Tag: metal roof

Why Choose Insulated Panels For Roofing

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Once used primarily for commercial projects, metal is now one of the fastest-growing materials used for residential roofing. The Metal Roofing Alliance estimated that 750,000 metal roofs were installed in 2015 and it’s only increased since then. It’s easy to see why. Metal roofs are durable, reliable, beautiful, and they will likely last the rest of your life. Need more reasons to choose metal for your roof?

Long Life Span

A traditional asphalt shingle roof will last between 10 and 20 years. A metal roof will last at least three times that. This makes it a great choice for your forever home. It also has great resale value, so whether you’re planning to stay in your home forever or sell soon – it still makes a valuable investment.

Eco Friendly

Nothing beats metal roofs when it comes to sustainability. They are manufactured with 25-95% recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. Meanwhile, 20 billion pounds of old asphalt shingles are sent to U.S. landfills every year.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat. This means that heat is not absorbed into your home, and your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool. Reducing cooling costs by 10 to 25%…sometimes more! Talk about efficiency.

Resale Value

Metal roofs may end up paying for themselves! Homes with metal roofs have higher resale value. This is generally because of the longevity of metal roofs, and the increased value they bring to your home.

Maintenance

Metal roofs are simple. You can rest easy against wind, hail damage, and even fire. While you should continue with your annual inspections, they don’t require as frequent maintenance as other roofing materials do.

Safety

Metal roofs are virtually indestructible and will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike. They can also stand up against other elements of Mother Nature, such as high wind, extreme temperatures, or snow and ice buildup. 

Fire Resistant Metal Roofs

Are Metal Roofs Fire Resistant?

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Your home is one of your most important assets. Not only does it house valuable items, but precious memories. As such, you will want to do everything to ensure your home is well protected against expected, and unexpected, threats like fire. While a metal roof is by no means fireproof, it can absolutely boast the title fire resistant. Here’s why!

Fire Resistance Ratings

When it comes to the varying roofing materials, there are Class Systems in place that rate how fire-resistant they are. The material is tested with either the ASTM E108 or the UL 790 Fire Tests of Roof Coverings., which rate three fire-related qualities of a roofing material:

  • Ability to resist the spread of fire into the attic (or cathedral ceiling) area
  • Ability to resist flame spreading on the roof covering
  • Ability to resist generating burning embers.

Once evaluated, the roof covering is given a rating: Class A, Class B, and Class C, with Class A being the most fire-resistant. Since metal roofing is designated with a Class A fire rating, it is one of the most non-combustible roofing materials, with the greatest strength to stand up to fires. While fire resistance should not be the only determining factor for getting a metal roof, it is an important consideration. This is especially true for homes in areas with a higher risk of wildfires.

Additional Benefits of Metal Roofs

Metal roofs come with a plethora of additional benefits! Including

  • A Long Life Expectancy. Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Compare that to the traditional 10 to 20 years of asphalt shingles. An extra advantage to metal is that unlike some roofing materials, age does not reduce its fire resistance. 
  • Metal roofs are both energy efficient and sustainable. A metal roof can help homeowner’s save between 10 and 25% on their heating and cooling bills. On top of being 100% recyclable, they can also easily support the weight of solar panels and are perfect for creating systems to collect rainwater.
  • Coming in a variety of colors and styles, the wide range of aesthetic options means there’s a metal roof to suit anyone’s personal taste.

Metal roofs offer superior fire resistance. Protecting a structure’s assets and keeping people safe. Are you considering retrofitting your building with metal panels? Contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Do Metal Roofs Keep Your House Cooler

Do Metal Roofs Trap Heat?

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Metal roofs are surrounded by misconceptions. From assuming they easily dent to being sure that they will make a lot of noise with wind and rain. Today we are going to debunk another common metal roof myth: the heat debacle. Will a metal roof trap heat and make your house hotter? Let’s find out!

No Metal Roof Is The Same

Before assuming a metal roof will trap heat, consider the vast array of materials metal roofs are made of. A copper roof, for example, will not conduct heat the same way a steel roof would. Aside from the type of metal, the color and ending finish will also have an affect on how much heat the panel retains. These days, there are plenty of finishes certified to reflect sunlight, helping to keep your home cool even when exposed to direct sunlight.

All Roofs Retain Some Heat

Whether asphalt or metal, any material exposed to the sun will retain some heat. The lightest material, however, will return back to its ambient temperature quicker than a heavier one. The longer these materials stay hot, the more heat is transferred to the building beneath.  In terms of roofing materials contributing to heat in a building, once the sun stops shining, metal is the best possible option.

Insulation Matters

Your metal roof is more than just metal. Joints are often made of wood, and other system features are a different material entirely. This is where the insulation comes in. Most metal roof installers account for heat build-up by leaving a space between the roofing system and home underneath where air can accumulate and escape. 

Overall, when it comes to choosing a roof that can help keep your home cool, metal should be your top choice. It provides insulation during the winter, while simultaneously allowing lower demand for air conditioning during the hotter months. Are you ready to make the switch to a metal roof? Contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Choosing A Metal Roof Color

What Color Should You Choose for a Metal Roof?

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One of the most exciting parts of deciding on a metal roof for your structure is undoubtedly choosing which color panel to go with. That being said, this is simultaneously one of the hardest decisions a home or business owner will need to make. After all…there are so many colors to choose from, and these panels can last decades! But it is important to not get lost in the abundance of options. That’s why we have put together some tips for helping you choose which color to go with on your metal roof.

Tip #1: Consider The Type of Panel

The type of metal panel you have can be a determining factor in what colors are available to you. A standing seam metal roof is most often paired with a PVDF Paint System. PVDF Systems come in an array of color choices including metallic, bright and vibrant colors, matte finishes, and even designer paint finishes! These systems also hold their integrity longer than other paint systems, such as the SMP Paint System commonly found in exposed fastener roofing panels.

Tip #2: Consider The Paint Quality

It is crucial to select a high-quality paint finish for your metal roof that will stand up to the elements, while looking fresh and new for years to come. Make sure to choose a paint that has been treated with a special acrylic resin that blocks ultraviolet light. It will help prevent premature fading, peeling, corrosion, rust, and water infiltration. We suggest paints labeled as either Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000.

Tip #3: Consistency is Key

It’s critical to match the metal roofing color to your house. You want the color to blend in with your neighborhood, environment, and property. It should complement all of the surrounding features. You can compare paint samples side by side with features of your home to see how they will blend together – both in daylight and in the dark. You may also want to consider the existing architecture. A modern home will enjoy blacks, bronzes, coppers, and grays. While a spanish style home may enjoy more of a clay or rusted look. A tropical style home may be more vibrant, playing with sage green or metallics. 

Tip #4: Consider The Energy Efficiency

Metal roofing in a lighter color will reflect the heat of the sun much better than a darker colored metal roof. Lighter colored roofs will help safeguard your roof from intense heat. In fact, a lighter colored roof can decrease your energy bill. If you live in a hot climate and want a dark colored metal roof then you should consider a “ Cool Metal Roof “ in a dark color. This will allow you to go with a dark metal roof and it will lessen the impact of the darker color versus the lighter color.

Have more questions? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help you! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Buildings Suitable For Metal Panels

What Types of Buildings Are Best For Metal Panels?

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Insulated Metal Panels are quickly becoming the new buzzword amongst building owners, designers, and contractors. These insulated panels offer a plethora of advantages – from malleable design, ease of installation, and above all, sustainability. But in what building environment do these panels perform best? It may not surprise you to learn the answer.

Insulated Metal Panels are ideal for a wide range of wall and roofing applications. Bringing with them improved energy efficiency, air and moisture control, versatile colors and finishes, and an overall lower cost over their lifetime thanks to their ease of installation and low-effort maintenance. So whether your building is residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural, metal wall panels will bring an attractive and elegant look to your project while providing excellent R-values.

Agricultural Applications

Gone are the days of unsightly agricultural buildings. Aesthetically pleasing and durable agricultural steel panels are a perfect fit for the demanding nature of farm and ranch buildings. Offering resistance and strength under extreme temperatures, as well as temperature control ideal for housing livestock, crops, or machinery. Metal panels can also be used in roll-up doors, arenas, and ranches.

Commercial Applications

Common commercial applications utilizing metal panels include retail stores, auto dealerships and repair shops, banks, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings. And it’s no wonder they are so widely used! What building owner doesn’t love reduced energy costs and lower maintenance requirements? Not to mention the unique shapes, colors, and textures metal panels can provide to the interior of the space.

Residential Applications

The most widely recognized residential application of metal panels would be a metal roof. Ideal for their long lifespan, metal panels make the perfect choice for a residential roof or modern exterior flair. In the unlikely event of a fire, metal panels may also be able to prevent your home from succumbing to the flames thanks to their fire resistant capabilities!

Insulated metal panels have resulted in better buildings, better designs, greater energy efficiency, and improved standards of living. Would you like to learn more about how metal panels can be used to enhance your building? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Why Metal Panels Are Gaining Popularity

5 Reasons Why Metal Panels Are Gaining In Popularity

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A quality rooftop is undoubtedly one of the most important factors when it comes to a building’s features. Your roof is your first line of defense when it comes to bad weather, maintains your home’s temperature, and prevents energy loss. Your roof should stand the test of time. Because of the high demands our rooftops are subjected to, great strides have been made to improve their material’s quality and durability. Enter the metal roof, which since it’s classic use has now been redesigned, streamlined, and optimized for both performance and aesthetics. So why the surge in popularity?

Design Aesthetics: 

Metal’s sophisticated, polished, and modern appearance is likely the biggest reason why it’s become so popular, offering nearly unmatched design choices. Metal roofs come in a comprehensive range of colors and styles. There are even finishes that mimic other materials such as clay! No other roofing material can provide you with the design options that metal can.

Energy Efficiency:

If there is one trend that’s not going away, it’s energy efficiency. And metal roofing is known to be one of the best when it comes to that category. That alone is a large reason why so many homeowners are making the transition to metal rooftops today. And why they will be used so widely in the future.

Solar Ready:

The long term benefits of solar panels are unmatched. Not only do they pay for themselves, but they also put less strain on the Earth’s resources. While solar panels can be installed on any roof, it’s a very complex process to do so. However, metal rooftops are an excellent option for solar panel installation thanks to their natural heat conduction and better structure.

Strength in Tough Weather Conditions: 

A metal roof is built to withstand inclement weather. Seriously. Hurricanes? Wildfires? Tornadoes? No problem. So, if weather is a problem in your area, there are very few options that can compete with metal roofing.

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of metal roofing? Our qualified team of professionals would be happy to help! Contact us today at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs

Pros And Cons of Metal Roofing For Homes

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Your roof may be in need of a total makeover, or perhaps you are choosing roofing for a newly constructed home. Either way, there are many materials available to you. Metal is one of the most attractive roofing options for residential homes today. This is due to their longevity, minimal maintenance and energy efficiency. What other advantages come with metal roofing? 

Advantages of Metal Roofing

  • Metal roofs come in a wide variety of styles and materials to suit any design preference. Material choices include steel (galvanized, galvalume or weathering), aluminum, copper, zinc, or tin. Style choices allow you to have the look of shingles, slate, tile, shakes or vertical panels.
  • Metal roofs have an unbeatable lifespan, often lasting anywhere from 50 to 100 years. By comparison, asphalt roofing materials have an expected shelf life of 12 to 20. This means more maintenance, or more replacement, and more money spent. That being said, the roof should be inspected periodically to ensure everything is in good condition.
  • Metal panels are one of the most durable materials out there. They undergo rigorous standards for impact resistance, can withstand high gusts of wind, and fluctuate more easily with changes in temperature. 
  • Metal panels are environmentally friendly. They are both made from recycled materials and 100% recyclable. On top of that, metal panels are energy efficient. They can result in a 10% to 25% reduction in cooling costs. 

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

  • While metal roofs come with a host of advantages, there are some potential drawbacks. These include:
  • High Initial Cost. Metal panels are an investment. They are best suited for your “forever” home, as the cost benefits work out over time. 
  • Noisy. Metal roofs are noisier than other materials, mainly during rain or hailstorms. Choosing an insulated panel can help with this. 
  • Inconsistency. Oftentimes panels experience slight variations in color. This is especially true if you need to repair a hole years later – it may be difficult to find an exact match. 

With a full list of pros and cons, you can more easily make a decision on whether or not a metal roof is suitable for your home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our qualified team for answers. We can be reached at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Hole Repair In Metal Roof

Can a Hole in a Metal Roof Be Repaired?

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Your metal roof panels have an expected lifespan of 50 to 100 years – a shelf life that is unrivaled in the roofing material industry. But like most materials which are consistently exposed to weather and the elements, metal roofs eventually require maintenance and repair. Over time you may find yourself dealing with deterioration, rust, or unforeseen accidents such as a branch falling on your roof. If you find yourself dealing with a hole in your metal roofing, rest assured that this problem IS fixable! When done properly, repairs can last as long as the roof system itself. To ensure a job well done, our experienced team of professionals have put together a step by step process for repairing holes in your metal roof yourself.

Prior To Beginning Repairs

Underlying structural issues can be indicated by a hole in the system. Be sure to complete a thorough under-deck safety review and roof analysis before attempting repairs. You should also be sure to match the patching material with your existing metal roof to prevent cracking and splitting. Using the same materials will ensure the panels have the same rate of contraction and expansion, avoiding stress on the repair site.

Pre-Clean The Repair Area Before Scuffing

The first step to any good repair is cleaning the area with a cleaner that a residue free cleaner.  After the panels are free from dirt, film, or algae growth, use a wire brush to scuff the repair area. This will help the sealant bond to the metal. Make sure to avoid scuffing other areas of the roof, as this removes the protective coating from the panel’s surface.

Measure, Cut, Round

You will need to measure the repair area so the patch can easily cover the hole as well as overlap 2” in all directions. After the sheet metal patch has been cut, round the corners with a file or emery cloth. This prevents corners from catching snow, ice, or other debris which can damage the structural integrity of the repair.

Install The Patch

Liberally apply a urethane sealant to the surface of the panel being repaired, leaving no gaps. Press the patch over the damaged area, being sure to squeeze sealant from the edge of the patch along all sides. If there is an area without sealant, moisture can penetrate under the patch. Secure the patch into place using pan-head sheet metal screws. The screws should be placed 1″ inside the patch from the edge, and every 3-4″ around.

We hope you found our tips for repairing holes in metal roofing useful. For more DIY tips, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Basics of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

The Basics of Standing Seam Metal Roofing

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Long gone are the days of asphalt shingles being the only available, and affordable, roofing material on the market. Enter Standing Seam Metal Roofs! Once confined to commercial buildings or coveted by luxurious residential structures, standing seam metal roofs are now widely available to consumers. So what is this up and coming roofing material of choice? In this article we will cover the basics of standing seam metal roofs, and how they compare to their asphalt counterparts.

How Do Asphalt Shingles Compare? 

Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials available. However, since these shingles are derived from petroleum, their cost is largely dependent on oil prices. Secondly, asphalt shingles are by far less durable than Standing Seam roofing. The mineral based service decomposes with every season, and actions such as power watching speed up the process. Standing seam metal roofs are a completely different material. The initial difference in cost is easily made up by the metal’s durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

What Is A Standing Seam Metal Roof? 

Standing seam is a specific type of metal roofing that raises the seams above the level of the roof. The majority of metal roofs you see tend to be standing seam. In this style, continuous panels run from the ridge of the roof to the eaves, connected by raised fasteners. Keeping these seams above water level, as opposed to flush-mounted panels or asphalt shingles, is a top advantage of this style. Standing seam metal roofing also uses fewer seams because the metal panels run uninterrupted from the top to the bottom of the roof.

Durability is also a key factor in standing seam metal roofing. However, these panels are not impervious to damage. Fallen limbs and other high impact dents can cause holes which will need to be repaired. However with the proper maintenance, these roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Other benefits include metal panels ability to prevent solar heat absorption, as well as provide a sleek and modern aesthetic with an array of color choices.

This roofing material is not without it’s disadvantages. Standing seam roofs cannot be used on flat roofs due to the flat pitches. Metal is also considered a more expensive material than it’s asphalt counterpart.

Looking to upgrade your roofing system to a more durable material? Contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.

Metal Roof Upgrade

Can Roofing Be Upgraded With Metal Panels?

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If you need to repair or replace a damaged roof, you may be wondering if upgrading to a metal roofing system is the answer. We’re here to tell you it is! In this article we will discuss the advantages of metal panels when it comes to restoring your building’s roof and what options are available to you.

1. Cost Effective

If you are avoiding replacing your roof due to the cost of removing the existing one, we have good news! There are metal panels specially designed to be installed directly over an existing roof. This retrofit system is not only cost-effective. but the need for fewer construction components also saves on installation time. Did we mention the new roof warranty? An advantage to consider when thinking of repairing versus replacing.

2. Variety of Options

Worried about the aesthetic of your building when considering a new roof? Don’t worry! These versatile metal panels come in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. With endless options available, you can be sure to find a panel that suits your taste.

3. Conserve Energy

Another advantage of upgrading to metal roof panels is energy conservation. Metal roofs are known to keep buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This benefit can be enhanced when adding insulation during your upgrade. Sub-purlins can be installed that not only support a new layer of roofing, but also eliminate the need to remove an existing roof, all while improving the energy performance of the building.

4. Ability to Alter the Roof Slope

Metal roofing systems are by far the most economical choice if you need to alter the slope of your roof. The existing structural system will play a role in determining the geometry and shape of the new roof, however, improving the drainage system and overall appearance of the roof is more than possible.


All of these options are available to be used over an existing roofing system and provide energy benefits, making metal panels a superior choice when it comes to replacing your roof. For more information on metal roofing panels, contact our qualified team of professionals at 519-451-7663 or info@ecoinsulatedpanels.com.