Higher initial cost offset by longer life

 

Q: I need a new roof again, and I am considering a lifetime metal one this time. I saw them on the most expensive houses on a new homes tour.

Does a shake-style metal roof make sense for someone on a budget?

A: A metal roof does cost more to install initially, but because you never will have to reroof your home again (transferable 50-year to lifetime warranties), metal roofs make long-term economic sense for any home. Because metal roofs are fireproof, you also may get a discount on your insurance.

Another moneysaving advantage of installing a metal roof is lower air-conditioning bills and better comfort. Metal roofs reject much of the intense summer sun's heat as compared with asphalt shingles that absorb the heat. The sound of rain on the roof is no greater than on a shingle roof.

You have many options in styles in metal roofing. Many people prefer styles that simulate cedar shingles or shakes, tiles, slate, etc. From the ground, they look like any other roof. Others prefer a style, like standing seam, that definitely looks like a metal roof for a distinctive, elegant look.

Installing a metal roof is good for the environment. Each year billions of pounds of asphalt shingles end up in landfills.

More than half of the materials used for metal residential roofs is recycled. Most of the aluminum roofing materials are made from recycled soft drink cans.

For the greatest reduction in your summer electric bills, choose an aluminum roof with a heat-barrier paint. This paint technology was developed by the Army so tanks could escape infrared heat detection.

Because the metal roofing has a formed shake or tile contour, many air gaps are between it and your old roof. (It can be installed over your old roof without an expensive tear-off).

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These gaps allow air to naturally flow through and carry away the intense heat from the afternoon sun.

As to the type of finish you prefer, many options are available. Some manufacturers offer up to 20 standard colors. To provide an authentic look, some metal roofing has a muti-layer paint process with real sand granules embedded in the final layers.

Most use extremely durable Kynar or Hylar finishes.

Because installing real tile or slate roofing requires major structural upgrades to support the weight, metal roofing is often the only feasible option. Even the heaviest steel roofing weighs only 5 percent as much as real tile.

The higher material costs of metal roofing are somewhat offset by the rapid installation.

Much of the contoured metal roofing is formed in large panels. It requires only about 25 panels per 100 square feet of roof to cover.

Q: I had to remove the flexible clothes dryer duct to do some work, and I noticed it has a half-inch layer of lint in it. Is this a problem and, if so, how should I clean it out?

A: This is a problem for several reasons.

The lint can be a fire hazard, so it definitely should be cleaned out.

It also reduces the inside diameter of duct, so the dryer has more air flow resistance.

If it is not a long duct, push a wand from a wet/dry vacuum into the duct and suck out the lint. For a long duct, over 5 feet, you probably will have to pull it loose. Hold it up vertically and shake and tap on the sides.

 

 

 

Compliments of Leader Telegram Home & Garden section as published on Saturday, June 9th, 2001.