot of time on your re-roofing project. 

Are There Any Downsides to Metal Roofs?

So, we’ve talked about all of the pros of metal roofing, but are there any cons? What reasons might a homeowner have for not choosing a metal roof?

Cost

The upfront cost of a metal roof is the number one reason a homeowner might choose not to install one. A metal roof is much more expensive to install for two reasons: 1) the materials are of a higher quality than asphalt and thus, cost more, and 2) not every roofer knows how to professionally install a metal roof, which means you typically end up paying a bit more for labor, too.    That said, the overall lifespan and energy savings that a metal roof can provide will offset that additional upfront cost over the life of the roof. You won’t have to worry about routine maintenance like shingles falling off or curling as they age, and there’s the added benefit that a metal roof tends to have two to three times the lifespan of an asphalt roof. Essentially, you’re weighing the cost of installing one new metal roof against the cost of installing and maintaining two asphalt roofs. 

Personal Preference

When it comes down to it, some homeowners just don’t like the look of metal roofing. While we’re getting to the point now that some metal roofs (made to look like shingles) are nearly identical to asphalt roofs, some people just aren’t a fan of a metal roof’s reflectivity. And it’s your house, so the choice between an asphalt roof and a metal roof is always yours. 

What Else Should I Know About Metal Roofs?

Since this is the guide to “everything you need to know about metal roofs”, we’ve got a little bit more information for you. While we’ve covered the typical maintenance, cost, and lifespan of a metal roof, along with the pros and cons of installing one, you might be interested to learn a little bit more about metal roofs. 

The Different Types of Metal Roofs

Did you know that there’s more than just standard sheet metal roofs? There are also metal roofs made to look like slate, made to look like asphalt shingles, and even high-end metal roofing options made from luxury materials like copper and stainless steel. If you’d like to see some of those unique styles of metal roofing, be sure to check out our blog 5 Awesome Metal Roofing Styles You Haven’t Seen Before.

Metal Roofs and Cool Roofing Solutions

We’ve talked a little about the energy efficiency of metal roofs, but there are measures you can take to increase a metal roof’s natural energy efficiency. It’s called cool roof paint, or a cool roof coating, and it can save you a lot of money on your air conditioning bill while helping you reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. For more information about cool roofing, check out What’s Up With Cool Roof Paint?.

Metal Roof Myths

If you’ve been considering a metal roof, but are hearing a lot of scary stories about living with a metal roof, you might want to read 8 Metal Roof Myths Debunked. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about metal roofs, and if it’s an option you’re seriously considering for your home, it’s best to have all the facts.    Have more questions about metal roofing? Talk to Werner Roofing. We’re a trusted, local West Michigan roofer specializing in standing seam metal roofs, and we’d be happy to help answer any questions you might have. Give us a call at 616-844-5382, leave us a message online, or, if you’re interested in seeing what the cost of a metal roof might look like for your home, submit your request for a free roofing estimate online today!