How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?

In a recent article, we took a look at how long an asphalt roof is expected to last. This time around, we’re diving into the lifespan of metal roofing, and also sharing key information to make sure you’re in-the-know about things beyond longevity, like durability, weather resistance, warranties, and the different types of materials used. As with any type of roofing, the quality of the product — as well as the quality of the installation — play a big role in how long a metal roofing system will last. That said, for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus our attention on the GAF TimberSteel premium metal roofing system for two reasons: GAF is the top roofing manufacturer in the country, offering exceptional products and warranties. We are GAF Master Elite Roofing Installers, and this is the type of roofer you’ll want to choose to ensure that the quality of your metal roof installation is at the highest level possible (more on this below). Look for this type of experience level no matter what metal

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Key Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer, Part 2

Welcome back to our series on key questions to ask a potential roofer. In Part 1, we took a look at questions that focused on topics like estimates, roof inspections, and credentials. In Part 2, we have ten more questions for you to ask a potential roofer to see if they’re the right fit for your roofing project. We’ve also created this downloadable PDF that includes all 20 questions so you have them handy when meeting with a roofing contractor. That said, let’s dive into questions 11 through 20 … 11. DO YOU HAVE RECENT REFERENCES? References are an important part of the process when choosing a roofing contractor, so make sure you ask for at least three. Experienced roofers understand that you’re just doing your due-diligence when asking for references, meaning they should not get defensive or evasive to the request. Just remember, if a roofer has happy clients, they’ll be happy to provide references. Make sure the references you receive are recent, local, and be sure to contact them to see what they

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Key Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer, Part 1

When it comes to roof replacement, choosing the right roofer is just as important as choosing the right type of roofing system for your home — and your budget. We’ve put together a list of 20 questions you can ask a potential roofer to see if they’re the right fit for your project. In this two-part series, we’ll dive into each question with helpful information and tips. That said, we’re also providing the list of questions as a downloadable PDF so you have it handy when meeting with a roofer. Let’s get started with the questions! 1. DO YOU PROVIDE AN ACCURATE, DETAILED ESTIMATE FOR THE PROJECT? To begin, you should always receive an estimate in writing that includes a detailed, accurate description of the work being done — as well as the products and supplies being used. This is important for many reasons, including having an accurate price for the project, as well as understanding exactly what you’re getting. For instance, just because your roofer is installing GAF shingles doesn’t necessarily mean they are

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How Long Does an Asphalt Roof Last?

The short answer to this question is, it depends … There are a lot of factors that go into just how long an asphalt roof can last, so in addition to providing some longevity ranges based on asphalt roofing type, let’s also take a look at some of the major factors you’ll want to be aware of before you make any decisions on a new roofing system. THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN Looking at the category broadly, asphalt roofing can last anywhere between 15 to 50 years depending on many factors, which we’ll cover shortly. That said, here is an overview of three different types of asphalt roofing, and how long each is expected to last. We’re using GAF asphalt roofing lifespans in our examples here, as they are a very popular choice in Dane County, as well as throughout the country  … Note: Click on a shingle to enlarge. GAF THREE-TAB SHINGLES GAF’s entry-level Royal Sovereign line of shingles are the most affordable type of asphalt shingle in the GAF lineup. Although they’re considered to be

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Legacy Exteriors is Now a FORTIFIED™ Certified Service Provider for GAF Roofing

In August, Legacy Exteriors became Madison’s first FORTIFIED Certified Service Provider — and we couldn’t be more excited. Here’s how it works … A GAF FORTIFIED Roof adds an additional layer of strength to GAF’s already robust, durable asphalt roofing systems. One of the benefits of a FORTIFIED roof is the fact that it helps to further protect against severe Wisconsin weather. Plus, FORTIFIED roofing may be eligible for insurance discounts (check with your homeowner’s insurance agent to verify). Since we’re already GAF Master Elite asphalt roofing installers, this certification helps us bring even more value, quality, durability and dependability to our roofing installations. WHAT IS A FORTIFIED ROOF In short, it is a designation that has been developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) that focuses on improving roof strength. The FORTIFIED program has partnered with GAF — America’s leading asphalt roofing company — to offer “a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to help protect homes against severe weather. In line with our commitment to help protect your home,

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