Metal Roofing FAQ
A standing seam metal roof is a type of roofing system where the metal panels have raised seams that interlock at the edges.
These seams are typically vertical and are raised above the level of the panel, creating a distinctive look. The standing seams help keep water from penetrating the roof, offering excellent protection against leaks. This style is popular for its sleek, modern appearance and durability, and it’s especially known for being low maintenance and highly weather-resistant.
Yes, Vertex Roofing also installs metal roofs that are designed to look like tile.
These metal tiles offer the same durability and long-lasting benefits of metal roofing, while giving your home the classic, elegant appearance of traditional tile roofs.
Yes, Vertex Roofing does offer metal roofs that are designed to look like shingles.
These metal shingles combine the durability and longevity of metal roofing with the classic aesthetic of traditional shingles, giving your home a unique look while providing excellent protection.
What you would experience with a metal roof will be virtually the same as what you hear on any conventional asphalt roof.
Metal roofing holds up better than any other type of roofing material! It won’t crack, break, or shatter, and you will even be able to have a warranty that covers it against hail damage! Even better, a metal roof is the ONLY type of roof that is just as durable in years 10 and 20 as it is in year one.
What surprises most people is that at typically 1-1.5 pounds per square foot, a metal roof is one of the lightest choices for your roof. It is nearly half the weight of asphalt shingles and 7 to 10 times lighter than tile!
Metal roofing sure can help with your energy bills! In fact, for people who live in a harsh summer climate like Arizona, having a steel roofing system from Vertex is one of the most energy-efficient choices you can make for your home resulting in up to a 40% reduction on your home cooling costs!
Definitely not! There are many variations to standing seam, and with the varying styles also come varying qualities. Even if you narrow things down to one type of standing seam, it is important to remember that there is not only one way to install these roof systems. There are many installation details that can either give you peace of mind or problems in the future, depending on how they are done.
Yes, matching the color of your roof to the neighborhood is a great idea! It helps maintain a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look for the area.
We can provide a variety of color samples and options for you to view and choose from to keep your home similar to your neighbors and also within your HOA approved color scheme.
A quality metal roof will not fade! Whether or not one fades depends greatly on a variety of factors, the biggest being what type of paint finish is on the metal because not all paint finishes are equal! We have seen roofs that started off brown but chalked up, faded, and became tan and white over time because a contractor used an inferior product. The best finishes are Kynar 500© or Hylar 5000©. With these finishes, you won’t need to worry about fading issues.
Whether someone WANTS to have their existing shingles removed can often be a matter of personal preference after weighing the pros and cons.
As far as what MUST be done with regards to a tear-off prior to installing a metal roof, we look to building code. According to building code, there are two situations in which you MUST have the existing shingles removed. The first would be if there are two or more layers of existing shingles. The second would be if there is only one layer, but there is extensive rotted decking which would need to be replaced.
Absolutely! In fact, a standing seam roof is the BEST type of roof to have when getting solar. With a standing seam roof, rather than the solar company having to penetrate the roof repeatedly as they would with every other type of roof in order to anchor the solar mounts, they will instead utilize S-5 clamps that attach to the seams of a standing seam system. This results in the solar panels getting mounted to your roof without the need to create a bunch of holes that will leak in the future!
There is no way to know how much a properly installed metal roof system will cost without first seeing the project. However, we always recommend people take the time to understand what their job entails so they can know what the price represents. You, your home, and your needs are not the same as everyone else. That is why when we meet with you, we will take the time to discuss options, show the materials and installation details involved, and design a system together that will address your unique needs. As such, we always tell people that our metal roofs are priced by the job. The detail we put into it all will give you peace of mind as you’ll know what you’re getting rather than hoping it is what you envisioned. You’ll have an exact, detailed estimate to decide on, not an ambiguous ballpark figure that tells you little to nothing about what you’re actually getting.
Asphalt (Shingle) Roofing FAQ
Asphalt roofing typically refers to asphalt shingles, which are one of the most common roofing materials.
They are made of a fiberglass or organic mat that is coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules to protect against UV rays and weather damage.
An asphalt roof generally lasts between 15 and 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingles, the climate, and how well the roof is maintained.
Vertex Roofing primarily uses Owens Corning Duration shingles which have specific warranties on them as well. Ask one of our Roofing Consultants about this during your roofing appointment.
While asphalt roofs do provide some energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and preventing heat buildup, the energy efficiency largely depends on the color and quality of the shingles. Lighter-colored shingles tend to be more energy-efficient than darker ones.
Signs that your asphalt roof may need replacement include missing or damaged shingles, leaks, granules in gutters, curling or buckling shingles, or visible wear and tear. If your roof is over 20 years old, it might be time to get it inspected.
With a Metal Roof, there is no maintenance, once installed your homes roofing problems are over.
For asphalt shingles, regular maintenance includes inspecting the roof for damage, cleaning out gutters, removing moss or algae, and trimming any overhanging trees. It’s also important to check for loose shingles or areas where water may pool.
Asphalt shingles are versatile and perform well in most climates, but they may not be the best option for extremely hot or cold areas. In places with heavy snow or hail, other materials might be more durable.
Yes, asphalt shingles can sometimes be installed over an existing layer of shingles, though it depends on the condition of the roof. Many experts recommend removing the old shingles to ensure the new roof is properly secured and free of underlying issues.
Asphalt shingles are generally fire-resistant and are rated by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for their fire resistance.
However, they are not completely fireproof, so if you’re looking for a fireproof solution, metal is the better way to go. If you choose asphalt shingles, it’s important to choose high-quality shingles for better fire protection.
SRI stands for Solar Reflectance Index. It’s a measure of how well a roofing material reflects solar heat rather than absorbing it. The higher the SRI, the better the material is at reflecting sunlight and keeping the building cooler.
For shingles, a high SRI can contribute to better energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs in hot climates.
Typically, lighter-colored shingles have a higher SRI, as they reflect more sunlight, while darker shingles tend to have a lower SRI because they absorb more heat.
