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The Benefits Of Asphalt Shingling When It Comes To Installation and Repair

For roofing contractors the most common roofing shingle type to install is asphalt shingling. The material is the durable, relatively low priced and easier than other common roofing materials to install. With any roofing material there will be options in design, composition and warranties. Asphalt shingling is no different.

The basic benefits of asphalt shingling straight from a Roofing Contractor:

1) Shingle roofs are easy to maintain and simple to repair.
2) Asphalt shingling is the least expensive material when in co
mparison to other roofing materials such as slate, wood, metal and tile. Not every roofing material is practical for all climates either.

3) Shingles are offered in a diverse number of styles and colors. It is easy to find a shingle that will go well with every type of exterior housing style.

4) Composite asphalt shingles are environmentally friendly and easy to recycle.

5) When it comes to fire rating most shingle roofing comes with a Class A fire-resistance rating.
Shingle compositions are basically a rectangular material, known as a mat. The rectangular mat is then coated with several layers of asphalt and ceramic granules are embedded. Shingle mats are mainly made out of fiberglass which resists breaking and tearing. The ceramic granules are also an important component. The granules are embedded within the shingle during the last coat of asphalt.

This is what gives the shingle the grainy appearance associated with asphalt shingles. The granules come in a variety of colors and help protect the shingle from the harsh UV rays of the sun.
The most common type of shingle due to affordability is the three-tab shingle. This style is a strip shingle divided into three distinct sections. This is what is on most homes currently. Steadily the use of laminated shingles is growing as the price to install has come down significantly over the course of time.

Laminated shingles are found when on homes when you are able to see dimension in the roofing. The dimension or architecture are made the same way as three tab shingles however they add that 3-d effect, a sort of layered look in shingling. Laminated shingles are incredibly durable. Basically a laminated shingle is multiple shingles within one another. They are incredibly hardy when it comes to four seasons of weather and easily with stand the sun, cold and wind that comes with our ever changing seasons.

When it comes to the longevity of your shingle roofs your installer will detail how each shingle company sells shingles warranted for a defined amount of time. Brand by brand the shingle warranties are different anywhere from ten to thirty years. Most asphalt shingles last longer in locations where the weather is not drastically different from one day to the next. The potential for cracks and water leaks is more prevalent in areas of diverse weather patterns. This is something to consider when looking at purchasing shingles and the shingles warranty.

Roof replacement is an expensive endeavor for most homeowners to embark on. Make sure you do research not only when it comes to the material that you use on your home but also on the roofing contractor. Make sure you hire a contractor that is licensed and comes with references. Previous work done is the best way to judge the quality of one’s work.

Spring Time Roof Maintenance

Taking care of your home is super important as everyone knows. Often times there are things we miss or deem unimportant. One of the items we often take for granted is our homes roof. The fact is that for most of us the roof is out of site out of mind. The reality however is that the roof is one of the most important pieces of the homes architecture and structural components. In theory your roof should be inspected at least once a year by a qualified roofing professional or at least someone with experience that knows what to look for as far as roofing wear.

Roof Inspection Tips For Spring Roofing Maintenance

1) In the fall and spring it is important that you ensure your gutters are clean and free of debris. Debris comes in the form of pine needles, tree leaves and roofing granules. In order for the gutters to work properly and to ensure the water flows freely the gutter and downspouts need to be clean and clear.

2) Spring is the perfect time to have roofs that are older, ten years and above, you will want to inspect the roof during an intense wind/storm. With shingle roofs you will want to look for individual shingles lifting. This would be a good indicator of that the roofs adhesive properties are no longer working as they should. If the adhesive is no longer working your roof becomes prone to exposure that leads to leaks and shingles that blow off.

3) If your home is located in high moisture are you will want to keep moss from your roofing. This can be achieved using a moss killer product specially designed for roofs and sweeping the moss off. You can also try wetting the roof and sweep it off for smaller amounts of moss. Be careful that you are not scrubbing off the shingle roofing granules.

4) Never use a pressure washer on your homes roof. With asphalt shingles a pressure washer will remove the granules which in turn lose the shingles built in sunscreen. Asphalt shingles exposed to UV rays will allow the roof to age faster and your shingles to be brittle. The same is true if you power washer cedar shake roofs. It will lose the water repellant on top of the shingle causing you to have to reseal the entire roof.

It is important that you use caution when inspecting your roof. Professional roofing contractors have the equipment to ensure their safety while doing work on or inspecting the homes roof. Execute the same type of caution when doing roof repairs if you have decided not to pay a professional contractor to come in and do the repairs. The best reason I can give you to hire a professional is that they know exactly what they are looking for and can spot minor issues with your roof before they become major roofing issues. This can save you time and money in the long run. If your roofs lifetime is extended even a few extra years with general maintenance it is worth the little bit of outlay once a year to keep the roof maintained.

Roof Rakes: Should You Use One?

It is SNOW season in Mid-Michigan!  This time of year can be a lot of fun.  Sleds are in use, people are skiing and snowmen are abundant.  The one thing people forget to talk about is how the winter weather can wreak havoc on your home, especially shingle roofing.

When it comes to shingle roofs it is important that access snow is removed before it is allowed to thaw and refreeze creating ice dams.  For this many homeowners choose to purchase and use roof rakes.  As a roofing contractor there are benefits and pitfalls when using them.

Before using a roof rake consider the age of your shingle roof.  Older roofs could easily be damaged using a roof rake.  Damage could include removing shingles, the grit on the shingles being removed and roof leaks/ceiling damage if not properly fixed.

Roof rakes should not be used to remove ice form your roof.  Roof rakes should be used to avoid ice form building up by removing the white fluff before it becomes solid ice.  When using a roof rake start by removing the snow at the corners of the roof and then proceeding to the middle.

Consider safety when getting the snow off the roof.  Walking on a snow covered roof is never considered a safe option.  When using a roof rake add an extension to the rake to reach higher on the roof.  Don’t use a ladder either as you can easily be thrown off balance.  Snow makes roof tops and ladders slippery.  Clearing your roof of excess snow is not worth risking a fall or damage from slipping and tearing the shingles.

If you find while using a roof rake you have loosened a shingle call a roofing professional to come out and repair the area as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the underlayment and in turn the interior roofing materials.

Is It Time For A New Roof?

How do you know when it is time to replace your roof instead of just repairing it?  Below you will find common roofing issues and how to handle them.  A roof should last upwards of twenty years with proper care and maintenance.

Algae:  Algae is a nuisance.  It will discolor your shingle roof making it look dirty. Often times people mistake algae for dirt or tree droppings. Algae often occur in the southeast where temperatures are warm and humid.  It is best to purchase algae-resistant shingles to prevent issues from arising. The good thing to note is that an alga does not cause the service life of your shingle to decrease however it is an eye sore.

To get rid of algae it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor to treat the issue.  Using a gentle solution they will work to decrease the discoloration of the roofing while taking special care to not loosen or remove the granules covering the shingles.

Flashing:  Flashing on a roof can become damaged from improper installation or settling of the structure.  If you find this is the case with your roofs flashing it is good to know that this can be repaired.  The roof does not need to be replaced. The flashing can be removed and replaced only needing to repair the flashing and asphalt shingles that had become damaged.

Buckling: Roof buckling is a common issue with roofing.  It can be caused because of several different issues such as improperly laid felt, poor roofing ventilation or a wrinkled underlayment.  The process to fix the buckle is a bit more complex than fixing algae or flashing.

In order to correct the issue with your roof buckling it is best to call in a professional roofing contractor. You will need to allow the moisture that has built up in the roofing to escape and return to the proper moisture level. This should allow the roof to lay flat again.  Next the shingles and felt where the wrinkle has occurred will need to be cut out and replaced adding extra roof ventilation as well.  Roofing contractors will be able to properly vent the attic if it is not adequately done so to begin with.

Ceiling Spots:  When a leak occurs in your roof you can get occurrences of ceiling spots.  This is a roof repair issue in most cases although if the issue has gone unnoticed for some time you could be looking at issues with mold and mildew along with the ceiling spots.  If enough damage has been done and several spots of water entering have been noticed a new roof may be in order.

A professional will come in and determine if there is a leak in the attic, they will check the chimney and flashing for cracks, will look for a travel source for the leak from the original spot and will check the roof for shingle damage.

These are just a few issues that can occur with your roof. Other things to keep an eye out for are missing shingles.  If a shingle is missing the area underneath is not protected. Be sure to have this fixed ASAP. Roof blistering can occur when too much moisture is allowed to build up within the shingle area.  Missing granules can occur as the shingles age.  If you find many shingles are becoming bare or the granules thinning it may be time for a new roof.  Rotting as well is an issue that can lead to a new roof.  Consult a professional roofing contractor if you suspect any issue with your roofing material.

Popular Asphalt Shingling

Asphalt is a popular roofing material throughout Michigan.   The advantages of asphalt shingle roofing are plenty maintenance, installation, look, cost and weight.  Below you will find details regarding the ever popular asphalt shingle from the view point of a professional roofing contractor.
Let us begin with the ease of maintenance.  Several types of roofing materials require constant maintaining to keep up their attractive appearance.  This is not the case with asphalt shingles.  They are easy and hassle free to maintain and can be easily repaired if damage.

One benefit for roofing contractors is the ease at which asphalt shingles install onto a home’s roof.  They are without a doubt the easiest type of roofing material to install on the market today. They are easy to install because they are super flexible, sturdy and are compatible with many different roof shapes and designs.

The look of asphalt shingles is also one of the major advantages of that this roofing material possesses. They come in many different textures and colors it makes things look much more consistent when replacing them as they become damaged.

Of course the cost of shingles is a major advantage.  They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and have installed in comparison to metal roofing or a variety of other roofing materials. This is the case because it is an easy material for manufactures to produce.

One final advantage that many people find when considering asphalt shingles is the fact that they are lightweight. This is important because some structures are not meant to hold the weight of heavier roofing materials such as metal, slate or clay.

These are just a few of the many advantageous that come along with asphalt roofing.  If you have questions or are looking to replace your roof contact a local roofing professional. They will come out to your home, evaluate the current state of your roof, structure and material and give you an estimate on repairing your roof or replacing the entire roof.

Winter Roof Repairs: Problems To Look Out For

The time is upon on us when we start to think about how the snow, ice and winter winds affect the exterior of our homes, leaving a mess of roof repairs in our futures.  To avoid expensive roof damages to your home this winter it is important to be aware of common roof issues that arise in the winter. The sooner an issue is fixed after it arises the more money and time you will save yourself in expensive repairs.

The first issue that is prevalent in winter is developing a leak where the flashing or drains are located. If your roof is on a slop you may notice a leak at the flashing as well.  The best way to combat leaks is with maintenance and an inspection prior to the winter weather.  Homeowners can hire a roofing contractor to come out and do a maintenance check on the roof.  They will inspect flashing, drains and vents to ensure that the roofing is sealed down properly and nothing is loose or coming up that would allow water to seep underneath the shingles.

Another thing to look for when it comes to your roof is structural damage.  This can happen so gradually that you don’t even realize damage has been done until it is too late. That is why it is so important to inspect the roof regularly so that you are familiar with changes.  When ice or snow builds up on your roof it keeps the heat from efficiently heating your home this is why it is so important that a professional inspects the roof to ensure you have plenty of properly ventilation spots throughout the attic.  Proper roofing and attic ventilation can eliminate structural damage to the roofing structure of your home.

The last issue to address when it comes to winter roof repair is ice damming. Ice damming is the problem that exists when water freezes along the roof line and in the gutters.  The problem is when the ice starts to melt and the water is not able to properly drain.  This leaves the water searching for a place to go which inevitably is under the shingle roofing which causes major damage. Keeping the ice from occurring is the best way to stop this issue and can be done using a roof rake.

A regular inspection of your roof will have you avoiding major expenses and roof repairs down the road.  Becoming aware of common issues and consequence that arise with harsh winters can prevent minor inconveniences from turning into major catastrophes.