Frequently Asked Questions - All Services

Metal roofing is durable, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, fire-resistant and resistant to extreme weather. It also reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs in summer. 

Yes, metal roofs can be painted. Many materials come pre-painted, but if your color fades or you want to change the color, you can repaint it. It’s important to use high-quality, rust-resistant paint designed specifically for metal roofing to ensure longevity. More information is available in our blog.

The time it takes to install a new roof varies depending on the size of the roof. A small shed could potentially be done in an afternoon, but a large commercial building can take up to a couple of months to complete. Reach out to us with the square footage of your project for an estimate.

Yes, in many cases, metal roofing can be installed over your existing roof without needing a complete tear-off. This can save you time and money on installation. However, the suitability depends on the condition of your current roof, so a professional assessment is recommended. 

No, metal roofs are not noisy when it rains or snows. You’ll experience no more noise than with traditional roofing materials. 

No, metal roofs do not attract lightning. Metal is no more likely to be struck by lightning than any other roofing material. In fact, if lightning does strike, metal roofs are non-combustible and provide a safe, protective barrier for your home. 

Yes, metal roofing is environmentally friendly. Many metal roofs are made from recycled materials and are themselves fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Additionally, the energy efficiency of metal roofing can help reduce your overall carbon footprint by lowering heating and cooling costs. 

Yes, metal roofing can increase the resale value of your home. Due to its durability and energy efficiency, potential buyers may see it as a long-term investment. Additionally, homes with metal roofs often have lower insurance premiums because they’re more resistant to fire and severe weather.  

Metal roofs require very little maintenance. You should inspect your roof annually for debris, like leaves or branches, and clean the gutters regularly. It's also a good idea to check for any loose panels or fasteners, especially after severe weather. Recoating may be needed after 20 years, depending on the material. 

Oil canning on a metal roof refers to a visible waviness or rippling that can appear in the flat areas of metal roofing panels, often seen as a cosmetic issue rather than a structural problem. It's an inherent characteristic of light-gauge, cold-rolled metal products and is often caused by the manufacturing process, where the metal is stretched or rolled.  

While oil canning can be visually unappealing, it doesn't compromise the structural integrity or waterproofness of the metal roof.  

Using textured panels (with pencil ribs) or lighter colors can help mask the appearance of oil canning. Lighter panel colors (such as white, grey, beige, etc.) reflect more light than darker panels and therefore are less likely to show signs of oil canning.

Metal siding is durable, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, fire-resistant and resistant to extreme weather. It also reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs in summer, although metal roofing is more effective.

Yes, metal siding can be painted. Many materials come pre-painted, but if your color fades or you want to change the color, you can repaint it. It’s important to use high-quality, rust-resistant paint designed specifically for metal roofing to ensure longevity. 

Yes, to clean metal siding, start by rinsing with a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting, then use a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge to scrub, and finally, rinse thoroughly 

Signs you may need new gutters include:

• Visible damage like cracks, holes, rust, sagging, or frequent clogging.  
• Mold 
• Drainage problems like puddles of water forming around the outside of your house.  
• Water is overflowing or leaking

If cleaning your gutters doesn't solve the problem, then chances are good that a replacement is needed.

If you have an ongoing problem with your gutters, it can damage your roof (more likely on a shingle roof), siding or fascia. A flooded basement or foundation issues can arise when downspouts aren't diverting water properly. If the problem(s) persists long enough, it can cause your insulation and wooden framing to rot as well.

Most gutter installation projects take no longer than a day with larger homes taking 2-3 days depending on the size of the house and the number of corners and downspouts installed. A commercial project may take a week or longer depending on the scope and/or height of the project.

Yes, but at best they allow longer periods between cleanings, and when cleaning is necessary, they must often be uninstalled to give access to the trough.

Choosing between aluminum and steel gutters depends on your individual requirements. Aluminum gutters are lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to maintain. On the other hand, steel gutters offer greater durability and are ideal for regions with harsh weather conditions. It's important to factor in your local climate before making a decision. 

The rule of thumb is that there should be a downspout for every 20-40’ of gutter length.  Additional factors that impact how many downspouts a roof should have include total roof size, the roof’s pitch, the intensity, regularity and duration of typical rainfall, and the capacity of your home’s gutters. 

The standard is 3-4 feet away from your home or business but if water tends to pool nearby, the distance can be increased accordingly.  Local building codes will also help you to determine the ideal length to extend your home’s downspouts. 

It all depends on what the snow may fall on as it slides off of the roof.  The installation of snow guards should be considered on roof areas where sliding snow might land on people or property.  Decks, walkways and driveways are obvious examples of such areas.    

That's no problem. With S-5 Snow Guards, we can install them onto an existing metal roof without attaching fasteners through the panel. 

• Leaking: This is the most common skylight problem and can be caused by damaged seals, cracks in the glass, or issues with the flashing. 
• Cracks: Look for cracks in the glass or frame, which can indicate structural damage. 
• Condensation: Excessive condensation can be a sign of poor insulation or a leaking skylight. 
• Difficulty Opening/Closing: If a skylight that's meant to open is difficult to operate, it may indicate a problem with the mechanism. 
• Age: Skylights typically have a lifespan of 10-20 years, so if yours is nearing that age, it might be time for a replacement. 

•  Resealing: If the leak is due to a damaged seal, a professional contractor can reapply sealant to the damaged surface. 
• Flashing Repair: Damaged flashing can be repaired or replaced to prevent leaks where the skylight meets the roof. 
• Glass Replacement: If the glass is cracked, it may need to be replaced. 
• Skylight Replacement: In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire skylight, especially if it's heavily damaged or nearing the end of its lifespan.