FS Construction Services Metal Roofing Most Efficient

What is the Most Efficient Roofing Material?

Of all the parts of your house, your roof bears the brunt of the harshest weather throughout the year. Whether it’s unfiltered sunlight, cold winds, hard rain or hail, your roof is going to take a beating at some point. And while it is absolutely true that cost, durability, and longevity are important factors when considering a new roof, there is another factor that may be more easily overlooked: efficiency. Different roofing materials have different energy efficiency properties, and the degree to which your roof is efficient can impact the degree to which your entire home is efficient.

 

Is Metal the Most Efficient Roofing?

 

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are known for their incredible longevity and ease of maintenance. However, they are also one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials available. Because of metal’s high reflectivity, during the hottest months of the year, a metal roof will actually reflect heat away from your home, requiring less cooling and reducing your energy costs.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs also claim a long lifespan and provide efficiency. On a tile roof, airflow is easily able to circulate under the tiles, increasing their insulative properties and keeping out hot air during the summer and cold air during the winter.

Asphalt Shingles Roofs

By far the most cost-effective solution, asphalt shingle roofs also don’t carry the same long lifespan of metal or tile roofs. While a traditional shingle roof is not as energy efficient as its competitors, there are more efficient varieties that are designed to better reduce heat absorption and provide greater protection against wind and rain.

 

With any roofing choice, you will have to consider the pros and cons and weigh that against the cost and how long you want to go before having to think through this purchase again. If you have any questions about installing a metal 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.

Commercial and residential roofing FS Construction Services

Four Key Differences Between Commercial and Residential Roofing

Here at FS Construction Services we often have to make the distinction between residential and commercial projects. From buildings to paint jobs to garage doors, the differences are sometimes subtle and sometimes not so subtle. One area of difference that’s easy to spot if you stop to think about it, but not something many do stop to think about, is the difference between residential and commercial roofing.

 

Compare Commercial and Residential Roofing

 

Residential roofs are often peaked and sloped. Whether this is to hold attic space or simply enable water drainage, the residential roof serves both a practical and an aesthetic purpose. Many commercial roofs on the other hand are flat. At least, flat enough to not be seen by someone driving by, though they are still usually sloped some to prevent pooling water. While commercial roofing may sometimes have decorative purpose, most often the roof needs to simply cover a huge expanse of space without overloading the pressure on top of the building.

A residential roof often uses materials that easily drain precipitation, such as shingles, tiles, slate, and as we often like to talk about, metal. Commercial roofs are more likely to utilize steel, tin, copper, or aluminum.

The process of installing a residential roof usually involves attaching boards to trusses, then installing some kind of underlayment, and then the roofing material. These jobs can often be done in a day or two, and though the pitch may be steep, the surface area is likely small. Commercial roofs often involve layers of insulation and metal, and based on the size requirements can take weeks to complete.

Most homeowners don’t have to think about their roofs too much. Beyond a visual inspection every now and again, a well-installed roof within the boundaries of its lifespan may not require much maintenance. Inspection and maintenance on a commercial roof, however, will likely need a roofing contractor who does more than stands on the ground and looks up.

Whether you have or are in need of a commercial or residential roof, we have got you covered. If you would like to talk about your roofing needs, 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 commercial roofing

Choosing Commercial Roofing with FS Construction Services

Here at FS Construction Services we have spoken at length about the benefits of metal roofing. To quickly recap, metal roof panels are significantly stronger than traditional roofing shingles, with impact ratings to weather the harshest environments, they provide incredible durability, with the ability to last for 50+ years, and their many varieties provide a high level of style and color options. While the initial cost is more than traditional shingle roofs, the long-term benefits and minimum maintenance required more than pays out over the years.
 

Why You Need FSCS for Your Commercial Roofing

 
We have often highlighted residential and agricultural metal roof projects, but our partners at Fabral also provide great metal roofing options for commercial use. The sheer number of styles is bound to fit any project and any pitch needed and their installation is designed to be easy and efficient. In addition to a variety of strengths and styles, these metal roofs have options including soffit panels to provide necessary ventilation, snow-retention systems to prevent fast-moving snow or ice across the slick metal surfaces, sealants for weather-tight seals, CondenStop to prevent condensation buildup, as well as a number of environmental benefits. For example, because metal is naturally more reflective than asphalt, metal roofs reflect more light during the summer and absorb less heat, allowing for reduced energy bills.

The variety of design options and simplicity of installation makes these metal roofs ideal for businesses, schools, stadiums, and many other commercial building types. If you are looking to have a new commercial or other roof installed and would like one that saves you time and money down the road, 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 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.

Gateway FS Construction Services metal roofing

Project Profile: Roofing Steel

At FS Construction Services, we understand that a building is only as strong as its weakest part. Thick, steel walls may stand strong for decades, but the building won’t be very comfortable if it has a thatched roof covered in holes. That’s why we have enjoyed our partnership with Fabral so much. Their metal roofs are designed to look good and hold up far longer than traditional roof shingles.

Discover the Durability and Stability of Metal Roofs

In mid-August, Tom Marcheski and his crew traveled over to Sparta, IL to take on a 6,000 sq. ft. roofing project. Using Fabral’s 1 ½” SSR metal roofing system, they covered the building in the 24-gauge steel floating standing seam roof. This roof features a Class A fire resistance rating, a Class 4 hail impact rating, and a Class 90 Uplift test rating. In addition to its ability to stand up to impact, it also has a fastening system that allows for thermal movement and a factory-applied sealant to provide a tight, secure roof that doesn’t draft or leak. In addition to the built-in features of these particular roof panels, our team also installed a snow retention system. These snow and ice guards not only protect the roof itself, but more importantly, anyone who may be entering the building below. While our client chose black-colored panels, Fabral’s roofs come in a variety of colors, so you can always match your specific building.

In our opinion, the durability and security you get with a metal roof makes the investment worthwhile. Their strength and longevity are unmatched, and with a number of styles and colors available, you can always find the most attractive option for you.

If you are in need of a new roof and would like to consider going metal, 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 roofing

A Metal Roof is the Best Kind of Weather Preparation

While it may only be September, and this year may have felt like one of the longest years many of us have ever lived through, winter will be here again, and probably well before we feel like it should be. Colder months approaching means all of the usual precautions and preparations will be needed, and the sooner those are taken care of, the fewer problems you have to think or worry about.

In particular, if you’re approaching the time for a new roof, it is most likely in your best interest to act sooner rather than later. And here at FS Construction Services, we’re big fans of metal roofs. Our partners at Fabral make some of the strongest, longest lasting roofs around. First and foremost, metal roofing doesn’t crack, shrink, or erode like traditional roof shingles do. Additionally, it’s designed to stand up to extreme weather conditions including high wind, snow, ice, and hail. On top of all of that, metal roofs can last decades longer than traditional roofs, meaning once you get one installed, you really don’t have to think about it again for a long, long time.

However, one thing many people might not think about when it comes to the benefits of metal roofs is their thermal efficiency. On top of the tight seals that can be achieved with a metal roof, there are a number of insulation options that further increase the roof’s ability to keep cold out and hold heat in.

If you are interested in a metal roof for your residential, commercial, or agricultural building, you can let Gateway FS Construction Services know. You can 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.