Regular preventive maintenance is probably the single thing you can do as a gutter rollforming machine owner and operator to keep your business humming and save money on repairs in the future.

Anyone who’s ever had a gutter machine out of service and lost money on downtime and repairs will tell you: Don’t ignore preventive maintenance.

The basics will keep your rollformer healthy and give you a chance to catch anything serious before it becomes a major problem. It all depends on you. Every new machine sold in the marketplace comes with an operating and maintenance manual. We have several gutter machines in our repair shop right now ranging from one that is nine months old and looks like it’s been in the field 10 years and another that is 10 years old and looks as good as the day it first saw service.

If you’re serious about getting the best “mileage” out of your machine follow these suggestions for every month your machine is in service:

• Most modern gutter machines feature a polyurethane drive roller system with chromed free floating forming rollers that have to be routinely cleaned. Turn on your machine and spray the neoprene rollers with a product like Formula 409, a household cleaner whose original application was as a commercial solvent and degreaser for industries that struggled with particularly difficult cleaning problems.  Let your machine run for a few seconds, then turn it off and wipe down the rollers with a clean cloth. Remove as much dirt and grime as you can. Then turn the machine on and jog it forward—keeping your hands away from the machine. Turn the machine off again and wipe off the other sides of the rollers and the bottom roll.  Wipe away any excess dirt or liquid. Repeat if necessary.

• Once the neoprene rollers are clean, use a shop-vac to vacuum out the rest of the machine and wipe it down with a clean cloth.

• Use a clean cloth to wipe down the skate (metal) rollers with Formula 409. Cleaning these rollers may require more effort and “elbow grease” than the neoprene rollers.  Repeat these steps once a month and remember to make sure the neoprene rollers are completely dry before running material through the machine. Rollers that are not dry will slip and make a mark on the bottom of the gutter material.

• Wiping down the entire machine also gives you the opportunity to closely inspect the machine. As with any mechanized piece of equipment, keeping the machine clean at all times will increase its life and make maintenance easier.

• At least once a year, oil all the chains in your rollformer using motorcycle chain oil. The guillotine blade should be oiled every day with 3-in-1 oil. Do NOT use WD-40—it is not a lubricant. The WD stands for water displacement and the product is made with a cleaning and degreasing solvent known as Stoddard Solvent that can ultimately get sticky and gummy—not lubricating. It will create wear on the blade and not give you a good cut on the material.

• Finally two operating notes that can save you on repairs and machine malfunctions. If you are running your machine’s electric powered motor from a wall socket or even a generator, use a 10 gauge, 15 Amp Extension Cord.  Anything less and the rollformer may perform eratically. And last, never leave material in any machine with polyurethane rollers. When you are done using the machine for the day, calculate the length of the machine into the last piece needed, and then empty the machine. Material left in the machine acts like a trough, catching dirt and debris. Consequently, when the machine is turned on, the roller runs through the residual dirt and will soil the product and the rollers.

If you’re planning major renovations to a flat roof commercial building in the Northern U.S., you may want to take into consideration that flat roofs — particularly older ones — don’t handle snow accumulation very well, particularly if they have a poorly designed or blocked drainage system.

That’s particularly true on the East Coast where snow tends to be wetter and denser than the western part of the country. If your building is getting a complete makeover,  consider installing a steep slope metal retrofit roofing system that will provide a long-term solution for your snow and drainage problems. Steeper roof slopes shed snow more effectively. That’s why greater roof slopes are common on commercial and residential buildings in the northern states and in mountainous snow-prone regions.

According to FEMA’s Snow Load Safety Guide, roof pitch that exceeds the angle of repose of snow results in snow sliding. The angle of repose is the maximum angle at which snow will not slide–approximately a 30-degree roof slope often referred to as a 6:12 or 7:12 slope.

Even if you already have an old steep or low sloped roof, remember that abrasive roofing materials are less slippery and do not shed snow as easily as a slippery surface. Tactile roof materials include asphalt shingles and aggregate surface build-up membranes. Slippery roof materials including standing seam metal and single-ply membrane roofing.

Plus, you’ll get a lot longer life out of your retrofit metal roof and in many cases, the cost difference between a conventional roof tear-off and replacement compared to a retrofit metal roof system is a return on investment which can be recouped in just a few short years. And in many cases, your new steep slope roof provides an effective hiding place for rooftop mechanical systems that collect snow drifts.

So, if you’re planning any major renovations on your flat roof commercial structure this Spring, remember where you live and what can happen in wintertime–and prevent it from happening again.

As an added plus, McElroy Metal Retrofit Roofing Systems provide curb appeal which simply cannot be achieved with flat roofs.

There’s a reason why all the log home manufacturers feature these magnificent log “cabins” with equally sophisticated metal roofs—they know they are the best possible choice for their product both aesthetically and functionally.  Just as log homes are renowned for their natural look and low-maintenance, a standing seam metal roof system will last as long as your log home with minimal upkeep and provide the same rustic, natural architectural aesthetic as your home.

Standing seam on a log home has its practical values as well. Many log homes are built on lakes and in heavily wooded areas—often remote from the hustle and bustle of urban and suburban life. If you own such a “cabin,” odds are good you’re dealing with conditions like heavy snow, the potential threat of wildfire and remote access. Three very practical reasons your log home should be capped with a metal roof.

If your home is in serious snow country then a steep sloped standing seam metal roof will more than stand up to the stacks of snow every winter. More and more American homeowners are building in what were once uninhabited heavily forested areas. Unfortunately, it goes without saying that living in the forest puts your cabin at risk for wildfire. And an incombustible, fire-tested metal roof is the safest roof you can have in the event of fire. Unlike petroleum laden composition roofs, metal won’t burn and its extremely light weight resists premature roof collapse, unlike concrete tile which is far heavier. Traditional asphalt roofing begins to deteriorate from the moment it’s installed and exposed to heat and sun, so it’s only a matter of time before your beautiful log home needs a very expensive makeover – and it won’t be the logs.

Wood shakes were at one time the classic roof for a log home. But not anymore. There was a time when wood shakes would regularly last 40 years. Not anymore—particularly on wood shake products installed since the early 90’s. And why would you increase the fire hazard to your new log home by putting on the roof a material that makes great kindling?  Ask your insurance agent what your rate will be for a metal roof versus wood shakes or composition material if you live in a heavily wooded area prone to the possibility of forest fires.

Finally, a quality metal roof won’t fade, crack or peel, so it looks the same on day one as it will in 20, 30, 40 years and longer.

We all know that an Englert Kynar coated standing seam metal roof will not chip, crack, peel, chalk or fade if properly installed on your home or commercial building. And the color you’ve chosen will remain crisp decades from now.

If only the same could be said for an asphalt shingle roof. The simple fact is that because of the kind of material used in shingles, there are many more possibilities for problems.

For example, cosmetic asphalt shingle roof problems such as shadow lines, blistering, uneven surfaces and improper randomizing of shingle bundles leading to color patches on the roof—are potential problems you can face if you install a shingle roof.
There are a number of issues you can face with a defective asphalt shingle product including cupping and curling.

These problems are easy to spot – It’s the cause that might be suspect. For example, with cupping roof shingle, the uplifted shingle portions are the outside edges of each shingle while the shingle center is concave or “cupped”. In contrast, with curling roof shingles, the uplifted shingles in curling patterns are at the shingle tab corners.

Another potential problem is rash blistering. Rash blisters on asphalt shingles result from a glitch in the manufacturing process and can be cosmetic or possibly more serious. For example, with rash blistering there is early granule loss at the blister site, resulting in a reduced-life expectancy of the roofing material. The mineral granules at the raised portion of each rash blister can wear off from weather or foot traffic, becoming pits which expose the underlying shingle substrate. These exposed granule-loss pits on roof shingles increase moisture absorption into the shingle body and in cold climates increase in wear rate from frost. This is sometimes mistaken for hail damage or other types of asphalt shingle roof wear but in actuality it’s a manufacturing defect. Shingle blisters may also be caused by too much roofing mastic or other adhesives applied during or after roof installation.

Many of these problems can also apply to fiberglass based shingles as well. Traditional asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles look the same on a roof. Both have granules held together by hardened tar. Both are flexible and both are installed the same way.  However, “thermal splitting,” or “cracking” is considered by independent analysts to be a major problem with fiberglass-based shingles. Sometimes the thin fiberglass shingle substrate is blamed for lacking adequate tear resistance during wind uplift.

Other times, it’s been said the shingle’s bonding adhesive was too strong, preventing necessary adequate movement to respond to dramatic temperature changes without tearing the surface.

Asphalt and fiberglass shingles are also susceptible to hail damage which creates a “scouring” effect in which large areas of shingle surface may lose granules, reducing the effectiveness and life expectancy of the product.  Hail damage also has a cosmetic impact in shingled roofs, where patches of lost granules will be apparent, with the most severe effect on roof slopes facing the direction where hail fell.

Despite all these issues, asphalt and fiberglass shingles remain the most popular roofing materials almost entirely because they are the least expensive roofing materials. Nothing is cheaper than the cheapest asphalt shingles, and lots of people choose them for that reason only. Which is a good thing if you’re in the roofing business, because every time someone chooses a cheap shingle roof it guarantees two roofers a job – the one putting it on today, and the one replacing it in a few years. And that’s a guarantee, because there is no recovering them once they’ve lost their elasticity and adhesion or fail and have no more value at all.

Even the least expensive standing seam metal roof has far more value than shingle with the guarantee it will last longer, be easier to maintain and bring added value to your home or business when it comes time to sell.

Not all metal roofing contractors are alike. Some are big, national companies with the ability to coordinate and staff a wide range of residential and commercial projects. Others are small family-owned companies with a couple of full-time people who hire part time workers depending on the size of the job.  Regardless of the size, you want a company where the professionals will deliver a quality metal roof system at an honest price. Here are some questions you can ask and some guidelines you can follow to help you make that choice:

1. Make sure the metal roofing contractor licensed. Many states require a roofer be licensed in the state; however, all states are different. Check the code requirements in your area. And be sure the roofer’s license is up to date.

2. Check to make sure the metal roofing contractor has liability coverage and workman’s comp insurance.  General liability covers your actual property while workman’s comp covers the employees working on your property. Insist on seeing copies of both certificates. Make sure the coverages are current and will be for the duration of your job. This certificate will list your name and address as an additional insured, so if something happens on the job, you –and all of your hard-earned property – are covered. If you still feel hesitant, call the insurance company and ask.

3. Make sure you choose a metal roofing company that is financially stable.  Ask for proof. If the metal roofing contractor you hire goes out of business, your project might not be completed and any warranty agreement given by the roofing contractor might not be honored. Run a credit check on the contractor to ensure it is financially stable. A professional metal roofing contractor can provide financial information about his company.

4. Choose a company have a proven track record.  Ask for client references and telephone numbers and a list of completed projects you can visit. Call the clients to learn if they are satisfied. Ask if the candidate can provide projects specifically completed in or near your neighborhood.

5.  Insist on a detailed, written proposal for your review and make sure it contains complete descriptions of the work to be done, the specifications to be met, and the costs of material and labor. This will come in handy in having an apples to apples comparison when you are considering proposals from more than one metal roofing contractor. Specifications are important because they tell you how much material the roofer plans to use including total square feet of metal roofing panel, insulation, ice and water shield, drip edge and the number of clips and their spacing-all of which are required in installing your metal roof.

6. Ask if they will do a rooftop inspection, whether the old roof must be removed and if the cost of removal is included in the contract.

7. Ask the contractor for a list of roofing material manufacturers with which his company is an approved installer. Most material manufacturers offering contractor training for the installation of their products including metal panels, underlayment and clips. Ask the contractor to produce written certification that he and his team have undergone training.

7. Check to see if the contractor is a member of local, regional and national business and professional associations like the local chamber of commerce or the National Roofing Contractors Association. Being a member of an organization demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and community. Check the contractor’s track record with the local association.

8. Call your local Better Business Bureau or building official to learn if any complaints have been filed against the contractor.

9. Carefully read and understand metal roofing warrantees from both the contractor and each manufacturer of the products specified.  Be aware of conditions that would void them.

10. Remember price is not the only criterion for choosing a metal roofing contractor. The expertise of the roofer and the materials chosen to put your new standing seam metal roof together can widely vary on the same job. Compare the proposals you receive. And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

New industry research shows that metal roof systems can last at least 60 years, longer than the average commercial building’s service life.

“The study provides third-party, scientific data that backs up the long held belief that 55% aluminum zinc coated steel standing seam roofing systems offer economic longevity and can be better for the environment.

Non-metal roofing systems require one or more full replacements within a typical commercial building’s 60-year service life, which is more expensive over the long run and usually adds to the solid waste stream in landfills.

The study, sponsored by the Metal Construction Association and the Zinc Aluminum Coaters Association, was conducted with oversight of three independent consulting firms which analyzed low-slope, unpainted 55% Aluminum-Zinc coated steel standing seam roofing, in a wide range of environments across the U.S.

The material tested is commercially known as Galvalume and Zincalume and is commonly used on low rise commercial buildings such as warehouses, schools, distribution centers, shopping centers, government structures, sports and exposition facilities and other structures.

Mixed use buildings in which offices, stores, and, or, rental apartments coexist in the same structure have a life expectancy right now of 75 years. Apartment buildings show an average age of 66 years and college buildings hover around the 60-year mark–although, many of America’s oldest schools including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Rutgers,   William & Mary and The University of Pennsylvania have campus structures with metal roofs well over 100 years old.    Here, the perception of quality that metal communicates is important, not only for schools with a prestigious past but because the average cost of a typical college building today is about $5.2 million.

According to the Metal Construction Association, the study incorporated the results of multiple field inspections, independent laboratory analyses of metallic corrosion of the roof panels, components and sealants. It also included assessment of all integral ancillary components that impact the end of roof service life.

According to the MCA, the research team selected 14 building sites in five different climate regions of various geographies in the continental United States ranging from hot/dry to moderate/acid with the understanding that precipitation acidity varied considerably from one site to the next over this broad geography.

The research study concluded that the expected service life of an unpainted 55% Aluminum-Zinc coated steel standing seam roof constructed today in a wide range of environments using best practices can be expected to be in excess of 60 years.

The study also confirmed that these types of metal roofs resist corrosion even in “weak” spots, such as sheared edges and panel profile bends. Inspections showed an absence of significant red rust after as long as 35 years.

The study found that while low-slope steel standing seam roof systems were projected to last up to 60 years, ancillary components (such as fasteners) may need to be replaced during the roof life. But such replacements represented significantly less than 20% of a total roof replacement cost.

When metal roofing manufacturers first introduced aluminum material for standing seam roofing, much of the aluminum produced was .032 thickness.

However, over the years the building products industry has been gravitating to thicker roofing and trim material, especially in aluminum. And, Dade County Florida enacted new wind uplift rules for metal roofing that required the use of .040 aluminum for roofs and .050 thickness for trim material to meet the rule requirements.

Consequently, contractors were transitioning from the use of .018 to .024 thick Galvalume or Hot Dipped Galvanized steel roofing and trim products to .032 to .050 thick Aluminum. Many contractors assumed aluminum bent the same as steel and therefore thought little adjustment was needed to make crisp bends on aluminum as they had done with steel. This resulted in some contractors bending these heavier aluminum products beyond their tensile strength limits resulting in cracking of the metal and paint as well as leaving a silver look from the crazed aluminum under the paint.

By properly adjusting the sheet metal bending brake contractors can keep the aluminum alloy from cracking under the strain of bending. To set up the hand brake to perform the bend, recess the top clamping leaf of the hand brake. This will reduce the amount of strain applied to the aluminum and still allow you to get a proper bend on the aluminum alloy sheet.

And remember one basic theory relates to the radius of the bend. You can manufacture a straight line bend if you use a guideline of three to five times the thickness. Any sharper of a bend would invite cracking in the material.

Aluminum has a tendency to crack and does not bend the same as steel in conventional press brakes. Aluminum also requires a calculation of the bend radius based on the thickness of the aluminum.

The normal rule-of-thumb is the bend radius for aluminum should be 3-5 times the thickness of the metal; this requires the use of a nose bar equivalent to:  .064” to .096”. All research indicates this approach offers the best way to bend aluminum without crazing/cracking of the paint and metal. Using the rule of thumb above, the Bend Radius range for various Englert aluminum gauges is as follows:

•    .032 = .096-.16”
•    .040 = .12-.2”

For more information on aluminum bending, we suggest the following link and calculator:

http://www.custompartnet.com/calculator/bend-allowance

We’ll probably never see the bright colors of homes along Italy’s sunny Amalfi Coast coming to America. Nor will we ever enter the worlds of sunshine and vivid color found in many homes as near to us as the Caribbean Islands or as far away as Lebanon and Tel Aviv. But, even with plenty of exterior home colors to choose from or to custom create ourselves, when it comes to painting the house structure or choosing a standard or custom color for a metal roof, most American homeowners tend to keep it simple.

Very little has changed since the last time we surveyed what colors our customers were choosing when they installed one of our standing seam metal roofs. Same with the big American paint companies whose customers are just now applying the 2015 exterior house paint colors recommended this year.

The fact of the matter is American color choices are pretty dull. Light, warm grays, honeyed yellow and a muted orange here and there are about as exciting as it gets on home exteriors. In the Southwest, an occasional terra cotta roof pops up—but that’s it. And in the American South in places like Florida where you thought you might see a hint of color, the big paint pushers talk of sun-washed tones mixed with avocado greens and dark blues.
Despite this malaise of color, American roofing material manufacturers offer a wide range of roofing hues.

This year we decided to do another survey, much like the one we did two years ago in an effort to determine the most popular residential metal roofing colors selected by homeowners and architects.

Below are the top ten residential, metal roofing colors from our survey in 2013…

1)    Charcoal Grey
2)    Forest Green
3)    Dark Bronze
4)    Hartford Green
5)    Matte Black
6)    Slate Grey
7)    Mansard Brown
8)    Bone White
9)    Medium Bronze
10)  Colonial Red

This year, the top ten most popular residential metal roofing colors were…

1)    Dark Bronze
2)    Charcoal Grey
3)    Forest Green
4)    Matte Black
5)    Slate Grey
6)    Hartford Green
7)    Patina Green
8)    Medium Bronze
9)    Mansard Brown
10)  Bone White

As you can see there hasn’t been an overwhelming change in metal roof color preferences since 2013.  Many of the “fun” colors like Terra Cotta, Pacific Blue, Sierra Tan, Burgundy and Champagne didn’t even make our top ten.

Like we said the last time we conducted this research, you can lead the American homeowner to the paint can but you can’t make them choose an exciting color. What Americans see as curb appeal, appears to be, at least for the foreseeable future, green, gray, brown or black.

Let us know what you think? If you are designing homes with bright exciting colors please feel free to weigh in and tell us what colors you’ve been using.

You’ll be surprised to learn that a metal roof is, on average, 50% lighter than an asphalt shingle roof, and 75% lighter than concrete tile, fiber cement shakes and slate. With metal roofing, weight on a structure is never an issue.  And in cases where metal may be installed over an existing roof, it may be the only practical answer because other materials may add too much weight load for the existing roof to bear.

Metal roof systems in most cases weigh between 1 to 3 pounds per square foot. The actual weight is dependent upon metal gauge and profile of the panel. Nonetheless, metal roof systems are considered a lightweight roof covering compared to their counterparts. The following illustrates the different types of other roofing materials and their respective weights per square foot:

–Asphalt Shingle: 2 – 3.5 pounds per square foot
–Textured Asphalt Shingle: 3.5 – 5 pounds per square foot
–Wood Shingles/Shakes: 3.5 – 4.5 pounds per square foot
–Clay or Concrete Tile: 5.5 – 10 pounds per square foot

Steel standing seam will weigh about 85 – 120 pounds per 100 square feet of roof area. Aluminum standing seam weighs about 70 pounds per 100 square feet. In contrast, asphalt shingles weigh from 275 – 425 pounds per 100 square feet.

Because standing seam metal roofing material is so light, some building owners assume you shouldn’t walk on it. Absolutely not true. The truth is that you can safely walk on any metal roof applied over plywood or metal sheathing without damaging it. But before you do, check with your metal roofing installer or the manufacturer of your metal roofing material (ask your contractor) for instructions for your specific roof.  And of course, if you are walking on a roof, be careful!

A recent survey of metal roofing and gutter contractors conducted by Englert revealed how they handle downturns in the building and construction market.

A lot of contractors merely hunker down and weather the plunging market. But a good number said they use a downturn to change the way they did business.

The most prominent response? Many contractors investigate adding new lines of business and additional geographic markets to make up for the lost business. Others restructure their businesses including calculated downsizing, sophisticated telephone and online sales canvassing and better installation scheduling practices.

Said one Connecticut remodeler who installs roofing and gutters: “In the flush times we were spending money with little regard for how we controlled our business. The downturn made us put on the brakes, take a hard look and make substantive changes in sales, installation and service. We became much more efficient and in the end we offered better quality and service.”

This month marks three years since the widely destructive Hurricane Sandy devastated large areas of the coastal Northeast, a Category 2 storm officially recorded as the largest Atlantic hurricane on record with estimates as of 2015 assessed damage to have been about $75 billion.

Sandy delivered winds up to 90 mph and produced extensive property damage. Property owners along the Atlantic coastline are still recovering from the massive storm.

Those with Englert standing seam metal roofs were more fortunate. While structures all around them were crushed by the winds and water, not a single Englert roof was reported damaged along the coast. Beachfront buildings like the Sea Girt New Jersey Life Guard Station and Point Pleasant landmarks like Jenkinson’s Beach and Aquarium and the popular Martell’s Tiki Bar stood firm in the brunt of the storm.   Even beachfront apartment buildings with 20-year-old Englert standing seam metal roofs–installed long before building codes with strict wind uplift requirements—survived the storm intact. For example, the signature Pacific Blue metal roofs of the venerable seven-story Presidential Towers on the Long Beach New Jersey shoreline remained largely unscathed by the 89-mile-an-hour winds.

Today’s building codes along the Atlantic have largely embraced the stricter wind uplift codes already required for roofs in Florida and the Miami Dade areas. But the Englert standing seam metal roofs that stood up to Sandy and that were installed long before these modern codes are a testament to the durability and quality of the roofing material made at Englert’s manufacturing plant with its own Englert metal roof, a facility less than four miles away from where Sandy struck the New Jersey coastline.

Metal roofs have long been popular with architects for their aesthetics and long-term performance characteristics, particularly their low maintenance costs and durability.

But now with the concept of sustainability so widely embraced by the architectural community, metal roofs are being seen in a new light.  Their long life, high recycled content, total recyclability and energy efficiency allow “cool metal roofs” to play a pivotal and important role in creating the very condition under which “humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” Metal roofing products last longer than conventional roofing products and are 100 percent recyclable. In contrast to conventional roofing products, there’s no need to replace product that needs large amounts of petroleum to make it and large areas of landfill to get rid of it.

If you’re considering the use of a rooftop photovoltaic system to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and pollution issues associated with conventional means of making energy, remember that unlike other roofing materials, metal roofs are the perfect platform for a photovoltaic system or a solar thermal system. And just as important, having a metal roof that meets or exceeds the 25-year life of most solar photovoltaic panels and thermal systems allows the roof to continue to be a platform for solar energy once old photovoltaic panels and thermal systems outlive their usefulness.

Meanwhile, roof surface temperatures on cool metal roofs can run 60 to 70 degrees cooler than non-reflective roofs. Coatings that prevent 75 to 80 percent of the sun’s energy from being absorbed into the roof can decrease the use of energy for air-conditioning needs and improve indoor thermal comfort for spaces that are not air conditioned. Metal roofs naturally decrease ambient temperatures near buildings, improving site habitat and annual migration corridors. And they can drastically reduce smog and poor air quality in cities and metropolitan areas traditionally significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activity.

Ultimately they reduce the impact of humanity on nature and build a brighter environmental future for generations to come.

Before the turn of the 20th Century, standing seam metal roofing material was measured, cut, roll formed and installed onsite by artisans used to working with a variety of different metals including copper, terne-coated metal and tin-coated steel. The hand crafted, custom made work of artisans gave way to mechanized production during World War II when factory “roll forming” technology was invented. This approach was the first departure from a one-at-a-time manufacturing mentality. Progressive roll tooling in a factory could produce a finished profile in a continuous process rather than step-by-step cutting and bending.
Panels could be made more precisely, one end of the panel was consistent with the other—within thousandths of an inch and it allowed lines and bends never before possible or affordable. Panel lengths however were limited by the lengths of tractor trailers and the federal road regulations that restrict trailer lengths to 53 feet.

The advent of portable roll forming in the 1980’s brought back something factory manufacturing could not–the role of the skilled craftsperson on the jobsite controlling the manufacturing and installation processes. Today, nearly 35 years after the advent of portable roll forming equipment, roofing contractors are using more than 10,000 machines to form and install standing seam metal roof panels every day on jobs throughout the U.S., re-establishing the old craftsmanship while eliminating shipping costs, shipping damage and sizing errors along with onsite storage of finished panels and the disposal of packaging, skids, crates and dumpsters.

A new study by the authoritative Freedonia Group projects a rebound in reroofing projects this year through 2019, largely due to home and building owners doing previously delayed renovations due to the economic downturn from 2009 to 2014.

Reroofing accounts for the larger share of U.S. roofing demand, totaling 81% in 2014. New non-residential demand for roofing is also forecast to experience solid growth going forward, with the office and commercial segment generating opportunities as more retail sites and commercial complexes are built. The institutional and industrial construction segments will also boost demand, as more schools, hospitals, and manufacturing sites are erected, boosting demand for low slope products like standing seam metal roofing.

Meanwhile, metal roofing will also see above-average demand gains through 2019, according to the study. It notes that metal roofing demand will be helped by its durability and ability to support solar panels used to generate electricity and by the fact that metal can also be used as cool roofing products that reflect sunlight to keep buildings cooler in the summer. The increased demand for low slope products such as metal will be in direct correlation with a demand in the institutional and industrial segments as more schools, hospitals and manufacturing sites are built during the 2015-2019 time period.

Englert is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and to commemorate this event we will be offering a number of promotions and contests throughout the year. The first of which is “Englert’s 50th Anniversary Pay it Forward Machine Give Away”. This contest officially went into effect on October 14, on the first day of Metalcon.Contractors can enter the contest by visiting Englert’s website or Facebook page by “Liking” Englert and filling out an on-line contest entry form.

They can also enter by stopping by the Englert booth at any tradeshow leading up to the drawing date of Feb 19th 2016.

The official drawing will be held on February 19th in Orlando Florida on the final day of the International Roofing Exposition.

Englert will be accepting entrees right up to the actual drawing.

The lucky winner will have a choice of selecting an Englert MetalMan FP Roofing Machine or an Englert Gutter Machine.

Please be sure to visit the 50th Anniversary section of Englert’s website throughout the year as we will be featuring various architects, contractors and memorable projects from the past 50 years.

Metal roofs have long been popular with architects for their aesthetics and long-term performance characteristics, particularly their low maintenance costs and durability.

But now with the concept of sustainability so widely embraced by the architectural community, metal roofs are being seen in a new light. Their long life, high recycled content, total recyclability and energy efficiency allow “cool metal roofs” to play a pivotal and important role in creating the very condition under which “humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” Metal roofing products last longer than conventional roofing products and are 100 percent recyclable. In contrast to conventional roofing products, there’s no need to replace product that needs large amounts of petroleum to make it and large areas of landfill to get rid of it.

If you’re considering the use of a rooftop photovoltaic system to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and pollution issues associated with conventional means of making energy, remember that unlike other roofing materials, metal roofs are the perfect platform for a photovoltaic system or a solar thermal system. And just as important, having a metal roof that meets or exceeds the 25-year life of most solar photovoltaic panels and thermal systems allows the roof to continue to be a platform for solar energy once old photovoltaic panels and thermal systems outlive their usefulness.

Meanwhile, roof surface temperatures on cool metal roofs can run 60 to 70 degrees cooler than non-reflective roofs. Coatings that prevent 75 to 80 percent of the sun’s energy from being absorbed into the roof can decrease the use of energy for air-conditioning needs and improve indoor thermal comfort for spaces that are not air conditioned. Metal roofs naturally decrease ambient temperatures near buildings, improving site habitat and annual migration corridors. And they can drastically reduce smog and poor air quality in cities and metropolitan areas traditionally significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activity.

Ultimately they reduce the impact of humanity on nature and build a brighter environmental future for generations to come.

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Before the turn of the 20th Century, standing seam metal roofing material was measured, cut, roll formed and installed onsite by artisans used to working with a variety of different metals including copper, terne-coated metal and tin-coated steel. The hand crafted, custom made work of artisans gave way to mechanized production during World War II when factory “roll forming” technology was invented. This approach was the first departure from a one-at-a-time manufacturing mentality. Progressive roll tooling in a factory could produce a finished profile in a continuous process rather than step-by-step cutting and bending.

Panels could be made more precisely, one end of the panel was consistent with the other—within thousandths of an inch and it allowed lines and bends never before possible or affordable. Panel lengths however were limited by the lengths of tractor trailers and the federal road regulations that restrict trailer lengths to 53 feet.

The advent of portable roll forming in the 1980’s brought back something factory manufacturing could not–the role of the skilled craftsperson on the jobsite controlling the manufacturing and installation processes. Today, nearly 35 years after the advent of portable roll forming equipment, roofing contractors are using more than 10,000 machines to form and install standing seam metal roof panels every day on jobs throughout the U.S., re-establishing the old craftsmanship while eliminating shipping costs, shipping damage and sizing errors along with onsite storage of finished panels and the disposal of packaging, skids, crates and dumpsters.

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A new study by the authoritative Freedonia Group projects a rebound in reroofing projects this year through 2019, largely due to home and building owners doing previously delayed renovations due to the economic downturn from 2009 to 2014.

Reroofing accounts for the larger share of U.S. roofing demand, totaling 81% in 2014. New non-residential demand for roofing is also forecast to experience solid growth going forward, with the office and commercial segment generating opportunities as more retail sites and commercial complexes are built. The institutional and industrial construction segments will also boost demand, as more schools, hospitals, and manufacturing sites are erected, boosting demand for low slope products like standing seam metal roofing.Standing seam metal roof on Chicago Institute

Meanwhile, metal roofing will also see above-average demand gains through 2019, according to the study. It notes that metal roofing demand will be helped by its durability and ability to support solar panels used to generate electricity and by the fact that metal can also be used as cool roofing products that reflect sunlight to keep buildings cooler in the summer. The increased demand for low slope products such as metal will be in direct correlation with a demand in the institutional and industrial segments as more schools, hospitals and manufacturing sites are built during the 2015-2019 time period.

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Englert is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and to commemorate this event we will be offering a number of promotions and contests throughout the year. The first of which is “Englert’s 50th Anniversary Pay it Forward Machine Give Away”. This contest officially went into effect on October 14, on the first day of Metalcon.

Contractors can enter the contest by visiting Englert’s website or Facebook page by “Liking” Englert and filling out an on-line contest entry form.

They can also enter by stopping by the Englert booth at any tradeshow leading up to the drawing date of Feb 19th 2016.

The official drawing will be held on February 19th in Orlando Florida on the final day of the International Roofing Exposition.

Englert will be accepting entrees right up to the actual drawing.

The lucky winner will have a choice of selecting an Englert MetalMan FP Roofing Machine or an Englert Gutter Machine.

Please be sure to visit the 50th Anniversary section of Englert’s website throughout the year as we will be featuring various architects, contractors and memorable projects from the past 50 years.

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Early Spring is a good time to assess the problems you faced due to winter’s assault on your home, and make plans to address them during the warm weather ahead. If you experienced ice dams along roof edges and gutters there are things you can do now to keep them from forming next winter and causing damage to the roof, gutters and downspouts, as well as the inside of your home.
The primary cause of ice damming is poor attic insulation and ventilation.  In other words, if too much heat is escaping from inside of your home into the attic, it can warm the attic and roof temperature enough to melt the snow accumulation on your roof. The water trickles down between the snow and the shingles until it reaches the eave of the roof. The eave stays cold because it extends beyond the main structure of the house. There, the water freezes, gradually growing into a mound of ice on the end of your roof and gutters. The flatter the pitch of the roof, the more likely it is for an ice dam to form.

When an ice dam gets big enough, melted water can back up behind the dam and seep underneath the roof shingles. Eventually, the water can make its way into your home and cause damage to your ceilings, walls, floors, and foundation. If the ice dam breaks free and falls, it can pull shingles and gutters off with it, and it can damage anything it falls on.

Fixing ice dams once they have formed is difficult and dangerous work, best left to professionals. Preventing them from forming is the best long-term solution.

In principle, the answer is simple: Just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. That is done by increasing ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off every air leak that might warm the underside of the roof.

Below are a few suggestions that may help reduce or totally eliminate ice dams.

1. Ventilate Eaves and Ridge. A ridge vent paired with continuous soffit vents circulates cold air under the entire roof. Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.

2. Cap the Hatch and Attic Fan. An unsealed attic hatch or a whole-house fan must be covered with insulated material.

3. Exhaust Properly. Make sure that kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents all lead outdoors through either the roof or walls, but never through the soffit.

4. Insulate.  Add insulation to the attic floor to keep the heat where it belongs – inside of the house.

5. Install Sealed Can Lights.  If you have recessed lights in your house, remember the older ones give off a great deal of heat into the attic. They cannot be insulated without creating a fire hazard so you must replace them with sealed “IC” fixtures, which can be covered with insulation.

6. Flash Around Chimneys.  Bridge the gap between chimney and house framing with steel flashing. Hold it in place with a fire-stop sealant. Using canned spray foam or insulation is ßnot fire safe.

7. Seal and Insulate Ducts.  Spread fiber-reinforced mastic on the joints of HVAC ducts and exhaust ducts. Cover them entirely with R-5 or R-6 foil-faced fiberglass.

8. Caulk Penetrations.  Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant. Also, look for any spots where light shines up from below. These are places where heat is escaping into the attic.

These precautions will help to keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves and will prevent ice dams from forming.  In addition you will benefit from reduced heating bills when you keep warm air from escaping from your living space, into your attic.

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