Before negotiating a deal for a new metal roof, have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes before it is ready for installation? What works to determine the paint color? After installation, what determines the paint warranty and how long the metal roof lasts overall? Hop on to discover all the answers to all these troubling questions!

The Perks of Installing a New Metal Roof

For a fact, a new metal roof will last longer than other roofing material choices. Added to this fact, there are more reasons to convince you to contact metal roofing contractors Northern VA for that brand new pre-painted metal roof.

When making the metal panels, most metal roofing Virginia companies buy coils from coil manufacturers. Silicone-modified polyester coils, in particular, are specially modified for increased durability and weather resistance.  They are usually painted at the factory level which means that you will not have to incur any costs to paint your new metal roof. As an added advantage, the coils come with a 40-year paint warranty direct from the paint manufacturer.

Secondly, having an old tin roof (older than 50 years) requires high maintenance as it requires regular painting from time to time. Unlike the long-lasting, modified silicone paint that comes with a new pre-painted metal roof, the paint you buy today can only last for at most 2-3 years in perfect condition. Usually, the cost of painting an old tin roof equates to 30% of the cost of buying a brand new roof. So, rather than painting an old tin roof for three consecutive times, it would be better to contract a reputable metal roofing Virginia expert to install a brand new metal roof. Most metal roofing contractors Northern Virginia will advise you, instead of struggling to paint your old metal roof every five years for 3 consecutive times, pay for a brand new metal roof in 15 years. Keeping in mind that all the roofs come with a 40-year paint warranty, this is a super-save deal.

What is Included in your Paint Warranty?

A new metal roof will service you for a long time with little maintenance for sure. However, the paint might peel or crack sooner than expected. This is where the 40-year paint warranty comes in. It covers any instances of cracking and peeling within the period prescribed by the contract. With the warranty backup, just in case, you don’t have to worry about your residential or commercial building losing its glow anytime soon.

Another big concern is whether the paint will fade or not. This is because fading reduces the aesthetic value of your metal roof and most importantly, reduces the paint’s effectiveness in protecting your metal roof. However, you should not be worried about this. The roofs installed by metal roofing contractors Northern VA today will last for quite a long time without fading.

 

Alpha Rain Inc. serving in Amissville VA

We, Alpha Rain incorporated specialized in Metal roofing in Virginia particularly in most northern parts of VA. We offer our exclusive metal roofing installation including the energy efficient ventilation system powered by Therma-vent. The system can save your cooling cost for about 10-30%, this is very essential and helpful especially this coming summer season. We developed our exclusive no leak W Valley and patented roofing system.

Continue reading “Amissville VA Metal Roofing – A Choice for any Building”

Metal Roofing Fauquier County Virginia

Fauquier County Virginia has uniquely attractive core with rich in historical sceneries including arts and culture. The nation’s capital is pretty much a unique place to live with. The area itself is recognized as the as an urban planning gem. Moreover, the county offers classical architecture style and monuments. Fauquier County got the best set of museums in the world. In fact, the center mall itself has a museum setup which is a major destination for visitors and locals. The County is mixed with socioeconomically communities. It is the most secure large cities in the country with plenty things to do especially at night.

Homes and business

The expanse of homes and businesses are greatly progressing. But, since the county is located close to D.C.,   the median home cost is over than $200,000 and the cost of living is higher than the US average. Perhaps one of the recognized disadvantages in the county is when the summer season comes. This is where we. The Alpha Rain Inc. comes in.

“Alpha Rain’s aims to deliver quality metal roofing, solar roofing and energy efficient ventilation system for everyone and anyone in the county.”

Alpha Rain Incorporated

Alpha Rain Inc. is grateful to be a part of this great county serving thousands and thousands of residential homes and commercial buildings. We are using our knowledge and skills about metal roofing installation and shingle roofing business for over than 20 years. Our aim is to deliver quality metal roofing, solar roofing and energy efficient ventilation system for everyone and anyone in the county.

We pride ourselves with our latest groundbreaking ventilation system powered by Therma-Vent. We are thankful and honored to share our expertise in the metal roofing business and will even try better ways to bring all our customers beyond satisfaction. We, Alpha Rain Inc. is dedicated to provide you the best services, quality, and reasonable rates that even our competitors in the business couldn’t contest.

Choosing the Right Underlayment Material for your Metal Roof

Metal roofing underlayment is a layer beneath your standing seam which is intended to produce optimal roofing system to the entire building. It should be carefully selected in order to ensure proficiency. Therefore, there are several considerations that must be addressed including your location, insulations, and barriers. This affects the long term service of your metal roof and the ambient condition. Improper selection and installation can lead your residential home into devastating condition particularly leakage and moisture entrapment that can deteriorate the quality of your roof overtime. Hence, you have to be aware of what kind of underlayment you are going to need prior to your metal roof.

Underlayment for Metal Roof

Moisture problems are pretty much common whatever type of roofing materials you are going to use. The same issue with installing a metal roof, if your deck roof or there could be a chance where water droplets drops to your forehead, this mean that your roof has a condensation issue. Remember that installation of underlayment product must allow the moisture come up through it and not allow the water molecule the get through it. The idea is like a sock which brings the moisture out.

“What matters is the type of underlayment sheet should be effective.”

The Felt underlayment may resist to air and moisture vapor, but not an effective air barrier. Also, keep in mind not to use button cap nails because these materials have a plastics which can eventually make those nails up. Preferably coil nails are better options for your roofing underlayment system.

Synthetic underlayment sheets on the other hand are less sensitive to cold weather but generally do not qualify as air barriers. But, it is less susceptible from wind damages and wetting after installation.

We Alpha Rain Incorporated strongly believe that the name of the brand or the product when it comes with underlayment sheet is not quite necessary, what matters is the type of underlayment sheet is effective. We try and test the products and see if they work well.

Is Your Metal Roof Safe During a Lightning Storm?

So, you are planning to upgrade your roof from traditional asphalt shingle into high-end metal roofing system. However, you are anxious how safe is your metal roofing system during thunder storms. Indeed, metal can attract thunderstorm and it is the number one conductor of electricity but it does not necessarily mean that your home is at risk if it is installed with metal roofing.

  • Metal improves the value of your home
  • It is durable that can last up to 80 years or even more which is a good investment
  • Recyclable material as an Eco-friendly choice
  • Fire resistance which means insurance companies may reduce premiums
  • Decreases your annual property tax from the federal government.
  • Energy efficient roofing system which is beneficial for locations with extreme heat during summer season.

With all these advantages, there is no doubt while lots of residential home owners are turning their interest to upgrade roofs and find metal roofing contractors northern Virginia.

When it comes with the thunderstorm issue, the answer is pretty much simple. Your metal roofing is guaranteed safe during this type of weather. Yes, metal conduct and attracts electricity but your metal roof won’t attract lightning and this is a fact. Also, lightning strikes rarely to buildings. Instead, lightning can potential strikes to tall structures such as trees, poles and towers.

If worse comes to worst which the lightning strikes to your metal roofing system, the roof will actually help to keep you safe by dispersing the energy throughout the building. It is extremely fire resistant so you don’t have to worry about such myths.

Stay safe with lightning storm

When you are outside and thunderstorm strikes, the best you can do is to find shelter but not to the tallest objects. It is also recommended not to go to an open field or park. In order to be safe, find sturdy shelter but be cautious. You can find more details about the lightning issues here in this FAQ.

To Get Energy Efficient Home Can I Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?

Thanks to the development of technology, homeowners and companies these days are beginning to learn how to maximize natural resources for energy. There are lots of devices that can be powered by solar panel technology which can help everyone who wants to save up and free from paying skyrocket electricity bill. Apart from the fact that solar panel allows you to save huge amount of cash, such technology never requires high maintenance.

Solar Panel Roofing System

You can replace your roof into premium metal roofing powered by solar roofing fans in order to have an energy efficient roofing system. The solar roofing fans works as hard as it could as the temperature rises which will turn your home’s attic air flow stable. These fans allow you not to turn your air-conditioning thermostat up to the max especially during hot summer days. These fans let your home interior comfortable to live with. The metal roofing system designed with solar panel for ventilation system brings out positive energy buildings that produces as much as energy as they use over years to come. Another benefit is the fact that you are going to get 30% solar tax credit for metal roofs and solar film.

Wise and Practical

You can get an energy efficient ventilation and roofing system at home with your solar panels. We, Alpha Rain Incorporated one of the most prestigious metal roofing contractors Virginia, developed a unique design and plug in style that allows your roofing system to become energy efficient. No need to worry about expensive maintenance and repairs. Our patented ventilation system powered by therma-vent which features our solar fans can really pay off. Most residential homes in Virginia estimate that 2-4 kilowatt offset their expenses. The roof helps your home to reduce heating and cooling loads because of its high reflective radiation roof. In addition, our design integrates solar thermal heating panels for wind turbine application.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Installing a Metal Roof

If you want to make sure you’ll get all your money’s worth when it comes with metal roof installation, ensure to hire credible residential metal roofing contractor. Why? Because, admittedly, roofers use leftover materials from their previous jobs where the materials were not purchased, it ends you up form different batches of color variation which is quite obvious causing the effect of both quality and color of your roof. Imagine, you are paying a lot of money with this project, only to be revealed that you are actually paying leftover.

Warranty

There are several privileges a certain metal roofing company may offer to you such as more than a decade warranty. However, just like any other services or products, ones the seal were removed, the warranty will be voided. You should aware for wrong sealant, jagged cut which were not sealed, fasteners which were installed too tight, unsealed scratches from installing crews.

Backing out screws and fasteners

As mentioned, you have to make sure that your roofers are properly trained and skillful prior to your metal roofing project. Rusting fasteners and crews which were not installed properly may create leaks. Roofers simply drive the screw fasteners from the top side of the panel. Very well-trained professional roofers will make sure that your metal roof is 100% free from leaks. Standing seam metal roofing panels is a great alternative which is wind and hurricane resistant.

Lowest bidder

Yes, you want look for the cheapest metal roofing system as much as possible, but it does not necessarily mean that you are going to compromised prior to the quality of your metal roof installation. Your main priority concerning this project is the quality and not just the price itself. Keep in mind that the project must meet your expectation. Be sure to ask your roofers or metal roofing contractors about their previous work project, terms of warranty and how long they’ve been into the metal roofing industry.

Underlayment products for a metal roofing project to be used beneath the seam should be carefully selected in order to provide optimal longevity of the building. You should take several considerations before you decide the roofing system design including the four barriers needed and these are the vapor retarder, air barrier, thermal insulation and water barrier. All these are needed to be placed in the right location for any given season.

The longevity of service can be affected by these factors. Therefore, your metal roofing contractor must be able to determine the roofing system itself, the possible climate within that particular area, the roof slop and geometry of the building. Improper selection of metal roof underlayment can lead into roof leakage and also it may be able to entrap the moisture because of the vapor diffusion or possibly air exfiltration. These factors may affect the quality of the roof that may deteriorate the metal materials which you may need to make necessitating repairs which are pretty much expensive.

Metal roof panel

The metal roof panel are intended and designed to span structural support. Yet, these supports do not include underlayment since the structure has substrate or deck to support the material. For architectural metal roofing, an underlayment is indeed a must in order to help control water leakage through the roofing system especially if there are numerous heavy rains or snows which are eventually melting before the spring.

Underlayment

Top notch underlayment is often designed in cold climates in order to protect the roofing system under ice dam leakage. While on the other hand, there are underlayment which are specified in a high temperature where the in-service can handle the as high as 240 degrees.

Traditional Underlayment

Most common materials for underlayment on a steep-lop metal roofing system is the non-perforated asphalt underlayment. Several types are available and these are the organic and inorganic reinforced underlayment. The design will depend on the local building or the architectural designs.

Metal Roofing System
Metal Roofing System

Synthetic sheet underlayment

These underlayment are made often made from polyethylene, polyolefin or polypropylene which are all made from plastic. These types of underlayment are less susceptible to wind damage and less sensitive to cold weather. The most common synthetic sheets underlayment sold in most part of metal roof Virginia are the vapor resistant.

Self-adhering Membrane Underlayment

This type of underlayment is typically impermeable for vapor to the substrate in order to get adjacent sheets from side to side. This is particularly designed to resist air pressure and serves as an energy efficient ventilation system air barrier material. This is commonly consisted of rubberized asphalt or butyl based adhesive with polyethylene sheets.

Alpha Rain Incorporated

Now that you understand the different types of underlayment sheets to be used in your metal roofing. You can finally determine what type of underlayment you’ll need for your metal roofing upgrades. Of course, just to make sure, consulting with the experts or with your metal roofing contractor will help you to decide for your underlayment. Choose Alpha Rain Incorporated, makers of patented roof ventilation system powered by Therma-Vent.

Because of extreme climatic conditions such as hailstorms, hurricanes, extreme heat and wildfires which affects residential homes in different stats across the country. There are more and more people are becoming aware about having numerous advantage of metal roof panel. Corporations and manufacturers in the industry are introducing wide varieties of styles options to increase the elegancy of the house and at the same time increase its worth. Such material gained popularity in fact, there are lots of homeowners upgrade their roofing system from traditional to metal roof.

Durable yet Versatile

metal roof panel virginia
Metal Roofing

Roofs which are made from metal materials are strong and has the capability to standout against adverse climate conditions. In addition, metal roofing is lightweight which are much lighter compared with asphalt shingles. You might be thinking that since metal is tough, it weighs heavier.

“So, how much a metal roof weigh you asked?”

A single 26 gauge panel weighs only 0.88 lbs. per square foot. A 12 inches metal roofing panel weighs for about 10 lbs. While most people think about metal roofing is heavier compared to other materials. Yet, if you do the math and compare asphalt shingles over metal roofing, asphalt can weigh 5 lbs. per square foot a 4.12 lbs. differential.

Options Available

In general, roofing companies offer roll-formed and vertical panels which may in fact not suitable for suburban places. The good news is, Alpha Rain Incorporated offers more available options which can help you out to create a new metal roofing appearance. You can have panels treated or painted which give you the edge over your residential home appearance.

Styles and designs may vary from region to region. For an instance, in Southeast region, residential homes faces strong winds which make 14% of home owners prefer metal roofing system. While in the West region, there are several rustic metal roofing designs applicable for most homeowner. While here in Virginia, the climate becomes increasingly warmer and humid farther with an average of 86 degrees. As winter comes, blizzards and winter storm occurs.

Alpha Rain Incorporated

Alpha Rain Incorporated have been serving, installing and developing top notched metal roofing Virginia. Our patented roof ventilation system can decrease extreme temperature about 35 up to 45 percent. It is an energy efficient roof ventilation system powered by Therma-Vent. Such technology acts as natural coolant for the house because of its airflow. It keeps the inside temperature cool as things get hotter from outside.

With our patented ventilation system, it provides a good return of investment by keeping a measurable cost saving on your electricity bill. You no longer have to increase the thermostat cooling system of your air condition which tremendously can affect your monthly billing because of intense heat. In fact, energy bills can trim down to 30% during summer days. While during winter season, it reduces for about 10% of your monthly bill.

Our metal roofing system has more resistant to strong and intense winds. The panels are woven which creates a maximum wind resistance. In case of repair cost, we have 35 years of warranty.

How to Maintain the Quality of your Ventilation and Metal Roof

Not so long ago, lots of non-profit organizations conducted programs about healthy homes. How to keep it dry, keeping it clean and pest free. As a homeowner, you might not be aware of your home as having an efficient ventilation system. Yes indeed, homes must have a good ventilation system to combat the high heat that roofing systems creates.  Normally this is done by industry standard soffit and ridge vents that only lower your attic air temperatures down to 130 degrees on a 90 degree day.

Most likely, a typical home will normally let the heat out from the attic. But, a well-ventilated home allows removing the moisture, pollutants and odor at the same time. Keep in mind that there are more pollutants from home rather than from outside the home.

 Colonial Red Standing Seam Metal Roof
Colonial Red Standing Seam Metal Roof

Proper ventilation system plays a vital role for many residential homes and industrial areas as well. When your home does not have good ventilation or even industry standard ventilation you house will stay hot in the summer months, by the heat in the attic trying to come into the home.  Even if you AC unit keeps your home cool with a hot attic it will run longer and cost you more money in you electric bill.  Plus without proper ventilation you might even create a mold or mildew problem which is very dangerous and costly to have removed.  Having a under roof ventilation system installed also referred to as a Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV) will help keep you home pleasant while keeping your attic temperatures down.  Not every ASV is the same; we use the most efficient one made called Therma Vent.

It also controls humidity and heat by releasing, reflecting and stopping all three ways heat is transfer keeping you cooler and saving you money.  You should also be aware of taking good care of your metal roof to ensure you everything is working properly. Yes, a metal roof is the longest lasting roof materials but there are few things you can do to keep those roofs of yours in perfect shape. Damaged roof such as leaks will primarily affect your ventilation system.

  • Constantly, monitor trees and bushes against your metal roof. Trees which are always moving as the wind blows can damage your roof. It is highly advisable to trim your trees from time to time especially when storm season arise.

  • Maintain the quality of your metal roof by cleaning and minimize debris such as dry leaves and branches. These objects might damage the gutter system of your roof which leads to leaks. Carefully use a hose or probably blowers with high MPH.

  • Always clean your gutter most especially during the fall season. Accumulation of dry leaves and other debris can potentially damage your roofing system. The problem could cause corrosion on a roof, clog and damage the drainage system.

Alpha Rain Incorporated

You don’t have to worry too much about your metal roofing if you’ve found the right metal roofing Virginia contractors. Alpha Rain incorporated metal roofing.  We provide quality and have been installing only metal roofsfor over 15 years, check us out at metal roofing contractors of Virginia.While we at the Alpha Rain Incorporated always ensure that you can count on them.Our dedicated team will ensure that you’ll have a quality metal roof installed for decades and generation to enjoy.