Month: December 2015

4 Things to Know About Retro-R® This New Year

Posted on by Marc Carolan

The New Year represents new beginnings, the chance for positive change and an opportunity to achieve outstanding goals. For building owners, the New Year may be an opportunity to finally complete an overdue project or make needed renovations, like a replacing a roof.  This often gets postponed because of the opportunity cost of shutting down business operations during the removal and installation process.

If replacing a roof is in your 2016 plans, know that cost-efficient retrofit options are available that minimize operations downtime, such as the Retro-R® panel. This panel eliminates the roof removal process entirely as it is installed directly over an existing R panel roof. In addition to saving this time in the project schedule and maintaining operations, the Retro-R requires fewer removal and installation accessories, thus reducing cost.

Can Retro-R be installed over any metal roof?

Manufactured with specific rib spacing and height, the Retro-R panel is made to fit on top of the Utility R or PBR metal panel. Because of this, the retrofit system can only be installed on existing buildings, rather than new construction. If your existing roof panel is rusted and not structurally sound, these issues must be fixed prior to installing Retro-R or the panel will not perform at optimal levels.

When is the ideal time of the year to install Retro-R?

Even though any metal panel can be installed throughout the year, the Retro-R panel is exceptionally convenient to install any time due to the fact that the existing roof does not need to be removed to install the new roof. The additional advantage comes from not having to expose the building’s interior to outside elements such as rain or snow.

How is the Retro-R panel installed?

Although the existing sidelap screws must be removed from the roof before the Retro-R panels are installed, the screws that attach the existing PBR or Utility R panel to the purlins do not. The Retro-R panels are attached with Long Life screws that fasten through the existing PBR panels and into the existing purlins. Once the Retro-R panels are installed, new lap screws are installed through the Retro-R ribs and the existing PBR panel sidelaps.

How is moisture controlled between the panels?

The Retro-R® panel is manufactured with DRIPSTOP technology which protects both the existing and new roof through condensation control. This innovative product creates a medium for trapping moisture in the specially designed pockets within the felt’s membrane. Holding moisture until conditions go back below the dew point, DRIPSTOP is then able to release the moisture back into the air in the form of normal humidity.

To learn more about the Retro-R product, color options and warranties, visit us online at www.ABCMetalRoofing.com.

Balancing Quality and Cost: How Metal Roofs Provide a Better Long Term Value

Posted on by Casey Walker

We’ve been told that the decisions we make today will affect us tomorrow…but how many purchasing decisions will affect us in 15, 30 or 60 years? The investment made in a metal roof will last at least that long, which is why it’s important to understand the balance between quality and cost beforehand.

Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles

The initial cost of a metal roof exceeds other materials, such as asphalt, slate, or tile. Industry statistics estimate that the average cost per square foot is around $3.00, compared to asphalt at $1.50. However, metal offers improved strength and durability, and lower maintenance and energy costs over time. In fact, over a metal roof’s lifespan, shingles can cost just as much, if not more.

 
 Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles Infographic

We examine the SL-16® metal roof panel, as an example, to demonstrate how metal is a better overall investment. This snap-together roof system offers the look of traditional standing seams, with easy installation and low maintenance.

  • Manufactured for Durability

  • Easy Installation with Concealed Fasteners

    • SL-16® is a concealed fastener panel, which means the likelihood of leakage is reduced compared to exposed fastener panels. No clips are needed to install; instead, the SL-16® uses pancake head fasteners which are hidden under the lap of the panel.

  • Less Time and Money Needed for Maintenance

    • Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions such as rain, heat and snow, cause erosion and fading to asphalt shingles. This often leads to mildew where there is a shortage of sunlight, and shingles must be replaced every 15 to 18 years, even with monthly inspection. Metal panels, on the other hand, outperform asphalt against changing climates and requires minimal maintenance during the 60-year life cycle.

  • Saves Energy

    • Unlike asphalt shingles, metal panels act as an insulator which keeps your home at a stable temperature all season long. The Solar Reflectivity (SR)—the ability of a material to reflect solar energy from its surface back to the atmosphere—for metal far exceeds shingles. The SR of ABC’s Signature® 200 Coal Black is .30, and according to the US Department of Energy, the SR of shingles in Black or Generic Black  is .05. This reflection of heat keeps internal temperatures more stable, saving the average homeowner up to 40% in energy costs.

In summary, the lifetime value of a roof is comprised of more than the initial cost. Other variables must be considered such as maintenance, energy costs and overall lifespan. When considering a metal roof versus asphault shingles, metal is a more expensive material, but spread over 60 years, it provides more value per year.

For more information and to view SL-16® product installation videos, visit ABCMetalRoofing.com.