Refining The Art of ASM
What makes Les Jones Roofing stand out is so much of our specialty work. Most of that work comes from our sister business, Architectural Sheet Metal. ASM gives us an added dimension when introducing elegant refinements to trim, gutters, and roofing accessories.
The Architectural Sheet Metal accessories are often made from steel, aluminum, and copper. These roofing materials are known for their durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
This supports our commercial, residential, churches, and historical type projects.Architectural sheet metal provides durability, weather resistance, structural integrity, as well as aesthetic appeal – making it a classy and unique option for both residential, commercial, and historical roofs. This home is an example of the versatility and customization we can achieve using architectural sheet metal. Isn’t that copper beautiful?
ASM uses metals, typically made from materials like steel, aluminum, or copper. The accessories ASM creates for roofs are Flashing, Gutters, Ridge Caps, Chimney Caps and Pans, Snow guards, Standing Seams and more. These accessories are not only functional but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the building. These accessories are known for their durability, structural integrity, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Here are some common roofing accessories made using architectural sheet metal materials:
1. Flashings: Flashings are thin pieces of metal used to prevent water from entering joints or seams in the roof. They are often used around chimneys, skylights, vents, and roof edges to provide a watertight seal.
2. Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts are typically made from sheet metal materials. They collect rainwater and direct it away from the building to prevent water damage.
3. Ridge Caps: Ridge caps are used to cover the peak of a roof, providing protection against leaks and enhancing the roof’s appearance.
4. Drip Edges: Drip edges are installed along the eaves and rakes of the roof to facilitate water runoff and protect the underlying structure from moisture damage.
5. Valleys: Roof valleys are areas where two roof slopes meet. Sheet metal valleys are installed to channel water away from these areas, preventing leaks.
6. Chimney Caps and Pans: These sheet metal accessories are placed around the base of a chimney to prevent water intrusion and protect the chimney structure.
7. Vent Hoods: Vent hoods or roof vents are used to cover exhaust pipes and provide ventilation while keeping out rain and pests. They come in various shapes and sizes.
8. Skylight Frames: Sheet metal frames are used to support and seal skylights, protecting the interior from water infiltration.
9. Coping: Coping is a protective cap used on parapet walls. It shields the wall from water penetration and adds a finished look to the roof’s edge.
10. Fascia and Soffit Panels: Fascia panels are installed at the eaves to support the gutter system and provide a finished look. Soffit panels are used to enclose the underside of roof overhangs and provide ventilation.
11. Snow Guards: Snow guards are attached to the roof to prevent snow and ice from sliding off in large, dangerous chunks. They are often made from sheet metal materials.
12 Eave Struts: Eave struts are structural components made from sheet metal that support the eaves of the roof.
13. Decorative Roof Ornaments: Sheet metal can be used to create decorative elements such as finials, cresting, and other architectural ornaments to enhance the aesthetics of the roof.
14. Standing Seam Metal Roofing: The entire roofing system, including the panels, clips, and fasteners, can be made from architectural sheet metal materials. This type of roofing is known for its durability and distinctive appearance.
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Should You Pressure Wash Your Roof?
One of our frequently asked questions when it comes to home maintenance has been, can you pressure wash your roof? While it’s a satisfying way to clean stains and buildup on many surfaces like brick, block, and stone, we do not recommend pressure washing your roof as a cleaning mechanism.
It’s a powerful tool that could easily damage your roof, as well as blast into any cracks or holes, causing water damage in your home. This is extremely important for those who have asphalt shingles, as the forceful water could deteriorate the granules much faster and weaken their integrity. The pressure washer also blasts dirt and sediment into the air, so while your roof might be cleaner, that dirt will end up in another section of your roof or in your gutters, causing a different set of problems.
If you have moss or mold in your line of sight on your roof, you may still be tempted to pressure wash them away. But in those situations, it’s better to use a low pressure combined with a cleaning solution to remove the staining. This won’t damage the lifespan of your shingles like a high-pressure washer would. Plus, it would be clunky to try to get a pressure washer onto your roof, creating a potential fall risk for yourself.
So, what is the best way to clean your roof?
- If you’re dealing with leaves, moss, and dirt, try a leaf blower to sweep the debris away.
- If you’re dealing with mold stains, use a garden spray nozzle and non-toxic chemicals to work away those gross streaks.
It should be noted that an unattractive roof might be a sign that it needs to be replaced, not cleaned. You may not even need to replace the entire thing, but just the worst sections. Your trusted roof advisor can help you determine what your best plan of action is for your home and your wallet.
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3 Common Roof Designs and Their Advantages
Do you know what kind of roof design you have? Maybe you weren’t even aware there are several types to choose from! The style of your roof not only affects the aesthetic, look and feel, but also impacts the overall value of your property and what maintenance will include.
If you’re building your home, working with your roofer to determine what kind of roof will best fit your needs is a wise choice. Forming that relationship with a trusted roofing advisor will ensure that, should any problems arise down the road, they already know the whole backstory of your home.
If you’re replacing a roof, or having regular maintenance done, work with your roofer to answer any questions you may have on the design of your roof and how to take advantage of the various benefits.
Now, let’s dive into the three most common roof designs and why we love each one.
Hip Roof
Simply put, this is a four-sided roof. Oftentimes, this style is combined with others to create unique designs. There are also three different kinds of hip roofs: regular, half, and cross-hip.
Hip Roof Advantages:
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These roofs have good wind resistance due to their aerodynamics and hold up well under heavy rain and snow (great for us Minnesotans!)
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They can accommodate wraparound gutters
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They provide great ventilation and efficient drainage
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Good curb appeal
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They encourage a livable attic space
Gable Roof
This is a classic roof design, commonly done with shingles. It’s your typical pitched triangular roof that you see on many houses in suburban areas. They’re versatile in terms of materials you can use to construct, so there is a lot of flexibility in terms of look and feel.
Gable Roof Advantages:
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They’re relatively easy to construct
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They create reasonable attic spaces with lots of natural light
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They’re a great budget-friendly roof option
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They provide efficient drainage
Flat Roof
Don’t let the name deceive you – these roofs aren’t completely flat! There is still some pitching and sloping to allow for proper drainage and weight distribution under heavy snow.
Flat Roof Advantages:
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They’re relatively inexpensive since they don’t use as much material as other roof designs
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They’re also easy to install
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They provide you with extra outdoor space
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They’re easy to inspect and maintain
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They’re a great choice for a more modern look
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If you were interested in solar panels, a flat roof would be a great option
Les Jones can help you select the best possible roof design for your home. Reach out if you’d like to set up a consultation!
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6 Hidden Benefits to Installing A New Roof
While our roofs obviously protect our home’s interior, their well-being also has a massive role to play in our quality of life and finances. When you replace your roof, there are six key benefits you may not expect:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Most modern roofs are more energy efficient, regardless of the materials used, thanks to improvements in architecture and technology. For example, older roofs use materials that absorb heat rather than reflect it. While your insulation helps mitigate this, there will still be a transference of heat into your attic, making your A/C work harder. Modern roofs take this into account and often offer relief to your energy bill.
- Maintaining insurance coverage
- Most companies offer limited-to-no coverage on roofs older than 20 years. This obviously plays a significant role in your insurance coverage and is worth looking into if your roof is getting up in years.
- Impressive curb appeal
- One of the most visible points of your property is your roof. Shopping for a roof that is a visual upgrade as well as a performance upgrade will definitely make you stand out amongst the neighbors.
- More savings longterm
- Of course, all roofs will suffer wear and tear over the years. But if you find yourself making repair after repair, it might be time to replace – and save yourself the yearly maintenance bill that will only increase. Your trusted roofing company can help you evaluate what your best plan of action would be, if you think this may be your situation.
- Upping your home value
- Roof replacements historically hold a strong return on investment. It’s one of the first things homebuyers check into when considering a home. A new roof often means better offers.
- Enjoying your home
- We see this especially to be true in homes that had quite an old roof previously. Because of technological advancements, a new roof means better ventilation and temperature control, as well as fun features that modern roofs offer.
In conclusion –
If replacing your roof wasn’t on your radar previously but you resonate with some of these points, it’s absolutely worth a deeper conversation. Weigh the pros and cons with your roofing contractor and they will be able to lead you in the right direction. If you’re looking for guidance,
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