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In the meantime, check out our FAQs on this page for quick answers to our most common questions or click the button below to explore how to select a qualified roofing contractor for your upcoming project.
FAQs for New Roofs
Do I need an air gap between my decking and roof panels?
Air gaps are sometimes used to provide a thermal break between decking and roof panels, offering additional insulation as well as air flow from eave to ridge. However, an air gap installation is not necessarily industry standard for every roof condition and is dependent on your project’s installation requirements. The added costs of an air gap installation should always be weighed against the actual return that you may receive on your investment.
How long do metal roofs last?
Standing seam metal roofs with a Galvalume® substrate can last sixty years or more, according to a report by the Metal Construction Association. How long a metal roof lasts will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of metal roofing system used, the specific material, paint coating, location, design, maintenance, and installation method. Galvalume warranties throughout the industry can go as high as 50 years, which speaks to the long-term benefits of metal roofing.
Are metal roofs energy efficient?
Certain metal roofing coatings reflect the sun’s energy to dissipate heat and reduce the amount of absorption and transfer into the building. Known as cool metal roofing, these coatings can help cut down on energy bills, especially in hot, sunny climates. Energy-efficient metal roofing materials could save you up to 10-40% in energy costs.
How do you clean a metal roof?
You can use something as simple as a brush, water, a mild dish soap, and a sponge to clean your metal roof or siding, and rinse with a hose when finished. Avoid power washing a metal roof and do not use harsh, abusive cleaning agents. And remember to keep safety a top priority and if you have any concerns about completing the job safely and correctly, it’s always worth considering looking into professional assistance.
Can you provide specific installation consultation for a DIY project?
Sheffield Metals has an entire library of resources to help DIYers with their installation projects. Feel free to check out free articles, videos, and downloads that go in-depth on metal roofing installation techniques and best practices.
Fastener flange vs. snaplock vs. mechanical seam (profile selection help)
Mechanical seam panels are extremely durable and are great for low-slope projects and/or projects that experience extreme weather. Each seam must be locked with a seaming tool, so they’ll require more labor to install. Snaplock panels offer a good balance of performance and easy installation, as they don’t require any seaming tools and simply snap together. Snaplock profiles are not recommended for low-slope roofs.
Fastener flange systems, which fasten screws directly through the panel rather than using clips to secure the panels like mechanical seam or snaplock profiles. No clips mean fastener flange panels are the easiest to install and the most affordable, but they are best meant for simple projects with mild weather due to limited expansion and contraction and poor wind uplift performance.
Remember to take the unique aspects of your project into account when choosing a panel and refer to a metal roofing professional if you need help choosing what’s best for you.
FAQs for Existing Roofs
What do I do if I think I have an installation problem with my existing roof?
If you think you have a problem or a leak, contact your installation contractor for repairs and workmanship warranty options. If the issue still isn’t resolved, contact the roofing manufacturer for advice on next steps.
What do I do if I need to make a warranty claim?
Be sure to contact the manufacturer of your roofing system. If you need to make a warranty claim on a Sheffield Metals roofing system, contact us directly to start the warranty claim process.
Our first steps will be to track down and identify original warranty documents, find specific project information and product records, and collect and analyze information, photos, and other evidence from the property owner. We’ll review the sample products kept by suppliers for the project, and if an issue is detected, we’ll send a representative to the location to investigate. From there, we’ll work together to come to a resolution on the claim.
Can I repaint my roof?
Yes, you can repaint a metal roof, but it will depend on how long you want the new coat to last. There are many technical aspects of metal roofing coatings to keep in mind, such as mixed batches of paint, dwell times, temperature fluctuations, and safety. It’s best to enlist an experienced contractor for repainting a metal roof.
