A roof over our heads and a safe haven as a shelter to call home is one of the basic necessities for life. From moderate beginnings of baked bricks, mud, and hay, rooftops have evolved considerably through time. In modern architecture, rooftops have became advanced into much more than just instruments to provide shade.

If you’re planning to construct your own house or renovate it, then you should keep in mind that the rooftop design determines how the overall elevation looks. Similarly, modern rooftop designs aim to ventilate, strengthen, and even generate power for the household.

Here are some examples of contemporary roof designs which are sure to turn heads across your street.

1. Inverted Colors

source: https://www.pinterest.com

This white modern roof design breaks the norm. It’s not necessary for your roof to be constructed in a dark shade. Light colors have their own advantages as they tend to reflect light and heat. That’s great for people who plan to turn their attics into rooms as well.

2. Unnatural Cascades

source: https://www.pinterest.com

In modern architecture, chaos is the new order. This illusion-invoking rooftop looks amazing and is sure to make you take a second look to be sure what it is! The flowy texture gives a feel of effortlessness along with impeccable protection and durability.

3. One-Sided Assemble

source: https://www.pinterest.com

The one-sided sloping roof is ideal if your area is prone to rain and snow. The revolutionary design helps you manage buildup and the best part – it makes your home stand out!

4. Flat Modern Construction

source: https://www.instagram.com

A simple, flat roof in a dark color scheme, slightly jutting out from the edges. This design gives the right amount of balance to the building. Also, flat rooftops are accessible and can double up as multi-purpose spaces when needed.

5. Metallic Roof

source: https://www.instagram.com

This durable and aesthetic metallic rooftop is functional with great ornamental features as well. Rooftops made out of metal last long, are good for temperature management and are cost-effective solutions as well.

6. Close To Nature

source: https://www.instagram.com

For those of you who love to incorporate mother nature’s gift into their lifestyles in every possible way, this example is a great option. These flat rooftop designs made in concrete have niches built along the way to help you arrange vegetation that creeps around and engulfs your home over time. It’s a great way to go green and look aesthetically pleasing as well.

7. Confusing Uniformity

source: https://www.instagram.com

This multi-compartmented home sports a different kind of rooftop design for each section. While the main section has a flat, black roof that slightly juts out, other sections have minimal, plain rooftops. This combination of diverse displays covering stiff-edged buildings look uniform and jumbled up at the same time.

8. Mixed Siding

source: https://www.instagram.com

Another beautiful rooftop design featured on Instagram. It’s a combination of open and closed roof design complemented by wooden details on the sides. The continuity in the design is impeccable, and sort of pulls the whole building together without looking out of place.

9. Unconventional Shapes

source: https://www.pinterest.com

Nothing like a trickling ceaseless rooftop to make your house look unique – this innovative shape not only makes all the elements of your home, from the porch to the attic, come together but looks beautiful at the elevation level as well. This engulfing rooftop looks great al eliminates ceiling hassles from the inside too.

10. Minimalistic Slopes

source: https://www.instagram.com

11. Rustic Touches

source: https://www.pinterest.com

Red tiles for rooftops have been around for decades for a reason. To this day, they prove to be useful in temperature regulation, build up management. Apart from that, they give a pleasing traditional pop of color to the overall form.…

Read More »

The roof is one of the most fundamental parts of a home. That’s why it’s surprising how often homeowners overlook the maintenance and care of their roof. Rather than waiting until you have major issues, have your roof routinely inspected by a professional roof repair company in Jacksonville. Here are top 6 reasons to keep your roof in good shape.

1. Weather Protection

If your roof is in poor condition, it can leave your home susceptible to considerable weather damage. When your roof is properly maintained, it will more effectively protect your home from the harsh weather and the elements.

2. Energy Efficiency & Comfort

A roof that is in top shape should have good insulation and a proper ventilation system which will keep your home’s indoor temperature steady. This helps to keep your home more comfortable and can significantly cut down on energy costs.

3. Serious Issues

By taking the time to maintain the health of your roof, you reduce the chance of potentially serious issues in the long run. It will also help you locate any small problems before they turn into larger, costlier issues. If you spot anything that could be a concern, it’s important to have a company that provides roof repair in Jacksonville take a look at it asap.

4. Curb Appeal

When your roof shows signs of wear and tear, it detracts from your home’s overall appearance.
Since a home’s roof is one of its most prominent features, one that is beautiful and well maintained will add great curb appeal.

5. Health Concerns

A leaking roof that goes ignored can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home, which can lead to some serious health issues. Once mold and mildew have spread, the repairs become much more complicated and costly.

6. Home Value

A good-looking roof is a selling point that increases a home’s value. Potential buyers are wary of buying a home that has an older roof or one that may need repairs. A roof that is in newer, well-maintained condition can significantly increase the value of your home.

Although many homeowners give little thought to the care and maintenance of their roof, it’s actually one of the most important elements of a home. A healthy roof protects your home from the elements, saves energy, helps avoid serious leaks, adds curb appeal and value and can even help keep your family healthy. …

Read More »

People commonly associate a flat roof with a commercial building. There’s just something about the clean, horizontal top that structurally and architecturally indicates professionalism. But flat roofs aren’t unheard of in residential homes, and if fact they’re in fashion right now.

If you’re deciding between a pitched roof and flat roof, but can’t quite make heads or tails of the two options, allow us to offer some guidance. This article will run through a few of the main advantages of a flat roof, as well as advise on a couple shortcomings.

If you decide on a flat roof, either for your home or commercial space, we here at Metro Roofing are your flat roofing experts in the GTA. And if you already have a flat roof that requires inspection or maintenance, never hesitate to call.

Pros

Let’s lead with the advantages of a flat roof. For many commercial architects, these pros are a given, but for all you homeowners out there curious about the style, perhaps taking note of the advantages can help you make a more informed decision.

Aesthetics

Architects tend to love a flat roof. The clean, horizontal line emphasizes and contrasts the vertical space around the home or building – the trees, neighouring houses, skyline, etc. – leaving a lasting impression. The roofing style is also closely associated with minimalism: an aesthetic that emphasizes the functional features of a home, rather than its flashier design elements.

In the GTA, you’ll see a lot more new houses built with flat roofing, sometimes even between very old, pitched roof houses. The effect, we think, looks pretty cool. We love seeing a diversity of houses in and around the city.

Outdoor Space

Of course, there’s more to a flat roof than its looks. It can also be functional. A popular use for flat roofs is as an outdoor space. With a few seats up on the roof, you’ve got an al fresco view of your surroundings that you simply can’t get with a pitched roof. It essentially adds another, fresh-air floor to your home!

Cost to Build

Because the surface area is smaller, the cost of materials for a flat roof is less than that of its pitched counterpart. The catch here is that you want experienced, trustworthy professionals building your flat roof; a poorly constructed flat roof can lead to further maintenance and repairs in the future, potentially offsetting the construction savings.

For a flat roof that looks great and can stand the test of time, read about our tar and gravel roofing which uses a 4-ply hot tar system that’s durable and protective.

Equipment Placement

Designers will often hide equipment (HVAC units, etc.) on a flat roof, for a couple of reasons. One, moving equipment out to the exterior allows designers to maximize interior space. Two, keeping equipment on the roof enables designers to hide it from pedestrian view, which improves the overall look of the building.

Overall, it’s an efficient use of the flat roof space, but you have to include expert roofers in the conversation. Moving equipment to the rooftop necessitates creating a watertight seal. If you’re planning on putting equipment on your flat roof, call us to make sure that it’s properly roofed into the design.

Safer Maintenance

Working on a flat roof is, simply put, safer than working on a pitched roof. That’s true of the maintenance we do, but it’s also true of homeowner tasks like cleaning the eavestroughs. It’s far safer to remove those gutter leaves from the comfort of a flat surface than atop a ladder.

Durability

There are different types of flat roof systems, each with their own pros and cons. But the flat roof installation systems we use – including 4-ply build up, EPDM rubber and peel and stick membrane – are durable and long lasting. Flat roofs may get a bad reputation for ongoing maintenance troubles, but installed correctly they should be as reliable as a pitched roof.

Cons

That leaves us with the cons. No roofing style or system is 100% infallible; the effects of time, weather and unexpected events will put strain of a roof, no matter the kind. It’s the reason why, in addition to offering top-notch roof installation, we offer expert emergency roof leak repair and maintenance. But flat roofs come with a few particular limitations.

Drainage

Pitched roofs have gravity on their side. Without proper installation and maintenance, water can puddle on a flat roof and cause damage. The best antidote to your drainage problems is to schedule regular maintenance and inspections, and ensure that the materials used are backed by warranty. To learn more about maintaining flat roofing in Brampton, Mississauga, North York and elsewhere in the GTA, give us a call!

Debris Build-Up

Leaves, dirt, dust and branches can all pile up on a flat roof.…

Read More »

Home builder Gary Mevis doesn’t have much trouble selling metal roofs to buyers of the high-end custom homes he nestles under the towering Ponderosa pine trees in Prescott, Ariz.

His sales pitch involves this likely scenario: “Say you’re away from your home and in comes a strong wind, which we get here, and one of those heavy limbs breaks off and falls on your roof and you have an asphalt shingle roof. That limb can go completely through that shingle and the roof decking, and now you’ve got a hole in your roof, and you may not know it for a couple of weeks because you’re away.”

The same limb could crash onto a 28-gauge steel roof, he says, and “it may make a dent. But it’s a dent you won’t even notice.”

Metal roofing, a traditional favorite for rural outbuildings and commercial structures, has a new and growing following among custom builders and urban remodelers—and their customers.

Since 2000, sales of residential metal roofs have doubled along with market share for the product, thanks in part to a multimillion-dollar advertising blitz by the five-year-old Metal Roofing Alliance, a coalition of companies that make the roofing or supply materials to its manufacturers.

The Belfair, Wash.-based alliance aims to debunk the widespread consumer perception that metal roofing is best suited for barns, where the plink-plink of raindrops on the roof won’t disturb occupants and the one-style-fits-all silver sheets won’t present an eyesore in a neighborhood of homes topped with earth-tone asphalt.

The message seems to be sinking in, as roofers, remodelers, custom builders, and small production builders are crowning houses from California to the East Coast with roofs made of aluminum, steel, tin, and copper.

The new appeal is largely aesthetic: Today’s metal roofs can be painted almost any color and can be patterned to mimic the look of cement tiles, wood shakes, and even asphalt shingles. Even subdivisions that once outlawed metal roofs are softening to the look-alike styles. Notes Tom Black, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance: “A lot of times, if you have a wood shake-look metal and you’re standing at the curb, you’d be hard-pressed to tell its metal at all.”

More Than Good Looks
But looks alone haven’t earned metal 8 percent of the residential roofing market. Roof-ravaging wind, hail, and snow have won metal some converts among homeowners paying for replacement roofs after hurricanes and storms.

Indeed, a 50-year warranty is a huge selling point for the manufacturers of most metal roofs, including some that have earned a Class 4 hail-resistance rating and are guaranteed to withstand 120-mph winds.

Metal’s staying power during Florida’s foursome of hurricanes last summer “created a monster for us,” brags Brad Davis, owner of West Coast Metal Roofing & Construction in Milton, Fla., whose sales have increased by 380 percent since August.

Homeowners there, partial to the look of concrete tile, are opting for tile-look and stone-coated metal as they replace their weather-torn roofs, Davis says. Indeed, notes Black, about 80 percent of the residential metal roofing market involves repairs or replacements rather than new construction.

At up to four times the cost of a standard asphalt roof, however, metal isn’t a favorite among builders, who usually opt to upgrade consumer priorities like kitchens and entryways before sinking extra money into the roof, Black says.

Still, Black notes, custom builders are meandering toward metal, and he predicts that as more consumers become aware of metal’s durability and new styles, production builders will follow.

For now, “it is a way for custom builders to differentiate their homes and provide value,” he says.

Remodeler Gerry Donaghue says that’s why he started pushing metal to the customers who hire him to build additions onto or reroof their homes.

“There are hundreds of guys who put on asphalt products,” says the owner of Donaghue Construction Group in Nashua, N.H. “We wanted to be different from other contractors.”

The profits followed. “For roofing contractors, it’s a great opportunity,” claims Black. “It’s a product where they can make money. In asphalt shingles, a lot of the installation gets down to competing for the last 25 cents. But because metal and other premium roofing products require specialized installation, roofers can charge more for it, he says.

That’s if they can find the help. While he hasn’t had any trouble getting his hands on metal products during Florida’s reroofing binge, Davis says he has a three-month backlog of jobs because he can’t find enough qualified installers.

After contacting roofing manufacturers for referrals, he has imported installers from as far away as Minnesota, where roofers typically are dormant during snowy winters that put construction on hold.

Installation of metal roofs “has a learning curve to it,” agrees Donaghue. But as the market for metal matures, roofers of all kinds are trying to learn, says Natalie Tanner, marketing manager for Decra Roofing Systems, whose shingle-like, metal-coated steel product, she says, is easier to install than the traditional metal sheets.…

Read More »

If you’re looking for roof shingles with a clean style and unparalleled durability, we have the answer.  Stone-coated metal shingle roof panels offer all this, plus much more! When you install a sleek metal shingle roof, you get a clean roof-line and also the high-tech durability and strength of modern, stone-coated steel metal roof shingles.

Traditional shingle roofing is vulnerable in harsh weather conditions. This is because it can separate after only a few years. It is also very susceptible to high winds and fires. But, out product features a Class A fire rating, Class 4 impact rating, 50-year material warranty* and the ability to withstand winds up to 120 mph. Consequently, our stone-coated metal shingles easily outlast and outperform standard shingle roofs. Because of this, we give your home or business total protection, from the roof to the foundation.

Stone-coated metal shingle panels also come in a wide range of colors. Because of this, they will enhance the appearance and durability of your home.

Metal Shingle Roof Maintenance vs. Traditional Roofing

Eliminate virtually all required maintenance when you choose a stone-coated steel metal roof over a roof with traditional materials. Stone-coated metal shingle roofing panels keep their beautiful look year after year, and more importantly, reduce the cost of roof maintenance.

When you invest in a new stone-coated metal shingle roof, the initial cost may be higher than the cost of a roof made with traditional materials, but you quickly recover your savings by eliminating the need for maintenance, repairs and the cost of future roof replacement.

Stone-Coated Metal Shingle Colors

Our technical innovation and commitment to a quality start with the computerized stone-chip grading and blending process. Our stone-coated metal shingle manufacturers use a finer, higher quality, non-oiled, natural granite stone chip, which provides one of the tightest industry stone-coating matrices available. Colors are either solid or flashed to provide a variegated non-patterned appearance. The finished result is a stone-coated steel panel roof product that carries a long-life and weather-proof warranty. With a stone-coated metal shingle roof overhead, your home will be ready to withstand nature’s toughest challenges.…

Read More »

A cool roof is one that has been designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. Cool roofs can be made of a highly reflective type of paint, a sheet covering, or highly reflective tiles or shingles. Nearly any type of building can benefit from a cool roof, but consider the climate and other factors before deciding to install one.

Just as wearing light-colored clothing can help keep you cool on a sunny day, cool roof material is designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. Cool roofs can be made of a highly reflective type of paint, a sheet covering, or highly reflective tiles or shingles. Standard or dark roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more in the summer sun. A cool roof under the same conditions could stay more than 50°F cooler and save energy and money by using less air conditioning.

Benefits of Cool Roofs

A cool roof can benefit a building and its occupants by:

• Reducing energy bills by decreasing air conditioning needs
• Improving indoor comfort for spaces that are not air-conditioned, such as garages or covered patios
• Decreasing roof temperature, which may extend roof service life.

Beyond the building itself, cool roofs can also benefit the environment, especially when many buildings in a community have them. Cool roofs can:

• Reduce local air temperatures (sometimes referred to as the urban heat island effect)
• Lower peak electricity demand, which can help prevent power outages
• Reduce power plant emissions, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and mercury, by reducing cooling energy use in buildings.

Types of Roofs and How They Can Be Made Cool

There are many types of roof systems available, but the surface exposed to the sun is the one that determines if a roof is cool or not. You can usually make a new or existing roof cool by selecting the appropriate surface.

Cool roof coatings are white or special reflective pigments that reflect sunlight. Coatings are like very thick paints that can protect the roof surface from ultra-violet (UV) light and chemical damage, and some offer water protection and restorative features. Products are available for most roof types.

Low Sloped Roofs

Single-ply membranes are pre-fabricated sheets rolled onto the roof and attached with mechanical fasteners, adhered with chemical adhesives, or held in place with ballast (gravel, stones, or pavers).

How they can be made cool: Reformulate or coat black membranes to make them reflective.

Built-up roofs consist of a base sheet, fabric reinforcement layers, and (usually) a dark protective surface layer.

How they can be made cool: The surface layer can be made in different ways, and each has cool options:

• Substitute reflective marble chips or gray slag for dark gravel in a flood coat of asphalt
• Use reflective mineral granules or a factory-applied coating rather than a dark coating on a mineral surfaced sheet
• Apply a cool coating directly on top of a dark asphaltic emulsion coating.

Modified bitumen sheet membranes have one or more layers of plastic or rubber material with reinforcing fabrics, and are surfaced with mineral granules or a smooth finish. These can also be used to surface a built-up roof—known as a “hybrid” roof.

How they can be made cool: Pre-coat with a cool roof coating at the factory.

Spray polyurethane foam roofs are constructed by mixing two liquid chemicals together that react and expand to form one solid piece that adheres to the roof. Foams are highly susceptible to mechanical, moisture, and UV damage, and rely on a protective coating.

How they can be made cool: The protective coatings are usually already reflective, and offer cool roof performance.

Steep Sloped Roofs

Shingle roofs consist of overlapping panels made from a variety of materials such as fiberglass asphalt, wood, polymers, or metals.

How they can be made cool: Buy cool asphalt shingles, which use specially coated granules that provide better solar reflectance. (Coating existing asphalt shingles to make them cool, however, is not normally recommended or approved by shingle manufacturers.) Other roof shingles can be coated at the factory or in the field to make them more reflective.

Tile roofs can be made of clay, slate, or concrete. Tiles can be glazed to provide waterproofing or coated to provide customized colors and surface properties.

How they can be made cool: Some are naturally reflective enough to achieve cool roof standards, and surface treatments can transform tiles with low solar reflectance into cool roof tiles.

Low and Steep Sloped Roofs

Metal roofs are available with natural metallic finishes, oven-baked paint finishes, or granular coated surfaces.

How they can be made cool: Unpainted metals are typically good solar reflectors but poor thermal emitters, so they rarely satisfy low slope cool roof requirements. Painting a metal roof can increase its solar reflectance and thermal emittance, allowing it to achieve cool roof status.…

Read More »

By Heather Hedrick on November 15, 2017 10:09 AM

If you’re considering replacing your roof, you’ve probably heard of stone-coated steel roofing. Although steel is one of the most highly recommended roofing materials, it isn’t the most common choice on the market. Read about the pros and cons of stone-coated steel roofing to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.

WHAT IS STONE-COATED STEEL ROOFING?

Contrary to the bare metal that people tend to envision, steel roofing can have the appearance of traditional shingles while delivering the durability and strength of metal. It can be made of 24- or 26-gauge rolled steel sheets with a rust-preventing coating. Stone-coated steel roofing is finished with a thick layer of stone that permanently adheres to the surface and provides the decorative look.

PROS OF STONE-COATED STEEL ROOFING

LONGEVITY

Metal roofs are known to last a long time if installed properly. Their life span ranges from 40–70 years, compared to asphalt shingles that need to be replaced approximately every 20 years. Because steel can endure much more than most traditional roofing materials, it’s a great investment in the long-term future of your home.

DURABILITY

Steel can withstand gusting winds, heavy rain or hail, and many other adverse weather conditions. Although many assume it is a heavy material, metal roofing is actually lightweight at 50 to 150 pounds per square.

LOW MAINTENANCE

Most roofing materials, such as asphalt, should be regularly inspected to keep them in good working condition. However, steel roofs are virtually maintenance free! They create a thick shield around your home, keeping it safer from poor weather conditions and eliminating most of the repair costs associated with traditional roofing.

BEAUTY AND VERSATILITY

While functionality is essential, style and beauty are important, too. Stone-coated steel roofing comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and designs to complement almost any style of home. This allows for you to  feel good about both your roof’s safety and its appearance! Check out this product lineup from Metro Roof Products to get a look at some popular stone-coated roofing finishes.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A common misconception with installing a metal roof is that it will get too hot in the summer and conduct heat into the home. Metal roofing actually reflects heat from the sun, rather than absorbing it like a dark asphalt material would. This cuts down on the energy cost to keep your home cool, and it also protects your home from ultraviolet rays. This article from Metal Roofing Alliance breaks how you can reduce energy costs with a steel roof.

CONS OF STONE COATED STEEL ROOFING 

INITIAL COST

Stone-coated steel roofing is on the high end of the cost range for roofing materials. However, because of its long life span and practically nonexistent maintenance costs, choosing stone-coated steel over asphalt could save you money over time. Decide how much you’re able to spend up front, and weigh your initial cost against your expected long-term savings when making your choice.

NOISE

Depending on how a steel roof is installed, more noise from rain or hail is possible.  However, during the installation process, special materials like a solid sheathed roof deck can be placed as a barrier between the roof and your home to deaden the sound. There are also other steps you can take, such as adding attic insulation, that can reduce roof noise.

All things considered, the pros of installing a stone-coated steel roof outweigh its drawbacks. A metal roof could be the last roof you ever need to purchase and guarantee durability, beauty, and safety for your home.

ROOFING REPAIR AND INSTALLATION FOR ANKENY, HUXELY, DES MOINES, AND AMES

If you’re considering replacing your roof or want to know more about stone-coated steel roofing, our team of experts are happy to answer your questions. Contact us today to get a free quote!…

Read More »

MCKINNEY, Texas – SRS Distribution announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Metro Roofing Supplies, Inc. The transaction is SRS’s 50th acquisition since 2008 and is an integral part of the Company’s strategic growth plan and continued expansion in the Northeast region. 

Founded over four decades ago, Metro is headquartered in Stamford, Conn. with five locations across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Metro’s product mix includes all residential and commercial roofing products, metal products, gutters, siding, windows, and other related building products. Metro’s entire sales and operations team of over 55 employees will be staying on with SRS to run the branches going forward under the leadership of Rich Broccoli. SRS intends to transition Metro’s three locations in Massachusetts to the Heritage Wholesalers brand and will also transition SRS’s existing location in North Haven to the Metro Roofing Supplies brand. 

Dan Tinker, president of SRS Distribution, commented, “Metro is a perfect fit for the SRS family.  It checks the box on everything we look for in a company to join the fold.  Metro has passionate and loyal people, great facilities and fleet, top class leadership, quality suppliers and customers, and significant opportunities ahead.  We could not be more excited to execute Metro’s growth strategy in partnership with Rich and his outstanding team.”

Rich Broccoli, vice president of Metro Roofing Supplies, said this is exciting news for employees and customers. “The Metro team is highly enthusiastic to take our business to the next level. Metro’s customers, suppliers, and employees can all look forward to new opportunities and enhanced growth.  Importantly, as we pursue these exciting opportunities, it will be business as usual for Metro.  Teaming up with SRS will provide for a seamless continuation of the same great service with the same faces and the same determination to be the top service provider in the region.”   

For more information, visit www.srsdistribution.com. …

Read More »