Southern Metal Roofing Blog

Dear Southern Metal Roofing Friends,

Great news…your Energy Star Cool Metal Roofing system purchased in 2008 qualifies for a Federal Tax Credit!  Also, all Energy Star Cool Metal Roofing systems purchased in 2009 will qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for the 2009 tax year.  You deserve to be rewarded for green roofing!  Be sure to check out other Energy Star incentives from Georgia Power.

We are frequently asked, “What is Green?”  In a nutshell, green can be generally described as reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Reduce energy usage, for you and your customers.  Every little bit counts, and it all adds up.  Reduce pollutants in the air, water, and buildings indoors, as well as air, water, and land outdoors.  Reduce material usage and waste.  The key here is that any material recycled or reused for another purpose is not wasted.

Reuse materials, such as old cedar roofing which can be shredded into mulch and used on nature and hiking trails, as well as residential landscaping.  Since cedar decomposes, it doesn’t ever have to end up in a landfill.  New recycling opportunities are being developed for old asphalt shingles.  They can be ground up and used as filler in residential driveway asphalt.  At this time, this is a very limited use, and there are far too many asphalt roofs being torn off and disposed in landfills.  We encourage our clients to install their new sustainable, Energy Star Cool Metal Roofing directly over their asphalt shingles.  Slate roofing can be removed, broken up, and used as landscaping decoration.  If you tear off an old metal roof, it can sometimes be reused on sheds and barns, or even recycled.

Recycle.  Architectural metals are easily recycled, and you can even get paid for them at a scrap yard.  Most any plastic material can be recycled, but you will normally have to deliver it to a recycle center.

Southern Metal Roofing is committed to continuous improvement in our green practices to help improve our Atlanta environment.  It is an ongoing effort, where every little bit counts.  We’re getting greener every day.  We’re recycling our scraps instead of sending them to a landfill.  We’re driving fuel efficient Hybrid vehicles.  We’ve adopted electronic marketing to conserve paper products.  We’re performing routine roofing measurements and material lists via satellite imaging rather than traveling to the site.  Satellite imaging saves gas and reduces emissions.  Our green efforts have saved us money and reduced our expenses. There are direct benefits to our environment, as well as added satisfaction and value to our customers.

Atlanta’s premier luxury roofer, Southern Metal Roofing, is making fortresses out of local Atlanta homes, guaranteed to stand up to the harshest weather conditions for a lifetime.  After his roof suffered hail damage, Michael Tift decided to upgrade to lifetime-guaranteed standing-seam metal roofing from Southern Metal Roofing.  Even after insurance offered to replace his roof with traditional asphalt roofing, Michael decided to make an investment that would last him a lifetime.

Mr. Tift recalls, “There are lots of roofers out there [in Atlanta], but few that were willing to do the job that Southern Metal Roofing did.  I had several other companies give me estimates for metal roofing, but none stuck with me and were determined to get me exactly what I wanted for the best price.”  Michael went on to say that Southern Metal Roofing’s final price was $3,000 to $4,000 less than the other estimates he received, including delivery and installation.

Now that Michael’s roofing project has been completed for several months, he couldn’t be more satisfied.  “My new roof looks great.  Neighbors have even commented on how great it looks, but wondered what kind of noise it makes.  I say, I can’t even hear when it rains anymore!”  Michael added, “I recommend Southern Metal Roofing to anyone who is thinking about replacing their roof.  They provided great service throughout the project and got me a great deal.”

Southern Metal Roofing welcomes Donald Rogue, along with his wife Kim and twelve-year old son Richard, to the Atlanta area.  Don and Kim have joined Southern Metal Roofing as shareholders and officers of Cooper Affiliates, Inc. d.b.a. Southern Metal Roofing.  Don brings the old world art of hand-crafted metal experience to Atlanta’s premier metal roofing firm.  One of Don’s key roles with Southern Metal Roofing is to manage church steeple and historical roofing restorations.  Don is a former project manager for Yankee Steeples and Vermont’s Iron Horse metal roofing company.

“Bar none, Donald is the most gifted historic restoration and metal craftsman in his field,” comments Katherine Cooper, Southern Metal Roofing’s CEO.  “His hand-crafted copper, zinc, stainless, and gold leaf experience includes world class metal roofing projects and famous church steeple restorations,” Cooper adds.  Don’s custom metal roofing clients include numerous Hollywood celebrities and captains of industry.  In addition to his impressive custom metal roofing resume, Don is an ordained minister and church planner.  “We’re so proud to have Don lead our custom metal roofing field operations,” says Cooper.

Southern Metal Roofing, Atlanta’s luxury dealer of cool, metal roofing is proud to announce their local promotion featuring California winery Tin Roof Cellars.  “We love the Tin Roof Cellars’ wine, and thought it was a fitting promotional gift for our luxury roofing clients,” says Kat Cooper, CEO of Southern Metal Roofing.  Tin Roof Cellars, which produces a line of fine wines, from chardonnay to cabernet sauvignon, is known for their “boldly flavored, smoothly textured, and unusually complex” wines that have won many awards nationally (www.tinroofcellars.com).  The grapes used to create Tin Roof wine are grown off of California’s North and Central coast lines, producing “rich, but refined, fruit-forward, but complex” flavors.  Their wines are available locally, and are sure to be a new delight to wine lovers.

“We recently launched our Tin Roof wine promotion, and it’s already been a hit with our clients.  Even non-drinkers have accepted our Tin Roof wine gift with enthusiasm,” added Mrs. Cooper.  However, promotional Southern Metal Roofing bottles are going fast!  You ask, how might one acquire a Tin Roof Cellars promo gift?  It’s easy; simply contact Southern Metal Roofing for a roofing estimate on your home. Southern Metal Roofing will provide expert roofing counsel, thorough ventilation tests, satellite roofing measurements, and custom digital renderings of your home featuring any roofing system, style, or color.  Homeowners are amazed how luxury, metal roofing can save them money and future pain and hassle.  Relax, uncork, and celebrate the beauty and prestige of new luxury, hand-crafted roofing which pairs perfectly with Tin Roof’s hand-crafted wines.

Southern Metal Roofing, Atlanta’s authority in luxury, investment grade roofscapes, is looking for a few good recruits, primarily members of the fit and active senior citizen community.  “We’re recruiting fit seniors or retirees,” says Katherine Cooper, CEO of Southern Metal Roofing and its affiliates.  “Specifically, retirees and seniors who enjoy walking in their neighborhood for fitness and pleasure,” adds Mrs. Cooper. 

The job description is to the point:  simply walk door to door in the safety and security of your own neighborhood, say hello to friends and neighbors, and hand out a company brochure.    Participants can walk a block or a mile, and always during daylight hours, mild weather, and with a fellow walking companion.  “Dogs are welcome, too!” Mrs. Cooper remarks.  “Our company loves seniors with dogs—I have a ‘senior dog’ myself!”  Applicants should consult with their doctor and make sure they are in good health before taking on this duty.

Why seniors, you may ask?  “Retirees are trustworthy, dependable, credible, and really know their own neighborhood,” says Mrs. Cooper.  A number of major retailers employ seniors, and it has proven to become a mutually successful relationship.  The Wal-Mart greeter is just one famous example.
 
Seniors or retirees who are interested in this opportunity and who live in neighborhoods within the Atlanta Metro Area may contact Katherine Cooper directly at 404-982-ROOF (7663).  Make sure to mention “Jobs for Fit Seniors” and how you heard about this opportunity.

Cooper Affiliates, owner of Atlanta-based Southern Metal Roofing and U.S. Green Roof, has just added a new division to their company operations: U.S. GutterPro. Cooper Affiliates entered into a marketing agreement with GutterPro USA, a leading provider of gutter and rain management systems nationwide, adding the brand U.S. GutterPro to Cooper Affiliates’ line of products. The coupling of green roofing with rain management systems is a perfect match for homeowners’ exterior remodeling needs.

“U.S. GutterPro’s products solve many gutter and rain management problems that can go unattended to for years and cause costly home damage,” says Jason Herald, President of GutterPro USA headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina. “Poor rain management systems can lead to wood rot, mold, insect infestations, landscape erosion, foundation problems, damp crawl spaces, and musty basements. All are very costly repairs to the homeowner,” adds Herald.

GutterPro’s gutter protection systems employ a patented guard that keeps gutters clog-free, allowing water to flow through your system as it should, rather than trapping moisture in your home. Better yet, the system is cost effective because it can be installed over existing gutter systems, eliminating expensive gutter removal and replacement expenses. The gutter protection system also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, making this investment one to last a lifetime.
“We selected Cooper Affiliates to market our patented gutter protection system based upon their reputation for client care and eco-friendly product lines,” says Herald. Cooper Affiliates is made up of three divisions: a luxury residential permanent roofing division, Southern Metal Roofing; a commercial roofing division, U.S. Green Roof; and now U.S. GutterPro which specializes in rain management systems.  Cooper Affiliates and its divisions serve all of the metro Atlanta area including the following counties:  Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, and Spalding.

AND WHY RAIN BARRELS AND METAL ROOFS ARE A GOOD COMBINATION

Rain barrels have been used for thousands of years to naturally harvest the rain for a variety of uses. Today, with tight water restrictions and the general public increasingly concerned about our impact on the environment, rain barrels are making a comeback. Here are the simple facts about how rain barrels can help you save money and the environment at the same time.

- 1” of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof yields over 600 gallons of water

- Rain water is naturally soft water, devoid of harmful chemicals, making it perfect for use on your lawn and garden

- Up to 40% of summer water use is for irrigation — if you can reduce the amount of city water you use on your lawn, you can significantly reduce your water bill

- Rain barrels can help control the amount of polluted runoff from your home, thereby reducing the pollution in local lakes

- Rain water you collect can also be used for drinking if it is filtered through a proper filtration system

- Rain barrels are easy to install—simply place them under a downspout and you’re set!

- For more information, visit www.rainbarrelguide.com

Luxury metal roofing for residential homes is also on the rise due to their energy efficient qualities. They are a great combination with rain harvesting systems, and here’s why.

- Metal roofs are impermeable, allowing all of the rain water to run off rather than be absorbed

- Metal roofs have smooth surfaces, making them easy to rid of potential contaminants with the first rainfall before the water is stored for use

- In sunny areas, such as ours, the heat given off by metal roofing warms the rainwater, making it even easier to clear the roof of harmful materials

- In areas that are affected by severe weather, rain water can be used when city sources are knocked out or contaminated—metal roofs also hold up better in severe weather

- If the area is ever affected by fire, the stored water can be pumped through the downspouts, creating a shield of water to protect the home

- For more information, visit www.rainharvesting.com

Check out Southern Metal Roofing’s current offer for a FREE rain barrel with a qualified purchase at www.usgreen.com/rainbarrel

IN THE MIDST OF A WATER CRISIS, RAIN BARRELS ARE BOTH ECO AND WALLET-FRIENDLY

Rain barrels have been around for centuries and are one of the best ways to keep your lawn looking fresh and green when water resources are limited. The rain water that a rain barrel collects can be used to water your lawn and garden throughout the year, allowing you to depend less on the city’s limited water supply while reducing your water bill at the same time. It is estimated that for each inch of rain that falls on a one thousand square foot roof, you can collect six hundred gallons of water. If this water is used exclusively for watering your lawn, you could expect to cut your water bill by up to fifty percent.

Rain water is also naturally soft water, unlike most tap water, which is free of chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride. Chemicals that are normally found in tap water can be harmful to your plants and the soil. By using all-natural rain water, you will be doing what is best for your plants. Best of all, rain barrels are easy to install. Simply place them under a downspout and you’re set.

Southern Metal Roofing, an eco-friendly Atlanta roofing company, is currently running a limited time offer where customers receive a complimentary genuine oak rain barrel with a qualified purchase. Oak rain barrels normally run between $200 and $250, making this special, including set-up and delivery, a great deal.

MAKING THE SWITCH FROM TRADITIONAL TO STRICTLY E-MAIL MARKETING

These days the average adult receives over forty pounds of promotional mail a year, most of which goes into the trash without even being opened and without a second thought as to how it will affect the environment. Thousands of trees are cut down to produce the paper needed, millions of gallons of water are wasted, not to mention the emissions released to transport this mail all for a company to attract a few customers. Once hitting the trash can, this mail winds up in landfills, taking up more of what precious earth we have left while releasing even more greenhouse gases.

Some eco-friendly companies are changing all of this by going completely paperless with their marketing efforts, refusing to let their advertising affect the earth. Southern Metal Roofing has done so by simply limiting all of our promotional mailings to e-mail. By partnering with BusinessWise, another Atlanta company that specializes in e-mail marketing, Southern Metal Roofing can now effectively and efficiently reach our customers, all while limiting our impact on the environment. This also allows customers an easy way to opt-in or opt-out of future mailings from the company by clicking a link placed within the e-mail message. Other companies would do well to follow suit, making them more environmentally responsible and saving money at the same time.

Remember to always “think and act green.”