Your home is your fortress. The first layer of protection on any
fortress is the roof and siding materials. It is the first layer
enemies have to penetrate before damaging the structural materials
holding the home together. Many people don't recognize the enemies that
the home's outside layer are forced to protect against day in and day
out. When it comes to protecting your home and roofing material it is
important to know what types of opponents it will be facing.
Depending on the elements in which your fortress is built you will face
varying obstacles when it comes to your roof. The performance of the
roofing material is affected by many factors and choosing the right
material for your climate is crucial for the roof to perform well for
you.
Sun: The sun is an enormous enemy of you your roof. The rays of the
sun cause roofing material to deteriorate at a faster pass when exposed
directly to them. This is the number one reason that asphalt shingling is rarely seen in climates where the sunny season is the majority of the year.
Rain/Condensation: Moisture can wreak havoc underneath shingles and
cedar shakes. Water can also work underneath the barriers used to
install a new roof, if not properly installed, and cause damage to the
roof deck and cause structural damage as well. When performing your
yearly home maintenance check be sure to look for signs of moisture in
the attic around the roofing beams so that water issues can be
immediately taken care of at the roofing level.
Wind: Another of Mother Nature's evil elements from the view of your
roof. Wind damage can occur when high winds lift shingles leaving a
void or damage shingles peeling at the corners. Once the roofing
material is damaged form the wind, the roof is more susceptible to
water, debris and extensive damage to the roof.
Snow and ice: Winter weather is another major issue when it comes to
keeping your roof intact. If your home is located in a winter weather
climate it is important that you prevent ice dams from building up at
the edge of the roof. Roof dams prevent proper drainage and can cause
the water to seep underneath the roofing material. This can cause
issues with the material on the roof, the gutters and downspouts.
Moss and algae: Moss is an issue from any home without adequate light
to allow the roofing material to thoroughly dry. It is a catch twenty
two, too much sun and your roof deteriorates, too much and you get
algae. Both moss and algae can cause your homes roof to rot and
deteriorate faster than it should. More than anything the growth is
unsightly and a nuisance to remove. If you choose to have the substance
removed hire a professional roof
cleaning company. It is a delicate process. Then prevent the moss from
reappearing by trimming trees that shade the roof and make sure the
roof has proper drainage.
Your roof takes a beating as the first layer of protection for the
homes structure. It is important as homeowners we do our best to take
care of issues as soon as they begin rather than waiting until a problem
exists. If you are aware of outside elements that are beating up your
roof you will be able to keep an eye out for damage and fix it right
away, prevent issues from accumulating. New roofs are expensive, roof
repairs aren't and will increase the lifetime of your roof.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Materials Commonly Used In Roofing
When it comes time to replace your roof many things go through your
mind including what type of shingle is best for your home as well as
your budget. When deciding what material to use for your homes new roof
consider all of the pros and cons related to the variety of shingles on
the market today. You may also consider a consultation with a few
local roofing contractors to get a few opinions and prices on materials
that will work well within the region of the country you live in.
The best material for your roof will be determined a lot on the climate in which you live. The most common roofing material for homes within our north eastern region is asphalt shingles. They are the most frequently used material in roofing because they are inexpensive. They tend to last on a well cared for roof for between twenty and thirty years and can earn major tax credits when they meet the Energy Star standards for cooler roofing. Laminated and architectural asphalt shingles are a bit pricier than their thinner three-tab shingle counterpart and therefore usually have a longer life expectancy.
A material that is also common for use in shingles is wood. Hardwood shingles such as Cedar and Redwood will provide protection for your roof from anywhere between thirty and fifty years. For this reason you can understand why they are a bit pricier than asphalt shingles. Harwood shingles are aesthetically pleasing because of their natural appearance. They are especially beautiful when used on cabin homes.
Metal roofing is another favorite. Once popular only in the northwest and mountain region, metal is becoming a more popular material for homes throughout the country. Metal works well with flat roofs or roofs that have steep rooflines. Because metal roofing is known for its longevity it can be rather expensive in comparison to asphalt often costing double. Consider though that the metal roof will last twice as long when deciding between the two different materials.
Slate shingling is a material that is popular in the northeastern portion of the country as slate is quarried throughout the region. Slate has been known to last over fifty years and remain intact and leak free even in some older homes with original slate roofing. Slate is expensive however incredibly durable and is very pleasing architecturally.
Tile shingles are incredibly expensive but are the longest lasting roofing material on the market. Many roofs shingled with tile have been known to last for eighty plus years. The only drawback to tile besides the cost is that some homes are not structurally sound enough to withstand the weight of the shingles. The unique appearance of tile shingles makes them a popular choice with Spanish styled homes as well as home throughout the southwest.
When looking into roofing materials for your home make sure to get several quotes from different roofing contractors. All contractors have different rates for their services and the materials in which they use for your homes roof. It is in your best interest to talk with several contractors and choose one not only on the cost of goods and services they provide but also on how competent and reliable they seem to be.
The best material for your roof will be determined a lot on the climate in which you live. The most common roofing material for homes within our north eastern region is asphalt shingles. They are the most frequently used material in roofing because they are inexpensive. They tend to last on a well cared for roof for between twenty and thirty years and can earn major tax credits when they meet the Energy Star standards for cooler roofing. Laminated and architectural asphalt shingles are a bit pricier than their thinner three-tab shingle counterpart and therefore usually have a longer life expectancy.
A material that is also common for use in shingles is wood. Hardwood shingles such as Cedar and Redwood will provide protection for your roof from anywhere between thirty and fifty years. For this reason you can understand why they are a bit pricier than asphalt shingles. Harwood shingles are aesthetically pleasing because of their natural appearance. They are especially beautiful when used on cabin homes.
Metal roofing is another favorite. Once popular only in the northwest and mountain region, metal is becoming a more popular material for homes throughout the country. Metal works well with flat roofs or roofs that have steep rooflines. Because metal roofing is known for its longevity it can be rather expensive in comparison to asphalt often costing double. Consider though that the metal roof will last twice as long when deciding between the two different materials.
Slate shingling is a material that is popular in the northeastern portion of the country as slate is quarried throughout the region. Slate has been known to last over fifty years and remain intact and leak free even in some older homes with original slate roofing. Slate is expensive however incredibly durable and is very pleasing architecturally.
Tile shingles are incredibly expensive but are the longest lasting roofing material on the market. Many roofs shingled with tile have been known to last for eighty plus years. The only drawback to tile besides the cost is that some homes are not structurally sound enough to withstand the weight of the shingles. The unique appearance of tile shingles makes them a popular choice with Spanish styled homes as well as home throughout the southwest.
When looking into roofing materials for your home make sure to get several quotes from different roofing contractors. All contractors have different rates for their services and the materials in which they use for your homes roof. It is in your best interest to talk with several contractors and choose one not only on the cost of goods and services they provide but also on how competent and reliable they seem to be.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Choosing A Perfect Colored Shingle For Your Roof
Curb appeal is such an important aspect of homeownership. When considering the atheistic value of your home how often do you consider the color of the shingles on your roof? It is definitely not the most exciting aspect of your home. Choosing the color of your shingles may seem intimidating when you first begin the hunt to find the right color however below you will find four tips to narrow the selection down.
Consider Your Home's Color When Choosing the Color of the Shingling
What color is the home's vinyl siding, brick or stone? This is the most important thing to take into account when selecting the color of the shingle. It is too expensive to change the color of the exterior of your home. So naturally this is the first thing you should consider when choosing a shingle color to compliment your home's roof. Contact a local roofing contractor to get shingle samples to find one that works with your home. A few colors that shingles come in might be absolutely out of the question for your home so ditch them from the selection process right away.
The Home's Trim Should Compliment the Shingle Color
Although the trim and home's siding should ultimately coordinate with one another already sometimes they don't. Shingles should be a color that complement and enhance both the trim and the home's exterior coloring. If the roofing shingle color doesn't work for both the siding and the trim then it is not a contender for your roof unless you are willing to repaint all the home's trim. Which seriously, are you even considering that at the point in which you already are in need of a new roof?
The Location of the Home Is a Large Element in Picking A Shingle Color
The last thing you want is for your home to be known as "that home" when choosing the color of the shingling. You don't want your home to stick out like the sore thumb of the neighborhood. Consider the shingles that you have narrowed your choices down to and then look around to see which best compliments the shingles on the neighbor's roofs as well.
Contemplate Shingle Coloring with the Style of your Home
Look at the style of your home when you are choosing a roof shingle color. Different styles warrant different colors. For instance if you have a Spanish style home blue shingles are not the best option. If the shingles compliment the exterior trim and siding but don't fit the homes architecture then that is not the color for your home.
Find some ideas using the internet and looking in different home improvement magazines. Find homes similar in style, color and location as yours and see what has worked in the way of shingling color for them. The perfect shingle will soon be found and installed, by a professional roofing contractor, accentuating your home's exterior. Hiring a professional roofing contractor will save you tons of money, time and energy no matter what color shingle you choose in the end.
Consider Your Home's Color When Choosing the Color of the Shingling
What color is the home's vinyl siding, brick or stone? This is the most important thing to take into account when selecting the color of the shingle. It is too expensive to change the color of the exterior of your home. So naturally this is the first thing you should consider when choosing a shingle color to compliment your home's roof. Contact a local roofing contractor to get shingle samples to find one that works with your home. A few colors that shingles come in might be absolutely out of the question for your home so ditch them from the selection process right away.
The Home's Trim Should Compliment the Shingle Color
Although the trim and home's siding should ultimately coordinate with one another already sometimes they don't. Shingles should be a color that complement and enhance both the trim and the home's exterior coloring. If the roofing shingle color doesn't work for both the siding and the trim then it is not a contender for your roof unless you are willing to repaint all the home's trim. Which seriously, are you even considering that at the point in which you already are in need of a new roof?
The Location of the Home Is a Large Element in Picking A Shingle Color
The last thing you want is for your home to be known as "that home" when choosing the color of the shingling. You don't want your home to stick out like the sore thumb of the neighborhood. Consider the shingles that you have narrowed your choices down to and then look around to see which best compliments the shingles on the neighbor's roofs as well.
Contemplate Shingle Coloring with the Style of your Home
Look at the style of your home when you are choosing a roof shingle color. Different styles warrant different colors. For instance if you have a Spanish style home blue shingles are not the best option. If the shingles compliment the exterior trim and siding but don't fit the homes architecture then that is not the color for your home.
Find some ideas using the internet and looking in different home improvement magazines. Find homes similar in style, color and location as yours and see what has worked in the way of shingling color for them. The perfect shingle will soon be found and installed, by a professional roofing contractor, accentuating your home's exterior. Hiring a professional roofing contractor will save you tons of money, time and energy no matter what color shingle you choose in the end.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Ensure Your Are Hiring A Quality Roofing Contractor With The Tips Below
When hiring any type of contractor to work on your home we are all
looking to get the biggest bang for our “buck”. This is especially true
when it comes to larger projects such as kitchen or bathroom
remodeling, roof replacement, basement transformation as well as
landscaping. The more money we are about to put the better the deal we
are looking to get. On top of this we are looking to hire a
professional who is in it to give us a great deal while completing the
job in a timely fashion and correct the first time. How can a homeowner
ensure they are hiring the best roofing contractor for their roof
replacement or roofing repair?
One thing to look for when hiring a roofing contractor is their licensing. The required licenses that are needed for a roofing contractor in each area of the state and country are going to be different. To determine what is needed when doing work in your area, on your home, it is best to call the local building department.
Insurance is another area of concern when it comes to hiring a contractor that will be working on your home. Without proper insurance, if someone gets hurt or materials are broken, you as the homeowner will be responsible if the contractor does not have proper business insurance. Always get a copy of the insurance policy before any contracts are signed or work is done on the home.
Some local municipalities will require that you have permits pulled for work within or around your home. If they are required you or the contractor will need to pull permits before the job is begun. This is information that can be acquired at your local building department.
Roofing contractors vary on the warranties on their products and services along with warranty offers from the manufactures. All guarantees and warranties should be in writing when the contractor gives you the original estimate.
Finding a reputable, reliable roofing contractor can be difficult. One of the best ways to tell if you are hiring someone trustworthy and dependable is to talk to previous clients. This will be a good way of determining how the contractor you are hiring does business and the results of their work.
When receiving an estimate for job needed on your roof the best way to ensure you are getting what you are paying for is to ask for a breakdown list of materials and labor costs. Take all of the bids that you have received and compare them side by side to see if the quotes you are getting are all on the same playing field. If there are drastic differences find out the reasons. Maybe one contractor offers extended warranties on labor or materials. This may be worth a few extra dollars for you.
If everything is even with the contractors that you are looking into consider the outside factors. Pay attention to the details like how the contractor presents him or herself. How the bids are presented and how prompt they were in their communication with you. This is helpful in determining how communication will be in future dealings as well.
One thing to look for when hiring a roofing contractor is their licensing. The required licenses that are needed for a roofing contractor in each area of the state and country are going to be different. To determine what is needed when doing work in your area, on your home, it is best to call the local building department.
Insurance is another area of concern when it comes to hiring a contractor that will be working on your home. Without proper insurance, if someone gets hurt or materials are broken, you as the homeowner will be responsible if the contractor does not have proper business insurance. Always get a copy of the insurance policy before any contracts are signed or work is done on the home.
Some local municipalities will require that you have permits pulled for work within or around your home. If they are required you or the contractor will need to pull permits before the job is begun. This is information that can be acquired at your local building department.
Roofing contractors vary on the warranties on their products and services along with warranty offers from the manufactures. All guarantees and warranties should be in writing when the contractor gives you the original estimate.
Finding a reputable, reliable roofing contractor can be difficult. One of the best ways to tell if you are hiring someone trustworthy and dependable is to talk to previous clients. This will be a good way of determining how the contractor you are hiring does business and the results of their work.
When receiving an estimate for job needed on your roof the best way to ensure you are getting what you are paying for is to ask for a breakdown list of materials and labor costs. Take all of the bids that you have received and compare them side by side to see if the quotes you are getting are all on the same playing field. If there are drastic differences find out the reasons. Maybe one contractor offers extended warranties on labor or materials. This may be worth a few extra dollars for you.
If everything is even with the contractors that you are looking into consider the outside factors. Pay attention to the details like how the contractor presents him or herself. How the bids are presented and how prompt they were in their communication with you. This is helpful in determining how communication will be in future dealings as well.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Like Us On Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus To Keep Up With The Latest Roofing Information
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Pro-Roofing/225836740845265?ref=hl
https://plus.google.com/b/105036876237525225877/105036876237525225877/posts
https://twitter.com/HomeProRoofingCheck us out today! Feel free to leave comments, ask questions or check out work we have done!
Friday, April 26, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
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 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)