RoofersCoffeeShop https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/ Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More! en-us 4 Metal Roof Misconceptions: Winter Edition https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/4-metal-roof-misconceptions-winter-edition 4-metal-roof-misconceptions-winter-edition Sat, 02 Apr 2022 15:00:00 PDT

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Help homeowners distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to these wintertime metal roof myths. 

Metal roofs have quite a few myths surrounding them, like the idea they attract lightning or can be loud in the rain. When it comes to talking to your homeowners about considering a metal roof, it’s important that you act as the myth buster, helping them distinguish fact from fiction so they can make the best choice for their home. Particularly in the winter months, metal roofs have their own set of myths that need to be dispelled.  

From ice dams to installation, here are the four common untruths about metal roofing in the winter. 

Myth 1: Metal roofs are colder in the winter 

Homeowners who have paid the utility bills to keep a warm home through a blustery winter know that heating costs are often higher than cooling costs. So the myth that metal roofs are colder in the winter is an understandable concern that homeowners may have when choosing a roofing material. 

The key to an energy-efficient roof is essential airspace between the surface material and the roof deck. DECRA Metal Roofing products provide the critical airspace required, which acts as an extra insulating layer from the cold during the winter and a ventilating escape route for warm air in the summer. 

Fact: Metal roofs actually keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. 

Myth 2: Metal roofs are prone to ice dams 

When cold surfaces at the eaves (the part of your roof that hangs over the side) freeze before warm surfaces at higher points on the roof, ice dams work their way up the roof, and prevent accumulating snow from sliding off the roof. 

The increasing weight of the snow load is cause for immediate concern, but ice working its way under asphalt shingles can cause damage to underlayments and even the roof deck itself. This damage may not reveal itself until later on when the roof expands under warmer conditions and leaks become evident. 

To prevent ice dams from forming, the entire roof needs to be the same temperature as the eaves. 

DECRA roofing profiles help achieve a consistent roof temperature by providing the essential airspaces that we discussed above. Below the roof, increasing attic ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off every possible air leak that might warm the underside of a roof are effective ways to prevent ice dams from forming at all. 

Fact: Metal roofs can help prevent ice dams. 

Myth 3: Metal roofs can't be installed in the winter 

One ongoing misconception about metal roofing is that it can’t be installed during the winter months. This myth likely comes from the fact that asphalt shingles can’t be installed under 40 degrees. 

Roofers have to exercise extreme caution and discretion when applying asphalt shingles in cold climates because the material can easily bend, split and crack. 

Issues like these can increase materials costs and cause off-season installation complications. The likelihood of problems arising from installing asphalt shingles under recommended temperature is high, with added risks for repairs and replacements. Many roofing professionals won’t take on an asphalt shingle roof job in the winter. 

Unlike other roofing materials, metal roofs can be installed in cold climates without compromising the quality of the product. This is especially helpful when homeowners experience a mid-winter roofing emergency and waiting for spring isn’t an option. 

Fact: Metal roofs can be installed during the winter. 

Myth 4: Metal roofs are noisy in rain, sleet and hail 

This widespread myth is one of the most common misconceptions about metal roofing. It likely comes from the fact that roofing made from flat, uncoated metal or aluminum sheets can be loud in rain, sleet and hail. The thicker the coating–and the more texture on the roofing material–the more effective it is at disrupting the reverberation of sound waves. 

With a stone-coated steel roof from DECRA, you don’t have to worry about noise from rain, sleet or hail. Additionally, DECRA roofs don't require soundproofing underlayments that some uncoated metal roofs need to block out noise. 

Fact: Metal roofs are not noisy in the rain. 

Learn more about DECRA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit DECRA.com 

Original article source: DECRA 

]]> Winter Roof Replacements: Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/winter-roof-replacements-metal-roofing-vs-asphalt-shingles winter-roof-replacements-metal-roofing-vs-asphalt-shingles Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:00:00 PST

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Learn about the advantages DECRA Metal Roofing has for homes in colder climates. 

Winter is here! And with the colder weather comes the challenge of installing traditional asphalt shingle roofs in temperatures below 40° F. Because asphalt shingle installation and repairs require adhesive products that need the sun’s heat for activation, the window for asphalt shingle repairs and installs in the winter is extremely limited.  

Additional challenges of installing asphalt shingles during the winter include: 

  • The nature of shingles themselves in low winter temperatures. Asphalt shingles lose flexibility in colder weather, increasing material handling and layout difficulty. 

  • Issues cutting asphalt shingles in cold weather. Asphalt shingles cut like hot butter in the summer, but like a block of ice in temperatures below 40° F.  

  • Difficulties properly driving nails on the roof with pneumatic guns. Depending on the temperature of the asphalt shingles and the humidity in the cold air, over- or under-driving fasteners is a common problem during the winter months. 

  • The sealant on asphalt shingles installed in cold weather does not activate right away. In fact, it may not activate at all until warmer weather returns. In the meantime, winter shingle blow-offs can occur, especially in areas prone to wind uplift. 

  • Asphalt shingle manufacturers recommend hand-sealing every shingle to prevent them from lifting due to winter blow-offs. This can add additional labor costs, plus time to the project. 

  • Hotboxes are usually required at the job site to keep shingles and adhesives between 100- and 120-degrees F to prevent freezing. 

  • Voided warranties. The risk for voided warranties increases when installing asphalt shingles below the manufacturer’s recommended temperature. 

“You may end up with a faulty roof if you don’t adhere to these temperature requirements when installing a new roof or replacing an existing one. The risk for voided [shingle] warranties will increase when you try to replace or install the roof when temperatures are below 40° F.” – 4k Exteriors 

By adding DECRA Metal Roofing to existing service offerings, contractors can provide a durable, long-lasting roofing option that can be installed year-round – regardless of temperature. 

Keep reading to learn how easy it is to install and sell DECRA Metal Roofing products. 

Winter roofing made easy with DECRA Metal Roofing 

Getting started with DECRA is simple. DECRA panels can be cut with ease in colder climates with the following: 

  • Steel roof panel cutter shear. 

  • Power saw with a circular blade designed for use with metal roofing, also known as a ‘cool cut’ blade. 

  • Tin or aviation snips. 

When it comes to adhesives, DECRA products do not rely on sun-activated adhesives (or hand sealing) like traditional asphalt shingles. Our interlocking panels provide a secure, firmly anchored roof. And there’s no need to worry about over- or under-driving nails with a nail gun. 

The interlocking panels are installed with a #10 x 1.5” corrosion-resistant fastener with a 1/4” drive hex bolt head. This superior fastener is even approved for use in the high-velocity hurricane zone of Miami-Dade, Florida (when the fastening schedule is followed as outlined in the high-velocity wind install guide), which has some of the strictest building codes and roofing requirements in the nation.  

It’s important to note that DECRA products are some of the lightest roofing materials on the market, weighing in at just 1.4 to 1.6 pounds per square foot (that’s less than half the weight of heavy asphalt shingles), making for easier maneuvering of materials when roof decks may be frosty or slippery. Additionally, the lightweight characteristics of a DECRA roof often eliminate the need for a complete tear-off for roofing upgrades and remodels, saving time, labor and waste disposal costs. 

DECRA Metal Roofing products aren’t just easy to install, they are also easy to sell. Here are the top-selling points to help educate your customers about DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Benefits of DECRA Metal Roofing for homes in colder climates 

Engineered to withstand nearly anything Mother Nature has to offer, DECRA Metal Roofing provides both long-term protection and long-term value. Let’s start with protection from the elements. 

The way climate and weather patterns impact the roof varies greatly from region to region. While DECRA products have protected homes from tropical Hawaii to blustery Canada and everything in between, homeowners in colder climates typically are looking for a freeze/thaw resistant roof with weight-bearing strength since snow and ice can place extreme loads on the roof deck. 

DECRA products are non-porous, making them an ideal roofing solution for winter homes that are exposed to snow and ice as well as repeated freeze and thaw cycles. And, as we’ve already mentioned, DECRA roofs are extremely lightweight, providing strength and protection without unnecessary weight. 

Here are some additional benefits of a DECRA Metal roof that resonate well with homeowners in colder climates: 

  • Wind: All DECRA roofing profiles are backed by a warranty for winds up to 120 mph and are lab tested at twice that velocity. 

  • Rain: DECRA has performed extensive wind-driven rain testing at speeds up to 110 mph to protect its roofing profiles against water penetration under the most extreme wind conditions. 

Another strong selling point of DECRA metal roofs is the long-term (and immediate) value they provide homeowners, including: 

Learn more about the additional benefits of metal roofing and why it’s considered the best choice for all regions and seasons here. 

DECRA Metal Roofing for winter installations  

In many areas, homeowner demand exceeds the supply of qualified DECRA Metal Roofing installers. By adding DECRA to existing service offerings, contractors can tap into this rapidly growing market, as well as offer homeowners a year-round roofing solution that is ideal for colder climates.  

Ready to get started with DECRA? Join the DECRA Contractor Network and Directory. 

Learn more about DECRA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit DECRA.com.

Original article source: DECRA 

]]> Can’t-miss Booths at the NERCA Trade Show https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/cant-miss-booths-at-the-nerca-trade-show cant-miss-booths-at-the-nerca-trade-show Tue, 01 Mar 2022 11:00:00 PST

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) is set to host its 94th annual trade show.  

This year’s North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Convention and Trade Show is expected to have a great turnout. The event is set to take place March 1 – 3 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Although the deadline for registration has passed, we are currently offering a free pass that contractors can use at the door to attend the event. 

With nearly 200 booths and quality educational seminars, this convention is great event for contractors in the northeastern United States to attend. RoofersCoffeeShop® will be there at booth 529, so swing by and say hi to Heidi Ellsworth, Karen Edwards and Tim Ellsworth. At the booth we’ll be giving out our special 20th anniversary celebratory swag! 

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) will also be there at booth 130 and they will be hosting a networking event on March 2 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Members from the NWIR board of directors and local councils will be attending and time will be devoted to discussing empowering women in the roofing industry. Register for the event today! 

Here are some other booths work checking out: 

Learn more about NERCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nerca.org.   

About NERCA 

NERCA is the founder of the NEREF scholarship. They are the regional association for roofing contractors covering the northeast part of the country.  Their territory includes: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Delaware.

]]> This Contractor Network Can Help Your Company Grow https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/this-contractor-network-can-help-your-company-grow this-contractor-network-can-help-your-company-grow Fri, 25 Feb 2022 15:00:00 PST

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Get more clients and earn more money when you join DECRA’s Contractor Network. 

The demand for metal roofing has increased in the last few years. However, there aren’t enough qualified metal roofing contractors to meet the homeowner demand for metal roofs.  

If you’re looking to grow your roofing business in 2022, adding DECRA Metal Roofing products to your service offerings is an easy way to capitalize on this lucrative market.  

The first step to getting started is to join the DECRA Contractor Network.  

If you’re already installing DECRA Metal Roofing products, be sure to join the network and add your business listing to the directory to get found by homeowners looking for qualified installers in their area. 

What is DECRA’s Contractor Network? 

The purpose of the DECRA Contractor Network is to connect qualified homeowner leads with experienced roofing contractors. Additional benefits of joining the network include access to exclusive contractor rebate programs and special offers. Qualified contractors who install or are looking to install DECRA metal roofing are eligible to join the DECRA Contractor Network. 

Learn more about the DECRA Contractor Network by reading the FAQs here. 

Why offer DECRA Metal Roofing products? 

Metal roofing is a top choice when it comes to strength and style and offering DECRA Metal Roofing products adds a valuable and lucrative segment to your business. Homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of metal roofing and aren’t willing to settle on roofing materials that lack any of the following: 

In addition to checking all the boxes for qualities that homeowners are looking for in a roofing material, DECRA Metal Roofing products also provide contractors with a long list of benefits as well. 

For example, DECRA products are extremely versatile and are ideal for even the most challenging roofing projects, including: 

Additionally, DECRA Metal Roofing provides contractors with top-tier customer support, training and resources to help grow your business. Here are just a few of the resources available to help get you started with DECRA: 

DECRA Metal Roofing Knowledge Base 
Be sure to bookmark this library of professional resources including estimating sheets, installation guides, marketing materials and more. 

Questions to Anticipate from Homeowners About DECRA Metal Roofing 
To help contractors prepare for these conversations, we answered some of the most commonly asked questions about DECRA Metal Roofing on the blog. 

5 Myths About Metal Roofing, Debunked 
With so much information online, it’s important for homeowners to distinguish fact from fiction when considering a modern, metal roof. 

To help you keep your roofing projects on time and on budget, DECRA is committed to operational excellence that roofing professionals can rely on. Our products are manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility in Corona, California and are ready to ship, thanks to our fully stocked warehouses in strategic locations throughout the country. 

Join DECRA's Contractor Network today 

The DECRA team is here to support and grow your roofing business. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get started with DECRA Metal Roofing and be sure to join the DECRA Contractor Network today. 

Learn more about DECRA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit DECRA.com.

Original article source: DECRA

]]> RoofersCoffeeShop® Will Be at IRE 2022, Will You? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you Mon, 17 Jan 2022 18:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

IRE promises to be one of the biggest events of the year, check out who will be at the expo! 

This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) promises many exciting events, products, classes and more. The expo will take place February 1-3 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be on the beat, sharing information and broadcasting live on YouTube. Additionally, you will find President Heidi J. Ellsworth moderating a panel on how to work with young people who are interested in roofing. The session takes place Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. CT 

The Coffee Shop will join many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas with roofing contractors. Make sure you stop by our booth, number 249, and visit our RoofersCoffeeShop partners too:  

Don’t miss out, register today for IRE 2022!

]]> Tips For Installing QuickBOLT Solar Mounts on Metal Roofs https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/tips-for-installing-quickbolt-solar-mounts-on-metal-roofs tips-for-installing-quickbolt-solar-mounts-on-metal-roofs Tue, 21 Dec 2021 15:00:00 PST

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA Metal Roofing. 

With now being the best time to go solar, DECRA’s QuickBOLT stone-coated steel roof mounts make the installation process quick and painless. 

The demand is high right now for stone-coated metal roofing and solar panels, so much so that it’s difficult to find contractors to get the job done. 

The surge in demand is due to the fact that stone-coated metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market. Adding solar panels to a stone-coated metal roof skyrockets energy efficiency and comes with the added benefit of lucrative incentives and tax credits. 

As mentioned in A Buyers Guide to the 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit, “The best time to go solar is now because the 26% ITC will decrease to 22% in 2023 before becoming unavailable for residential solar systems installed in 2024 and beyond.” 

While the federal investment tax credit (ITC) of 26% for residential solar power systems has been extended through 2023, it isn’t the only incentive for solar installations. Many states offer solar tax incentives or rebates that can be used in addition to the federal tax credit. These tax credits can provide an additional $1,000 to $6,000 in savings. 

With that kind of financial motivation for homeowners, roofing professionals are well-positioned to capitalize on the demand for both metal roofing and solar panels. 

The best part? Getting started is easy with QuickBOLT solar mounts and DECRA Metal Roofing.  

How to install QuickBOLT mounts on a DECRA metal roof 

QuickBOLT stone-coated steel roof mounts are designed specifically for installing solar arrays on stone-coated metal roofing products. Easy-to-install on either batten or direct-to-deck profiles, QuickBOLT mounts don’t require any special materials, tools or extra hardware to prepare the roof for the solar installation. 

Here is the simple procedure for installing QuickBOLT mounts on DECRA stone-coated steel roofs: 

1 - Remove the DECRA stone-coated steel panel from the area in which you will be installing the QuickBOLT mount. 

2 - Locate and mark the rafters with chalk/crayon using a stud finder or your favorite method. QuickBOLT mounts are not deck-mounted and must be fastened to the rafters. The span between each mount depends on your specific engineering designs but typical spans fall between 4-8 feet in length. 

3 - Place the mount against the batten. If there is no batten as with direct-to-deck roofing profiles, align the elevated portion of the mount over the ridge of the panel (the thickest edge). Pre-drill the mounting holes with a 3/16” drill bit to ensure that the mounting screws drive smoothly. Note: QuickBOLT mounting screws are made with Type 17 tips that cut as you drive, reducing the chance of splitting the rafter. 

4 - After pre-drilling, shoot your choice of sealant into the holes. Any roofing sealant will work. This is an extra precaution against water intrusion since DECRA’s interlocking panels provide protection from leaks. 

5 - Place the mount back into position by lining it up with the predrilled holes and drive the mounting screws through the mount. QuickBOLT mounts also have holes for driving screws into the batten for extra strength, but all strength testing was accomplished with rafter mounting only. At this stage, you can also adjust the height on any of the adjustable mounts.  

6 - Replace the DECRA panel by moving it back into position and interlocking it with the adjacent panels. You are now ready to secure your solar rails to the roof mounts. 

This video will walk you through the proper installation of QuickBOLT's Stone Coated Steel Roof Mounts and additional product information is listed below. 

QuickBOLT stone-coated steel roof mounts were designed in collaboration with SCS roof manufacturers and come in a variety of fixed and adjustable styles, with options for side or bottom mounting rails: 

  • Stone Coated Steel Roof Hook for Bottom Mount Rails 

  • Stone Coated Steel Roof Hook for Bottom Mount Rails (Adjustable) 

  • Stone Coated Steel Roof Hook for Side Mount Rails 

  • Stone Coated Steel Roof Hook for Side Mount Rails (Adjustable) 

QuickBOLT and DECRA Metal Roofing: A winning combination for contractors 

QuickBOLT, a division of Quickscrews International Corporation, has provided a wide range of innovative solar mounts for residential roofs since 2009. As one of the top suppliers to solar installers and distributors throughout the USA, QuickBOLT solar mounts have earned a reputation for industry-leading quality and performance. Products are stocked in Livermore, California, and Rock Hill, South Carolina, allowing QuickBOLT to meet the needs of any company or individual nationwide. 

Both QuickBOLT and DECRA Metal Roofing share a commitment to outstanding product quality and operational excellence. 

Learn more about QuickBOLT’s wide range of solar mounting products.

Learn more about Decra Metal Roofing in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.decra.com. 

Original article source: Decra Metal Roofing

]]> The Versatility of Stone-coated Metal Roofing https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-versatility-of-stone-coated-metal-roofing the-versatility-of-stone-coated-metal-roofing Sun, 21 Nov 2021 09:00:00 PST

By DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Stone-coated metal roofing offers the durability of industrial metal roofing without compromising on style.

The perception surrounding metal roofs used to be that they looked too industrial for residential properties and homeowners were quick to dismiss metal as a viable roofing material for this reason. However, innovations in the manufacturing process now give homeowners the best of both worlds, offering the durability and longevity of metal with a wide variety of modern, classic or rustic style options. Enter stone-coated metal roofing.  

By adding natural stone granules to metal sheets, stone-coated metal roofing provided homeowners with a wide range of vivid colors and distinct textures that replicate the look of traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, clay tiles or wood shakes. 

Today, metal roofing is the second most popular roofing material on the market and grows in popularity each year as awareness spreads among homeowners. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of stone-coated metal roofing, how it differs from industrial metal roofing and the wide variety of styles it provides. 

What is metal roofing? 

Metal roofing has been around for more than a century. It’s known as one of the most durable and longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. 

Metal roofs can withstand nearly anything Mother Nature has to offer, including: 

  • Hurricane-force winds 

  • Tornados 

  • Hail and storm impact 

  • Fire 

But the benefits of metal roofing were historically limited to the industrial sector. Most homeowners would rule out traditional products like aluminum or standing seam roofing due to their lack of “curb appeal” and inability to meet the design requirements of most homes. 

This all changed in 1957 when the first stone-coated metal roofing product was introduced. The stone-coated manufacturing process provided industrial durability without industrial aesthetics. 

What is stone-coated metal roofing?  

Imagine a classic, Spanish-themed home. You likely pictured a home with a tile roof. Now, imagine that same home with a standing seam metal roof (the same roof you see on factories, military barracks or your local Costco warehouse). 

The large, industrial metal roofs commonly seen on warehouses, barns, hangars and factories are likely corrugated metal or standing seam metal roofing products. 

Stone-coated metal roofing is made from the same steel sheets and provides all of the same benefits as industrial metal roofing products, but that’s where the similarities end. 

The stone-coated metal manufacturing process involves stamping steel panels to replicate the shape and style of traditional, “homeowner-friendly” roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, tile and wood. Next, the metal panels are coated with natural stone granules to suit the color and texture of any style. 

Here are some examples of the difference and design versatility that only stone-coated metal roofing can provide: 

The Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, Hawaii needed the traditional 23,500 square foot thatched roof replaced. Stone-coated metal roofing was able to match the pattern and texture of the original roof to preserve the historical integrity of the center, all while increasing shear strength with wind and impact resistance that only metal can provide.  

When a historic mansion needed a new roof that protected the home from harsh Wisconsin weather and maintained the classic aesthetics of Victorian-era architecture, stone-coated metal roofing was the easy choice for the Hearthstone Historic House Museum. 

Styles of stone-coated metal roofing 

Clay tile 

The look of tile is almost mandatory for Spanish and Mediterranean themed properties, however, there is a high price to be paid with traditional clay tile roofing, as it is one of the most fragile and highest-maintenance roofing materials on the market. 

Whether you’re looking for the robust form of barrel-style Spanish tile or the distinctive S-shape of Classic Mediterranean scalloped tile, DECRA Villa Tile and DECRA Tile provide the classic beauty of tile with the strength and durability that only steel can provide. 

  • DECRA Villa Tile: Spanish Style Barrel Tile 

Elegant Old-World designs frequently rely on prominent, complex, round roof elements, such as cupolas and towers. The semi-cylindrical barrel shape of DECRA Villa Tile perfectly mimics the traditional Spanish and Roman barrel styles to accommodate the elegant curves of Italian Villa, Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival traditions. 

  • DECRA Tile: Mediterranean Style Scalloped Tile 

Scalloped-style tiles have a wavy S-shape which provides a distinctive rippled or scaled texture to complement classic roof elements prevalent in Mediterranean-themed homes. DECRA Tile exquisitely replicates the distinctive style and texture of scalloped clay tiles. 

Asphalt shingles

For designs that rely on the thick-cut edges and dimensionality of asphalt shingles, stone-coated metal roofing effortlessly provides the same colors and texture, but with a lifespan that lasts two to three times longer. 

  • DECRA Shingle XD 

Ideal for traditional designs, DECRA Shingle XD provides the thick-cut edges and deep, distinctive shadow lines of asphalt shingles. 

Wood shakes and shingles  

While wood shakes and shingles undoubtedly provide a distinctive beauty, they also bring a host of maintenance, performance and durability issues. Even top-of-the-line wood roofing materials quickly fade to grey after exposure to the elements. 

Available in two rustic styles, both DECRA Shake XD and DECRA Shake eliminate the shortcomings of traditional wood roofing and look vibrant decades after installation. 

  • DECRA Shake XD: Rustic appeal of hand-split wood shakes 

DECRA Shake XD provides the rustic beauty and architectural detail of thick, genuine, hand-split wood shakes. 

  • DECRA Shake: Richness of cedar shakes 

DECRA Shake achieves the distinctive shadow lines of cedar shake and provides a rich, thick and heavy appearance that compliments any home. 

DECRA Stone-coated Metal Roofing for your home 

Whether you are looking for the style of traditional architectural shingles, classic clay tiles or heavy wood shakes, DECRA Metal Roofing’s line of stone-coated metal roofing products provides the style and performance you are looking for. 

As the original manufacturer of stone-coated metal roofing products, DECRA has set the industry standard for durable roofing since 1957. Manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility in California, our stone-coated metal roofing products have withstood the test of time and protected homes from the harshest winters in Canada to tropical climates in Hawaii, and everything in between. 

Learn more about DECRA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit DECRA.com. 

Original article source: DECRA 

]]> Metal Roofs Versus Hurricane Winds https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/metal-roofs-versus-hurricane-winds metal-roofs-versus-hurricane-winds Sun, 15 Aug 2021 06:00:00 PDT

By DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Metal roofs are strong enough to stand up against hurricane conditions. 

There is a reason why roofs in hurricane regions have such meticulous building code requirements. Hurricanes are the most intense natural disasters we face in the U.S. Just last year, damages from hurricanes cost $47 billion. With 29% of the total U.S. population living in coastal areas prone to hurricanes, a roofing system that can stand up to storm debris, wind uplift and wind-driven rain is crucial.  
 
DECRA’s stone-coated steel products have been rigorously tested to comply with high-velocity hurricane zone requirements, including Miami-Dade, Florida, which is known as the most severe wind exposure market. Below, we take a look at how DECRA matches up against traditional roofing materials in performance categories most critical for businesses and houses in hurricane regions. 

Top 3 threats from hurricanes  

If your business or home relies on wood shakes, clay tiles, or asphalt shingles to withstand the frequent assaults of hurricanes, it’s at risk for costly damage. Stone-coated steel can help protect your property in high-risk areas from the following threats caused by hurricanes. 

1 - Wind uplift resistance  

Roof damage caused by wind occurs when the air pressure below the roofing system is greater than the air pressure above. As wind flows over the building or house, the pressure directly above the roof surface decreases. At the same time, internal air pressure increases due to air infiltration through cracks. This results in a push-pull force working together to separate the roofing materials from the roof deck, otherwise known as wind uplift. 
 
DECRA’s stone-coated steel roofing profiles feature a unique interlocking panel system to keep the multi-layered panels firmly in place in hurricane-force winds. Additionally, the roofing profiles are backed by a warranty for winds up to 120 mph, and are lab tested at twice that velocity. 
 
Traditional roofing materials have significant shortcomings when it comes to wind. Wood shakes, for example, tend to split and loosen around the fasteners making them extremely prone to wind uplift. Easily fractured clay tiles are also highly prone to wind uplift, with few backed by any warranty at all. 
 
Fortunately, DECRA metal roofs are designed to replicate traditional roofing styles familiar to coastal areas without sacrificing style or strength. 

2 - Hail and storm debris impact 

Ensuring the roof stays firmly in place is step one in hurricane conditions. Hurricanes bring with them warm, moist air, which can spin off thunderstorms with intense blasts of hail and rain. The result? An instability in the atmosphere–namely, a layer of hot air with cold air above it, sometimes causing tornadoes. 
 
DECRA’s zinc-aluminum alloyed, high-grade, multi-layered steel with acrylic formula bonding carries the highest possible UL2218 Class 4 impact rating and is warrantied for hail up 2.5 inches in diameter. This resistance is critical for withstanding storm debris in hurricane or tornado-force winds. 
 
Hail can weaken the seal integrity of asphalt shingles. When this happens, the roof is exposed to the elements, which can lead to leaks. 

3 - Wind-driven rain 

Traditional roofing materials prone to wind uplift also leave the roof deck vulnerable to wind-driven rain. In hot weather, asphalt is known for "fish mouthing,” or cupping and curling around the shingles. When hurricane-strength winds blow through, the unsightly warped shingles catch wind-driven rain, if they manage to stay in place. 
 
Wood shakes are also prone to warp after repeated wet-dry cycles. Both shingles and shakes are only fastened at the nose or top, leaving the buttons to lift and catch wind and rain, while exposing the underlying roof deck to damaging leaks. 
 
With DECRA Metal Roofing products, there are no gaps in the interlocking system to scoop in wind and rain. The profiles are fastened securely in place with corrosion-resistant stainless-steel screws to ensure that wind-driven rain can’t penetrate the underlying deck. 
 
DECRA has even performed extensive wind-driven rain testing at speeds up to 110 mph to protect its roofing profiles against water penetration under the most extreme wind conditions. 

Added protection against the elements 

Not only do DECRA roofs protect against hurricane threats, but they also add strength to the roof deck. Shear forces are those that impact the building from the side, such as horizontal winds generated by hurricanes. These sideways winds stress the entire structure, which enables buckling of the underlying roof deck. 

DECRA’s stone-coated steel profiles provide a multi-layered reinforcement to prevent buckling damage unlike floppy asphalt shingles, flimsy wood shakes, or fragile clay tiles. They’re also backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty, which is important for residents in living in high-risk hurricane zones. 

Prep for storm season with the protection of stone-coated steel 

As hurricane season nears, it’s crucial to protect your business or home with the strength of stone-coated steel. When you’re ready to join the one million customers who have chosen DECRA, contact one of our roofing advisors to get started. 

Learn more about DECRA  in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit DECRA.com 

Original article source: DECRA 

]]> DECRA Metal Roofing vs. Traditional Roofing Materials in Tornado Regions https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/decra-metalroofingvs-traditional-roofing-materials-in-tornado-regions decra-metalroofingvs-traditional-roofing-materials-in-tornado-regions Tue, 10 Aug 2021 18:00:00 PDT

By DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Tornado season is among us. Make sure you let homeowners know to consider stone-coated metal to protect their homes.  

Tornado Alley used to be limited to Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas and Kansas, but recently these storms have been spreading beyond these states; and tornado touchdowns are rapidly increasing. Even without the threat of an actual tornado, the ingredients for tornados, like severe thunderstorms, destructive hailstones and damaging winds can wreak havoc on a roof. With tornado activity becoming more and more frequent, now is the best time to upgrade to a DECRA metal roof. Read on to learn more about how DECRA is designed to stand up to tornado conditions, making it an excellent option for those who live in tornado-prone regions.

Wind warranty rating 

DECRA Metal Roofing products carry a warranty rating for winds up to 120 mph and are lab tested at twice that velocity. Additionally, DECRA roofs use a unique interlocking system that helps the profiles remain firmly in place. 
 
Asphalt shingles are prone to cupping, splitting, warping, delaminating, loosening around the fasteners, and fish mouth curling over the years, which can increase the risk for wind uplift. Clay tiles and wood shakes can be vulnerable to wind uplift, so most aren't covered by wind warranties at all. DECRA metal roofs are resistant to cracking and splitting that can make roofs more vulnerable to damage from wind, hail, and rain. 

Impact resistance 

The same, severe thunderstorms that generate tornadoes can also assault the roof with intense hail barrages. DECRA has the highest possible UL2218 Class 4 impact rating and is warrantied for hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Clay tile roofs are so vulnerable to impact fracturing and that they aren't rated for impact at all.

Weight and shear strength 

Shear strength is the capacity of the roof to withstand the parallel “side forces” and the stresses of high winds in tornado regions, and even the vibrations and structural stresses of tremors in earthquake zones. In earthquake and hurricane zones, DECRA roofs add shear strength to reinforce the roof deck. Traditional roofing materials add more weight and stress to the underlying structure of the roof without contributing additional shear strength. At just 1.4 to 1.6 pounds per square foot, DECRA metal roofs are one of the lightest roofing materials available, averaging just 3,700-4,500 pounds as compared to clay tile at 18,000 to 45,000 pounds and architectural shingles at 7,500-12,000 pounds. 

DECRA provides durability with beauty 

From Hawaii to Canada, DECRA roofs have endured everything from hurricanes and typhoons to earthquakes and blizzards since 1957. 

Our advanced acrylic bonded stone-coating achieves the same vivid color and texture of traditional roofing materials without the shortcomings in durability. Backed by the strength of steel, DECRA metal roofs last two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials like asphalt, tile, and wood. 

Learn more about DECRA  in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit DECRA.com.

Original article source: DECRA

]]> A Day in the Life of an RCS Reporter at the CRA Trade Show https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-rcs-reporter-at-the-cra-trade-show a-day-in-the-life-of-an-rcs-reporter-at-the-cra-trade-show Sat, 10 Jul 2021 15:00:00 PDT

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

My day beat for beat at the CRA Tradeshow. 

8:30 a.m. — Today is the day! Very little captures the excitement of a field trip when you are an adult, but going to a tradeshow on a workday comes pretty close. Set up started at 9, but at around 8:30 my friends (and co-workers), Megan and Colin picked me up to go get coffee (it’s more than a brand, it’s a lifestyle). “This will be” plays on the radio and we all sing along as we make our way to Empowerment Field.  

9:00 a.m. — Megan, Colin and I arrive at Empowerment Field caffeinated and ready for a day of learning about roofing innovations and saying hello to the roofing community. After ten minutes of “looking for our table” (mainly getting distracted by everyone else’s cool swag) we find the promised land: table 88. We grab our tent, sandbags and swag from the car and basically run to set up our station.  

With the temperature outside already nearing the 80’s we broke out our brand-new red tent. We set up the frame with the tarp around it and in a beautiful act of teamwork popped up our giant palace of a tent. Home sweet home.  

9:30 a.m. — I put on my long-sleeved RCS t-shirt, truly believing that I would wear it all day in the heat, and marveled at the box of goodies we had. Megan focused on hanging a sign in the back of the tent as Colin and I set up the table with mountains of RCS swag. We had bumper stickers, koozies, pens, golf tees, magnets, coasters, pins, sticky notes, window stickers, fandana's and, the most prized object on the table, the RCS lunchbox we were raffling off.  

Happy with the look of our booth we had a small photo shoot. Then the announcer came on the microphone... 

10:00 a.m. — The CRA Tradeshow had begun! I looked around and realized all those empty tables from earlier were now covered by tents, fully stocked with demonstrations and swag with smiling faces behind them. I discovered we could put our magnets on the metal parts of our tent and did some last-minute decorating.  

People started to trickle in, coming up to our booth and asking us about RoofersCoffeeShop®. “We are where the industry meets,” Megan (or as Colin and I dubbed her: mini-Heidi) proudly announced to people curious about our booth, giving them a little taste of what the Coffee Shop has to offer.  

I took notes from what a seasoned pro of industry shows Megan is, mentally flagging good talking points.  

Colin, our videographer tapped on my shoulder, “I have the camera all set up, let’s go explore some booths!” I grab some of our bookmarks with our website on them and head off into the show with Colin. 

10:30 a.m. — Looking back to see a supportive thumbs up from Megan, Colin and I set off to find the coolest booth at the CRA (besides RCS of course). We headed first over to Malarkey’s booth. I told the man working at the booth that Colin and I had just finished writing a handful of articles about their smog-resistant, recycled shingles and the company's green initiatives. “It is so cool that you use old tires to make shingles,” I say. “It sure beats them sitting in a landfill,” the man replies.  

Then we headed over to DaVinci Roofscapes, where I got to see their composite slate up close — I even got to touch it! I take notes on the different panels for future article reference, writing down maybe twelve synonyms of “wood-like” and trying to note all the color options.  

Then we headed over to Beacon, where we said a quick hello and filmed a little bit of their booth. I compliment them on their matching polo shirts and they tell me I am brave for rocking my long-sleeved shirt in the 90-degree heat.  

Colin and I decide to head back to the tent to apply some more sunscreen, and so that I can (sadly) change out of my RCS shirt in exchange for pinning a bunch of RCS pins and stickers to a shorter sleeved shirt.   

11:30 a.m. — Megan is all smiles at the tent and is giggling with a few patrons. “We got some business cards for our raffle!” she reports. “We got some footage!” Colin says back.  

I respectfully fold up my RCS shirt. Megan is itching to go out and get some interviews, so I man the table as my friends' head towards the front of the show to go look at the Sashco caulking demo (complete with an ever-raining roof display). 

11:40 a.m. — A kind gentleman is walking around the CRA making sure people have on sunscreen, I tell him thank you for reminding me to reapply and put on my now third layer of sunscreen. While manning the booth I tell a couple of patrons about our RCS club and how they can generate more leads by being able to answer homeowner questions directly on our sister site AskARoofer. I hand out quite a few of our bookmarks detailing the program and encourage people to check out our website.  

Our friends at Beacon approach the tent, jokingly asking if they could film me and asking where our cameraman went. I tell them that Colin and Megan are over on the other side of the tradeshow, but to look out for them so we can grab some more footage. As they are a member of R-club, I offer them our exclusive pin and they happily apply them to their polos. I talk to them a bit more about podcasts and RLW’s at RoofersCoffeeShop and then they took some of our golf tees while remarking, “Tournaments are coming up!”  

12:15 p.m. — Colin and Megan come back with great news, they just got some stellar interviews and saw some cool displays. “Cotney has a nerf gun shooter for swag, what a cool idea,” Colin says. “National Women in Roofing has a booth and they talked to us for a while,” Megan says, setting down her collected swag from being a sharpshooter over at Cotney. I happily report back that I have had some lovely conversations, and the sun is officially high enough so that our table is covered in the shade.  

“No more emerging from the shadows to talk about our cool window decals!” I joke. Colin heads to the car to get his hat as Megan pulls out an ABC Supply branded sunscreen stick and reminds me to apply sunscreen on my hands. “You look a little red,” she says. “I think it’s the reflection of our tent!” I reply. We run tests and discover the tent does give off a bit of a red glow. “We are super dedicated to wearing our company colors,” I joke.  

Colin returns to the booth looking fashionable in a cowboy hat. Picking up the camera, I ask who wants to come with me to explore the west side of the show. Megan happily volunteers and we head towards the SRS booth.  

12:40 p.m. — Megan and I film the SRS booth and say our hellos. We both decide that the bucket hat that they are giving away is of the most prized items of swag we have seen and decide we would both like one. We grab our bucket hats and happily put them on, “Do I look like Paddington the Bear?” I ask. “Yes,” says Megan. “In the absolute best way.” We giggle over towards the Estimating Edge booth.  

“You both just lit up this side of the tradeshow,” the man at Estimating Edge says. We thank him for the compliment and mention that we just finished a great podcast with Estimating Edge for RoofersCoffeeShop. “We love RoofersCoffeeShop!” he replies. “We have to get a picture!” Megan and I pose for some pictures and happily chat about the newer features of Estimating Edge.  

Megan and I then visited DECRA, IKO and GAF (under their tent printed to look like a shingled roof!) before deciding we will have to return to the tent to drop off the swag we have been acquiring.  

1:00 p.m. — It's lunch time! Megan grabs our included lunch while Colin and I hydrate. We all power up to sandwiches and cookies the size of our face. Megan surprises us with some drinks from the bar and we all fit our RoofersCoffeeShop coozies on them, excited to rock more merch. We toast to RoofersCoffeeShop and a really fun day (and also that we all grew out of our middle school haircuts).  

A little boy pushing his own stroller runs up to our booth and I hand him a roofing respect sticker. He tries to stick it to his shirt without taking off the film on the back. I ask if I can help and then ceremoniously place the sticker on his shirt. He gives me a big grin, then takes the sticker off his shirt, sticks it to his forehead and runs off to show his dad. “We couldn’t ask for better marketing than that,” I smile.  

1:30 p.m. — We continue to take turns going back the tradeshow while reminding people that we are raffling off our lunchboxes. I go to see the Sashco demonstration for myself and try to figure out the magic behind the ever-rainy roof they have set up.  

With only thirty minutes left of the show, the announcer is almost constantly announcing winners to raffles and directing winners to their prizes. We all start itching to pull a business card out of our mason jar and discover who won the lunchboxes the more prizes we hear.  

1:45 p.m. — We can’t take it anymore! We pull two business cards and Megan runs off to the CRA tent to have the winners announced. When she comes back Colin makes sure to call our winners and direct them to our booth. Megan and I make sure we are easy to find by dancing out front of our tent.  

2:00 p.m. — With the tradeshow done and the lunchboxes given away, it's time to move out. Everyone starts to pack up their swag and their tents, and within ten minutes the field is nearly clear. Megan, Colin and I take our packed-up tent and boxes and head to the car, excited to feel some much needed AC and riding high from how lucky we are to have such a fun day of friends, sun and roofing be a part of our job. 

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news.

]]>