We’ve all been told how important it is to clean out our gutters. If you’re a homeowner, it seems like a chore that you just can’t escape. But why is it so important? What do our gutters really do for our homes? Many people have questions about the purpose of their gutters. Understanding why gutters are important is crucial for home maintenance. Let’s take a look at why we have them in the first place.
Water Is Your Worst Enemy
Understanding why gutters are important starts with understanding water’s effect on your home. When water leaks, either from a pipe or from the outside, it can cause a lot of problems for your fixtures and furniture. Water damage is notoriously difficult to deal with, and it can affect your foundations as well. On top of that, it can cause mold growth over time, making your home much less sanitary than it appears at a glance.
Gutters Remove Water From Your Home
The most basic function of your gutters is to collect water and move it somewhere else. Heavy storms can cause tons of damage to your roof, siding, windows, and doors. Gutters help to prevent water from building up where it doesn’t belong.
How Does Removing Water Help?
What exactly are gutters preventing? Water can damage your home in several ways. Gutters help by:
Moving excess water away from your home’s foundation, ensuring it doesn’t become cracked
Preventing erosion along the sides of your house
Keeping water from seeping into basements and crawl spaces
Removing water that can lead to the growth of mold and mildew
Keeping water away from the home during the winter, reducing the possibility of freezing
Distinctive Metal Roofing understands how important your gutters are to the safety of your home. We sell the best metal roof gutters and downspouts so we can help protect your home from the elements. Call us with any questions regarding your gutters, and we’ll be glad to assist you in any way we can.
Your home’s roof is its first line of defense, and you should treat it with the respect it deserves. Many DIYers will try to change or fix their roofing without any outside help. This is dangerous for your well-being, and it’s also rarely the most efficient way to go about it in terms of time and cost. In this article, we’ll go through some of the benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor so that you can see if getting one’s help is worth it to you.
Higher Level of Safety
If you aren’t a roofing professional, it’s possible you’re underestimating the dangers that come along with working on a roof. The idea of a two-story fall may not seem like much to you, but we are well aware things can go awry very quickly if you’re not careful. Even the smallest moment of inattention can lead to disastrous results. You don’t have to take these risks at all if you hire a roofing professional.
No Legal Issues
For some people, doing basic DIY work on their homes is no sweat at all. When it comes to your roof, however, it’s not as simple as getting your tools out. Roofs need to be up to a certain code in order for the house to be livable. Not being up to code can cost you in legal fines, and you may have to have a professional correct your work anyway. Save yourself the time and money by calling in the experts.
Quality Work
With experience comes expertise. Without proper experience, you risk the end result not looking anything like you wanted it to and not protecting your home. Small repairs might seem like easy fixes, but done incorrectly, they can lead to larger problems down the line. One of the best benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor is knowing you’re going to get quality work that will last a long time.
Done in Less Time
There’s a reason we call them professionals—they’ve been roofing for a long time, and they know what they’re doing. If you’ve never worked on a roof before, you probably don’t even know where to start, let alone how to finish. Roofing problems are annoying to live with, so don’t waste any more of your time, and call in a professional to get the job done quickly.
When you’re looking for metal roof repair in Pittsburgh, Distinctive Metal Roofing is the place to turn to. We have professionals who are ready to help you get your roofing job done efficiently and effectively.
Having a beautiful, durable, painted metal roof can make your house really stand out among the rest. One of the best parts about metal roofing is that it is basically maintenance free. In most areas, normal rainfall is sufficient to keep the metal roof surface clean. When an unusual amount of dirt is appearing on your roof, a simple cleaning procedure should be scheduled periodically to keep your roof looking vibrant and beautiful. Excessive dirt usually occurs in areas where there is heavy construction, farming, or in situations where trees or other obstructions prevent the rainfall from reaching the roofing surface. Distinctive Metal Roofing is providing this guide on how to clean a painted metal roof so you can clean your roof yourself.
Removing Dirt and Grime
One of the most common problems you’ll run into is something that every roof type has to deal with. The accumulation of dirt, dust, and grime over time is inevitable, and it can affect the look of your roof. All you need to do to fix this problem is affix a soap receptacle to your hose line and spray a simple detergent over the entire roof. One thing to look out for is the amount of phosphate in the detergent. For surface dirt, the use of an ordinary non-abrasive household detergent is recommended After spraying the roof with the detergent, you can rinse it with water from the same hose.
When the dirt and grime is severe, use the following solution:
1/3 cup ordinary non-abrasive household detergent (eg: Tide)
2/3 cu trisodium phosphate (eg: Spic N Span)
1 gallon of water
Caution: Stronger concentrations of cleaners can cause damage to the finish. Rinse the surface with clear water immediately after cleaning. Avoid skin contact or getting the solution in your eyes. Always wash the shingles from the bottom to top and keep rinsing thoroughly with fresh water while cleaning.
Removing Moss, Mildew or Algae
Depending on where your house is located, you may deal with problems such as moss, mildew, or algae growth. This situation can occur if you are you home is located in a heavily wooded lot where sun or rainfall has a very difficult time reaching your roof surface. In these situations, prepare the following solution.
1/3 cup powder detergent (eg: Tide)
2/3 cu trisodium phosphate (eg: Spic N Span)
1 quart 5% sodium hypochlorite (eg: Clorox)
3 quarts of water
Caution: Greater amounts of concentration may cause damage to the finish. Always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area before applying to major areas. Excessive rubbing will create an undesirable glossy finish.
Rinsing
No matter which cleaning process you use, always keep in mind that you must rinse the roof afterward. Go over the whole area again with a water and soap mixture. Follow this by hosing the entire area down with water to ensure you have thoroughly rinsed away all debris. Leaving chemicals on your roof is a very fast track to even more problems, so it’s best to be as thorough as you can.
Distinctive Metal Roofing hopes that this guide on how to clean a painted metal roof has shown you how simple and important the process is to the look and longevity of your roofing. When it comes to metal roofing contractors in Pittsburgh, PA, Distinctive Metal Roofing is your go-to choice for the best help available.
If you’re planning to get a metal roof, you’ve already made a great long-term decision for your home. Now, however, you have another important decision to make. What color do you want your metal roof to be? This can seem like a simple question, but the choices really are almost endless. To help you out, we’ve compiled a few tips for choosing a metal roof color.
Keep Practical Aspects in Mind
Important to keep in mind is that the paint you use on your roof will have a different susceptibility to the sun and the elements. It’s crucial that you choose a paint that will be resistant against ultraviolet light. Not only will this keep your roof looking good for its whole lifetime, but it will also save you from spending time and money in the future to fix up the paint job. Proper maintenance of your metal roof also helps.
Decide the Effect You Want in Advance
There is more to metal roofing than a simple metallic sheen. You don’t have to go with one kind of paint if you want to have a more dramatic pattern on your roof. Think about how your roof will look next to the rest of your house. Will it match the color of the siding and shutters? Or will you decide to add some contrast to your home with a totally different color? These decisions can affect the curb appeal of your home, so choose carefully.
Choose Something for the Long Term
Keep in mind that, with the right paint, your roof won’t need to have its color touched up at all for a very long time. Choose a color that you can be happy with for years into the future. You may lean toward a bold, bright color, but try to ask yourself if you will still like that color five or ten years from now.
Examine Your Color Choices in Different Lighting
This can trip some people up when deciding on a roof color. Remember that the color will look quite different depending on the weather and the amount of light it gets. Don’t choose a color from the hardware store just because it looks good under fluorescent lights. Check your color under the sun, under cloudy weather, and at nighttime to get the full effect it will have.
Hopefully, these tips for choosing a metal roof color will help you to make an informed decision about this huge part of your home. We have tips on how to paint your metal roof, too. But don’t hesitate to call the experts. When you need metal roofing in Uniontown, PA, Distinctive Metal Roofing wants to be the first place you think of. Give us a call today at 412-775-3336 for a free estimate on replacing your roof.
A metal roof can be a very useful addition to your home, but they often get a bad reputation. False information about metal roofs seems to travel quickly, with very little of it based on any actual facts. Here we examine and debunk a few common misconceptions about metal roofs.
Metal Roofs Attract Lightning
One of the biggest concerns some people have about metal roofs is their potential to attract lightning strikes. However, this is based on a false understanding of electricity. Metal may conduct electricity, but it does not attract electricity. In fact, metal roofs are actually safer than some other options, such as wood, because metal isn’t flammable and won’t catch on fire from a lightning strike.
Hail Will Damage Metal Roofs More
Metal roofing isn’t impervious to hail damage, but neither is any other type of material. Metal is a very strong material, so metal roofs are therefore more resistant to hail damage. The only kind of hail that would damage your metal roof is abnormally large hail—the kind that would damage any kind of roof, no matter the material.
Metal Roofs Are Loud in the Rain
Sometimes, the memory of being in an old building with metal roofing creates the image that rain will be very loud on a metal roof. However, for residential homes, metal roofing is installed on top of another layer of roofing, often with an attic space and insulation just below it. Metal roofs are no louder than any other roof when it rains, and they may actually be even quieter.
Metal Roofs Heat Up the House
This is a flat-out misunderstanding of how metal roofs work. They don’t trap heat inside the home; the actuality is quite the opposite. Metal roofs are reflective, so rather than trap heat, they reflect the sun’s UV rays away from your house.
You Can’t Walk on Metal Roofs
Some people are turned off from metal roofs because they think you can’t walk on them. However, it’s actually possible—you must simply be more careful about where you walk. Keeping your weight over the support beams underneath the metal roofing will help you prevent any damage.
Distinctive Metal Roofing is your one-stop shop for Ohio metal roofing. We want you to understand the benefits of metal roofing and how it will increase the longevity of your home. With these common misconceptions about metal roofs debunked, we hope you can see what a wise investment a metal roof can be.
Renovating your home to put it on the market comes with plenty of difficult decisions you’ll need to make. It’s best to know upfront what renovations are worth the time, effort, and cost involved so you can prioritize them accordingly. With less time and a smaller budget, the decisions become even more difficult. However, not every renovation needs to cost an arm and a leg or involve construction equipment to make your home more valuable. There are several simple home renovations that add value, and this list will help you choose which ones are right for you.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the simplest ways to make your home more attractive to a potential buyer is to spruce up the main living areas with a nice new paint job. Whether you hire someone to do this or paint it yourself, a bright new wall color can be surprisingly effective at increasing the value of your home. If you are doing this step yourself, keep a few things in mind. Try not to go overboard with your color choice, as this may alienate potential buyers if they do not like the color. Sticking to neutral colors will help you more in the long run. Also, remember to mask off doorways and windows to keep paint lines clean and separate, and go for a couple of coats of paint to make sure the surface is even.
Outdoor Renovations
While this can, at first, seem intimidating, it does not require large construction equipment and digging up your whole yard. Simple outdoor renovations are one of the best things you can do for your home before putting it up for sale. Replacing dead plants and adding small gardens can make the curb appeal of your home much more attractive. Additions like decks and patios have very high return-on-investments as more and more people prefer to stay home for vacations. While you can add a deck or patio on your own, especially for the handier sort of person, it can be beneficial to hire outside help to make sure the deck or patio is up to code. Your house will not gain any value with a deck that is not safe to stand on.
Finish the Basement
In the chillier areas of the country, basements tend to be a more popular addition to a home. Even unfinished basements can add a little bit of value as it provides more heated floor space. However, finishing a basement with proper furniture, paint, and lighting is a great way to make a home feel more cohesive, thereby adding more value. Your basement is simply additional floor space that you do not need to spend money on like you would if you were expanding the house in any other way. The great thing about basements is that every buyer will possibly see a different use for it, allowing more space for them to get creative with their own design.
Brighten Up Your Rooms
Lighting can make all the difference in the world if designed correctly. The brighter a home is, the more attractive it will be. Consider updating your lighting fixtures to more modern varieties to create a more up-to-date look. Adding lighting to places that may not normally have it is a simple way to increase value without much extra cost. Places like the patio or deck, the basement, the stairwell, and even under kitchen cabinets are all areas that some people may overlook but can have a big impact if generously lit.
Roofing That Lasts
While roofing can seem like a large task, it also has a respectable return-on-investment, especially when considering the long-term ramifications. The costs of replacing damaged roofing can quickly skyrocket, so it is important to get out ahead of the pack by being proactive. Looking at more effective roofing methods, like metal roofing, can increase the long-term value of your home as it becomes one thing that a new buyer will not have to deal with. This also has the added benefit of making your home more energy-efficient, useful for you, and attractive to potential buyers. Distinctive Metal Roofing has the highest-quality metal roofing in PA, and we are happy to work with homeowners that understand its unique appeal.
Stick to Minor Remodels
Big, sweeping updates to important rooms like the kitchen or bathroom can quickly become out of control when it comes to time invested and costs associated. On the other hand, smaller renovations can have large impacts without breaking the bank. Replacing fixtures like cabinet doors and their handles is a small task that you can do yourself, but it also updates your kitchen’s entire look. Adding a backsplash, either to your kitchen or bathroom, is another simple renovation that really makes those rooms pop out at buyers.
Making It Smart
As advances in technology continue to march ever forward, it is slowly making its way into more and more of our home’s fixtures. Smart technology is becoming a very attractive offering to have in your home. These updates do not need to be anything overly complicated, either—something as simple as a doorbell that allows you to see who is at the door is just one device that increases the value of homes. Other devices that make your home smarter and more convenient are smart light fixtures controllable from your phone, water control valves that will automatically detect leaks and cut off water at the source, and smart electrical outlets that reduce electricity usage. Giving your home a brain is just one more way to really impress someone inspecting your home for resale.
Renovating your home to make it its best, resplendent self does not have to be a long or stressful undertaking. Hopefully, this list of simple home renovations that add value can help you get the most out of your home while you live there and when you are putting it up for sale. Many of these home renovations are possible to do on your own, with a few others that may need the help of professionals. Distinctive Metal Roofing is dedicated to helping in this endeavor. We hope that the next time you want to update your home to add in that extra little bit of value, we can be there to help.
Winter weather may be currently out of sight and out of mind, but it’s always best to plan ahead. In fact, summer is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the upcoming winter. Taking a bit of time this summer to conduct home renovations will ensure your house is in proper working order when the first snowstorm of the season hits.
Ice dams are some of the most common issues for homes during the winter, and they can wreak havoc on one’s roof. Ice dams occur when snow repeatedly melts and freezes, forming a thick layer of ice along the eaves of the roof. This buildup of ice makes it difficult for other snow and water to slide off the roof, thereby increasing the likelihood of sagging and water damage on the roof. Understanding how to prevent ice dams on your roof will keep your home safe when the winter weather finally hits.
Work from the outside in
If there’s no snow on your roof, there’s virtually no possibility that ice dams can form. As such, it’s important that you clear any snow off your roof as soon as possible. Metal roofing is very beneficial in this respect. Snow, rain, sleet, and even ice slide off metal roofs far easier than they do on wood, tile, or asphalt shingle roofs. As the snow begins to melt, it will quickly slide off the roof, leaving little to no time for it to freeze and form an ice dam.
It’s important to note that, depending on the pitch and shape of your roof, you may need to do a bit of extra work to ensure the snow is fully cleared away. Roofs with multiple valleys or an extremely low pitch will collect snow more easily, so they may be more likely to form ice dams. To learn more about how to prevent ice dams on your roof through metal roofing in Uniontown, PA, and the surrounding areas, contact our team at Distinctive Metal Roofing.
Improve attic ventilation
One of the best ways to prevent against ice dams is to improve the ventilation in your attic. Improving ventilation circulates cold air through the attic and balances the temperatures inside and outside the space. When the outside and inside temperatures match, there’s far less of a chance that the bottom layer of snow will melt and then refreeze to form an ice dam.
You can use several methods to improve ventilation in your attic. Installing ridge and soffit vents, for instance, will provide a more permanent fix for attic insulation, as will flashing around the chimney. Caulking any additional cracks in the roof will also improve ventilation.
Install additional insulation
Ice dams are more likely to occur in instances where the outside temperature is far colder than the internal temperature in the attic. Installing additional insulation reduces the temperature in the attic, effectively decreasingly the likelihood that an ice dam will form. Insulation should be installed in the walls and the floor of the attic space. Hot air rises, and placing insulation on the floor of the attic will restrict the amount of hot air that rises into the space.
Renovation projects are a great way to breathe new life into your space. Whether you’re remodeling for yourself or are preparing the home for sale, there are many things you’ll need to consider before renovations can commence. Perhaps the most important consideration is the risk versus reward for each potential renovation project. Certain projects are more worthwhile than others and will provide a more rewarding payoff in the long run. This consideration is particularly important for individuals looking to sell their home. Investing in high-reward home improvement projects can increase your home’s resale value significantly and may lead to a higher number of offers on your home. This guide explores several home improvements that come with a high reward, as well as tips for how to execute these projects in the most successful way possible.
Remodel the kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of many homes, so it’s well worth your while to invest a bit of time and effort into creating a truly gorgeous kitchen. Your home’s kitchen should be equal parts fashionable and functional. Consider installing an island or additional counter space to make the space more usable. This additional space will be particularly useful around the holidays, making it a major selling point to buyers who have a larger family or love to entertain. Modernity is also a major selling point in kitchens. You don’t need to adopt an entirely minimalist mindset when renovating your kitchen, of course, but updating the appliances and utilizing a neutral color palette will bring the space into the 21st century. Try to match the finish on all appliances as best as possible. Matching stainless steel appliances will tie the entire space together and create a cleaner, more cohesive look overall.
Lay out new landscaping
Landscaping plays a large role in curb appeal and can have a major influence on a visitor’s, neighbor’s, or potential buyer’s first impression of your home. As such, it’s highly beneficial to spend a bit of time laying out your landscaping in a way that attracts the eye without drawing too much focus away from the house itself. Removing old growth and planting new foliage will bring new life to your home in no time. Remember to practice a bit of restraint when planting your new garden. A minimal yet perfectly manicured lawn is much more appealing than a sprawling garden that’s overgrown and full of weeds.
Finish the basement
Finished basements are a major draw for many buyers, especially those with growing families. Finishing your basement creates additional living space in your house that you can put to use in a variety of ways. Consider working with a professional contractor when finishing your basement, as this project may be more involved than you are used to. You will likely need to rewire certain electrical elements and may need to erect new walls or tear down the old ones. Working with a contractor will ensure that the finished space is cool, comfortable, and functional.
Replace the roof
Potential homebuyers are not only on the hunt for a house that’s appealing to the eye; they also want one that will protect their family for many years to come. Structural integrity, safety, and longevity are all very important elements on a potential buyer’s must-have list. Replacing your roof is, therefore, a vital home renovation that comes with a high reward. Replacing your house’s roof before listing it will give potential buyers one less thing to worry about, and they can rest assured that their home and family will remain protected for many years. When keeping integrity and longevity in mind, metal roofs are, by far, the best options. Because metal roofs can withstand extreme weather and retain their integrity and beauty for over 60 years, they are a very high-reward and low-risk investment for your house. Working with Distinctive Metal Roofing in Ohio adds another level of reward to this investment, as you will be patronizing a worthy local business in your area with the installation.
Install new siding
Siding often goes hand in hand with roofing—and with good reason. Both elements play a large part in your home’s curb appeal, so it’s important that they look their best. Installing new siding will give your home a fresher, cleaner look overall. If replacing your siding isn’t in the cards, you can also undergo a thorough cleaning of your siding or give it a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. These lower-cost renovations will freshen up your house without breaking the bank.
Create an outdoor living space
Building a deck or patio is a great way to add on an extra bit of square footage to your home. The best use of this additional living space is as an outdoor dining and seating area. Even if the outdoor space is only usable for a few months in the year, potential buyers will love the opportunity to dine outdoors. Decks and patios are also favorable by families, as they provide the perfect space for parents to sit and watch their kids play in the backyard. Don’t forget to do some landscaping around the deck area as well. This will create a more natural flow from the home’s interior to the great outdoors.
Establish an open floor plan
Open floor plans have become an increasingly popular design trend in recent years. One of the biggest advantages of an open floor plan is that it allows the homeowner to use the space in a variety of ways. This flexibility makes it easy for any buyer to transform your house into their new home. Creating an open floor plan doesn’t mean you have to knock down every single wall, however. You can still maintain a bit of privacy with this type of floor plan. Opening up the space between the living room, kitchen, and dining area, for instance, will make things feel much more spacious, yet it still allows each space to retain its specific function. The way you arrange the furniture in these spaces will also create a bit of distinction between each room, even without walls to separate them physically.
Metal roofs are a popular style for many reasons. Among them is the fact that they require significantly less maintenance and upkeep than other roofing materials. While metal roofs will not require nearly as much upkeep as asphalt, wood, or tile roofs, there are still some small projects you can complete to keep it looking like new. Though minor, these small repairs can have a big impact on the overall look and longevity of your roof. The following tips for surface maintenance to perform on a metal roof will help keep your roof in pristine condition for the entirety of its long lifespan.
Tend to external stains
Because our roofs have a high-quality resin-based finish, they are very resistant to staining. However, depending on the type of weather that frequents your area, you may begin to notice some signs of dirt, mildew, or other stains over time. Luckily, these types of stains are very easy to remove and will leave no lasting damage to your roof. The best way to remove dirt or mildew from your metal roof is with a sponge or soft-bristled brush and a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. You can also use solvents specifically intended for cleaning metal roofs. Be sure to steer clear of any materials that could damage the Kynar coating.
Clean out gutters
When it comes to surface maintenance to perform on a metal roof, gutter cleanout is perhaps the easiest to overlook. However, cleaning out your gutters is also one of the most important maintenance steps to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting metal roof. Homeowners should clean out gutters on a semi-annual basis, generally in late spring and fall after leaves and debris have fallen off the trees. Once you have cleaned the gutters completely, conduct a visual assessment of the gutter placement as well. Make sure that there are no cracks and that the gutter is not pulling away from the roof anywhere. Installing a metal roof gutter system will further ensure that no dirt, leaves, or debris clutter up your gutters in the future.
Remove stagnant water
Stagnant water is a fairly uncommon issue in metal roofs, but it’s important to be aware of it, nonetheless. The prevalence of stagnant water will depend on the pitch of the roof. Roofs with a very low pitch will be more likely to accumulate stagnant water in their eaves. Homeowners should remove this water as soon as possible. Leaving it for too long can increase the likelihood of water damage or could breed mold and mildew over time.
For more information regarding proper metal roof maintenance or to install a new metal roof in Butler, PA, and the surrounding areas, contact our team at Distinctive Metal Roofing.
Metal roofing has become an increasingly popular design feature among homeowners in recent years. Not only is this roofing style favored among homeowners looking to take their first steps toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle, but it’s also popular among individuals who prioritize longevity and durability in their home design. From a structural standpoint, metal roofing certainly is a cut above the rest. However, as metal roofing is available in several different styles, it also appeals to the homeowners with a keen eye for design. Different roofing types often complement different architectural styles and home designs. This guide explores three different types of metal roofing and the benefits of each.
Standing seam
Of the three types of metal roofing, standing seam roofs are perhaps the most common. This style is most recognizable as metal and sees applications in both commercial and residential buildings. Standing seam metal roofs are composed of multiple sheets of metal that interconnect with one another through a snap and lock system. Due to the nature of this roofing style, standing seam roofs are quite durable and can withstand heavy winds and rain. The interlocking system makes it much harder to create lift under each panel, thereby reducing the chances of roof damage in inclement weather.
Shingle
For homeowners who want to retain the look of a traditional roof but with added durability, metal shingles are often the preferred option. Metal shingles are available in a range of materials and styles, the most popular being steel, slate, and shake. Depending on the material used, this type of roofing can even replicate the look of wood shingles. Metal shingles are available in a wide range of colors to suit a variety of architectural styles and design preferences. During installation, they generally go down in a sheet pattern, with multiple shingles applied in one motion. Due to this installation process, metal shingles are far less likely to lift from the roof during strong wind and rain. Learn more about the products we work with at Distinctive Metal Roofing: KasselWood steel shingles, KasselShake metal shingles, ProVia shake and slate shingles, and EDCO Arrowline metal slate shingles.
Sheet
Sheet roofing is commonly used for commercial buildings, though it works for residential homes as well. This type of roofing has a similar installation process to standing seam roofs, in that it uses larger metal panels that interlock with one another. The main difference between this type of roofing and standing seam roofing is the size of the metal panels used. Sheet metal roofing utilizes far larger panels that typically utilize exposed fasteners.
For more information regarding the different types of metal roofing, or for metal roofing installation in Cleveland and the surrounding areas, contact our team at Distinctive Metal Roofing.
