Roofing | American Roofing and Sheet Metal

Tips to determine if you should replace a shingle roof with a metal roof.

We are often asked by homeowners and property managers whether or not they should replace a shingle roof with metal. Or replace metal roofs with shingles. While shingle roofs typically last 20 years in the Tampa Bay Area, metal roofing systems can last 40 years easily. Shingles come in a wider variety of colors than metal roofing. Both shingle and metal roofs are available in different shapes to match the style of your home or property.

Our sales managers can help you look at the styles, budget and durability that you require. Metal roofing materials today area feature salt water resistance, ideal for waterfront communities. Metal roofs are even available in shapes which resemble barrel tiles. Shingle roofs offer economical alternatives for homeowners who may be planning to sell their house in the near future.

For an evaluation of your roof situation, call Your Tampa Bay Roofer, American Roofing and Sheet Metal at 813.884.1815

What to know before installing solar panels on your roof.

Solar power is gaining popularity, and demand will continue to grow as the economical and environmental advantages become more evident. In Tampa Bay solar panels are often used in swimming pool heating systems. Before installing solar panels on your roof, evaluate the condition of your roof.

Age of Roof

Unless your roof is just a few years old, consider repairing or replacing it before having solar panel systems installed. Not only do they add to the weight on the roof, they change the way the water flows. Installation itself affects the waterproof membrane of roofs approaching the end of their useful life. Shingle roofing can be especially susceptible.

Solar Panels and Warranties

Solar systems for both electricity and pool heaters can last 20 or more years. If your roof is not capable of maintaining its integrity for this same length of time, you could be paying to have your solar panels installed, removed and installed again. The ideal scenario is to install your panels shortly after you replace your roof so that the warranty periods synchronize.

Evaluate Roof Condition

Call American Roofing and Sheet Metal to have a professional evaluation of your roofing system. Prior to spending tens of thousands of dollars to convert to solar power, ensure your roof will serve you well and protect your house while providing a suitable foundation for your solar panels. Both roof replacement and solar power systems will add value to your home, and we can help you select the best roof for your style and budget. We provide options ranging from all shapes and colors of designer shingles to metal roofing styles which are trending heavily.

Call 813.884.1815 for a professional evaluation.

Your roof may be the most important element in your house.

Is your roof functional or cosmetic? Yes!

Depending on the style of your house, the roof can represent from one-third to one-half the surface area seen from the street. It’s a major component of your curb appeal. If it is aging, stained and dull in color, your house will look tired and unmaintained. A new roof represents both a safer house, as we enter hurricane season, and a whole new look with regard to style and color.

Roof Age

Asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular in Tampa Bay. Beautiful, economical and durable for the first 15 years, most shingles rated for a 20+ year useful life don’t last that long in Florida’s sun. Insurance companies now require shingle roofs to be under 20 years to pass a 4-point inspection. Tile, concrete and metal roofs offer longer life spans, so insurance companies extend their guidelines accordingly. If your shingle roof is over 15 years and you are thinking of selling, consider getting it inspected or replaced prior to selling. We offer free estimates at 813.884.1815.

Roof Condition

Losing granules and staining can point to a potential leak. Check your fascia and soffits for soft wood or cracking. Rotted wood will be replaced with fresh plywood with a roof replacement. Both the roofing system and the soffit should be free of rot. Fresh flashing around vents and chimney openings can be both aesthetic and functional. Our teams scour the house for any potential openings or soft spots to be repaired. As a roofer in the top 2% of roofers nationwide, our customer service satisfaction outcomes are our best qualifications for your new roof installation.

Colors and Shapes

The 2021 trend is to contrast the sides of your house with the roof, so if you have a light-colored stucco, paint or brick, consider a dark roof for contrast. We stock shingles in color combinations and shapes to meet any style. Light or white roofs give a tropical feeling to a house, and they help to reflect sunlight. We have shingles the color of terra cotta as well as metal roofing that looks like barrel tile. There are shingles shaped and colored like slate or wood shake, so the possibilities are endless. Our skilled team will help you pick the shingles, metal roofing or flat roof to match your house, your personality and your budget.

Signs indicating your roof needs replacement

Signs indicating your roof needs replacement.

Old roofing – Traditional three-tab and dimensional asphalt shingles have a 20-year service life in Florida. If a roof is over 15 years your home may not pass a 4-point insurance inspection. Most inspections require a remaining service life of five to seven years to pass a real estate home inspection and a 4-point insurance report. Plus, you will need a wind mitigation report to gain insurance, too.
Missing, cracked, or curled shingles – If most of your roof is in this condition, your shingles are old and the roof needs a replacement. With Florida tropical storms, missing or curled shingles open our roof to possible water intrusion.
Granules in the gutters – A few loose granules shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. However, alot of granules collecting in the gutters mean the granules are washing away in the rainwater runoff. The signifies worn shingles in need replacement.
Damaged flashing or soffits/fascia – Flashing over penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys provides protection. Also, rotted or splintered soffits and fascia indicate water intrusion and therefore your roof may require a full replacement. Leaks can often begin on the edges, so peeling paint or soft wood are good indicators of a potential leak.

Some issues or roof leaks can be repaired, but if you have more than one of these conditions listed above, it may be smarter to do a roof replacement. It will help you generate a higher value if you are planning to sell. Plus, it is a great relief to know your house is safe even in the tropical storms of spring and summer. If you are unsure, call us at 813.884.1815 for a professional evaluation and estimate.

We are an award-winning roofer which prides itself on customer satisfaction and high quality workmanship. We offer shingles of many different shapes and colors, so we are sure to offer a style that matches you.

Protect your roof during hurricane season.

Hurricane Season

Our “cone of uncertainty” extends not only for the next few days, but for the next four months in Tampa Bay. It’s important to protect your roof during hurricane season. Trim trees away from your roof, and clean out gutters so the water does not back up under shingles or tiles. Hurricane season officially lasts until November 30.

Assess Roof Condition During Hurricane Season

If you have doubts as to whether or not your roof will withstand another tropical storm, call us. You can avoid damage to the inside of your home if you replace bad sections of your roof or replace the roof before our rainiest days of the year arrive. If your shingles are shiny, metal roofing is rusting or your roof looks wavy, we can help protect your most valued belongings.

Maintain Your Roof During Hurricane Season

We have maintenance programs which give you peace of mind. We will inspect your roof annually, make suggestions, and find problem spots before they cause damage. Small roof issues are easier to repair than when they are allowed to grow into major leaks not detected for weeks or months.

Trust Us As Your Roofing Partner

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We earn awards for our level of customer service year after year. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction with each and ever job. We are a master elite contractor. What does that mean to you? It means American Roofing and Sheet Metal is among the top 2% of roofers in the country, and we’re right here in Tampa Bay. Our trucks go from Pinellas to Hillsborough County each day. Let us help you protect your roof during hurricane season. We install and repair metal roofs, shingle roofs and flat roofs. Call 813.884.1815 to have us assess your roof for leaks, preventative maintenance programs or a new roof replacement.