Not all buildings are built the same, or have the same roof requirements. Unlike residential roofing, the roofing requirements for commercial and industrial properties focus on functionality and affordability, first, before aesthetic needs. Commercial and industrial properties can have many types of structures, both large and small, that require roofing, such as barns, sheds, warehouses, car ports, and many others.
Corrugated steel roofing and asphalt shingles are commonly used on all types of commercial and industrial properties, however, corrugated metal is more suitable, for many reasons.
Corrugated Steel Roofing is Suitable for Commercial and Industrial Properties
Corrugated steel roofing is suitable for commercial and industrial properties for a few reasons, mainly, it is light-weight and strong, and it is much easier to install than other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles. Also, corrugated metal sheets last longer, up to five times longer. If properly maintained, a metal roof can last up to 60 years, depending on the thickness of the panel, the quality of coating, and the grade of the steel roofing sheets.
High-quality corrugated steel roof sheets come in various lengths, thicknesses, and can be cut and fabricated to fit onto any structure, unlike other roofing material. Also, corrugated steel roofing sheets aren’t bland, any more. That’s because these can be coated with specialised polymer paints that stave off corrosion, and that provides an effective barrier to keep buildings warm during cold nights and evenings, and cool during hot days.
Installation for Commercial and Industrial Properties
Most types of roofing materials take a long time to install – many days or weeks, but not steel roofing. It takes only a few short days to install for larger buildings, and only hours for smaller structures. Also, steel roofing requires minimal maintenance, which appeals to commercial and industrial businesses.
Many professional roofers recommend corrugated steel roofing for commercial and industrial properties because it is hardy, light-weight, fire-resistant, corrosion resistant, requires minimal maintenance, available in many colours, and it can be installed in a very short amount of time.
So, whether it is a new steel roof or a re-roofing job that needs doing in the Auckland region, contact the friendly folks at Johnson Roofing – professional roofers specialising in steel roof installation, repair and maintenance.
Are you considering reroofing your home or garage? Are you exploring the various roofing options available to you, but you have some questions that you need to ask to make the best informed decision? You should. Owning real-estate is a huge investment that comes with lots of responsibilities, and making sure that you have the best roof for your home is the most important one. Because it just ensures your investment is protected as best as it can.
While steel roofing is a preferred choice for many home-owners, there are other roofing materials that are popular which have been around for a while, these include stone and ceramic tile roofing. However, there are some questions you should ask before committing to a new steel roof, so that you can feel confident that it is what’s best for your home. To help you ask the right questions, here are a few below.
Important Questions about Steel Roofing
Stone and ceramic roofing tiles, wood shingles, and metal roofs are common roofing options for people living in New Zealand. Other areas of the world have different climates, and what may seem like an ideal roofing material in one geographical location or country, may not be what’s best for a New Zealand home.
What are the main benefits of a steel roof compared to a stone or ceramic roof?
Basically, both ceramic and steel roofs are durable, but steel roofs are far more flexible and easier to install than stone or ceramic roof. For example, metal roofing can be fabricated to fit over any section of a home or building, this cannot be said for ceramic roofing. And, a steel roof weighs much less than stone and ceramic roofing, which make it an ideal choice for light structures such as sheds, garages and smaller homes.
Is a steel roof cheaper than stone or ceramic roofs?
Yes, for a few reasons, such as it takes less time to install steel roofs than it does ceramic or stone roofing, and the cost per metre is also cheaper.
Are there any professional steel roof experts in Auckland?
Absolutely, Johnson Roofing services the whole of Auckland, and they also provide 24 hour emergency service from Manakau to Orewa. The company provides fast and reliable service and offers a free roof inspection to those interested in the benefits of steel roofing for their homes.
Metal roofing is an ideal choice for property owners who are concerned about improving energy efficiency, and who want to add a distinguished design element to their homes and structures. Although metal roofing sheets are significantly better than shingles for roofing, these still wear with age and need repairing, patching, and re-roofing, eventually. Metal roofing can last decades, if it is maintained properly, otherwise these can prematurely corrode, rust, and then holes begin to form.
When holes appear in metal roofing, usually due to rust and corrosion, patching can be an effective way to stop leaks, temporarily. However, it might be more affordable to re-roof a section instead of just patching holes, and then having new ones form from older metal sheet roofing later. This is a decision a metal roofing expert can help you – when to repair, patch, or re-roof?
To Patch or to Re-roof?
Have recent winds and rain exposed a few leaks in your roof? Well, it does come as a surprise to most homeowners to discover a rusty roof because the roof is usually out of sight and out of mind, until it begins to leak. It’s true, years pass quickly when you are living in a home you love. Although, patching holes can stop water from leaking, a rusty roof can’t get any better on its own, so replacing old sheets with new ones is the obvious, permanent fix.
The main reason metal roofs begin to corrode and rust is that their protective coating has eroded, thus exposing the base metal to the elements – the sun, wind and rain. There are various grades of metal sheets for roofs available, and when it does come time for re-roofing a home, it is highly advised to always choose the best grade metal sheets possible because they will resist rust and corrosion longer.
However, although replacing metal sheets is the best solution for rusty metal roofing sheets with holes, there are times when patching these is best, and the most qualified person to make that distinction is someone who knows about metal roofing, such as expert roofers at Johnson Roofing.
For a free roof inspection, and available 24 hour emergency service for the whole Auckland region, call Johnson Roofing, we offers roof repair and re-roofing solutions to fix rusty roofs with holes.
Whether you are building a new home, re-roofing, or repairing on older roof, there is one aspect of your home’s roof that must not be overlooked – proper flashing installation. In fact, the main area where ‘undamaged’ roofs will leak is around either improperly installed flashing, or old roof flashing. Unfortunately, improper installation of flashing is not uncommon because it is something a carpenter or other tradesperson may offer to do for you, but may not be as qualified as a professional metal roofer.
When dealing with most other areas of the house, many homeowners will try their hand at DIY projects, or they will hire a local person they know to do ‘simple’ home repair jobs. That’s alright, for other areas of the home, but not the roof. When it comes to ensuring that the largest investment of a person’s life – usually the home – is secure, then only having a professional roofing company to repair your roof, by installing proper flashing, is highly advised. Otherwise, the risk is to your home is too great, an improper installation of flashing can be very costly in water damage inside the areas of the home, if the flashing leaks.
Areas of the Roof that Need Proper Flashing Installation
Basically, wherever there are changes in the roof, either contrasting angles, adjoining slopes, or where different building material meet, flashing is used to protect against seepage of rain water gaining access to underneath the roof. Flashing comes in various materials, depending on the type of roofing, such as copper, galvanized metal, aluminium, plastics, sheet metal flashing, and the most common.
The area of the roof where flashing will be installed is also factors into what type of flashing material is used, it can be any place that requires additional protection, such as around vents, chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys.
Home Roof Inspection is the Best Assurance
Without proper training, improper flashing installation is almost guaranteed, which puts your home at risk. As an example, the wrong type nails can work loose, especially if not anchored properly, this can cause the flashing to pop up and allow rain to enter. So, if you notice moister around areas under your flashing, then you should have a professional roofer inspect your roof as soon as possible, to make sure the flashing is not damaged or improperly installed.
The best solution to ensure you investment is safe is to have your roof inspected, professional roofers can tell you the health and the condition of all your flashing.
High quality roofing is what every property owner desires to have protecting their buildings and structures, which is why steel roofing sheets are so popular in New Zealand. Steel roofs guarantees longevity and even lowers energy consumption costs considerably. Yes, there are other roofing types available on the market, but none are as strong, durable, and easy to install than steel roofing.
The most widely used steel roof sheets come in various sizes of corrugated steel that is either pre-painted or unpainted. All are equally easy to install by professional roofers, and these provide the durability and longevity that property owners expect.
Available Types of Steel Roofing Sheets
Unpainted corrugated steel roof sheets:
For the majority of homes that have the traditional corrugated metal roofing that New Zealand is known for, these are actually unpainted corrugated steel roofing sheets. Definitely a hardy roofing material, it is coated with either zinc or aluminium, or normally a mixture of both, which provides an effective layer of protection against corrosion. However, it does need to be cleaned occasionally of dirt and sand deposits to reduce corrosion, and should never be scrubbed washed with a wire brush.
Pre-painted corrugated steel roof sheets:
These are specially coated or pre-painted directly from the manufacturer to be highly resistant to heat, cold, harsh weather, and minor scratching, not to mention it is much easier to clean than unpainted corrugated steel sheet roofing. Also, pre-painted corrugated metal sheets is available in many colours, and finding one to match a residential or commercial building’s aesthetics is very easy.
Whether you opt for untreated metal roofing, also known as unpainted steel roofing, or pre-painted corrugated steel roof sheets, these need to be regularly cleaned and maintained, just like any other roofing material. However, when repairing or reroofing steel roof sheets, always chose a professional roofing company that specialises in steel roofing.
Here at Johnson Roofing Auckland, we specialise in installing and repairing steel roofing, and we take pride in working with our customers to produce the best steel roofs possible, using only quality New Zealand steel sheets for roofing that comes with a warranty up to 30 years.
If you have a steel roof, then avail of our free inspection service to discover the health condition of your metal roof today.
Although there are many types of roofing materials to choose from when building a new home, or when re-roofing an existing one, there are some common things that pose a danger to all of these, even to steel roofs. A hardy steel roof offers superior home protection because it is made of hardy metal sheets that lay on a steel roof frame, however, there are common things that endanger steel roofing just as much as tile roofing, shingle roofing, or any other roofing material.
4 Common Things that Endanger Steel Roofing
If you own a steel roof, or you are planning on installing one, then you will find this list helpful and insightful, allowing you to prepare and plan to keep your home’s steel roof in good shape.
1. Poor Installation – The integrity of any building, whether it is a residential home, or a commercial building, is paramount. This why when selecting a company to install your roof it is highly advised to make sure it is a professional steel roofing contractor, not just ‘any’ contractor. Why is that? The reason is simple, although a roofing contractor can install various roofing materials, steel roof experts will ensure that no mistakes are made.
Poorly installed steel roofs that are not fastened down or anchor properly can cause steel sheets to come lose in high winds, which can slowing cause other problems to arise that can cause even slight damage that will eventually need repairing. This scenario can be effectively avoided by hiring a company that specialises in steel roof installation, reroofing and repair.
2. Foot Traffic Damage – Climbing on roofs should only be conducted by experienced persons who know where to place their footing, so as not to damage the roof. Basically, limiting access to your steel roof can prevent unnecessary damage cause by people walking on it.
3. Bird Droppings – As silly as it may sound, it’s no joke – bird dropping can damage metal roofing, much in the same way as it damages car paint. However, unlike car paint, steel roofs have special galvanic coating that is designed to prevent corrosion and can resist the acidity of even bird droppings. However, if left unchecked for long periods of time, even bird droppings can penetrate a steel roof’s protective coating.
4. Tree Branches – As with any roof, falling tree branches pose a real risk, as trees grow, their limbs can break off during storms or due to old age, and physically damage steel roofing. The solution is simple, have a trusted steel roofing contractor inspect your roof to check for anything that can endanger your roof, like a tree growing to near to your home.
If you want to make sure your steel roof is in good shape, then contact Johnson Roofing – a steel roofing contractor specialising in steel roof installation and repair.
Maintaining a building involves many tasks to be accomplished on a regular basis, inside and outside, however, it is the roof that should get centre stage attention. Unfortunately, many property owners and managers focus on aspects of their buildings that can readily be seen, such as walls, flooring and fixtures, and the roof regularly gets overlooked.
There are many types of roofing materials, and all have their advantages and disadvantages, although, for many New Zealanders, a steel roof is preferred because it is affordable, hardy, and easily installed. However, like any part of a home, commercial building or structure, steel roof cleaning and maintenance is vital for ensuring the maximum life expectancy of one’s roof. Otherwise, even the finest steel roof can become damaged or eroded well before it’s time.
Do to their hardy nature, steel roofs are being installed more often, and when cleaned and maintained on a regular basis these can last more than 30 years. Metal roofing is designed to be lightweight, energy efficient, withstand severe weather and is naturally fire resistant, all great qualities, and, it only needs periodic cleaning when needed.
Metal roof inspection is recommended for homes that have not received maintenance of cleaning for years. In this way, home owners can know the health condition of their roof, so that they can clean it, or make repairs if needed. Basically, steel roof cleaning and maintenance is the best way to prolong the life of your metal roof.
Best Practices in Steel Roof Cleaning and Maintenance
If you have a steel roof, you should have it inspected at least every four or five years, or sooner if you’re living very near the coast, as corrosion could set in if left unchecked and unmaintained. Fortunately, metal roof cleaning and maintenance is very common and professionals like Johnson Roofing can help to keep your roof in good shape for many years to come.
The best practises for cleaning and maintaining your metal roof, besides removing any debris that could damage your roof or obstruct gutters and downspouts, is by using a light pressure water stream and a solution mix of a mild amount of surfactant and sodium hypochlorite – a mixture recommended by steel roof manufacturers.
In some cases, a pressure washer is used, however, care is needed as to prevent high pressure stream of water from penetrating under your roof panels via flashing, J-channel or roof vents. This is why professional metal roof cleaners are recommended to maintain steel roofing.
The frequency of steel roof cleaning varies from home to home, mostly determined by the geographical location, but a roof inspection by professionals from Johnson Roofing can advise a maintenance and cleaning program that is right for you.
There is nothing as rewarding as home ownership, and while owning a home has many, many benefits, it comes with some inherited responsibilities, such as home maintenance and up keep, which includes the foundation of a home, plumbing, electrical, walls and especially the roof. Of all the things to upkeep in and around a home, maintaining the roof is the most important because if neglected, roof costs associated with fixing a damaged roof can be expensive.
Metal roofing is very popular today, as this type of roof is hardy, easier and faster to install, repair, repatch and re-roof, if necessary. While metal roofs can last just as long as they are maintained, metal roofing may need to be repaired, even if it doesn’t physically seem damaged. So, when does a metal roof need repairing, and how best to manage the roof costs incurred? Let’s have a look.
When is it Time to Repair, Repatch or Re-roof?
As the years pass, roofs endure a lot of weathering and can even suffer from physical damage. Damage to a roof can come from many sources such as from falling tree branches or by people walking on them. However, even though metal roof sheeting is tough stuff, it can erode with time and neglect, but there are also some other reasons that can cause damage to roofing that would require roof repairing, repatching, or even reroofing to be done – that is improper roof installation or poor roof repairs.
While most damages to a roof are discovered during rains, a metal roof doesn’t have to leak to need repairing. It is very unfortunate that some residential metal roof repairs are not done properly, and need to be repaired. The same is true of an incorrectly installed metal sheet roof, it too may need fixing or even reroofing, which is a terrible thing to happen to any homeowner.
Whether there is evidence of a leaking roof, visible signs of erosion, or you just suspect that a roof repair or re-roof job was done incorrectly, then the best thing to do is have a metal roof inspection conducted. That is the only ‘real’ way to make sure if you need any roof repairs done, or not.
Johnson Roofing provides steel roof inspections and reliable roofing repairs. Our experienced roofers are available to you any time, as we also provide a 24 hour call out service to the whole Auckland region.
There are many types of roofing material available, however, out of them all, a solid steel roof provides exceptional roofing integrity and stability to any building. Although steel roofs are an ideal choice of roofing, making sure that they remain in good shape is essential, for many reasons.
As years pass, a home’s roof undergoes weathering, and sometimes it becomes damaged by severe weather, falling tree branches, or from failing gutters and downspouts, and when that happens, repairs should be made as soon as possible. Through weathering and physical damage, steel roofing can be easily repaired by professional roofers, but checking the roof’s frame, and individual beams that support the weight of roofs is just as important.
Roofing Integrity and Stability Protect a Homes
Checking and then maintaining the stability of a roof, and its foundation, is vital for the structural integrity of the entire home. That said, roof inspections should be conducted every couple of years, or more frequently, just to be safe. In fact, some home insurance policies actually stipulate that a property owners have their roofs inspected and thoroughly checked, or else a home’s insurance policy may become voided, which is very serious business.
Whether a roof inspection is required or not, it is seriously advised to have a professional roofing company inspect the integrity and stability of your steel roof. When the structural integrity of a roof is compromised, it can break, tear apart and even collapse in places because it can no longer bare the load it was designed to support by architectural engineers.
A damaged roof spells troubles for property owners because it lowers the value of their homes, can be the cause of water damage to other parts of the home, and could eventually lead to structural deterioration of the entire home, especially if left ‘unchecked’. Wise homeowners know the importance of maintaining the integrity of their homes, and whether it is electrical inspections, plumbing inspections or roofing inspections, these are all part of the burdens of home ownership.
Thankfully, property owners are not alone because help can be had by professional steel roofing experts at Johnson Roofing, in Auckland. Whether it is checking the roofing integrity and stability of your roof, or repairing and restoring the appearance of your steel roof back to its original condition, Johnson Roofing is here to help.
According to building contractors, metal roofing installations have increased considerably over the last decade. Prolonged life expectancy and lower maintenance costs due to regular roof safety inspections are just two of the biggest reasons for this popularity.
Importance of Roof Safety Inspections for Metal Roofs
However, like all other roofing materials, metal roofs have to be inspected and repaired for damages to maintain their durability. There are several ways property owners and managers can inspect their roofs, to look for any damages or warning signs, but it is highly recommended to hire roofing professionals to inspect and repair roofs when needed.
1. Look for trees and branches running against the metal.
If there are a lot of trees around or near your building or house, there is a high chance of abrasion which can the roof. Wind can cause fallen branches to rub against the surface of the metal, which will slowly take off the finish of the metal, which will continue to cause more damage if left unresolved.
2. Removing debris such as fallen tree branches, leaves and dust.
Small wooden pieces, pebbles, dust and debris can all combine to block water drainage on your roof. During the rainy season, this debris spells trouble because it can cause gutter and drain clogging, and when water overflows it can get under the metal sheeting and can damage the building. Or, if stagnant water is allowed to remain on the roof for many days, it can accelerate corrosion.
Just like with all other kinds of roofing materials, it is recommended that you have it inspected and any debris removed, before the rains come. And, pressure water cleaning should help you with this issue.
3. Avoid climbing onto the roof.
This might seem paradoxical when it is suggested to clean debris from roofing periodically. However, there is a difference when roofing experts access the roof safely, using proper equipment and clothing, than just ‘anybody’ climbing onto the roof, which can result in either personal injury and/or damage to the roof.
Metal roofing manufacturers do not test roofing to endure excessive weight caused by foot traffic, and bent metal sheets is definitely no good for the roof because it will allow water to stagnate. This will cause accelerated corrosion to take place, and once rust takes hold it will begin to spread.
If you want to ensure that your metal roof is in good shape, then schedule roof safety inspections a few times a year, with us here at Johnson Roofing Auckland. Our professional roofers will make sure that your roof is in good shape, and if we find any damages or debris, we can repair and clean your roof in a safe and efficient manner.
