FS Construction Services metal siding cleaning tips

Tips for Cleaning Your Metal Siding

It’s the time of year where you’re likely to find yourself outside watering plants and noticing the growing spiderwebs around your windows and doors. And while you may be tempted to knock them down quickly and carry on, it’s worth asking yourself when the last time you cleaned your siding was.

 

Low Maintenance Metal Siding Cleaning Tips

 

If you have metal siding, a little care here and there can go a long way towards extending the lifetime of that siding. The frequency at which you want to perform an inspection depends on where you live and the kind of beating your siding and roof takes on a regular basis. But generally you will want to first check for any obvious issues like chipped paint, rust, or other damages.

Check for any branches touching your siding or your roof and if you can, cut them back so they don’t scrape against the house. You will also want to clear off any leaves or other debris that might either damage the panels or clog your gutters.

Speaking of gutters, make sure to do an occasional check for clogs. Not only do you want to make sure your gutters are taking water away from your house, but standing water can cause corrosion after a long enough time.

Metal siding isn’t prone to mold or fungus, but you may want to give them a good washing every now and again. Rather than power washing, spray them down with a garden hose. If there are any spots that need extra cleaning, use a little dish soap or car washing soap to scrub at the problem area.

Metal siding and metal roofs such as products by our partner Fabral are a strong, unfussy solution for most houses. If you are in need of updating your current roofing or siding and have any questions, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services metal roof

Project Profile: The Elegance of a Metal Roof

We have been in business for close to 50 years now at FS Construction Services, but there is still something that feels fresh and exciting about a particularly well-implemented design. And one kind of project seems to inspire feelings most often: a brand-new metal roof. There’s something so satisfying about the clean lines, the sturdy construction, and the strong colors. Knowing that they’re designed to last longer than the amount of time we have been in business is just the cherry on top.

Consider Easy Maintenance Metal Roof

 

Recently we had the opportunity to install a 6500 sq. ft. roof for a client, and the result reminds us why we enjoy these projects so much. The 24-gauge 1.5” SSR standing seam roof replaced the old shingles we removed and disposed of. We laid down felt-backed insulation under the new roof as well as new 6” seamless gutters, downspouts, and leaf guards. We also put a modified roof onto the existing pergola to help water drain.

One of the other features of this project that we had to consider was the house’s skylight and chimney. We want our installs to be seamless, but also practical, so we took particular care to make sure that our roof plan incorporated these elements while still providing our client with a sealed and safe roof. Similarly, standing seam metal roofs will expand and contract with the changing temperatures. However, when they are engineered and installed properly, these movements are accounted for.

If you have been approaching the time for a new roof and have considered if a metal roof might be for you, be sure to check out just how they easy they are to maintain. If you have any questions at all, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services machine storage building

Brazinski Pork Farm #1: A Mammoth of Machine Storage

At FS Construction Services we always enjoy a good challenge. Often times our challenges involve making the right decision for a small space or figuring out how to best utilize a limited amount of resources. And we like that. Being backed into a corner usually inspires creativity. However, it’s not hard to admit that it’s a lot of fun during those rarer moments when we have the opportunity to go all out on a project, such as this machine storage building.

 

Huge, New and Functional Machine Storage Building

 

This was the case recently when we worked with a large pork farm to construct a brand-new machine storage and feed facility. We will actually be discussing this multi-month project for the next few months, highlighting a different aspect of the project each month. For now, though, we are going to discuss some of the overall features of the project as a whole.

This 81’ x 200’ x 20’ structure features huge, clear spans making it able to store multiple types of large agricultural machinery. The underside of the metal roof has been outfitted with Dripstop to prevent condensation from gathering inside the roof. The building also has 4’ blue wainscoting around its entire exterior. This not only enhances the building’s appearance, but it also makes for an easier replacement at the most likely damaged point of the building. Finally, we installed two sets of 40’ x 18’ double sliding doors and a 30’ x 18’ steel backed, insulated Raynor door with a 1.5 hp operator.

We will be diving into more of these aspects in greater detail in later months, so be sure to check back to learn more. In the meantime, if you are in need of a steel building, wood building, or post-frame building, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services Fourth of July

Wishing You a Great Fourth of July

After what may have been a couple strange years of Fourth of July celebrations, we here at FS Construction Services are happy to be celebrating in a year that feels more normal. So we wanted to take a moment to wish our family, friends, and clients a Happy Fourth of July. May it be full of laughter, hot dogs, fireworks, and a little bit of rest from the busyness of life.
 

Wishing You and Yours a Happy Fourth of July

 
We know that this time of year can bring a hundred worries, too much rain, not enough, too hot, too cool, and on and on. And yet, whatever worries we have today, we remain grateful for the worries and battles of those who came before us and made it possible for us to have backyards and parks and homes to celebrate in. We always appreciate the reminder to slow down for a moment and remember that none of what we have or experience is in a vacuum. Whether your own histories seem complex or simple, boring or exciting, we are grateful for the chance to think about ours here at FS Construction Services. The decades of relationships we’ve had, the services we’ve had the opportunity to provide, and the daily joy of getting to work in and around our community are all a part of a wonderful story we’re happy to be a part of.

We wish you the best this Fourth of July season and hope you have some time to relax and enjoy it all. Because of course, it won’t be long before we’re wondering where summer went and thinking about harvest all over again.

As always, if you are in need of a new building, grain storage equipment, seed systems, a garage door, a new roof, or some other kind of service, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services Fabral agricultural metal roof

Peace of Mind with a Fabral Agricultural Metal Roof

Depictions of agriculture often focus on dusty, rugged-looking trucks, machines, and boots. And it’s not like it’s without good reason, agriculture can be a dusty, rugged industry. And yet for all the images of weathered structures and equipment, something that may not be thought about as often is just how strong the actual roof of your barn, shed, or stable is. So often, agricultural buildings are isolated structures, with little to slow the impact of wind, rain, hail, and more. So whether you are housing machinery or animals, you want to make sure that whatever is inside can be kept safe and unbothered with an agricultural metal roof.
 

Consider the Many Benefits of an Agricultural Metal Roof

 
Thankfully, there is a solution. Our partners at Fabral specialize in just this type of thing. Their variety of metal roofs work for residential, commercial, and agricultural applications. Not only do their 50+-year lifespans warrant consideration, their unmatched strength, resistance to rot, various weather impact ratings, and the fact that they don’t constantly need to be inspected make them ideally suited to your building that’s going to take the biggest beating each year.

Additionally, these highly-reflective roofs stay cooler during the summer, meaning you will have to spend less keeping the building cool and get to be environmentally friendly at the same time. These metal roofs come in wide variety of styles and colors, meaning they can match perfectly to your structure. And finally, they can be installed over felt paper and plywood, preventing excess noise, which is particularly good for buildings that house animals.

So if it’s time to add or update the roof on your agricultural structure, why not consider the many benefits of a metal roof. If you have any questions at all, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services metal roof maintenance

How Easy Is It? Metal Roof Maintenance

Earlier this year we took some time to compare metal roofs with other types of roofing materials and explore the benefits a metal roof provides. This time we want to take a similar approach but zero in on the specific ways that metal roof maintenance compares to maintenance on other kinds of roofs. In general, metal roofs last over 50 years, carry long warranties, and require significantly less upkeep than their roofing counterparts.

 

Metal Roofs Easiest to Maintain

 

Asphalt

Starting with the traditional asphalt shingle roofs, their lifespan can be anywhere from 10-30 years, but they will need regular inspections throughout that time. It’s common for individual shingles or sections of shingles to need replacing. It’s also common to have to re-caulk and seal parts of the roof as time goes by and the shingles age.

Tile

Tile roofs can have a longer lifespan than asphalt roofs, even up to and beyond 50 years. Like asphalt roofs though, they will need regular inspections because tiles are prone to crack and slide out of place over time. Additionally, tile roofs provide limited wind resistance when compared to other materials, so if you have a tile roof in a generally windy area, it may require more maintenance.

Shake

A shake-shingle roof has a lifespan of around 30 years. While their rustic and natural appearance is pleasing, it comes with an added maintenance cost. Apart from annual inspections, shake-shingle roofs usually require maintenance every 2-4 years as they are prone to mold, rot, and leakage.

Slate

Slate roofs have a lifespan of 75 years and beyond, which is considerably impressive. Due to their heavy weight, it’s recommended to have a structural inspection before installation. After installation, an annual inspection is recommended as slate roofs can chip, crack, and slide. One other factor to consider is there are likely to be color variations if they need to be repaired.

Metal

Finally, our favorite material, the metal roof. They have a lifespan of 50-plus years and require fewer inspections than the other materials, usually based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. While it can happen, repairs and replacements are uncommon. Additionally, metal roofs are resistant to fading and rot, though if needed, they can be repainted.

 

So, there you have it. There are, of course, other factors to consider, but we always like to say there is nothing that beats the peace of mind of a metal roof. If you are interested in learning more, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services metal roof

How Does a Metal Roof Compare to Other Roofing Types?

When it comes to home ownership, it usually feels like there is always something that needs to be done. And to all but maybe a select few, the never-ending cycle of painting, repairing, and replacing can wear out its welcome very quickly. While we would love to say that we have the magic product that can make all those headaches go away, unfortunately that’s just not reality. However, we do have a product that’s maybe as close as someone can get to a maintenance-free life.

 

Invest in a Metal Roof with FS Construction Services

 

Here at FS Construction Services, we have talked often about the benefits of installing a metal roof. One thing we haven’t done though, is show how a metal roof directly compares to other kinds of roofing material, particularly in how much ongoing maintenance is required. One thing that’s true of metal roofs is there can be a bit of a heftier cost up front, but hopefully you’ll see in upkeep and longevity, they can more than make up for it.

Cost

A metal roof can run anywhere from $800-$1,200 per square (for 100 sq. ft.). Traditional asphalt shingles will run as low as $350 per square, a shake-shingle roof or a slate roof from can go up to $1,500 per square, and a tile roof will be somewhere in between. While an asphalt roof is significantly cheaper up front, it requires more upkeep and will need to be replaced sooner than any other type of roof.

Longevity

Speaking of longevity, that asphalt roof will probably last anywhere from 15-20 years. A shake-shingle roof has an average lifespan of 30 years, whereas tile and metal roofs have average lifespans of 50-plus years, and the slate roof can last up to 75 years.

Upkeep

Now here’s where the metal roof advantages really start to show. An asphalt roof needs regular upkeep, shingle replacements, and general repairs as it ages. Tile roofs have less wind resistance, so they will need regular maintenance and inspections. Similarly, because shake-shingle roofs are made of wood, they need to be checked regularly for rot and mold. Slate roofs, while built to last long, will need regular inspections to check for sliding slates, cracks, and chips. Metal roofs, meanwhile, rarely need replacements or repairs. Inspections are recommended but their strength and fade resistance often mean they can be installed and effectively let go for a long time.

Style

Asphalt and slate roofs come in limited colors and shades, while shake shingles are a more natural look for specific applications. Tile roofs have limited colors but a variety of styles. However, metal roofs, by nature of being metal, come in a huge variety of colors and styles to perfectly fit each application.

 

We could go on and on about energy efficiency and cheaper shipping costs, but the metal roof picture is pretty clear. While not as inexpensive as traditional asphalt roofs, metal roofs offer a peace of mind that no other roofing option comes close to. If you are in need of a new roof, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services Dripstop metal roofing protection

The Dripstop Difference

Imagine this scenario. You have spent the past few months planning a new building on your property. After going through all the necessary steps to get it planned, zoned, and actually built, you’re finally standing on the smooth concrete pad of your new structure. You look from end to end as all those possibilities you have imagined start to seem a little bit more real. Unfortunately, your daydreaming is cut short by the unpleasant sensation of something wet and cold falling onto your head. You look up just in time to catch another water droplet in your eye. And that’s when you realize your brand-new building has a condensation problem.

FSCS Offers Dripstop Protection for Metal Roofing

Thankfully, this dramatized, though not at all unrealistic, scenario does not have to be a glimpse of your future. And that’s because of a wonderful feature called Dripstop. Dripstop is a reliable, effective way to prevent your uninsulated roof from gathering and dripping moisture. All you have to do is let us know you want it installed, and then, while your roofing panels are being manufactured, the Dripstop membrane can be applied to the metal roof.

While simple, the process guarantees results. The Dripstop membrane gathers moisture that rises as the temperature starts to drop. It holds that moisture in place until the temperature rises again, and then it releases that moisture back into the air. No dripping ceiling, no wet foreheads, no unwanted moisture in your building. Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest, and that is absolutely the case with Dripstop.

If you have questions about installation, or if you are interested in a building with Dripstop protection, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services machine storage

Project Profile: 8,640 sq. ft. of Machine Storage

At FS Construction Services, we know that sometimes you just need to store something really big without having to worry about accidentally destroying your building in the process. It’s a simple concept for sure, but building proper machine storage is no joke. Whether it’s agricultural equipment or boats or a variety of other possibilities, when it comes to machine storage, you need something that is as rugged as the machines themselves. And perhaps most importantly of all, you need something that’s big, with a wide, clear span.

Building You the Best Machine Storage

This was the case for a recent client who needed, more than anything, as much storage space as possible without much fuss. Tom Marcheski and his team stepped in and built a huge 72’ x 120’ x 16’ building with a wide-open interior for anything the client would need to store there. In order to make the structure as convenient and easy-to-maintain as possible, we also installed an extra row of splashboards, an 18-inch overhang on the left endwall, and seamless gutters. Additionally, our team put skylights into the roof for improved lighting and installed a Dripstop condensation prevention system to keep moisture from dripping down from the metal roof onto the equipment below. To make things as accessible as possible for the client, we also installed a 36’ x 16’ sliding door system, a 30’ x 16’ sliding door system, and a standard-sized door.

The importance of a building that just works can never be overstated. If you are in the market for machine or agricultural storage or any other kind of residential or commercial building, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services Fourth of July

Wishing You a Happy Fourth of July

We know that no one needs a reminder of how strange the past year-and-a-half has been for many people. Whether it was confusion, sorrow, sacrifice, or some combination of all of those, each of us had our lives altered in some way we probably never planned for. And yet, we still found our way forward.

FS Construction Services Celebrates the Fourth of July

This year we are looking at a Fourth of July celebration that hopefully feels different than the last. Maybe it’s more people gathered in your backyard or a trip to go see family and friends or maybe it’s just another year of learning and growing. Whatever the case, we here at FS Construction Services hope you have some time to relax and enjoy the holiday.

As always, we think about the many friends, family, and clients we have been able to work for and with over the past year. We are thankful that even in an odd year, we still had projects to work on, buildings to build, and clients to help. We are thankful that we still had the opportunity to meet new people and build new relationships.

Hopefully, you will have some time to unwind this Fourth of July, but of course, like most of you, we will be right back at it the next day. We may be in the middle of summer, but without fail, harvest and everything that comes with it, will be here before we know it.

So if you are in need of a new building, grain storage equipment, seed systems, a garage door, a new roof, or some other kind of service, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.