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New metal roof

Is A Metal Roof Cheaper Than Shingles

November 12, 2021/0 Comments/in Roof /by BJ Johnson

When it comes to building or buying a home, have you ever wondered about the roof? Did you think to ask the builder if you could have a metal roof instead of a shingled roof? As you drive around the neighborhood it becomes clear that a shingled roof is pretty typical of new home construction. This is due to the cost that is incurred by the building when constructing the new home. Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles? No, a metal roof is not cheaper than shingles at the beginning of construction. However, a metal roof has more longevity and can be cost-effective in the long term.

Let’s take a look at the comparisons below to see what best fits our interests.

A variety of roofs
A variety of roofs

Metal Roof

Let’s explore the varying factors that make standing-seam metal roofs different from shingled roofs.

Metal roofs are:

  1. More durable – with a lifespan of 40 to 70 years and come with warranties of 30 to 50 years.
  2. More expensive- they typically cost between $120 to $900 for every 100 square feet.
  3. Tougher to install- require a more specialized roofing contractor with precision cuts and little room for error.
  4. Eco-friendly- not going to fill up a landfill as they are more durable. Also, saves energy efficiency by reflecting heat off and away from the home.

Shingled Roof

Let’s explore the varying factors that make shingled roofs different from metal roofs.

Shingles are:

  1. Less durable -they often have a lifespan of 15 years or less depending on weather and climate
  2. Cheaper -typically a shingle costs $100 to $200 for every 100 square feet.
  3. Easier to install- Installation can be in one or two days and often over previous layers.
  4. Less eco-friendly- an estimation of 20 billion pounds of old shingles are added to our landfills yearly. They also trap the heat from the sun and add extra to your energy bills as you attempt to cool your home.
The new metal roof install
The new metal roof install

How Much Does It Cost

The difference between a metal roof and a shingled roof is not as substantial as one would think. Now, consider the longevity of a metal roof vs a shingled roof. Although a metal roof cost seems high at a range of $120 to $900 per 100 square feet (one 10-foot by 10-foot area, or a “square” of material), vs the upfront cost of asphalt shingles between $100 and $200 per 100 square feet. The likelihood that a metal roof needs to be replaced in 12 years is not typical. However, the average longevity of a shingled roof is 12 years.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you are comparing metal vs shingled roofs, you can also look into the varieties for each material. Utilizing architectural shingles vs asphalt shingles might be a better bet. The average longevity of an architectural shingled roof is 15 to 20 years, whereas, the longevity of an asphalt shingled roof is 12 years.

Take advantage of this roof inspection checklist so that you can find problems early. In Florida, it is best to do this in the cooler months and after hurricane season.

Lastly, you should request that your professionally licensed roofing contractor conduct some yearly maintenance while up on your roof. If you have a dryer vent that goes to the roof, cleaning this is important. In addition, if you have a chimney, you can have the contractor check the seals around the chimney exterior. If you also have a furnace, they can check the fresh air intake vent at the same time.

Completed metal roof
Completed metal roof

When Should I Call A Professional

Roofing needs require you to contact a professionally licensed roofing contractor. This is due to your State building codes and how they vary. Professionally licensed roofing contractors are required to follow the State building codes and are held to a high standard of work. Unless you know how to walk to the roof without damaging it or keeping yourself safe, then hiring a professional is a good idea.

Conclusion

Determining whether or not a metal roof is better than a shingled roof for your home is a complex decision. Hiring a local home inspection team to conduct a wind mitigation inspection as well as a roof inspection is key. This allows you to make the most knowledgeable decision regarding a new roof. When you are choosing to put a new roof on it is best to get a variety of pricing. It is always your choice as to what the best decision is for your home. Inside and Out Property Inspectors can check your roof when conducting roof inspections and wind mitigation inspections in the Jacksonville, FL, and St. Augustine, FL areas.

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/nice-metal-roof.jpeg 1656 2500 BJ Johnson https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png BJ Johnson2021-11-12 14:15:522021-11-12 14:15:58Is A Metal Roof Cheaper Than Shingles

What Is Roof Decking

September 3, 2021/0 Comments/in Roof /by BJ Johnson

You are putting things away in your attic and you begin to notice that the wood appears damp. You walk over to the area in question and notice rotten roof decking. What is roof decking? It is the sheet of plywood or other material that supports the shingles on a roof. Another name for it is roof sheathing.

Let’s take a look at why you need to know about problems with roof decking, the problems that come with it, when your roof decking is needing repair, and when to call a professional.

Can Roof Decking Affect Ventilation

It is important to know that ventilation is just as important on the outside of your home as it is on the inside of your home. The roof decking should not be sagging between your rafters. This will cause poor ventilation and affect the longevity of your roof. If there is no ventilation in your attic space, the roof will begin to break down from moisture and extreme heat conditions. As the decking breaks down, it can no longer support the weight of snow (in colder climates) or the weight of powerful wind gusts. At this point, you will need to look into a new roof decking.

Roof decking should also be cut at ridges or offset ridges for vent installations.

Some homes have conditioned attic spaces. In these cases, roof decking is not visible since it is sealed with foam. In addition, the entire attic becomes an air-conditioned space.

Cost of Roof Decking

The average cost of roof decking depends on the materials that you choose to use and the square footage. The replacement costs for a roof decking that is 300 square feet is a range of $800 to $2,800. A typical full roof replacement can cost you anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000. Keep in mind that varies based on material costs and where you live.

Can the roof decking be replaced without having to replace the entire roof? Not really. Your roofing material adheres to the roof decking. Therefore, in order to replace the roof decking, you would have to remove and re-install the roofing material.

Shingles are the last layer of the roof on top of the roof decking.

What Else Makes Up My Roof

There are a variety of materials that make up your roof. The materials vary based on location, state ordinances, and weight requirements for the roof. Let’s take a look at the list of materials.

  • Asphalt Shingles – This is a type of roofing material like in the image above
  • Wood- this material is typically the trusses and the roof decking
  • Roof Flashing– This is used at joints for extra protection like near chimneys, valleys, and sidewalls
  • Underlayment– felt material used on top of your roof decking for extra protection
  • Drip Edge– metal flashing to ensure the water flows off the roof
  • Ice and Water shield– found on top of your underlayment to ensure water and ice don’t leak into your home
  • Ridge Capping– trim that covers the area where two slopes meet on the roof at its peak
  • Roof Vents- allows air to stay fresh in the attic space and creates ventilation
  • Pipe Boots– a synthetic lead cap that goes around your pipe to keep water from leaking into your home. This is a form of flashing.

In this video, you will see how to lay your roof decking. Let’s see what they say.

A Few Types of Roof Materials

Architectural Shingles

Many homeowners like architectural shingles because they last longer than three-tab. This is because they are thicker and can withstand more of the high winds and heavy rain we get here in Florida. Even though they are more expensive ($250-$400 per square), they are stronger and have a longer life expectancy of about 17-20 years.

Tile & Metal Roofs

Since we are venturing down the path of what roof decking is, why don’t we also explore how long a tile roof should last? Understanding how long a roof will last will assist you when making the tough decisions of roof decking replacement or a full roof replacement. You might also like to consider changing out your shingles for metal. Is this a good idea or not?

Asphalt Shingles

This material combined with weatherproofing treatment can help the attic stay cool and the roof last longer. In fact, if you choose a lighter color, you can save 20% on your electric bill!

Skylights in the home might leak so make sure you check them for leaks.

Other Maintenance

Roof Inspection Checklist

Take a look at the roof inspection checklist at least once a year so you can find problems early. In Florida and the south, it is best to do this in the cooler months and after hurricane season.

Check Your Skylights

If you have skylights in your home, you want to check these each year as well. You might see issues with humidity, sealant wearing away, or dirt on the track. If you find the skylight leaking issue early, you can fix it before mold begins to grow and other damage in the home.

Clean the Dryer Vent on the Roof

If you have a dryer vent that goes to the roof, you can clean it at least once a year. You may find that it needs cleaning because the clothes are taking longer to dry, or the dryer is very warm or hotter than usual. You might want to hire a professional to do this. If you do, ask the professional to check the furnace and the fresh air intake vent at the same time.

Roof leak through roof decking - rotting wood

When Should I Call A Professional

When it comes to roofing needs, you will definitely want to call a professional roofer. State building codes vary and it is a professional roofer’s responsibility to ensure that the roof repairs are done properly. It is dangerous to walk on a roof so hiring a professional is a good idea.

Conclusion

When you are choosing to put a new roof on or simply repairing a damaged area, it is best to get all of the facts and pricing. In some cases, a cheaper repair fix might turn into a bigger repair down the road. It is always your choice as to what the best decision is for your home. Take your time to learn as much as you can about the various layers that go into a roof. Inside and Out Property Inspectors can check your roof when conducting home inspections in the Jacksonville, FL and St. Augustine, FL areas.

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/roof-decking-scaled.jpeg 1028 2560 BJ Johnson https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png BJ Johnson2021-09-03 11:34:192021-09-03 11:34:21What Is Roof Decking
skylight

How to Fix a Leaking Skylight

June 24, 2021/0 Comments/in Roof /by BJ Johnson

Skylights are like having a window on the roof. They add an aesthetically pleasing look to the place in which you live. They bring in a lot of natural sunlight and save on the electric bill as well. Here in Florida, our electric bill can be high in the summer months so when we have a skylight, this helps with keeping the bill lower. What if you come home and you notice that during a rainstorm your skylight is leaking?

How do you fix a leaking skylight? You need to diagnose the issue and know how to fix it. Also, know about common repairs that you may be able to do yourself or call a professional to help. There are several reasons it could be leaking so we will take a look at those.

Let’s take a look at why you need to know how to fix a leaking skylight, diagnosing the issue, common repairs, results, other maintenance, and when to call a professional.

Why You Need to Know How to Fix a Leaking Skylight

Skylights are so nice to have in the home, but unfortunately, one of the issues is that they leak. This is especially true here in Florida because of the weather events we have throughout the year. There are ways that you can fix the skylight yourself but also some will require a professional. Diagnosing the problem is the first step and what is needed to move on to fixing the issue. If it is ignored, it can lead to mold and other issues in the home.

opening the skylight to clean it

Diagnose the Issue and How to Fix It

High Humidity

Some areas of the country have high levels of humidity. Unfortunately, this along with the use of air conditioners can cause water to drip down the skylight. If the skylight is in a bathroom or another area of the home with high humidity, fix the humidity first and see if it takes care of the issue.

Fix: Check to see if this is the problem by reducing the humidity in the room. This can be done by adding or fixing the vents and also using a dehumidifier.

Dirt in Track of Skylight

If the skylight opens up, there can be dirt in the track and this can cause it to not close all the way. Thus, allowing water to leak in as well as pests into the home.

Fix: Open up the skylight (if it opens) and clean the debris and dirt off the track. Close the window back up and use a hose to spray from the outside to see if there are any leaks.

Water Sealant Can Wear Away

Skylights, as well as windows, have sealants to keep the water out. However, just like with anything, these do wear away and need replacing. This is the most common issue with skylights.

Fix: Replace the sealants and this is simple and can be done easily by the homeowner. You can also try caulking to see if that works.

Missing shingle causes water leaks

Roof Leaks

Sometimes there is a shingle missing or a tile and this can allow water to come in.

Fix: Survey your roof and see if there is a shingle or tile missing and have it fixed. If by chance you have a metal roof over shingles, this will be a problem and you need to contact a professional.

Common Repairs for Skylights

We know that sealants are the most common issue for leaking skylights. The second most common is damage to the glass where the glass meets the frame. Unfortunately, if the glass is cracked, the only way to fix it is to replace the skylight.

On the other hand, if the leak is where the skylight meets the roof, the flashing can be repaired by using roofing and paper cement. However, it is recommended that a professional do this for you.

Lastly, some skylights are made with material that rusts or rots so they will need replacing. Here is an example of a skylight that doesn’t rust, has a 20-year warranty, and also has the flashing added in to prevent leaking.

Results If You Do Not Fix a Leaking Skylight

If you ignore the issue, several things can happen:

Mold will form – water leaking into the house will cause not only a dripping ceiling but also mold will form. If the skylight is in the attic, mold can form on the trusses. If the skylight is over a place that has carpet, then the water can cause mold to grow on the carpet.

You can fix this if it is a 3×3 area, but any larger than that needs a professional. Lastly, before using bleach, try pouring baking soda over the spot on the carpet and then letting it sit overnight. Then, use white vinegar to clean it up and a brush. If this doesn’t work, then you can try bleach and make sure you have protective gear on and test for color issues.

Ruined Furniture and Appliances – depending on what area of the home the skylight is in, you can ruin what is below them (such as furniture) with the dripping water. Also, if there are appliances below, the water dripping can cause it to short out or worse – an electrical fire.

Moss growing on the roof

Other Maintenance In the Home

Use a roof inspection checklist– this checklist can help you to know what areas of the roof to check for maintenance and to find issues before they become problems.

Moss on the Roof – if you see moss growing on the roof, you need to take care of it right away. It can affect how the water runs off the roof and it will miss the eaves which keep water off the walls and from going inside the home. Moss can also backup the gutters and affect the ability of the water to get to the downspouts and away from the home. Also, it can cause water to leak into the home when a gutter backs up.

Look at the Ceilings– take a look at the ceilings in the home to see if there are any water stains. These can be a sign of a new problem, or possibly an existing problem. An upstairs bathroom, an air handler on the 2nd floor, or even the roof may be the culprit. Not sure what it is? Contact a professional to take a look for you.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you have a leak and not sure if it is from the skylight or another area near there. Walking around on the roof is not a good idea so a professional can come out and check the shingles for you and help you find the problem.

Hopefully, it is something as simple as fixing the sealant, but it can be more than that. Also, having a professional take a look at your skylight issues is a great idea as they can be tricky to maintain and take care of and you don’t want some who is not trained to do this. It can lead to more repairs down the road and you don’t need the headaches or the expense.

Conclusion

Having a skylight does not take a lot of maintenance but it is a good idea to keep an eye on them for any leaks. As mentioned above sealants do wear out and tracks get dirty. Maintaining these areas will help you get a lot of years out of your addition to your home. Inside and Out Property Inspectors can inspect your skylights and roof during a home inspection in Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Augustine, and all of Northeast Florida.

https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/skylight-scaled.jpeg 1529 2560 BJ Johnson https://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.png BJ Johnson2021-06-24 16:43:152021-06-24 16:43:17How to Fix a Leaking Skylight

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