A Big Idea: An Introduction to Tiny Homes

Tiny homes are more than just a passing trend popularized by television shows, opinion editorials and blogs; they are a movement born out of a growing need and desire of homeowners to downsize, customize and simplify—all the while maintaining maximum function and style. Tiny homes, in fact, offer their residents big living opportunities through their inherent cost savings and mobility, which has resulted in Tiny Home Communities popping up across the country and even around the world. But what exactly is a tiny home and why are more and more people bucking tradition to live in them?

What is a Tiny Home?

While there is no hard and set rule about what constitutes a tiny house. They are—in short—residential structures that typically measure between 100 and 400 sq./ft.; the standard newly purchased U.S. single family home takes up nearly 2,100 sq./ft.1 These homes feature the same types of materials, construction and aesthetics you find in their larger, more permanent counterparts.

Can you really live in a Tiny Home?

Tiny homes certainly aren’t for everyone. If you have a large or growing family, or just enjoy having tons of space in which to live and entertain, you’re probably better off sticking with the traditionally-sized home. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, need a guest house, or are looking for a low-cost vacation home, tiny homes might be a great fit for you. In addition to being used as full-time residences, tiny homes are also used as short-term rental properties, and to house the homeless and those displaced as a result of destructive weather events.

Many of the concerns people have about living in a tiny home center around their need to have room for all of the things they possess: furniture, clothes, entertainment, knick-knacks, etc. It is true that those who choose to live in a tiny home shed many of their material possessions for a simpler, more minimalistic lifestyle. However, tiny homes can also be custom-built to feature loads of strategically-designed storage space to suit your lifestyle. You also don’t have to give up modern conveniences when living in a tiny home. These smaller spaces make use of generally unused or underutilized spaces to house full-size washer and dryer units, refrigerators, ovens and showers, as well as queen-size beds and fireplaces.

California Tiny Home
COPYRIGHT DC PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS

Cost Advantages of a Tiny Home: Affordability

The average cost to build a tiny house is $23,000 if built by the owner as compared to the $272,000 average cost for a standard-size house before interest2. In a time when a staggering 46 percent of Americans would either have to borrow money or sell something in order to cover a $400 emergency expense (as reported by the Federal Reserve Board in a recent survey), this in an attractive idea. Additionally, considering the slow-growing economy has done little to increase wages, it’s not surprising that spending one third or even one half of their monthly income on living expenses has left approximately 75 percent of American workers across a range of education and income levels living paycheck to paycheck. This includes nine percent of people earning $100,000 or more per year who feel they usually or always struggle to make ends meet (Harris Poll).

The Metal Panel Difference: While metal can—in some cases—be more expensive that more traditional building materials when initially purchased, their value is long-term in the form of increased durability, wind-resistance, fewer maintenance requirements, cost-saving energy efficiency, and inherent strength and structural integrity. In fact, over a metal roof’s lifespan (about 60 years), traditional shingles can cost just as much, if not more.3 Read more about the long-term value of metal panels here.

So while some buyers may be aiming to minimize their carbon footprint and live more simplistically, many people are looking to realize the economic benefits tiny homes offer. For them, the long-term durability and overall debt reduction thanks to lower purchase prices and taxes, reduced energy and maintenance costs, and more time living mortgage-free is driving them down this here-to-fore unusual path.

Want More Information on Tiny Homes?

In the next two blog articles in our Tiny Home series, we go into more detail about the advantages of metal panels for tiny homes. Metal Panels for Tiny Homes Part 1 will discuss mobility and customization; Part 2 will provide practical guidance on weather considerations, installation and maintenance.

For more information on metal panels for Tiny Homes, visit our website or contact your local sales representative.

 

References:

  1. thttp://www.nahbclassic.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=734&genericContentID=196904&channelID=311
  2. gov
  3. org/barndominium/

 

Maintaining, Cleaning & Repairing Metal Panels

Understanding the maintenance requirements of your metal panels is essential to maximizing the longevity of your investment with the least amount of hassle. While metal panels have been engineered to provide decades of trouble-free protection, they can suffer damage from the build-up of debris as well as storm-related traumas like hail stones, falling branches and ice dams. To extend the lifespan and strength of metal panels, maintenance consists mostly of preventing and correcting these issues.

metal roofing maintenance tips

 The importance of regular inspections

Regular inspections are critical to identifying damaged panels and accumulated debris that can trap moisture, causing corrosion over time. To prevent this, a visual inspection should be performed in the spring and the fall of each year, as well as after major weather events to identify issues. Take a walk around the structure and look for leaves, branches and other debris piled up on the roof, including in valleys, gutters and downspouts, as well as behind chimneys and/or other protrusions. While you can perform this type of inspection yourself, please keep in mind that metal panels—particularly metal roofs—should be professionally inspected every four to five years depending on your geographic location. If you live in a coastal or humid area more prone to corrosion and rust, professional inspections should be done more frequently to prevent the rust from spreading and causing structural damage to the panels.

In addition to debris, keep an eye out for scratched or dented areas, as well as for loose screws and seams that look like they are separating. (If you can’t make out the details from the ground, try using a pair of binoculars.). Use the manufacturer’s recommended touch-up paint to correct scratches as they can quickly degrade the surface protection and jeopardize the longevity of metal panels. If the panels have separating seams or holes, first check to see if the repair is partly or fully covered by your warranty. Unless you are experienced in metal roof repair and possess a thorough knowledge of the products and techniques that can be used without voiding the warranty, it is recommended that you engage a metal panel repair specialist to make the repairs. If you decide to undertake the work yourself, it is also important to remember that these fixes are, at best, temporary and should be addressed by a professional recommended by the metal panel manufacturer.

Cleaning metal panels

Keeping metal panels clean is one of the best ways to ensure they last as long as possible. When cleaning metal roofs and walls, using a non-pressure cleaning method with detergents recommended by the metal panel manufacturer is ideal. It is not advisable to use metal tools such as rakes to remove debris. This is likely to scratch the paint, reducing the panels protection from the elements and other damaging factors. Using a leaf blower to remove debris is a common choice, but a long-handled push-broom or a telescoping pole with a window cleaning brush will also do the job. Ideally, the tool should be one that lets you do the removal from the ground, but if you absolutely must walk on the roof then only step on the flat areas. If there are areas you can’t access yourself—particularly slanted areas that have been made slippery with cleaning solutions—hiring a professional service to do this once or twice a year is the safest option.

To reduce the chance of further damage and keep your panels cleaner over longer periods of time, trim tree branches as far back from the building as possible. This is especially important for large, unhealthy branches that could break off during high winds and cause damage.

Proper snow removal

There are—of course—considerations that must be made for metal buildings located in colder climates. After a winter storm, it’s a good idea to remove standing snow from the roof. This is doubly important on older homes where poor attic insulation can lead to ice dams. An ice dam forms when heat escaping from inside the attic warms the roof and melts the bottom layer of snow. The snowmelt then re-freezes, creating a dam that traps water which can work its way into seams between panels and around flashings.

Warranty considerations

It’s always smart to reference the metal panel manufacturer’s warranty to be sure you don’t use any products or tools that will void your warranty. They should also provide instructions and advice specific to the panels and application(s) you’ve selected to ensure you get the most out of their products with the least hassle.

For more information on metal panels, check out ABC’s FAQ page. For more on our metal panels and accessories, please visit our product pages or contact your local representative today.

Cool Metal Roofs Save Energy and Cost

Metal panels are a cool addition to your building in more ways than one. Besides looking great, a metal roof is a simple and effective way to make you more comfortable in warmer months while cutting your energy use and providing potential tax savings.

What is a cool roof?

A “cool roof” is one that’s both reflective and emissive. That is, it reflects sunlight and re-radiates absorbed heat back to the sky before that heat can work its way into the structure. Measured surface temperatures of cool roofs are as much as 50 degrees lower than those of conventional roofs[1] so the building’s interior is less prone to heat up, as are any ducts running through the structure. The benefits are obvious: your rooms are naturally cooler and don’t require the air conditioner to work as hard, and you enjoy lower electric bills. In fact, the US Department of Energy (DOE) reports energy savings as high as 15 percent for homes with cool roofs.[2]

And if you’re building a new home, a cool roof may reduce construction costs by letting you install a smaller air conditioning system.

 

 

cool metal roofing

 

Cool Metal Roofs are both reflective and emissive.

 

 

How it works

In technical terms, these benefits are thanks to cool metal roofing’s high solar reflectance and high emissivity. The solar reflectance is used in determining ENERGY STAR® compliance.  When solar reflectance is calculated with thermal emissivity, in accordance with ASTM E1980, the result is the solar reflectance index or SRI. SRI is stated in whole numbers from 0 to 100, with the higher numbers indicating better performance. Tests done at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) found that metal roofs painted with white coatings have SRIs from 71 to 82. By contrast, white asphalt shingles earn at maximum an SRI range of just 21 to 40.[3] This indicates cool metal roofs perform three to four times better than white asphalt shingles.

The LBNL data is for white roofs, but metal has a much wider range of cool colors. Yes, white is more naturally reflective—you will feel cooler on a hot, sunny day when wearing a white shirt as opposed to a black one—but with metal panels, it’s not just about color. A broad range of paints for metal panels have chemical additives that increase their cool properties.

Tax benefits

If you need any more incentive, there’s another benefit to installing a cool roof. As mentioned in our metal roof tax credits blog, if you re-roof your primary residence using an ENERGY STAR® certified metal roofing product before Dec. 31, 2016, you are eligible to receive a tax credit. And in fact, ABC has 28 colors that are ENERGY STAR qualified for steep-slope roofs.  Simply include a copy of the manufacturer’s Certification Statement for those panels with Tax Form 5695 with your tax return to qualify for a $500 tax credit.

For more information on ABC’s cool roof products, please visit our website or contact your local representative today.

References:

[1] http://energy.gov/energysaver/cool-roofs

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urbpBy_Z5lE

[3] http://energy.lbl.gov/coolroof/

Metal Roofing Gauges: What Are The Best Gauges For Metal Roofs?

When your customers decide to use metal panels for their building project, they’ll need to make several decisions to choose the best panel. One of the first decisions they’ll make is what gauge or thickness they need. There are a variety of metal roof and wall panel profiles to choose from, and they are all available in several gauge thicknesses … but what does that really mean to your customers and how does that affect your business?

Metal Panel Gauges: Are you getting what you pay for?

Metal Panel Gauges Deciphered

U.S. manufacturers express the thickness of metal panels as their ‘gauge’, with 22-gauge being the thickest and 29-gauge the thinnest of traditionally-sold metal roof and wall panels. Each gauge represents a nominal decimal range. For example, a 26-gauge steel panel can range between 0.0179 and 0.0217 inches thick according to a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill resource.

This means that while a 26-gauge panel from one manufacturer could measure 0.027 in. thick, a 26-gauge panel from another manufacturer could measure only 0.0179 in., but both are sold as 26-gauge panels. Although those seem like small numbers, they represent a noticeable difference in panel stiffness and strength.

So how do you and your customers know if the metal panel manufacturer has used thinner sheeting and made up the difference with a coat of paint? When ordering inventory, you should look beyond the gauge number to the manufacturer’s specifications on metal thickness. This will give you peace of mind that you’re providing your customers with the gauge they’re paying for and the quality they need to get the job done.

 

Costs of 26-Gauge Panels vs. 29-Gauge Panels

Expect to pay more for thicker panels. The cost of a 26-gauge product will be about 15 percent higher than a 29-gauge with the same profile from the same manufacturer. While some people insist that the extra cost is always worth it, that may be misleading. Yes, thicker panels are stronger, but the importance of that added strength depends on the type of building construction as well as the customer’s priorities and location.

 

When To Choose a Thicker Metal Roofing Gauge

There are instances where thicker gauges always earn their keep. The most common of these is the post-frame building, or pole barn: an open-framed structure used for barns, garages and warehouses. Post-frames generally lack structural sheathing, so the roof and wall panels must span between the supporting trusses or purlins. Because 22-, 24- or 26-gauge sheeting is thicker, and will, therefore, remain more structurally sound over a longer span than a 29-gauge, the building needs fewer supports, which saves your customers money. For post-frame structures like this, it is important for your customers to consider the potential snow load the roof may need to support when choosing the metal panel gauge. Lighter-gauge (thicker) panels may save your customers from structural collapse in the winter months!

Lighter gauge (thicker) metal is also more forgiving of installation errors such as the over-tightening of screws, and it won’t be as likely to transfer bumps and waves in the sheathing. (The latter is more likely when re-paneling an older home.) Thicker trim pieces will also lay more accurately, so some homeowners and contractors opt for 29-gauge roof and wall panels with 26-gauge trim, a combination that is common and cost-effective.

 

When To Choose a Thinner Metal Roofing Gauge

Span isn’t always a concern in the residential market. Nearly all homes have a layer of plywood or oriented strand board sheathing covered by a weather-resistant barrier. The metal panels are affixed to the sheathing and serve no structural role in these instances; their job is to keep the sheathing dry. A quality 29-gauge panel is more than adequate for this—which is why it’s used on nearly 80 percent of homes with metal panels.

Despite this, thicker (lighter-gauge) panels can make sense for buildings in hail-prone areas, but not because of structural integrity. A 29-gauge metal panel can have the same impact-resistance rating from Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) as a 26-gauge panel; the advantage of thicker metal panels in this case is that they are less prone to denting. If your customer lives in a place like Cheyenne, Wyoming (the hail capital of North America) and is concerned about long-term appearance, thicker panels may be the better option.

 

Let ABC Help You Choose the Right Metal Panel Gauge!

For more information about metal panel gauges, check out our panel selection chart or contact your local ABC representative today. Additionally, use our online ordering tool to find accurate pricing, create quotes and place orders for metal building products anytime, anywhere and from any device.  If you don’t already have an account, register for access today!

DISTRIBUTORS: Shop online at shop.abcmetalroofing.com!

Spotlight on Underlayment: Synthetic vs Felt

What’s under your customer’s metal roof matters.

Roof underlayment is the first layer of material laid prior to the metal roofing panels. It separates the roof covering from the roof deck, thus protecting it from detrimental resins, unevenness and—in re-roofing applications—fasteners and other old building materials. This water-shedding layer also provides secondary protection from weather, shields the roof deck during construction and is often required for warranty adherence and for roofs that must meet Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) fire ratings. Outside of its traditional use, synthetic underlayment can also offer a myriad of benefits for your customers.

Synthetic vs Felt

Felt underlayment, also known as “felt paper” has been the traditional underlayment of choice for decades. It was used to prevent damage to the roof covering caused by sap leakage from wooden building materials, however—as even most wood structures are now constructed using plywood or other, non-wood materials—this is no longer an issue. Felt underlayment is saturated with asphalt composed of volatile compounds that dissipate over time. This makes it more fragile and likely to absorb moisture, which further weakens the roof. This deterioration is accelerated when asphalt is exposed to UV rays, heat, poor ventilation and less energy-efficient roof coverings. Additionally, the crude oil refining techniques that previously resulted in the creation of asphalt as a byproduct, now extract the maximum amount of product from the crude resource. As a result of this advancement in the refining process, only a powder-like residue that is not conducive to the development of asphalt is generated. Consequently, more customers are turning to a synthetic alternative for a longer-lasting, economically-efficient solution.

Compared to traditional organic felt, synthetic underlayment is significantly more lightweight, permitting many more squares per roll, which makes it an economical solution for your customers. While non-woven materials are generally moisture permeable, woven scrim synthetic roof underlayment greatly enhances tear resistance and ease of installation. While it can be designed to be moisture-permeable, synthetic underlayment is typically manufactured as a barrier that doesn’t absorb moisture, making it resistant to fungal growth and wrinkling.

Underlayment Requirements and Resources

Although synthetic underlayment may be the superior choice for your customers, it is imperative that its use does not violate building code requirements or manufacturer’s warranties for the intended roof covering and that it is installed according to the manufacturer’s provided instructions.

The International Code Council (ICC) has developed a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance processes to ensure the safe, sustainable and affordable construction of structures. The ICC’s set of International Codes (I-Codes) are available for purchase, and include, among others:
·         International Building Code (IBC)

  • International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
  • International Fire Code (IFC)
  • International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
  • International Residential Code (IRC)

Of particular importance to the roofing industry are the IRC and IBC I-Codes. These codes include specific underlayment requirements and installation/ attachment directions for simple enforcement by inspectors. Provided in Chapter 9 of the 2015 IRC and Chapter 15 of the IBC, they cover material types, application and attachment requirements, including specific information for metal panels with denotations for variances specific to high-wind areas.

Because of the wide variety of underlayment and metal panel styles, the IRC and IBC require installation according to manufacturer’s instructions. In the absence of manufacturers’ instructions and/ or when using alternative materials, the specific requirements outlined in the IRC and IBC I-Codes should be used where applicable. Remember, a metal roof is designed to have a long service life, and the underlayment’s service life should at least match that of the metal roof. Don’t allow your customers to be shortsighted when designing for longevity by using an underlayment not guaranteed to last for the duration of their roof.


ABC Underlayment

Advantages of Underlayment

Woven, coated polypropylene synthetic underlayment fabric is not only designed to protect against weather damage, but also provides greater strength, a longer UV exposure window and more secure surface for installation safety. Some underlayment options are 100 percent recyclable and up to 25 degrees cooler than asphalt felt, which can result in decreasing energy costs for your customers. At one-fourth the weight of traditional felt, but up to 20 times stronger, it ensures longevity that can’t be matched using traditional felt, particularly in areas that experience extreme heat and weather events. To prevent downhill slide during installation, underlayment is manufactured with anti-skid coating on both sides, ensuring a more sure-footed feel is achieved once attached. In addition, underlayment is certified to withstand up to six months of exposure to the sun and other weather elements before the final roofing material must be laid.

Learn More

For more information on ABC’s metal roof and wall products and for more tips on underlayment, please contact your local ABC sales representative.

 

 

Receive a $500 Tax Credit on Your Metal Roof

Uncle Sam has renewed the federal tax credits for ENERGY STAR® certified metal roof products on primary residences, which means in addition to saving 40% on energy costs, your certified metal roof will put cash back in your wallet. The credit applies to purchases made in 2016 for retrofit roofing materials, and is also retroactive for 2015 purchases.  Here are the details:

  • Tax credit amount: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50-$300
  • Expires: December 31, 2016
  • Restrictions: Must be an existing home and your principal residence.  New construction and rentals do not apply.

To claim your credit, install an ABC ENERGY STAR certified roof on your principal residence before December 31, 2016. On your tax return, include a copy of our Certification Statement to file with Tax Form 5695.

Select from these ABC ENERGY STAR Certified Metal Roofing Colors

  • Buckskin
  • Burgundy
  • Burnished Slate
  • Charcoal Gray
  • Clay
  • Coal Black
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Desert Sand
  • Evergreen
  • Gray
  • Hawaiian Blue
  • Ivy Green
  • Koko Brown
  • Light Stone
  • Polar White
  • Radiant Red
  • Regal White
  • Rustic Red
  • Saddle Tan

View Manufacturer’s ENERGY STAR Certification. For more information on how to apply, visit ENERGY STAR’s website.

Three Reasons To Install A Metal Roof This Winter

Patching up a leak or replacing your roof soon? During the winter months, harsh weather and changing climates can greatly affect a roof’s life span and performance. In addition to low maintenance throughout the year, metal roofing provides even more benefits during the colder months.

Metal Roofing for Cold Climates: Winter Performance

A few of the benefits metal roofing offers in the winter include:

  1. Metal roofing reduces the snow burden.

    Snow and ice can cause major damage to a structure, especially if the weight burden increases during harsh winters. Metal roof panels are manufactured to resist cold weather damage and are installed to gradually shed snow and ice. Snow guards can help ensure snow safely slides off in small amounts, reducing the chance of injury to those below.

  2. Metal roofing cuts the cost of heating bills.

    Metal acts as an insulator and allows both cool and warm air to circulate without escaping–a benefit realized year-round. This results in lower energy costs throughout the year, and helps your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

  3. Year-round installation means you don’t have to wait until spring.

    The busiest times of the year for contractors is in the spring, when people are preparing for hurricane season, and in fall, when most homeowners want to fix damages before the colder months arrive. Many people assume that metal roofing can’t be installed during winter because of snow and ice, however, this assumption is false. In fact contractors are more likely to be available and to offer lower pricing during this time.

Investing in a metal roof this winter is a decision that will continuously give back financially and environmentally.  With installation available throughout the year and benefits that help you instantly save, why wait? Reach out to your local ABC representative to learn more!

What your customers need to know when considering a metal roof for their home

metal roofing for homes & houses

Your customers have a wide variety of options when choosing roofing materials for their home. One of those options is metal. When considering whether to use metal roof panels, there are a variety of factors any homeowner should consider.

Is Metal Roofing Right for Residential Use?

When considering metal roofing for residential applications, here are common questions your customers may have:

Will a metal roof match the style of their home?

With a wide variety of styles, profiles and colors, metal roofs compliment any residential design. Manufactured and produced to provide a higher quality option, metal roofs give your customers the beautiful appeal they want and the durability they need.

What is the life span of a metal roof?

According to a recent study by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), metal roofs are projected to last longer than the buildings they cover, up to 60 years or more. For customers considering a metal roof for their home, it’s a decision they’ll only need to make once.

How will metal roofing stand up to extreme weather?

Metal roofs are recognized for their durability and resistance to inclement weather with intense testing for high winds that can withstand gusts up to 140 miles per hour. (This is dependent upon the metal roofing profile selected. Your customers should contact the metal roofing manufacturer to assure they have the correct roof panel for their weatherability needs.) In addition to standing up to wind, metal roofs are known for withstanding decades of harsh weather like heavy snow, hailstorms and even fires. For homeowners who see a lot of heavy snowfall, metal roofs are an ideal option as they are able to shed snow fast and eliminate ice damming.

What are the environmental benefits of a metal roof?

Since up to 28 percent of the panel is recycled material, choosing a metal roof is beneficial for the environment. Metal roof are also nearly 100 percent recyclable. Additionally, they are energy efficient, absorbing up to 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles. This keeps your customer’s home cool in the summer and warm in the winter—reducing their energy costs.

What does a metal roof cost in comparison to traditional roofing?

As a premium home product, your customers can expect their new metal roof to cost roughly twice as much as a traditional roof. However, there are many benefits that make this a cost-efficient solution for you customers including lower energy costs, moderate maintenance and increased resale value of your customer’s home. With metal roofing, your customers can be assured that they are investing in a long-term solution that more than makes up for the initial cost savings associated with traditional roofing materials. Read our blog post on metal roofing and shingles to learn more about pricing and benefits.

For more information about residential roof panels, contact your local ABC sales representative today.