Thursday, November 19, 2015

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

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Metal's Vast Superiority
You’ve probably heard about metal roofing, and it’s vast superiority to most other varieties of roofing materials. But you may not be familiar with a particular type of metal roofing system that’s actually quite popular: standing seam metal roofing. It wasn’t long ago that standing seam roofs were almost exclusively relegated to  commercial buildings, with only a handful of high ticket, “haute architecture” residential buildings privileged enough to be dressed in the graphically striking metal roof. Boy, have things changed.

Neatly Tailored Appearance
If you’ve noticed houses in your neighborhood clad in metal roofs, it’s more likely than not that they are made with the standing seam metal application. They’re almost impossible to miss, with their neatly tailored appearance, bearing a series of equidistant vertical ridges running from the crest of each panel down to the eaves.

Seams Fastened Above the Roof Deck
In a standing seam system, seams between the panels are connected by fasteners above the the level of the roofing, hence the name, “standing seam” - as opposed to the more commonly found “flush-mount” of other roofing systems. And that’s just the beginning of the differences. While standing seam metal roofs are among the costlier options in contemporary roofing, many homeowners happily select standing seams as their roofing system of choice due to their incredible strength and longevity.

Many Benefits
In addition to their admirable durability, the standing seam roof far outranks more traditional roofing materials by the very nature of its design, whereby the seams, the most vulnerable point in any style of roof system, are elevated above the roof deck. Additionally, there are fewer seams in a standing seam system, and no horizontal seams whatsoever. Because they can be painted with the lighter colors that reduce heat gain, a standing seam roof is also considered a “cool roof” by the EPA.

Professional Installers in Short Supply
One of the few downsides of the standing seam roof? Finding a professional roofing contractor experienced in performing quality standing seam metal installations. Fortunately, when it comes to standing seam metal roofing systems for residential or commercial structures, Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has all the knowledge and experience you need to get the job done right. With a reputation for excellence and reliability, you can count on Mike Ragan Roofing.

Thinking of making a smart investment in standing seam metal roofing installation on your Nashville home or commercial property?, Remember, at Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal, estimates are always free, and financing is available. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.



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Thursday, November 5, 2015

Metal Roofing Can Weather the Elements


Nashville Metal Roofing
You’ve probably heard it before: your home is only as sound as its roof. That’s why metal roofing is such a terrific choice. Among its many benefits is the tremendous durability of metal, with the ability to withstand the harsh elements of nature, including rain, hail, ice, snow, winds, and thunderstorms.

Strong Winds
Your Nashville metal roofing system does a superb job of standing up to strong winds. In fact, when it comes to the severe winds that are often so punishing for roofs, metal is one of the best choices you can make. Did you know that a metal roof in good condition is able to withstand winds equivalent to an F5 tornado, up to 150 mph? That’s pretty impressive if you ask us.

Hail
When we think of metal in association with hail, we can tend to think of it as being somewhat vulnerable, considering what it can do to our vehicles. Although metal will sometimes exhibit light impressions from the impact of hail, it is far more resistant than either asphalt or fiberglass. In fact, metal roofs have the highest hail rating granted by the insurance industry.  

Rain, Ice, Snow
Easy math says that metal + water = rust, right? Not so when it comes to Nashville metal roofing material.
Modern metal roofing material is coated with a zinc and aluminum formulation to render it corrosion free for many, many years. That makes metal roofing a superior choice that stands up powerfully to water elements such as rain, ice, snow, and condensation.
           


When you need a professional Nashville commercial or residential roofer you can rely on, Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has the experience and know-how to get the job done right the first time. At Mike Ragan Roofing, estimates are always free, and financing is available. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.



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Thursday, October 22, 2015

The Breakdown: Your Fall Roof Inspection



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Your fall roof inspection needs to be detailed and thorough. Anything less can’t guarantee to help keep your loved ones and your valuable property protected throughout the punishing winter weather ahead. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you should expect in your fall roof inspection.

GET READY
  • For best results, have the file containing your roof documents and data regarding repairs handy for your roof inspection pros to review. That will give your team the best possible foundation to anchor their findings upon.

THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION:

  • SURFACE REVIEW
A physical inspection of the roof’s surface, making note of areas with previous water ponding and surface deterioration, new shaling ballast, amount of dirt and debris, membrane and sealant condition.

  • SEAL CONDITION
The seal condition between the roofline and walls, typically a weaker area more vulnerable to leaks.

  • FLASHING, SCUPPERS, STRAINERS, PARAPETS
Flashing, as well as the other three when in existence, are common places for compromised seals to occur leading to roof leaks.

  • GUTTERS
Gutter failure can quickly lead to foundation or exterior siding and trim damage.

PREMATURE WEAR
  • Are any areas wearing prematurely, and if so, why?

DAMAGE BY INSTALLERS
  • This is a key service to the homeowner. It is not uncommon for service professionals and installers to inadvertently cause damage a rooftop. Most often, they are either not aware of the level of damage their work has caused, or have not appropriately informed the homeowner of the damage and the proper chain of liability. A common example of this is roof damage and leaks caused by poorly installed rooftop air conditioning units. Repair for this type of damage can be extensive and costly. That’s why the discovery of this in an inspection has the potential to save the homeowner thousands and thousands of dollars.

CLEANING & DEBRIS REMOVAL
  • The inspector will assess the need for roof and gutter cleaning and debris removal.

PREVIOUS STORM DAMAGE
  • Locate previous storm damage caused by hail, blown debris or wind uplift.

FULL LEAK & DRAINAGE ASSESSMENT
  • Inspector will review entire roof thoroughly for any and all leaks, as well as review frequent points of drainage trouble. All issues are noted.

SECURITY RISKS
  • Unlocked or insecure access points, such as hatches and skylights are noted.

WARRANTY REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
  • A thorough review of findings will be documented, and needs for warranty repairs and maintenance will be noted along with professional recommendations.

AFTER THE INSPECTION

You will likely have some decisions to make. A new or well-maintained roof in excellent condition may need no additional service beyond roof cleaning and debris removal. If you discover you need roof repairs or restoration, it is possible that there are a number of different approaches you may take based upon things like budget and age of the roof. Your Nashville roof inspector will explain these options to you in detail, giving you their best professional opinion on each. This is an ideal time to schedule any needed repairs, as harsh winter weather will soon be upon us.


Have more questions? Mike Ragan Roofing has answers!
For all your Greater Nashville roofing inspection, repair, and restoration, the team at Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has the knowledge, experience and dependability you need. Whether  your needs are Nashville commercial or residential roofing, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445. We look forward to serving you!



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Thursday, October 8, 2015

What to Look for in a Commercial Roofing Contractor


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Finding the right Nashville commercial roofer for the job.


When you’re looking for a Middle Tennessee professional commercial roofing contractor for your commercial roofing installation or replacement, it’s important you find the right Nashville commercial roofing contractor for the job. Your commercial building roof is a primary asset. A poorly constructed roof or the use of inferior materials can lead to major losses.

At Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal, we want you to feel confident, knowing you have found the Nashville commercial roofing contractor that’s right for your project. The key is knowing which questions to ask. That’s why we’ve put together a shorthand list of questions to guide you in your search. Take some time to review them. When you’re done, you’ll be well prepared to find the best pro commercial roofer for your needs.

Q. ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
  • Consider the intended use of the property. Will the roof:
    • Be WEIGHT-BEARING?
    • Bear FOOT TRAFFIC?
    • Is AESTHETIC APPEAL vs. SIMPLY FUNCTIONALITY desired?
    • Is CLEANING/MAINTENANCE desired?
    • Are WALKWAYS for service wanted?
  • Property to be held by the owner or prepared for resale?
  • Special climate considerations?
  • Special applications desired (ex: cool roof coating or insulation)?
  • Local building code and commercial roof installation specifications
  • Budget & funds availability?
  • Preferred start date?
  • Project deadline?

Q. ABOUT YOUR CONTRACTOR
  • Licensed and insured?
  • Length in business locally and reputation?
  • Level of expertise in commercial roofing?
  • Similar roofing projects?
    • How well have they performed over time?
  • Knowledgeable in the latest technology for commercial roofs?
  • Are they manufacturer certified to install your specific type of roofing for this project?
  • Warranties
    • Warranty on labor (generally 1-5 years)?
    • Warranty on materials (generally 10-30 years)?
    • Any additional manufacturer warranty?
      • What does each warranty include?
      • What is excluded in each warranty?
      • What conditions lead to warranty nullification?
      • Set dollar amount for future roof repair or no dollar limit (NDL)?
  • The Quote
    • Does it include regular inspection and maintenance?
    • If yes, does “maintenance” include (Ex: snow removal)?
      • Will the materials warranty be voided if regular inspections are missed?
    • If not included, what is the cost estimate for maintenance & repairs?
      • Can any repair or maintenance be done by property holder’s people without voiding contractor’s warranty?


More questions? Mike Ragan Roofing has answers!
When you need professional commercial roofing, the team at Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has all the knowledge, experience and dependability you need. For all of your Greater Nashville commercial roofing needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445. We look forward to serving you!



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Thursday, September 24, 2015

5 Steps to Winterize Your Roof

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Fall is here, and for Middle Tennessee homeowners, that means it’s time to begin preparing for the harsh weather of winter. At Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal, we care about helping you  keep your roof as safe and sound as possible. That’s why we we’ve put together this list of 5 key steps to winterize your roof. 


1) Gutter Duty

    Fall is famous for it’s steady stream of falling leaves carpeting the earth. Naturally, that includes your roof and gutters, and often leads to clogged gutters and downspouts. As your gutter system fails, your roof, trim, siding, and foundation are at risk. Always check, clean, and repair any necessary issues to avoid costly, unexpected repair bills. Having gutter guards installed is an excellent way to minimize your risk as well as your seasonal maintenance load.

     

    2) Remove Roof Debris

    Those leaves we just talked about? They contain moisture that can quickly degrade into mildew and decay. Soon, that same mildew and decay can be imparted into your roof, leading to spots of serious roof failure. That’s why ridding your roof of all debris is another important maintenance issue in winterizing your roof.

     

    3) Trim Low-Hanging Branches and Unhealthy Trees

    Most everyone knows what it’s like to walk outdoors after a wintry storm. Branches everywhere! This is a  good year-round tip, but it’s especially important in preparing for winter, when heavy snow and ice can cause vulnerable limbs to snap. This can lead to felled power lines, as well as severe roof damage when a crashing branch falls in an unfortunate location. Don't let this happen to you! Always be sure to trim or remove low-hanging branches. Also, inspect all trees on your property for health. Arranging to remove dead or dying trees can do much to save your roof from damage.

     

    4) Inspect Attic Insulation and Ventilation

    How is the quality of airflow in your attic? If  your answer is anything less than “good”, your roof could be in trouble - not to mention your utility bill! Mounting snow on a roof will eventually find its way to any available areas of damage, leading to roof leaks and degradation. Hiring a professional roofing expert to evaluate the fitness of your attic’s insulation and ventilation will help you discover any areas that need attention.

     

    5) Inspect For Roof Damage and Breakdown

    Once your roof has been cleaned, perform a thorough inspection. Better yet, rely on a local roofing professional to do the best job for you. Survey particularly for damaged or missing shingles and flashing, as these are the most common sources of roof damage. Remember, in the case that you discover damage, do not delay in attending to it. At Mike Ragan Roofing, estimates are always free, and financing is available.

     

    Don’t get caught out in the cold!

    Prepare your home for winter today. Following these 5 basic tips can make the all the difference in ensuring your roof will keep your family warm, safe and dry all winter. Remember, if you need professional help, Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has the experience and know-how to get the job done right the first time. For all of your Greater Nashville roofing and gutter needs, call  Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445.



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