Metal vs. Asphalt: Which Roofing Material Should You Choose?

In a previous blog, we’ve debunked the myths about metal roofing and shown you why it’s a great option for your dream home. Now, we will see how it compares with one of the most popular materials out there—asphalt shingles.

Price
Though you’ll get more life out of a metal roof, you’ll pay the price at the time of installation. Metal roofs generally can run from $120 to $900 per 100 square feet (one 10-foot by 10-foot area, or a “square” of material), while asphalt shingles will be between $100 and $200 per 100 square feet. Its installation will also run you more for metal since it’s a more specialized job.

You may recoup some of the costs of a metal roof down the road, because you likely won’t ever have to replace it. Additionally, insurance companies may offer discounts to homes with metal roofs. You may even qualify for tax credits by installing a metal roof on your primary home. Finally, metal roofs are so energy efficient they can save you money in monthly heating and cooling costs. Source: BobVila

Energy Efficiency
A metal roof will lower your energy bills by about 40 percent in the summer. The reflective surface lessens the transfer of heat into the home. On the other hand, asphalt shingles absorb the sun’s heat, transferring it through the roof to the home, making the home’s cooling system work harder. This is why asphalt shingles are recommended more strongly for temperate climates.

In winter, asphalt shingles perform better, using the heat absorbed from the winter sunlight to make the home much warmer. However, metal roofs also perform well in winter. The year-round energy usage will still be lower with metal than with asphalt.

Even so, some asphalt shingle styles are designated as cool roofs and join some metal roofs in carrying an Energy Star rating for higher energy efficiency. These roofing materials are certified to reflect more of the sun’s energy, lowering the roof’s temperature by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though other factors can affect the amount of savings offered, they can decrease demand on the home’s cooling systems at peak times by 10 to 15 percent.

To offset the cost of installing a new roof, you can look for Energy Star certified asphalt shingles or metal roofs. When using these energy-efficient materials, 10 percent of the materials cost, up to $500, can be received as an energy credit. Source: Fixr

Durability
Some metal roofs come with warranties of up to 50 years, but can literally last for hundreds of years, whereas traditional roofs typically last 10 to 20 years. Metal roofs aren’t as vulnerable to hail, wind and fire damage and some insurance companies even offer discounts on homeowner’s policies due to metal’s storm-resistant properties. Source: AngiesList

Which one do you like better? If you can’t decide between the two, we can help you pick the roofing material that suits your budget and needs. Contact us for a free estimate!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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Debunking Common Myths about Metal Roofing

Are you thinking about installing a new roof at home? If you’re thinking twice about considering metal as your material of choice, it’s probably because of the misconceptions surrounding it. Today, you’ll discover why metal can be one of your best options.

Myth: Lower energy cost
This is not necessarily true. If your home has inadequate insulation, air leaks and windows that are not energy efficient, installing a metal roof will not likely lower your heating bills. It is important to remember there are many factors that contribute to your home’s overall energy usage.

Myth: No resale value
This is not true! Metal roofs are actually highly valued. Homes renovated with standing-seam metal roofing recoup on average 85.9-percent of costs nationally and up to 95.5% for homes in the Eastern states, according to Remodeling Magazine. These gains in resale value amount to 1- and 6-percent, respectively, over homes roofed with asphalt shingles.

Myth: Metal roofs are loud
False. Typically, metal roofs are even quieter than an asphalt shingle roof. Metal roofs are usually installed with solid sheathing attached to the underlayment, which helps reduce noise. Source: AngiesList

Myth: Less durable
This couldn’t be farther from the truth! Metal roofs can withstand hurricane-force, 140-mile-per-hour winds and extreme storms.

Quality roofs stand up to hail and hold up under heavy snow and ice loads. Naturally, metal is a top choice for areas prone to severe weather and wildfires.

Myth: Harmful to the environment
Actually, quality metal roofing can last you more than 50 years (almost three times longer than other materials) and can be recycled rather than dumped into a landfill.

Quality roof coatings resist moss and fungus, which means lower long-term maintenance and fewer chemical treatments that can harm the environment. Source: TodaysHomeOwner

Myth: Easily damaged by hail
While extremely large hailstones can dent a metal roof, normal-size hail will not. With textured roofs, minor denting is even less readily visible. Source: BobVila

Roofing is an expensive investment. Aside from picking the best material, you should also let only the most experienced professionals do the installation, so you don’t have any problems later on. Call us today for a free estimate!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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How to Build a Low-Maintenance Home

Are you looking to build your forever home anytime soon? If you have the budget, follow these easy tips that will allow you to save more money in the long run.

Go for stainless steel or copper gutters
As a rule, gutters are not considered low maintenance, especially if the house is close to trees. Periodically, gutters must be cleared of leaves and other debris so that they can drain properly.

Generally, metal gutters made from thin stock don’t last as long as those made from the more expensive heavier-gauge material. Also, seamless gutters have fewer leaks than do segmented types. Source: ThisOldHouse

Get a metal roof
Metal roofing is one of the toughest, most maintenance-free roofing materials made. In addition to the traditional standing seam panels — the ones with ridges running from the peak to the eave — today’s metal roofing includes products that mimic slate, clay tiles, and wood shakes.

Metal roofing also is extremely fire-resistant — in a fire-prone area, having a metal roof may qualify you for a discount on homeowners insurance.

Why it’s low-maintenance: Most metal roofing comes with a 40- to 50-year warranty, and the replacement cycle is almost three times longer than that of three-tab asphalt shingles.

Look for baked-on enamel finishes with rust-proof undercoating that are warranted for the life of the product. The finish won’t crack or shed like asphalt, meaning you won’t be scooping those little granules out of the gutter every spring and fall. Source: HouseLogic

Choose composite over traditional wood
Traditional wood decking must be sealed annually, and even then it can splinter and warp. Composite lumber decking, on the other hand, combines wood particles and plastic to achieve the look of wood with far less maintenance. Impervious to insects, rot, mildew, and stains, this composite lumber requires only an occasional hose-down to keep it looking good—after which you can go right back to lounging on your deck. Source: BobVila

Good materials only make one part of the factors that contribute to a long-lasting home. Proper installation is another. So if you want to make sure that you don’t waste your investment, call us! We’ll take care of the process for you.

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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3 Solutions for a Wet Basement

Did you notice your basement getting damp or having runoff water? If left unchecked, it can cause a huge blow to your bank account as repairs can get expensive. Get rid of this problem quickly by following these tips:

Clear the Gutters
Also, clean gutters so they won’t overflow. (If your home is not equipped with gutters, install them.) And make sure the soil around the foundation slopes away from the house 1 inch per foot for a distance of 4 feet. And add downspout extensions if needed so gutters drain 4 feet away from the house onto splash blocks.

Many homes have an existing underground drainage system. Unfortunately, the system often breaks apart or fills with silt after several decades. You can call in a drain-and-sewer-cleaning contractor who will use a long power snake to try to clear the lines. But often they just have to be capped off at the surface and abandoned. Source: ThisOldHouse

Fix Footing Drains
If water is leaking into your basement low on the walls or at the seams where walls meet the floor, your problem is hydrostatic pressure pushing water up from the ground.

First, check whether you have footing drains, underground pipes installed when the house was built to carry water away from the foundation. (Look for a manhole or drain in the basement floor or a cleanout pipe capped a few inches above the floor.)

If the drains are clogged, open the cleanout and flush the pipes with a garden hose. Source: HouseLogic

Use Waterproof Paint
Waterproofing materials that go on like paint fill the pores in the concrete or masonry walls and prevent water from leaking in. To be effective, these coatings must be applied to bare concrete or masonry walls. Start by removing loose material with a wire brush. Then clean off any white powdery “efflorescence” with masonry cleaner. Follow the safety and application instructions carefully. A common mistake when using masonry waterproofing products is to spread them too thin. The goal is to fill every pinhole to create a continuous waterproofing membrane. Brush the coating in all directions to completely fill every pinhole. Add a second coat after the first dries. Source: FamilyHandyman

If you have any drainage or roofing issues, don’t hesitate to call the pros.

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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3 Reasons to Renovate Your Home

Are you planning on remodeling your home soon, but you’ve been thinking twice about the cost? Here are the top 3 reasons why you shouldn’t worry about it:

Comfort
One thing that you should never overlook is your own comfort and enjoyment. Ask yourself, ‘is this the way I would like my home to look for the next years to come?’. If you can’t answer with an immediate ‘yes’, then it’s time for some change.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t renovate solely to impact the future sale price of your property, as this will leave you living in a show house that doesn’t feel like a home. Renovating to satisfy your comfort and enjoyment is more important than trying to capitalise on the potential selling price. Source: Property24

Safety
You’re making the property safer. Whether you recently purchased your fixer-upper or you’ve lived there a couple decades, it may be time to overhaul some dated systems and ensure your home is keeping you safe and healthy. Consider having professionals check for old electrical wiring, dated heating systems and moist areas that may invite mold.

Before you spend money renovating for cosmetic reasons, “absolutely the No. 1 thing that people should be focused on is maintenance and repair,” says Kevin Busch, vice president of operations for Mr. Handyman, part of the Neighborly network of home service providers. Source: RealEstate.USNews

Timing
If you’ve been thinking about renovating your home for what feels like forever, then it’s time to stop wishing and to start doing. There’s never going to be a time where your schedule and your finances are “perfect” for a home renovation project. But the longer you put it off, the less time you get to enjoy in your beautiful new renovated home. Source: ArchitectureArttDesigns

If you have any home remodeling or repair project in mind, talk to us to get a free estimate of how much it would cause. You might be surprised with how much you will save in the long run once you let us do the job for you. Call us today!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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Essential Home Maintenance Checklist for Summer

Make your home last longer and avoid emergency repairs by observing routine upkeep. Here are some tips to take note of:

Inspect leaks
Go around to all your faucets and toilets and check for any small leaks. If you have poor water pressure out of a faucet, the aerator is the likely culprit and it’s an extremely easy fix.

Don’t let the insects ruin your summer
Summer is their playground. You probably won’t have to look too hard to notice any insect problems. Ants, spiders, moths, etc. are all common, and fairly easy to take care of. Keep cobwebs clear, have ant poison handy, make sure all doors are tightly closed, etc. Source: ArtOfManliness

Wash the driveway
Another great summer home maintenance tip is to thoroughly clean your walkways and driveway. The key to cleaning a patio, driveway and walkway is to use a pressure washer. Before you get out your pressure washer however, it is a good idea to check these areas for cracks and weeds. Once you have inspected everything, get out that pressure washer and wash away everything that has been sitting on there for the past year. Source: BudgetDumpster

Schedule your home renovation project
Whether you’re dreaming of a landscape makeover or need to replace a deck, don’t delay booking the right pro for the job. Their schedules tend to fill up quickly in the summer — plus, the sooner the work is done, the longer you will have to enjoy it. Source: Houzz

Clean the outdoor grill
Give your grill a deep cleaning with these simple steps:

– For gas grills, turn the heat up to high and let the grill cook with the lid closed for about half an hour. Allow the grill to cool and then brush it off with a grill brush. Wipe down the exterior with a damp sponge and a gentle cleanser. Clean the grill’s drip pans.

– For charcoal grills, completely empty the grill and wipe out any ashy residue. Then clean it inside and out with hot water, a scrubby sponge and some liquid dishwashing soap. Let the grill dry completely before using it again. Source: TheNest

Summer is also the perfect time to take care of roofing and drainage damage. If you need any help, feel free to contact us.

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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More Things to Consider When Hiring a Contractor

Now that you’ve been spending more time at home, you can’t simply ignore that much-needed remodel that you’ve been neglecting for years. Before you give your plans a go, make sure you check out the following tips:

Go local
Area contractors who have been in business for a long time are usually reliable and safe bets for projects. If they didn’t do good work in your community, they wouldn’t still be around. Source: PopularMechanics

Do a thorough check
Now that you’ve narrowed your list, put your research to use. Call up former clients to find how their project went and ask to see the finished product. But Tom says you shouldn’t rely on results alone. Even more important, visit a current job site and see for yourself how the contractor works. Is the job site neat and safe? Are workers courteous and careful with the homeowner’s property? Source: ThisOldHouse

Create a contract
It is incredibly important that you leave no detail out when drawing up a contract with your contractor. If something goes wrong during the course of the project and you have to seek legal action, your contract will be key to proving your case. Here are the things your contract should lay out in detail:

– Contact information of your contractor such as name, physical address (you cannot serve a subpoena without a physical address), phone number, insurance company, and account and license numbers.

– The project’s start date and end date, or its start date and the length of time until completion.

– Your payment and financing plan.

– A detailed schedule of the stages of the project including any electrical, plumbing and carpentry components.

– A detailed list of all required materials, who will choose them, and how much will be budgeted for them if they are chosen at a later date.

– A guarantee that the contractor will file for all necessary permits.

– Potential time conflicts from other projects the contractor may be working on.

– Change order provisions. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances crop up such as dry rot and this may change the project schedule and cost. Change order provisions lay out what additional work may be done, what it will cost, and how it will affect the date of completion. Some people also choose to include in this section what will happen if they change their mind about a portion of the project.

– All the names of the workers that will be on site and the start and end time of their work day. Source: HomeAdvisor

If you’re looking for a reliable home contractor who can help you with roofing, drainage, and home repairs, we’re here for you. Call us to get a free estimate!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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