The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

If the time has come to get a new roof for your home, you might like to consider the option of metal roofing.

This important improvement project is something most long-time homeowners will eventually have to undertake, and choosing the proper roofing material should not be taken lightly. A functioning roof will protect your home from harsh outdoor elements like rain and snow and ensure its structural integrity.

Asphalt shingles are common, but the one type of covering that is catching the eye of an increasing number of homeowners is metal roofing. “Metal roofing is gaining in popularity,” reports Todd Miller, president of Isaiah Industries in Piqua, OH. It had a 14% market share in 2016, up from 11% the year before, according to FW Dodge. Only asphalt shingles outpace metal in the remodeling market.

In terms of style and utility, metal roofing gives any other material a run for its money, but does it suit your home (and budget)? Take a look at the best and worst things about metal roofing before you commit to it.

Pro: Metal roofing lasts 50 years—or longer

Metal roofs are by far one of the most durable, typically lasting 50 years or more, says Andrew Hecox, owner of Air Capital Roofing and Remodeling in Wichita, KS.

“Rubber and asphalt shingles are fine for 15 to 20 years, but they’ll deteriorate over time, due to weather, wind, heat, insects, and rodents,” says Cedric Stewart, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties in Washington, DC. And metal won’t corrode, crack, or catch sparks and ignite into flames from a lightning strike.

“Metal roofing also doesn’t need periodic costly maintenance, like other materials,” says Lonnie Hagen of Accent Roofing and Construction in Dallas.

Con: It’s noisy

The pitter-patter of raindrops may be soothing for some homeowners, but on a metal roof, the noise factor can be a serious drawback. The good news is that there are ways to mitigate the sound—but you’ll have to pony up. Materials can be installed to reduce the drumming effect for an additional fee.

Con: Metal costs more

“Metal roofs can cost three times more than other materials,” says Hagen. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of installing asphalt shingles is $3,700, while metal roofing costs around $7,795 to install.

Pro: Metal roofing is rather stylish

Not every metal roof has to be boring brown or ho-hum gray. In fact, you have nearly the entire rainbow to choose from. You can also order metal roofing to look like wood shakes, slate, tile, or standard fiberglass shingles, says Miller. “This allows owners to match their home’s architectural style,” he notes.

Con: Extreme weather can damage metal

If you live in a place with extreme weather, you should know that metal roofs are hail-resistant—but a violent storm can still dent them, says Hecox. Your roof will protect your home, but insurance companies may not compensate you for the repair of cosmetic damage, he adds. Aluminum or copper, while stylish, are soft metals that are more likely to experience denting.

Pro: Metal can save energy … and the environment

Who doesn’t want to save on heating and cooling costs? “This type of roof reflects solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by up to 30%,” says Hagen.

And if you’re thinking of installing solar panels, having a metal roof is recommended, says Reba Haas, a real estate agent in Seattle. “Metal is the best material to have underneath panels, because it’s lighter than asphalt construction,” Haas says.

Green builders or eco-friendly homeowners will be happy to know that metal roofs contain anywhere from 25% to 95% of recycled materials and are also 100% recyclable, Hagen says.

Con: It might not fit in

You love the look, but your neighbors … not so much. There are newer home subdivisions and homeowners’ associations (HOA) that don’t allow this type of roof in their communities, so check your HOA’s bylines before you start the project.

Pro: Metal roofing is easy to install

Don’t be alarmed if your contractor does a happy dance when you say you’ve chosen metal roofing. “[It’s] lightweight and comes in panels, which can be cut to exact dimensions—all of which make installation easier than other materials,” says Hecox. And you can sometimes place metal over existing shingles, which cuts down on the costs in time and labor of removing the old roofing, he adds. Metal is also easier to install on a steep pitched roof, again, because the panels are larger than individual shingles, says Haas. That versatility makes it ideal for houses of all shapes and sizes.

Related Links

• 3 Reasons Your Roller Paint Job Looks Bad (and How to Fix It)

• Some Helpful Hints for a Kitchen Redesign

• Buyer Traffic Is Still Stronger than the Norm

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Buyer Traffic Is Still Stronger than the Norm

Are you putting off selling your house because you’re worried no one’s buying because of where mortgage rates are?

If so, know this: the latest data shows plenty of buyers are still out there, and they’re purchasing homes today. Here’s the data to prove it.

The ShowingTime Showing Index is a measure of buyers touring homes. The graph below uses the latest numbers available and compares them to the same month in the last normal years to show just how active today’s buyers still are:

As you can see, when June 2023 numbers are stacked alongside what’s typical for the housing market at this time of year, it’s clear buyers are still active. And, they’re actually a lot more active than the norm.

If you’re wondering how this could possibly be true, it’s because buyers are getting used to higher mortgage rates and accepting them as the new reality. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, Realtor.com, explains:

“Interest rate hikes continue to further cut into buyers’ purchasing power, although they appear to have adapted to the higher mortgage rate environment . . .”

It’s simple. Buyers will always need to buy, and those who can afford to move at today’s rates are going to do so.

The Key Takeaway for You

While it’s true things have slowed down from the frenzy of the last couple of years, it doesn’t mean today’s market is at a standstill. The reality is: buyer traffic is still strong today. Even with today’s mortgage rates, plenty of buyers are still making their moves. So why delay your own move when there’s clearly a market for your house?

Bottom Line

Don’t put off your plans because you’re worried no one will buy your home. The opposite is true, and more buyers are more active than the norm. Connect with a real estate agent to get your house ready to sell, so it makes the best first impression possible on those eager buyers.

Learn more on Keeping Current Matters.

Related Links

• 3 Reasons Your Roller Paint Job Looks Bad (and How to Fix It)

• Some Helpful Hints for a Kitchen Redesign

• 8 Steps for What to Do After Buying Your Home

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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6 Things to Take Care of Before Fall Sets In

Fall is just around the corner, and it's time to start preparing your home for the upcoming season.

As we move towards the cooler months, there are certain things that you need to take care of to ensure that your home is ready for the change in weather. In this blog post, we'll be highlighting six essential things that you need to take care of before fall sets in.

Check Your Heating System
To ensure that your home is comfortably warm when fall sets in, taking a proactive approach to your heating system is crucial. Hiring a professional technician or HVAC company, someone like Home Heating Service, Inc., to perform an inspection of your furnace, boilers, and other heating systems will guarantee that everything is running efficiently. Not only will this save you money on energy costs, but it will also prolong the lifespan of your heating system and prevent any major repairs from cropping up later on. Taking care of this now will give you peace of mind and ensure a cozy winter season in the comfort of your own home.

Seal Up Drafts
As the fall season rolls around, it's important to consider weatherproofing your home, especially when it comes to sealing drafts around your windows and doors. By doing so, you can prevent cold air from seeping into your home, while ensuring warm air remains inside where it belongs. Not only does this help keep your home at a comfortable temperature, but it can also lead to reduced energy bills since your heating system will not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. Taking the time to seal drafts may seem like a small task, but the benefits can be significant in terms of comfort and cost savings.

Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are an essential component of any home's roofing system. They play a critical role in channeling rainwater away from your house's foundation and walls. However, leaves can clog your gutters during the autumn season. If left unchecked, clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. To avoid the hassle of dealing with such issues, it is wise to have your gutters cleaned before the leaves start to fall. Professional inspection and cleaning can ensure that your gutters remain free of debris and working efficiently.

Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
As the days start to get shorter and the temperature begins to dip, homeowners should start thinking about their lawns and garden. A great way to ensure a healthy yard for the cooler months is to aerate the soil. Compacted soil can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass, but aerating solves that problem. In addition to aerating, fertilizing your lawn will give it the nutrients it needs to grow stronger during the fall. Finally, pruning trees and removing any dead plants is important to promote healthy growth in the spring. By following these simple steps, homeowners can rest easy knowing their lawn and garden is well-prepared for the upcoming season.

Test Detectors
As the weather changes and the heaters come on, it is critical to ensure your home is equipped with functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Regularly testing these devices and replacing batteries when necessary can be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire or gas leak. Don't take chances with the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Take a few moments to confirm that your detectors are in proper working condition, and make any necessary updates now before it's too late.

Protect Your Outdoor Equipment and Furniture
As the fall season approaches, homeowners know that it's time to prepare their outdoor equipment and furniture for the rough weather ahead. The rain, wind, and frost can be damaging to these items, so it's crucial to protect them throughout the autumn months. By taking the time to cover and store them in a safe place, homeowners can extend the life of their outdoor equipment and furniture while also saving money in the long run. Not only will this prevent damage from occurring, but it will also ensure that these items are ready to use when the warmer months roll around once again.

Fall is a picturesque season, with crisp air and vibrant colors adorning the outdoor landscape. That being said, the transition from summer to autumn can be a tricky one for homeowners. Not only will proper preparation save you time and headaches, but it can also help you save money in the long run. So, take the time to care for these tasks before fall sets in and enjoy all that this lovely season has to offer.

Get more on RISMedia.

Related Links

• 3 Reasons Your Roller Paint Job Looks Bad (and How to Fix It)

• Some Helpful Hints for a Kitchen Redesign

• 8 Steps for What to Do After Buying Your Home

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Some Helpful Hints for a Kitchen Redesign

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, where many of us spend a significant amount of time preparing meals, entertaining guests and hosting family gatherings.

Redesigning your kitchen can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with a little planning and organization, it can become an enjoyable experience. In this blog post, we've researched and compiled some helpful hints for redesigning your kitchen practically and stylishly. The goal is to make your kitchen aesthetically pleasing and functional. These tips will help make the kitchen renovation more manageable and enjoyable, from selecting appliances and fixtures to choosing the right color scheme. With these helpful hints, you can create a beautiful and functional kitchen that suits your style and needs.

Determine Your Budget and Set Priorities
Budgeting should be the first item on the to-do list when redesigning a kitchen. It's essential to sit down and determine how much you can afford to spend on appliances, cabinets and other necessary renovations in your kitchen. Once you have an estimate, it's important to prioritize your needs and wants in the kitchen. A wise approach is to keep in mind the resale value of your property, especially if you plan on selling it in the future. Some upgrades could significantly increase the overall value of your home, so it is essential to have a clear idea of the added value the renovation can bring. Setting a budget and prioritizing your needs will help ensure your kitchen redesign is successful.

Select a Design Scheme
Kitchen design is crucial in determining its overall appearance and functionality. Cabinets, countertops, flooring and lighting fixtures are all key components to consider when selecting a design scheme. With abundant resources available, including social media, blogs and home interior magazines, finding inspiration for a design that matches your style should be easy. It is important to remember that when choosing a design scheme, you must also consider what potential buyers may find appealing. Ultimately, the goal is to create a kitchen that suits your functional needs and reflects your unique tastes.

Maximize Storage Space
Maximizing storage space in the kitchen is a crucial aspect of kitchen design. Whether it's for everyday cooking or holiday entertaining, you want to be able to store all of your cookware, utensils and appliances in an organized and efficient manner. Utilizing cabinets with pull-out shelves and customizable drawers can make a vast difference in maximizing storage space in the kitchen. Ceiling-high cabinets and wall racks for pots and pans also optimize vertical space. A kitchen island or pantry is an excellent storage and counter space addition. Considering these storage solutions, you can create a functional and efficient kitchen design that maximizes storage space.

Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances
In today's world, energy efficiency is a top priority when choosing household appliances. The good news is that modern technology has made it possible to have energy-efficient appliances in your home. This saves you money on energy bills in the long run and helps reduce your carbon footprint. To ensure optimal efficiency, it is important to look for appliances that bear the ENERGY STAR® label as they meet the EPA's standards for quality and efficiency. Beyond the cost savings, energy-efficient appliances also add to the overall ambiance and aesthetics of your home. By opting for energy-efficient appliances, you can take a step towards a more sustainable future.

Choose Quality Materials
When planning to renovate your kitchen, it is important to choose quality materials. From countertops to cabinets, the materials you choose will impact both the appearance and longevity of your kitchen. To ensure your kitchen remains beautiful for years to come, opt for high-quality materials that require minimal maintenance, such as quartz countertops and ceramic tiles. Details like hinges and door handles also make a significant difference in the overall look of your kitchen. Paying attention to such details will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but will also contribute to its durability. Ultimately, selecting quality materials is a wise investment in your home.

Redesigning a kitchen can be daunting, but with these helpful hints, the process can be simplified. When it comes to a kitchen remodel, functionality is key. A well-designed kitchen should not only be beautiful, but it should also be efficient and easy to use. Choose quality materials and appliances that will stand the test of time, and don't hesitate to seek the advice of a design professional. When designing your new kitchen, consider the style of your home and choose a layout that will maximize space while still looking great. By keeping these helpful hints in mind, you can be sure to create a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.

Get more tips on RISMedia.

Related Links

• 3 Reasons Your Roller Paint Job Looks Bad (and How to Fix It)

• How Much Is Your Home Worth? The Intricacies of Determining Property Value

• 8 Steps for What to Do After Buying Your Home

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Welcome to the Farm

West + Main agent Doug Yetman and his wife Amy purchased a dilapidated horse property in Lakewood with the goal of making it their dream urban farm—Yetman Farms!

The Journey of Yetman Farm

"The kitchen and dining area are our favorite! This multi-purpose room is where we gather with friends, sit by the fireplace, entertain gaggles of kids and do prep work for items grown on our farm. We vaulted the ceilings in the kitchen and dining area and added skylights to give it a more modern/open feel. The room now offers wonderful, 180-degree views of our property. We love sitting at our huge farm table in front of our big bay window and viewing our property in any season!"

"We always lean towards classic traditional designs that allow art and furniture to shine. Plus, we love adding vintage and thrift store finds to any project. Though this was not as old as our previous houses, we also like to respect the era that the house was built in--late 1960s in this case--so we made choices that would fit the existing house. We also have a good friend, Kate Bendewald, who is also a talented designer and helped us design the kitchen."

“... we have always been big gardeners and for years talked about moving to some wide open spaces”

"We wanted it to be a place where we could embrace and commune with nature, welcome community and even do some entrepreneurial things," explained Doug. "Since then, we have added a grain-bin/studio/office, chickens, three goats, barn kitties, a mini-horse, a retired show-horse and planted a flower farm where we host events including 'pick your own' days."

"At the outset, we knew we had two major expenses that were not sexy—a full roof replacement AND replacing the crumbing septic system by tapping into a city sewer line that was over 100 yards away," remembers Doug. "These were high-ticket items but we knew they would bring long-term peace of mind and value to the home. We saved money by keeping the footprints of many rooms the same--for example, the we didn’t change the footprint of any of the bathrooms--we just modernized and updated!"

"We have always been big gardeners, loved animals and for years talked about moving to some 'wide open spaces,' and in the fall of 2020, during the heart of the pandemic, we both were longing for more nature, and a place where we could raise our three daughters with more access to the outdoors. The property had been neglected for years, and Amy led the charge on design choices, and thankfully our design aesthetics generally match," said Doug. 

For more info on the farm visit

yetmanfarms.com

Wallpaper: Rifle Paper Company “Menagerie”

Paint: White Dove

Tile: Casablanca White Zellige  by Zia Tile + Chloe in White from Bedrosians

Wide-plank White Oak: Revive Flooring

Stove: Ilve

Aged Brass Rail: deVOL kitchens

One-of-a-kind Light Fixtures: Chairish and Etsy

Related Links

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: From Inspiration to Renovation

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Paving the Way for Outdoor Bliss

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: From Dream to Reality

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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