Skyline Metal Roofing Projects Slideshow

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We got this great note from the Barrientos-Zepeda and Munoz families. We worked on their houses back in April during our Rebuilding Together Project for 2009. Most amazing was spending the day actually helping them accomplish projects that they would otherwise have to hire professionals. More and more families are finding it necessary to rely on outside help, especially now during our current economic downturn. Now is the time to check with your neighbors who might need you.

Eligible Metal Roofing Products for $1500 Tax Credit

The link below is the Roofs Product List of eligible "Energy Star" rated roofs that qualify for the $1,500 American Reinvestment and Recover Act tax credit for 2009 and 2010. This list shows the manufacturer's and their panel profiles that qualify, however, the Warranty column is not 100% correct and the Model column does not include all colors which qualify. Let us know if you have any questions about products you are interested and and whether they qualify or not.

http://downloads.energystar.gov/bi/qplist/roofs_prod_list.pdf

Do-It-Yourself Project #6 - Party Pavillion

We made this pavillion to keep the pine needles off the BBQ. To keep the cost down, we used 29 gauge Norclad in Bare Zincalume (unpainted) and then used Classic Brown trim pieces. It is easy to keep the debris from building up, just a quick few brushes with a push broom.

Through Fastener Panels

Getting ready to roof or side your shop, maybe a pole building or even a pavilion to keep your BBQ guests dry. One of the most economical solutions we have is called "Norclad" by ASC Building Products. Typically sold in 29 gauge, this panel will span 2' and still be walkable. Norclad has a 36" coverage, a 5/8" high rib every 9 inches, with 2 minor ribs in between. A screw with a neoprene washer goes in the top of the panel at a flat spot and through to the substrate below. Norclad has a variety of standard flashings, but custom flashings are no problem either. The turn around time for ordering is about 4 days, and the panels are cut to the exact length you need within 1/4" increments (angle cuts are up to you). See Do-It-Yourself Projects #1 and #6 for pictures of projects clad in Norclad.

Firehot Fireworks!

Burning fireworks flying about the neighborhood on Saturday will be fun...and if you have a metal roof - you will have one less thing to worry about! Have a safe Fourth of July!

Rock Bottom Prices - Act NOW!

The word on the street....metal prices are on the rise. We have been told by most of our manufacturers that steel pricing is starting to go back up and that we are at the lowest price for metal roofing right now. There is a strong demand for steel by the Chinese market, which is leading to increased demand, which we all know leads to increased prices. We are currently about 25% lower than we were this time last year...and metal roofing prices are only going up from here. Current pricing, combined with the $1500 Tax Credit means now is the time to get that metal roof on your home.

Standing Seam Roofing

Standing Seam is a common term used to describe many manufacturers panels. In most cases, standing seam refers to panels that are full length from the ridge to the eave, usually between 12" and 18" wide, with a high rib (about 1" to 2") on each side and either a flat surface or some minor ribs in the middle. The panels will either have a flange on one side for screwing directly to a substrate, or they will have clips which are installed onto the substrate then the panels snap into the clips. Standing seam panels are very popular in the Pacific Northwest. One major benefit is the screws are hidden, which is aesthetically pleasing and helps eliminate debris buildup such as pine needles. Manufacturers in this area produce a variety of standing seam panels and we are here to help you pick the best panel for your project.

AEP Span in Tacoma

When you place a materials order with us, if you are picking it up and it is bigger than we can lift by hand, we will have you pick it up at AEP Span in Tacoma. Their address is 2141 Milwaukee Way, Tacoma, 98422. They are open from 7am to about 5:45pm. You can call us ahead of time (253-926-1633) and we can verify the order is ready for you. We will also provide you with a pick-up number which will make it easier to locate. The map above shows their location off Highway 509. Please note you will turn in just before Milwaukee - you cannot get into the AEP Span yard from Milwaukee.

Some tips:

1. Call us first to verify your order is ready (253-926-1633).
2. Bring your pick-up number we have provided.
3. Prior to leaving the lot - check your packing slip to verify the number of boxes and skids.
4. Note any visible damage to packaging or parts not packaged prior to leaving.
5. Tie down your loads.

Once you unpack your materials, if there is any damage, please let us know asap. If we need to replace the materials, we will need the damaged panels/flashings returned. Pictures of the damage are very helpful too.

Who's Byline?

It's me - Keni Taylor. I am posting these blogs and keeping you informed on the daily hulla-ballo at Metal Roof Specialties. I have been working for MRSI for almost 4 years now. I sell materials packages, answer the phones, type the contracts, keep the place organized and help out where ever I can. We started this blog to keep up with the times, but it is proving to be a great way to share what we know about metal. If you have any questions, feel free to post or send me an email at keni@metalroofspecialties.com. Let me know what you think about our blog...I'm pretty tough for a girl - I think I can take it!

Raise the Roof! Go Haley, Go Haley!

Sometimes it's worth sharing with everyone what it takes to be a successful company. It's not just how we help our customers, but how we help our community. Lucky for us, we have one incredibly giving person amongst us, and we are proud! I am talking about Haley. She is a board member of Rebuilding Together South Sound which takes a lot of her personal and business time. She has many meetings, and as Rebuilding's annual event approaches, it gets very hectic for her. She just finished meeting with the homeowners from our project in April of 2009 and soon will start planning for the next event.

But it's not just Rebuilding Together. Haley manages to take on several charities each year; participating in bicycle and motorcycle rides, 1/2 marathons, walks and auctions. She seems to love them all and puts her heart and soul into each event. But that's the kind of person Haley is ... she jumps in with the same two feet every day at work too. Part of what makes this such a great company to work for is to work along side someone like Haley. We all have our gifts, and hers is sharing with others. Lucky us!

MBA Annual Golf Tournament

Metal Roof Specialties was a sponsor at the MBA annual golf tournament at Lipoma Firs Golf Course in Puyallup on Friday, June 12th. Wayne and Haley were set up at Hole 5 on the Gold course, where they had an opportunity to shmooz with vendors and contractors in the building trades. They held a drawing for a great DeWalt Radio/Tool Charger and the lucky winner was....drum roll please....John Rush from Waste Connections. Way to go John and see you all next year!

Cleaning A Metal Roof

This is probably the most frequent phone call we get..."How do I clean my metal roof?" It's a great question, and one of the most important steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your investment. Roofs must be regularly washed, either by fresh rainwater or by cleaning with a light cleaning solution. The roof must not be cleaned with abrasive or chemical cleansers. One third (1/3) cup of a common laundry detergent (such as Tide) containing less than 0.5% phosphate dissolved in (1) gallon of water will work. You can use a soft bristled brush, like a long handled RV brush, to get the "sticky" stuff loosened. Light pressure washing may be enough to do the trick - but keep in mind the word LIGHT! Keep valleys and areas around screw heads clear of pine needles and debris build-up. While you're up there, cut back any vegetation from overgrown trees and bushes so nothing is resting on the metal roofing. Remember to use proper safety gear when on your roof, keeping in mind wet metal can be very slippery. Proper maintenance is a requirement to keep most warranties in effect. If you have a metal roof with a granular surface, check with the manufacturer for specific cleaning instructions.

Do-It-Yourself Project #5 - Kevin's Cozy Cabin

Welcome to Kevin's cabin, built in 1958 by his grandparents and parents. The shake roofing in the before picture served well for about 50 years, but it was time to update. Kevin picked metal for a couple of reasons...minimize the fire hazard, minimize the cleaning and maintenance, and never have to reroof again. He went with 16" Skyline in Forest Green. It blends with the environment, looks great with the logs on the cabin, and the hidden fasteners of the Skyline roofing eliminate visible screw heads that catch pine needles and debris and get tugged and pulled at by heavy snows.

Kevin and I started emailing each other on a Friday, the following Friday he was on his way to the cabin with the panels, and by Monday he was done and back to work. "Wear gloves" and "measure carefully before you order....I would hate to have to cut all the ends", says Kevin. He did a great job, the cabin looks amazing with a fresh green roof, and I really appreciated working with him. Sweet cabin Kevin...THANKS!

Using Neoprene Closures in Vented Ridge - Skyline Panel

This is a variation of the Vented Ridge (R17) installation if the panels are NOT being turned up at the ridge, and a Neoprene Closure is being installed. The closure and the turn up of the panels have essentially the same effect, keeping water and debris from blowing up into the ridge. If you have extreme conditions, such as low slope and high winds, then turning up the panel AND installing the closure might be necessary. For most, it is easier to install the closures then to turn up every panel but there is a slight added cost (unless you need to purchase the turn up tool - then it will come out pretty even). When we sell a materials package for Skyline, we always include the closures unless a customer is confident about turning up each panel.

Do-It-Youself Project #4 - Going To The Dogs!

This is Russ and Lynda's Doggy Den. These guys are a testament to the importance of buying your materials from someone who will be there when you have an installation question. We talked them through the installation process step by step, and the success of this project led to an even bigger endeavor - their cabin in Cushman. Russ and Lynda used 16" Rustic Red Skyline and some great looking timbers to create this pooch oasis! Nice Work!

Do-It-Yourself Project #3 - Rocky's Rambler

Before and After

This is Rocky's Place. He used 16" Skyline in Cool Everglade. It really gave his house a nice clean look and the weight of the color grounds the otherwise light building. He did it all on his own and really did a nice job in all areas, including the valleys, which can be one of the harder parts of installing a metal roof. Nice job Rocky (and I think his little grandson may have even helped out!)

Bye Bye Birdies

We came back from the holiday weekend and the nest was empty. One of the little fellas hung out on a branch for most of the day, but by the close of business, he too was gone. We enjoyed watching them go from egg to robin, and are grateful for their successful flight into the future. Spring has officially sprung!

Feeding Time!

We taped the bird babies for about 1 and a half hours to come up with some sweet video of them hunkered down in their nest. Sterling came and fed them a couple of times. They are growing so fast....we will try and get them taking off.

Three's A Crowd!

These babies are growing fast! They have filled up their nest now and are finally lifting their heads and making some noise. Sterling (the momma) is not real happy with the paparazzi, and in fact, she is beginning to speak her mind when we come near. We are still trying to keep our invasions to a minimum, but they really are fun to look at. We are going to video them in a few days when they start feeding more, and will post the video asap.

Baby Bird Picture

Here is our new bundles of joy. Three little cuties, and if you look closely and to the right you will see one little yellow beak.

Welcome Baby Birds!

Sterling (our resident Robin) is the proud momma of the cutest little fuzz balls. They look newly hatched and are staying in a little group huddled together.

MRSI Showroom in Fife

This is our showroom, located at 712 54th Avenue East, Fife, Washington, 98424. We are open from 8am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday, and welcome everyone interested in metal roofing and siding. Our showroom has samples of the most popular panels for this area, as well as brochures, color charts and information sheets on most panels sold in the Pacific Northwest. Estimators are here to talk with you about your specific project and needs. We can discuss the design, best products and installation whether you want us to do the work or you want to do it yourself.

Hog Ridin' Ron at the Taste Washington

This is Rancher Ron (one of our devoted followers - of which we now have 5!) sitting on Jerry's hog at the Taste Washington. Ron is an awesome radio celebrity from 710 Kiro and you can hear him with Don from 3 to 7 every weekday - you know...The Ron and Don Show! Ron is an official member of our family every since we put a metal roof on his farm house last year (which reminds me...respond to pig roast evite).

Jerry and Haley hosted a Metal Roof Specialties booth at the Taste Washington on April 5th. Over 200 wineries and 60 restaurants shared their best with those who attended.

Joe's A Daddy!

Baby Landon has been added to our team. Born last Thursday, he joins his baby sister Payton and proud parents Joe and Leslie (Joe is one of our crew members) to make a cute and happy family!

No New Eggs

Quick check this morning while Sterling was away, and there are no new eggs to report, so based on information I have read on Robin's, I think she is done laying.

Do-It-Yourself Project #2 - Steve's Barn Bonanza!

This is Steve's barn, and he did an amazing job using 16" Weathered Copper Skyline. He originally put the roof on in 1998, then had a tree go through it in December 06, which made for the perfect opportunity to put in a dormer. So he cut out a section (top picture), built the dormer and roofed that in the same material. The repair element made it a little difficult, but Steve managed to flash around the new dormer making it look like it was there all along. This truly is one of the best looking barns we have seen! Kudos Steve and thanks for sharing this project with us.

Sterling Update

She now has three beautiful blue eggs in the nest...so I guess we are not disturbing her too much at this time.

Momma's Not Happy With Us!

We have a new resident in our building, and she has decided to bring her young into the world not 2 feet from our door. For the last two weeks, a fat, red robin has been dive bombing us everytime we come in, or go out of, our back door...and now we know why. She has made the camellia bush her home, and today we spotted two bright blue eggs in a fairly big nest. We are going to share with you this sign of spring (since the weather is no indication) with high hopes that in about 12 days (or less) we will have little chicks to brag about. We have named her Sterling and at this time we are going to try and let her have some peace. We will check as often as we can on her progress without disturbing her too much.

$1500 Energy Tax Credit Update

The IRS has finally posted some information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and you can see it at the following web site:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206869,00.html

This has a brief explanation of the tax credit and how it applies to metal roofing. They do not have the tax forms posted or instructions, I will post those links as soon as they are available.

The manufacturers for most of the products we sell qualify, and we will provide certificates which you will keep with your tax documents. In addition, you will need a detailed reciept/invoice for the purchase of the materials.

As stated in the IRS web site, more information will be coming after June 1st.