Metal roofs used to only be seen on commercial buildings, but now it seems that they are gaining in popularity among homeowners. One reason why is that they are extremely strong and durable. Their toughness meets the strictest codes for wind, fire, and impact. Another big reason to consider this type of roof is energy savings. It is one of the most energy efficient roofing systems available. They are durable and weather resistant, having the highest UL ratings for fire, wind, and impact resistance. Another benefit is that it will last three or more times longer than traditional asphalt shingle roofing.

No matter where you live, summer temps are climbing higher and higher. Another reason, why this type of roof makes sense. Energy Star certified metal roofing materials reflect a high percentage of the sun’s energy back into the atmosphere. What this means is that your attic temperatures will be lower. Traditional, dark asphalt shingle roofs absorb solar radiation, making your attic a very hot place during the summer months. The higher the Energy Star reflectance rating your metal roofs have, the more money you save.

Erie Construction of Evansville, Indiana is a leader in the industry because of the quality product we offer and our low prices. Give us a call so we can meet with you and give you a free estimate. Many of our homeowners say they’re biggest regret, is waiting as long as they did to go metal.

No matter where you look, metal roofs are gaining in popularity, and are everywhere! Experts say, metal roofs are growing in popularity for a couple of reasons. Besides the fact that they’re now made in a great many colors and styles, metal roofs are also much more reliable than they used to be years ago. They make a lot of sense for many reasons including the fact that they have a neoprene washer under the head which lasts much longer than the lead-headed nails that were used years ago.

Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing segments of home improvement more than quadrupling its market share over the past decade. The benefits offered by today’s metal roofs allow homeowners to upgrade their homes with products of lasting value. While other roofs quickly diminish in value as they age, metal roofs provide the following lasting benefits:

• Proven performance expectation of 50+ years
• Beautiful styles to match any home or neighborhood
• Interlocking panels for maximum wind resistance
• Fire resistance
• Energy efficiency by keeping homes cooler
• Low weight to help preserve structural integrity and life

Local realtors say, potential home buyers get excited when they see a metal roof because they know it will last a long time and requires little to no maintenance. In many instances it can be the deciding factor when it comes to making an offer.

We all know we need to do more to lessen our carbon footprint. But are there ways to do this without going to the extreme of selling your home and moving the family into a tent? Actually, you will be relieved to know that there are easy ways you can go green at home!

Here are a few tips.

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
• Save water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too. Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

If you think that this isn’t the right time to remodel your house, experts say think again! Think about it, contractors are not busy so they are discounting jobs. The construction industry rebounded somewhat last year, however business is still slow. Remember when getting a contractor to call you back was a challenge?

Now the best pros in town will be happy to bid on your job — and they’ll probably offer you prices well below the norm. Another plus is that materials are down. Plywood is down 23% since its peak in the mid-2000s. Drywall is off 29%, framing lumber 35%.

Not all raw materials prices have fallen that much. Asphalt roofing, which is made from a petroleum byproduct, is down only 7% over the past two years. Insulation — which has been in high demand because of energy rebates and high fuel prices — is down a mere 2% since 2006. Still, on the whole, construction supplies are bargains right now.

Experts say as a whole, selling a home is still a challenge. And because moving remains far costlier than improving, remodeling is a good choice.

Experts say, if you can remodel your way into staying put long term, you can hold on to that once-in-a-lifetime rate. In a few years interest rates are predicted to be somewhere at six or seven percent. When it comes time to sell your place, chances are you’ll probably wind up having to do the sorely needed renovations you didn’t take care of earlier. Not only does that add a huge amount of stress to the process of putting your house on the market, but you still end up spending the money quite possibly when contractor, materials, and borrowing costs are higher. This is why experts say, this is the prefect time to remodel. Why not get the benefits of a new furnace or an updated bathroom for you and your family instead of buying them for the house’s next owners?

With the economy still struggling, we all know the housing industry has taken a beating these past few years. Economists say the recession has curtailed many of the extravagances that buyers desired before things went south. Homebuyers want different things from their homes today. Rooms that serve multiple purposes and homes that can accommodate either “boomerang” children or aging parents are in.

Realtors say baby boomers in particular are starting to think about what their homes need to look like if they’re going to stay in them as the years advance. That means single-story homes, homes with grab bars in the bathroom, fewer stairs and perhaps even wheelchair ramps, walk in bathtubs, step in showers, etc. Realtors say, accessibility is a top priority with many of their clients.

Another top feature that never goes out of style is space. Not long ago, homebuilders were adding garage space to accommodate SUVs. Now some homebuilders are making more room in the garage for all the other items families put there, from tricycles to golf carts. A trend for the larger garages is to use part of it as a ‘man cave’ space where you can fit two cars, in addition to a sofa, TV, weights, etc.

Realtors say buyers want homes that are more flexible, more versatile. Rooms dedicated to one purpose are less popular now. With the economy the way it is, homebuyers are realizing that in a smaller home, rooms can serve multiple functions. There is no such thing as wasted space. Nooks that used to serve no purpose now include a desk, printer, room for a laptop and even some cubbyholes for mail and bills.

Homeowners are now adding “planning centers” to their homes, which are basically spaces adjacent to the kitchen that serve as the family command center. Basically, it’s a place where the kids can do their homework and be within earshot of the parents. They are great for family organization, paying bills, or just having a place to getaway!