Should I DIY Metal Roofs Part I

I would say that is depends. This is a question that we get from some customers who are unsure whether or not they can affordable for a professional company to install the metal roof. In this blog I want to talk about a few items that need to be answered before you can decide if a DIY Metal Roofs is for you such as, Do you know what type of Metal roof? Do you know how much it will cost for the material? Do you have the knowledge safety tools to keep you safe while installing the roof? Do you have the tools to complete the job? Or will you have to buy more Tools. Can I install the best metal roof if I DIY? These are a few topics we will explore and look into.

my answer is sometimes “No.”

Do you know what Type of Metal Roof you want?

There are hundreds of different types of metal roofing products on the market in fact there are so many that sometime customers will ask me “have you ever install this particular type” and my answer is sometimes “No.” There are so many styles I don’t even know about, and I have been installing metal roofs for over 16 years. Knowing what type of metal roofing you want is the key to answering the next question. I would Answer this questions by taking some time to answer the next Question.

What is your Budget?

While figuring out your budget you should think about a few additional questions. Even though you might have the money to bypass the DIY idea and hire a professional, it does not always mean it’s the best direction to go. Yes far be it from me to talk you out of installing a metal roof, but sometimes it to not make practical sense. How long are you going to stay in your house? If the answer is only a year or two, if might not make financial sense. The national average is that you will get about 70% return of what you spend on your metal roof back when you sale you home. So if you are only going to stay in it for 2 more years you would probably have a 30% hit on what you put into you roof as to how much more you would be able to sell it for. If you plan to stay in your house for 15 years or more, then a metal roof would be the most cost effective decision you could make right now for the future. I’ll break this down quickly if you have a normal shingle roof installed today, we are seeing that 30 year shingles last only 15 years. Case and point is my house was built in 2003 and has a 30 year shingle on it and it needs replacing in the next 2 years, and yes I will be installing a metal roof on it. So if you installed a metal roof today in 15 years you will not have to install another roof, in fact we are seeing 40 warranties on just the paint. So take a shingle roof, if you install one on your home today, you will need to replace it again in 15 years. Take the cost of the shingle roof price today; add price increases and inflation and both those prices will be less expensive in total cost than paying for a metal roof today.
Now let’s talk about budget. How much money do you have and want to spend on your roofing project? Only you can answer those questions, but this plays into hiring a professional or DIY project. There are some great cost effective options coming available. We are just releasing the 4ever metal shingle which will compete with midgrade asphalt shingles with a professional installing it, not to mention if you DIY Metal Roofs.

“I’m literally “Dead Serious”

Safety, “are you?”

Roofing has been in the top 10 of most deadly jobs in America of the last 10 years according to Business Insider. They list most common cause of death as falls, and 2 out of 3 falls off roofs are deadly. I’m literally “Dead Serious” about this you will not come back from a roofing fall, or at least 67% of professionals did not come back from their fall. I am trying to scare you into not trying to DIY on your roof. Even Osha compliant roofing harnesses are not good enough or safe enough for me and my crew. If any of my crew members fell off of the edge of one of our jobs I guarantee you it will not be deadly. We use mountain climbing harnesses which is the safest and most effective way to work while roofing. We cannot fall off our roofs because of how safe we are. Plan on buying mountain climbing harnesses for each person that will be working with you and buy real rope made for it. You should do some research on the proper gear because it’s not worth trying to go cheap on safety. If you even think in terms of trying to save money on this, such as “no I’ll be fine I don’t think I can afford the cost of safety gear and the material” Then please do not consider a DIY roof. I want you to think about this roofers who do this for a living and are used to high steep pitched roofs who are the professionals are the ones falling to their death. I’m sure DIY roofers have even a higher fall percentage.

There is a lot to consider in safety and I don’t want to take this without pause. If you read this and are willing to buy all the needed proper safety equipment, preferably mountain gear to complete the job safely then you might be cut out for a DIY roof.

I will complete the last two questions “Do you have the correct tools” and “Can I Install the Best DIY Metal Roofs” Next Friday. Please comment and ask any other questions that you might about this blog post. Also if you have other non-related questions please ask those in Q & A

Alpha Rain Inc. serving in Amissville VA

We, Alpha Rain incorporated specialized in Metal roofing in Virginia particularly in most northern parts of VA. We offer our exclusive metal roofing installation including the energy efficient ventilation system powered by Therma-vent. The system can save your cooling cost for about 10-30%, this is very essential and helpful especially this coming summer season. We developed our exclusive no leak W Valley and patented roofing system.

Continue reading “Amissville VA Metal Roofing – A Choice for any Building”

Alpha Rain Inc. making its mark in Prince William County VA

Prince William is a county located in Virginia with estimation of over 400,000 people living within 130,000 household from Caucasians, African American, and Asian. The median household the county has to offer is more or less a hundred thousands of dollars. The county was in fact a rural and agricultural area for decades. During the 1930s, larger suburban population takes place and develops new housing particularly in Manassas. It is known as the area of tobacco plantation where crops being changed to mix to soil in the market. You can discover a lot more in the county as you visit the Marine Corps Heritage Museum.

As years of development, we Alpha Rain Incorporated one of the prestigious metal roofing contractors northern Virginia had witnessed afar much richer agricultural from ancestral home of the lee Family and to present unique and modern housing structures. A great county deserves great quality roofing and this is where we come in. We are honored and forever grateful to be part of the roofing tradition of Prince William County. For the past several years, we have been installing metal roof shingle and solar roofing to make our small mark in this county.

“A great county deserves great quality roofing and this is where we come in.”

Prince William Metal Roofing VA

We strive our best to develop innovative and high-end technologies to serve you better. Alpha Rain continues to find ways and discover much greener home urban community progress. Whether you are planning to make use out of this coming summer season with solar roofing panels, standing seam metal roofing, and shingle roofing, our expertise in the business are competent with over than 20 years of experience.

We pride ourselves to our latest ventilation system innovation. Our patented ventilation system powered by Therma-Vent makes your home interior’s attic temperature from 100 degrees down to 70 degrees. It allows every local in the county to save their energy cost with straightforward pricing without any hidden fees. If you want to know about the metal roofing services offered at Prince William County Virginia, you can watch this video.

Metal Roofing Fauquier County Virginia

Fauquier County Virginia has uniquely attractive core with rich in historical sceneries including arts and culture. The nation’s capital is pretty much a unique place to live with. The area itself is recognized as the as an urban planning gem. Moreover, the county offers classical architecture style and monuments. Fauquier County got the best set of museums in the world. In fact, the center mall itself has a museum setup which is a major destination for visitors and locals. The County is mixed with socioeconomically communities. It is the most secure large cities in the country with plenty things to do especially at night.

Homes and business

The expanse of homes and businesses are greatly progressing. But, since the county is located close to D.C.,   the median home cost is over than $200,000 and the cost of living is higher than the US average. Perhaps one of the recognized disadvantages in the county is when the summer season comes. This is where we. The Alpha Rain Inc. comes in.

“Alpha Rain’s aims to deliver quality metal roofing, solar roofing and energy efficient ventilation system for everyone and anyone in the county.”

Alpha Rain Incorporated

Alpha Rain Inc. is grateful to be a part of this great county serving thousands and thousands of residential homes and commercial buildings. We are using our knowledge and skills about metal roofing installation and shingle roofing business for over than 20 years. Our aim is to deliver quality metal roofing, solar roofing and energy efficient ventilation system for everyone and anyone in the county.

We pride ourselves with our latest groundbreaking ventilation system powered by Therma-Vent. We are thankful and honored to share our expertise in the metal roofing business and will even try better ways to bring all our customers beyond satisfaction. We, Alpha Rain Inc. is dedicated to provide you the best services, quality, and reasonable rates that even our competitors in the business couldn’t contest.

Choosing the Right Underlayment Material for your Metal Roof

Metal roofing underlayment is a layer beneath your standing seam which is intended to produce optimal roofing system to the entire building. It should be carefully selected in order to ensure proficiency. Therefore, there are several considerations that must be addressed including your location, insulations, and barriers. This affects the long term service of your metal roof and the ambient condition. Improper selection and installation can lead your residential home into devastating condition particularly leakage and moisture entrapment that can deteriorate the quality of your roof overtime. Hence, you have to be aware of what kind of underlayment you are going to need prior to your metal roof.

Underlayment for Metal Roof

Moisture problems are pretty much common whatever type of roofing materials you are going to use. The same issue with installing a metal roof, if your deck roof or there could be a chance where water droplets drops to your forehead, this mean that your roof has a condensation issue. Remember that installation of underlayment product must allow the moisture come up through it and not allow the water molecule the get through it. The idea is like a sock which brings the moisture out.

“What matters is the type of underlayment sheet should be effective.”

The Felt underlayment may resist to air and moisture vapor, but not an effective air barrier. Also, keep in mind not to use button cap nails because these materials have a plastics which can eventually make those nails up. Preferably coil nails are better options for your roofing underlayment system.

Synthetic underlayment sheets on the other hand are less sensitive to cold weather but generally do not qualify as air barriers. But, it is less susceptible from wind damages and wetting after installation.

We Alpha Rain Incorporated strongly believe that the name of the brand or the product when it comes with underlayment sheet is not quite necessary, what matters is the type of underlayment sheet is effective. We try and test the products and see if they work well.

Is Your Metal Roof Safe During a Lightning Storm?

So, you are planning to upgrade your roof from traditional asphalt shingle into high-end metal roofing system. However, you are anxious how safe is your metal roofing system during thunder storms. Indeed, metal can attract thunderstorm and it is the number one conductor of electricity but it does not necessarily mean that your home is at risk if it is installed with metal roofing.

• Metal improves the value of your home
• It is durable that can last up to 80 years or even more which is a good investment
• Recyclable material as an Eco-friendly choice
• Fire resistance which means insurance companies may reduce premiums
• Decreases your annual property tax from the federal government.
• Energy efficient roofing system which is beneficial for locations with extreme heat during summer season.

With all these advantages, there is no doubt while lots of residential home owners are turning their interest to upgrade roofs and find metal roofing contractors northern Virginia.

When it comes with the thunderstorm issue, the answer is pretty much simple. Your metal roofing is guaranteed safe during this type of weather. Yes, metal conduct and attracts electricity but your metal roof won’t attract lightning and this is a fact. Also, lightning strikes rarely to buildings. Instead, lightning can potential strikes to tall structures such as trees, poles and towers.

If worse comes to worst which the lightning strikes to your metal roofing system, the roof will actually help to keep you safe by dispersing the energy throughout the building. It is extremely fire resistant so you don’t have to worry about such myths.

Stay safe with lightning storm

When you are outside and thunderstorm strikes, the best you can do is to find shelter but not to the tallest objects. It is also recommended not to go to an open field or park. In order to be safe, find sturdy shelter but be cautious. You can find more details about the lightning issues here in this FAQ.

To Get Energy Efficient Home Can I Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?

Thanks to the development of technology, homeowners and companies these days are beginning to learn how to maximize natural resources for energy. There are lots of devices that can be powered by solar panel technology which can help everyone who wants to save up and free from paying skyrocket electricity bill. Apart from the fact that solar panel allows you to save huge amount of cash, such technology never requires high maintenance.

Solar Panel Roofing System

You can replace your roof into premium metal roofing powered by solar roofing fans in order to have an energy efficient roofing system. The solar roofing fans works as hard as it could as the temperature rises which will turn your home’s attic air flow stable. These fans allow you not to turn your air-conditioning thermostat up to the max especially during hot summer days. These fans let your home interior comfortable to live with. The metal roofing system designed with solar panel for ventilation system brings out positive energy buildings that produces as much as energy as they use over years to come. Another benefit is the fact that you are going to get 30% solar tax credit for metal roofs and solar film.

Wise and Practical

You can get an energy efficient ventilation and roofing system at home with your solar panels. We, Alpha Rain Incorporated one of the most prestigious metal roofing contractors Virginia, developed a unique design and plug in style that allows your roofing system to become energy efficient. No need to worry about expensive maintenance and repairs. Our patented ventilation system powered by therma-vent which features our solar fans can really pay off. Most residential homes in Virginia estimate that 2-4 kilowatt offset their expenses. The roof helps your home to reduce heating and cooling loads because of its high reflective radiation roof. In addition, our design integrates solar thermal heating panels for wind turbine application.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Installing a Metal Roof

If you want to make sure you’ll get all your money’s worth when it comes with metal roof installation, ensure to hire credible residential metal roofing contractor. Why? Because, admittedly, roofers use leftover materials from their previous jobs where the materials were not purchased, it ends you up form different batches of color variation which is quite obvious causing the effect of both quality and color of your roof. Imagine, you are paying a lot of money with this project, only to be revealed that you are actually paying leftover.

Warranty

There are several privileges a certain metal roofing company may offer to you such as more than a decade warranty. However, just like any other services or products, ones the seal were removed, the warranty will be voided. You should aware for wrong sealant, jagged cut which were not sealed, fasteners which were installed too tight, unsealed scratches from installing crews.

Backing out screws and fasteners

As mentioned, you have to make sure that your roofers are properly trained and skillful prior to your metal roofing project. Rusting fasteners and crews which were not installed properly may create leaks. Roofers simply drive the screw fasteners from the top side of the panel. Very well-trained professional roofers will make sure that your metal roof is 100% free from leaks. Standing seam metal roofing panels is a great alternative which is wind and hurricane resistant.

Lowest bidder

Yes, you want look for the cheapest metal roofing system as much as possible, but it does not necessarily mean that you are going to compromised prior to the quality of your metal roof installation. Your main priority concerning this project is the quality and not just the price itself. Keep in mind that the project must meet your expectation. Be sure to ask your roofers or metal roofing contractors about their previous work project, terms of warranty and how long they’ve been into the metal roofing industry.

Advantage of Metal Roofing over Asphalt Roofing

Upgrading your roof into metal instead of traditional materials such as asphalt is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your home makeover. Of course, one of the burning questions on your mind is the cost. Expect, that you are going to spend 2 or 3 times more price if you compared to what you’d normally employ to asphalt shingle roof.

Metal roofing Cost

You are not just paying the materials and the quality of your roof but also the specialized skills of metal roofing company. There are several factors that can affect the price rate of your energy efficient metal roofing system this includes the type of metal, geographic location and the overall complexity of the roof. Once you determine the price and the types of metal materials which are going to use to your home, you can try and negotiate the terms of payments or discounts in order to minimize your expenses. Shop around the web in order to get the best deal as possible in your area.

Asphalt roofing cost

Yes undoubtedly, asphalt shingle materials can minimize your cost. The problem is that, you have to consider the maintenance and repair cost form time to time. You should be aware that this type of material can easily wear out. Expect to encounter leaks and other major issues. Such material may require you to spend much cash than you’ll ever expect especially if you are located in a stormy area. Another disadvantage of asphalt roofing is the efficiency of its ventilation system. In case, there are no proper wind exchange, mold and mildew can manifest causing your roof to deteriorate immediately. There are more and more cash you have to spend frequently.

Why metal roofing is expensive?

Obviously, you are getting premium quality roofing. Just like buying a wrist watch, expect that Rolex Watches is far more expensive than Casio. The same goes with metal roofing. Aside from the quality of materials, you are also paying the contractor’s expertise and the cost installation.

Accuracy

Proper installation of metal roof is highly important in the process. It requires skills, training, experience, proper equipment and engineering design. It is not a s simple nailed to the rock roof deck. It requires precision which makes your metal roofing elegant and durable. Therefore, make sure to look for legitimate metal roofing contractors Northern Virginia.

Do the math

The bigger the footage of your roof the less you can expect to pay for the cost. If the design of your house has different angle which makes metal roofing installation is pretty much complex such as angles, dormers, chimneys, and sidewall, the price may go up.

To get reasonable metal roofing price engineered with the best metal roofing design and efficiency. You can never go wrong with Alpha Rain Incorporated. The company has been serving and installing top notch quality metal roof in most part of Virginia. Get quote and discover more about numerous benefits of metal roofing system by checking out www.alpharain.com

Underlayment products for a metal roofing project to be used beneath the seam should be carefully selected in order to provide optimal longevity of the building. You should take several considerations before you decide the roofing system design including the four barriers needed and these are the vapor retarder, air barrier, thermal insulation and water barrier. All these are needed to be placed in the right location for any given season.

The longevity of service can be affected by these factors. Therefore, your metal roofing contractor must be able to determine the roofing system itself, the possible climate within that particular area, the roof slop and geometry of the building. Improper selection of metal roof underlayment can lead into roof leakage and also it may be able to entrap the moisture because of the vapor diffusion or possibly air exfiltration. These factors may affect the quality of the roof that may deteriorate the metal materials which you may need to make necessitating repairs which are pretty much expensive.

Metal roof panel

The metal roof panel are intended and designed to span structural support. Yet, these supports do not include underlayment since the structure has substrate or deck to support the material. For architectural metal roofing, an underlayment is indeed a must in order to help control water leakage through the roofing system especially if there are numerous heavy rains or snows which are eventually melting before the spring.

Underlayment

Top notch underlayment is often designed in cold climates in order to protect the roofing system under ice dam leakage. While on the other hand, there are underlayment which are specified in a high temperature where the in-service can handle the as high as 240 degrees.

Traditional Underlayment

Most common materials for underlayment on a steep-lop metal roofing system is the non-perforated asphalt underlayment. Several types are available and these are the organic and inorganic reinforced underlayment. The design will depend on the local building or the architectural designs.

Synthetic sheet underlayment

These underlayment are made often made from polyethylene, polyolefin or polypropylene which are all made from plastic. These types of underlayment are less susceptible to wind damage and less sensitive to cold weather. The most common synthetic sheets underlayment sold in most part of metal roof Virginia are the vapor resistant.

Self-adhering Membrane Underlayment

This type of underlayment is typically impermeable for vapor to the substrate in order to get adjacent sheets from side to side. This is particularly designed to resist air pressure and serves as an energy efficient ventilation system air barrier material. This is commonly consisted of rubberized asphalt or butyl based adhesive with polyethylene sheets.

Alpha Rain Incorporated

Now that you understand the different types of underlayment sheets to be used in your metal roofing. You can finally determine what type of underlayment you’ll need for your metal roofing upgrades. Of course, just to make sure, consulting with the experts or with your metal roofing contractor will help you to decide for your underlayment. Choose Alpha Rain Incorporated, makers of patented roof ventilation system powered by Therma-Vent.