Roof Safety

Posted by: All Roofing

Safety is a fundamental quality work process and workforce behavior for any successful organization. Duro-Last itself has a corporate safety philosophy that emphasizes “fall prevention” as opposed to “fall protection.” This not only improves the safety of our employees but results in a higher quality installation and often reduces time on a customer’s roof.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), was created in 1971 after President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act. According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of work fatalities in the construction industry. Recently, federal and state OSHA programs across the country have targeted rooftop work as a special emphasis due to the increased fatality and injury rate from rooftops and ladders. Penalties for violations range from $0 to $70,000 each, depending how likely the violation is to result in serious harm to employees.

OSHA provides both employers and employees with the education needed to create a fall prevention plan. OSHA has created an information booklet titled Fall Protection in Construction that provides a generic overview of particular standards-related topics regarding fall protection.

Regarding low-sloped roofs specifically, each employee shall be protected from falling by:

• Guardrail systems
• Safety net systems
• Personal fall arrest systems, or a combination of a warning line system and guardrail system
• Warning line system and safety net system
• Warning line system and personal fall arrest system, or
• Warning line system and safety monitoring system

OSHA offers another publication titled Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines to assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs. This guideline identifies four general elements that are critical in developing a successful safety and health management program:

• Management commitment and employee involvement
• Worksite analysis
• Hazard prevention and control
• Safety and health training

OSHA also offers a free and confidential onsite consultation which includes an appraisal of all mechanical systems, physical work practices, and environmental hazards of the workplace and all aspects of the employer’s present job safety and health program.

Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roofing

When it comes to home improvement, it doesn't always pay to take the cheaper option. In fact sometimes it's a losing venture when you find yourself making expensive repairs or replacements down the road because the cheaper option didn't hold up. And sometimes you'll find that you can save more in the long run by spending more up front.

This is certainly the case when it comes to choosing metal roofing versus asphalt shingles for your home. While metal roofing costs more money to purchase and install compared to asphalt shingles, you can save a significant amount over the long life of the roof.

Why Are Asphalt Shingles So Cheap?

There is a reason why asphalt shingle roofs are a cheaper roofing option compared to metal roofs - they are simply an inferior product. Here are some of the ways that asphalt shingles under-perform vs metal roofing:

1. Material - asphalt shingles are susceptible to corrosion and algae growth and are capable of tearing and flying away during heavy winds and rain. Plus, they can weigh five times more than metal panels per square, putting more strain on the foundation and structure of your home.
2. Warranty - asphalt shingle warranties are generally limited and in some cases don't even cover necessary repair or replacement
3. Energy Efficiency - asphalt shingles absorb heat from the sun, transferring that heat directly into your home during the hot summer months, forcing your cooling unit to work on overdrive, and sending your home energy bills sky high.
4. Environmental Impact - asphalt shingles contribute a significant amount of landfill waste every year since they have a shorter life span and need to be replaced more often. And because of their tendency to absorb heat, they contribute to the urban heat island effect, pollution, smog, and overall energy consumption.

Why is Metal Roofing Worth the Investment?

Metal Roofing is a superior roofing product compared to asphalt shingles and is worth its value in terms of protection for your home, long life expectancy of the roof, a transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty, and pure aesthetic curb appeal.

Here are some of the ways that metal roofing out-performs asphalt shingles:

1. Material - certain metal roofing systems, such as the MetalMan Roofing System from Advanced Metal Roofing, are constructed from galvalume sheet metal, a durable material that is corrosion resistant, long lasting and low maintenance, and has a high heat reflectivity to help save energy.
2. Warranty - some metal roof systems come with limited Lifetime Warranties that last as long as you live in your home and help protect your investment.
3. Energy Efficiency - a metal roof reflects more of the sun's heat energy, preventing excess heat from transferring into the attic and helping to lower home energy consumption.
4. Environmental Impact - metal roofing is one of the most recycled materials on earth, saving waste from entering our landfills and recyclable after its long life span. And because of its tendency to reflect the sun's rays, it helps to prevent smog and the urban heat island effect, and ultimately reduce the need for burning fossil fuels by saving on energy consumption.

A Strategic Investment for your Home

It would be smart to consider metal roofing a strategic investment for your home. This is a case where you pay more up front to save money (and the headache of dealing with a roof repair, replacement, or damage from a leaky roof) down the road. Plus you get the benefits of powerful protection for your home, a beautiful roof that complements your home, and added home value.

It would also be smart to consider paying the professional roofing companies to install your metal roof. Let experts with specific experience and know-how of metal roof installation take care of the job for you to ensure that it's done right the first time.

James Kenton is owner of Advanced Metal Roofing, a residential metal roofing company offering the exclusive MetalMan Roofing System. Every metal roof comes with a transferable, limited Lifetime Warranty, a 42% Energy Savings Pledge, and has the government ENERGY STAR seal of approval. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Kenton

Roofing Repairs After A Thunderstorm

Posted by: All Roofing

Storms could cause a lot of harm to your roof so it is crucial that you examine it quickly after a thunderstorm to be able to make sure that harm hasn't been done. Remember, this is the part of your property that protects you and your home from all of the devastation brought on by Nature. It is an important part of the house as it not only safeguards your property but also gives it a nice visual appeal.

Here are some roofing ideas that you can follow following a thunderstorm:

Need for Short-term Mend

Without delay after a storm, make sure you examine the top of your home and spot the areas that have been damaged. Unless you are an engineer or a specialist with proper skills, do not try to repair the damages all by yourself. Keep in mind above everything else, it is the house and personal belonging that are at risk. If you do not fix the damages at the best time and correctly, you may end up with extensive harm to home and furniture.

Temporary roof repairs is a must to ensure that your property is well-protected and that you steer clear of further harm until you can get the proper individual to repair it for good. The important thing is to cover all of the holes first. Once that is done, you can hire a good specialist for more long-lasting restoration.

The Best Fixes

The easiest way to correct one after a storm is by laying a tarpaulin sheet or waterproof canvas on the leaky roof. This guarantees that there are no leakages going on. Make sure you do this thoroughly searching for the help of other members of your household. Cover it snugly so that blowing wind doesn't enter the house. Once you cover tightly with the sheet, safe guard the ends by tying them using ropes and nails. This will close off all of the holes and prevent any more water and air from entering your house.

Once you are finished with this, contact an expert who is well-trained in roofing repairs. This will help you avoid costly damage later on and your primary diagnosis and fix will not help the roof withstand the next thunderstorm. The area that you live in may play a vital role in your search for a excellent company, because the area may only house a few qualified contractors and you may have a problem finding one, but you should examine online to locate ones in your area that are qualified and compare them.

Searching for skilled Fairfax roofing repairs is critical at this point of time. In order to locate a great builder, look through the telephone book or ask your neighbors to recommend a very good contractor.

Claude Strong is a home repair contractor. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claude_Thad_T_Strong

Are the Costs of A Metal Roof Worth it?

Posted by: All Roofing

The cost of metal roofing can put many homeowners off at first. Not only is the ticket price higher than other roofing materials like asphalt shingles, but it generally costs more to install a metal roof. But is this higher price worth it?It is well worth it. Why? Because metal roofing offers you numerous benefits and savings in the long run... far more than traditional roofing materials. Not only will a metal roof last longer and offer better protection, it can also lower your home insurance, increase your property value and reduce your energy bills.
What's more, a metal roof has a lower life-cycle cost than other roofing types.

Lower Home Insurance
When you have a metal roof, you are protecting your home against damage from inclement weather and natural disasters. Metal withstands wind, rain, snow and hail far better, and for far longer, than traditional roofs do. You are far less likely to experience leaking or flooding, or collapse due to heavy snowfall. Also, metal is not going to catch fire.Because of these benefits, your insurance company may offer you lower premiums, as you are basically fire and damage-proofing your home with a metal roof. Of course, this varies from state to state, so be sure to ask your insurance representative about any benefits or discounts available to you.

Increased Property Value
If you expect to sell your home at some point, a metal roof can help. Because they are so durable and long-lasting (most warranties start at 50 years) and require little to no maintenance, a metal roof can seriously boost your home's market value for resale. Rather than depreciating, you can expect to recoup around 75% to 95% of your initial installation costs.

Lower Energy Bills
Asphalt roofs actually absorb sunlight, which means they store heat... and that means your home requires more energy to keep it cool. Metal roofs, on the other hand, reflect the sun and as such can reduce your cooling costs by up to 40% in the summertime.The type of finish your metal roof has can enhance your energy savings. Some finishes actually send heat back into the air, which reduces the amount of heat that enters your home even further.

Lower Life-Cycle Costs
If your current home has asphalt or other traditional-type of roof shingles, you already know that they need regular maintenance, and even replacement after just a few years of use. A metal roof, on the other hand, does not need much upkeep at all. Metal has been used for centuries as a roofing material for this very reason.The average warranty on a metal roof is half a century... longer than you may even be in your house! You won't have to spend money or time patching up, fixing and maintaining your roof. Some types of metal may require a fresh coat of finish every few years or so, but other than that you just install it, and forget it.The cost of metal roofing may be more at the outset, but in the long run it is actually more cost-effective than other types of roofing. Sure you may spend a little more at the start... but over time, you will easily recoup those costs.

To learn more about the Cost Of Metal Roofing check out http://www.durablemetalroofs.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_McCall

Just getting Started

Hey Guys, I'm pumped to have finally made some time out of my busy schedule to start this blog on helpful roofing information. Im going to hopefully post an article every few days on the lattest roofing products, techniques, styles and hopefully get some pictures of roofing systems that I work on up here too!

Remember to check back for more articles! www.allroofing.blogspot.com