What Are The Various Life Spans of Roofing Materials

roofing companies northern Virginia

When you are planning to build a house or just renovate the old roof, choosing the right materials can be a little more difficult than you have imagined. After all, the roof is not only the element that protects your house from the weather, but also plays an important role in defining the exterior appearance of the entire house. At the same time, the roof can provide additional space (the attic), and if you built it with quality products, it will prevent heat loss, so you will have a more energy-efficient house and better thermal comfort indoors.

Roofing materials differ from each other by their durability, installation cost, thermal insulation, soundproofing or waterproofing properties. All the characteristics influence the lifespan of the respective roof.

Metal shingles

This type of roof has a lifespan of up to 50 years. Nowadays, metal shingles are some of the most popular roofing materials precisely for their particular durability. They do not allow moisture buildup on their surface, so there will be no moss or algae formation. Metal roofs come in a wide range of shapes and colors able to match any roof type. Such a roof is also highly reflective, which means that it will be very efficient especially during the summer and in warm regions. To be effective in colder climates too, metal roofs must be doubled by adequate insulation.

Ceramic tiles

This material offers greater protection from cold and heat, compared to metal tiles, as well as sound insulation. Ceramic roofs are beautiful and do not lose their aspect in time, but they do develop moss and algae on their surface, so they must be cleaned periodically. A ceramic roof is heavy and requires a sturdy structure to hold its weight. Installations must be done by skilled professionals, but the best news is that it will probably be the only roof you will ever be required to install on your home, considered that it is expected to last even for 100 years.

Standing-seam metal

This type of roofing is increasingly popular. Typically, it is make from aluminum, but zinc and copper are also used. A standing-seam metal roof is very durable and almost maintenance-free. The average lifespan can be up to 50 years, but in good circumstances it might last even longer.

Wood shingles and shakes

They both make some of the most attractive roofs and remain the favorite materials of those who prefer a natural aspect. They are also quite tricky to install, so such a roof is the job for skilled roofing companies northern Virginia contractors and not really suitable for DIYers. Wood is prone to rot and decay and it must be treated against moisture and to enhance its fire resistance. Its average lifespan may not be the longest, but it is not the shortest either – up to 30 years and even longer, if it is meticulously maintained.

Slate

This is probably the most durable roofing material, which is expected to last as long as the house (even two centuries!). Slate is a natural stone, expensive and heavy, therefore such a roof requires a very solid structure and trained craftsmen to deal with installation and repairs.

Can You Prevent Your Roof from Developing Leaks?

Panama City roofing inspect leaky roofs

Roof leaks are among the most common roofing problems – almost every roof owner knows what a nuisance it is to have to deal with the damp patches that appear on the ceiling or with the dampness that transforms the attic into a sauna after storms. Fortunately, with a little care and attention, most roof leaks can be prevented and as a bonus, the strength of the roof to protect the building underneath against other elements can also be maintained – here is how.

Regular Roof Cleaning and Inspection

Knowing what is going on with your roof is the best way to know whether the roof needs repair. Regular roof cleaning and roof inspections by Panama City roofing contractors are necessary steps of achieving such control.

Both roof cleaning and the following inspection are very important for keeping your roof leak-free. The debris, such as the dust, the dried leaves and twigs, is carried by the wind are deposited on the surface of roofs and forms a layer that absorbs the moisture from rain, preventing the roof underneath from drying properly and weakening it gradually until the roofing material gives in and lets water through. Roofs that are cleaned twice a year and then checked for faults are much stronger, they withstand storms and prolonged rainy periods better and they are much less prone to develop leaks than neglected roofs.

Timely Repairs

It is not enough to clean the roof and to find the faults that can cause leaks – the faults also need to be repaired. Regular inspections will make sure that the faults you find will never be more substantial than a couple of damaged shingles or a crack in the flashing.

Taking Care of the Gutters

Roof leaks can be caused not only by the faults of the shingles, tiles or panels on your roof or by the flashing around the chimneys and in the roof valleys. Damaged gutters, pipes that are clogged, cracked or sagging and can no longer fulfill their role of directing the water away from the building can also cause roof damage that can lead to the appearance of leaks. The solution is simple: whenever your roof is inspected, include a thorough gutter check in the process and correct the faults as soon as possible.

Install Roof Vents

Roofs can develop leaks not only because the roof surface gets damaged. Roof leaks are often caused by structural damage suffered by the roof’s deeper layers, usually in the roof’s support structure made from wood. Whenever it rains and the air becomes more humid, unvented roofs are exposed to water damage by the moisture that can get trapped under the roof, in the attic area. If the roof is not equipped with vents, that moist air cannot evacuate and it will release its moisture in the form of droplets of water that settle on the surfaces throughout the attic. Exposure to water being something that wood cannot stand up to for too long, the wooden beams, boards and planks that make up your roof’s support structure will get damaged sooner or later, which will weaken the entire roof and is likely to cause roof sagging and the resulting shifting and movement of the roofing surface. Roof covering elements that no longer form an intact surface will let water through and will lead to leaks.

Select the Best Experts in Hot Weather Roofing Fort Worth Has to Offer

Experts usually have a lot to say about making the best decisions regarding roofing Fort Worth, being one of the places where you can find a plethora of reliable roofers both in the city itself and in nearby Dallas.

With hot temperatures happening every year, however, getting recommendations on how to select the best quotes is not the only important thing to look for. Fort Worth roofers should also be able to provide you with reliable support for the summer months, or a new roof that can withstand the harsher climate of the area.

Hot Weather Roofing Recommendations

When you live in a city like Fort Worth, it is essential to make sure your roof can withstand the hot Texas summer temperatures. The main issue has to do with adhesives, since all roofing system require them, and most adhesives need a mild climate to keep the roof together for a longer time period.

One of the best choices for hot weather roofing is a low-tech roof.  Materials such as metal, cedar and some other types of wood can provide adequate support for hot weather. Also, the adhesives required to keep these roofing systems sturdy all year round are not very expensive.

EPDM single-ply membrane roofing and low-cost asphalt shingle systems, on the other hand, are usually a gamble. Roofers may risk installing them in the fall sometimes, as the moderate temperatures that follow could offer enough support to ensure the roof remains stable when the weather changes.

However, this isn’t a guarantee, and in the case of EPDM the adhesives are hard to work with even in warmer temperatures. While there are ways to make EPDM work as a hot weather alternative, the costs involved are substantially higher than the installation of a common wood or metal roof.

Tips on How to Choose the Best Proposal

Once you’ve found the best Fort Worth roofers who offer quality support for hot weather roofing, it’s time to get quotes and estimates on their services. However, instead of just getting a quick online quote, it may be best to find a professional roofing company that can give you a full roofing inspection and provide a detailed proposal as well:

  • First, make sure any roofer you contact provides you with a detailed, written proposal and estimate that contains the pricing and all other essential details of the project.
  • The proposal should contain detailed information about the materials to be used and the scope of the project – for example, flashing work, the removal of the existing roof and/or the partial or complete replacement of the roofing system.
  • There should also be information about who is responsible for managing the interior and landscape repairs required once work on the new roof is completed.
  • Finally, estimated starting and completion dates, average pricing figures and the length of warranty for labor and materials should all be included in your proposal.

With the help of these simple tips, you should have no problem finding some of the most dependable and highly professional local experts in roofing Fort Worth has to offer.

What Is Spray Foam Commercial Installation in Chicago

What Is Commercial Roof Spray FoamSpray foam – the combination of isocyanate and polyol resin that turns into foam when the mix is exposed to air – is among the strongest, most versatile materials, used not only for filling gaps in walls or around doors and windows and for fastening things, but also for insulating large areas, such as attics, for building entire roofs.

 

Spray foam being such a great invention, a product that comes with so many great physical and chemical features, including durability, resistance and flexibility, the spray is used for so many things around commercial facilities – here are a few of the usages and benefits.

 

Insulation Wherever It Is Needed

 

Whether it is a small gap around the window or the attic space that needs some quick insulation, spray foam is a handy, easy to use, quick, durable and resilient solution. You can fill large, visible crevices as well as for thin, almost invisible cracks, inside and outside the building.

 

Spray foam can also be used to insulate large spaces, such as attics and complete walls. The solution is preferred by many contractors and commercial building owners due to the affordability, the durability, the resistance and the great enveloping properties offered by the material – foam is known to provide insulation that is around 50% more efficient than other, more traditional materials used for the purpose. Insulation with spray foam is also a very quick process and the insulated space will be protected against mold and mildew as well as against noise pollution.

 

A Strong and Secure Fastener

 

Spray foam can be used for anchoring smaller or larger building components into place easily. Replacement foundation windows or doors can be fixed with a few movements, making the replacement process easy to accomplish by one person.

 

In many countries, spray foam is also used for roof installation, as it is by the commercial flat roof repair Chicago professionals – the spray is applied with the help of a spray gun on the bottom of the roof to seal the roofing components together.

 

Retrofitting Existent Walls

 

Spray foam is efficiently used for retrofitting existing walls. The process involves the drilling of holes in the wall, followed by filling the holes with spray foam. The technology is used frequently for creating a heat envelope around the building with the purpose of improving the building’s energy balance as well.

 

Energy Efficiency for Lower Energy Bills

 

Spray foam being a very efficient insulator, it reduces the movement of air inside the building and the thermal exchange between the building interior and the exterior. Limited heat exchange means that less energy is needed to ensure stable temperatures inside the building, so spray foam insulation can efficiently reduce the energy bills related to heating and cooling the building.

 

Quick and Easy Application

 

Whatever the purpose of spray foam installation, the process will be very quick. Spray foam is usually applied from cans of the size that is the most suitable for the project to be accomplished – from small, hand-held, single-use cans for fixing small issues or from large spray cans in the case of walls or attic insulation.

 

Top Shingles for Hot Climates – A Quick Guide to Roofing Materials

Top Tips For Hot Climate Roofing Materials

The homes located in hot climates need more protection against the sun’s rays and heat than homes located in more moderate or cold climate areas – if you are currently facing a large scale roofing project for your home in a region that gets lots of sun and you want to make sure that the roof covering material that you use provides the right amount of protection, here are the top shingles for hot climates, products that you can use to ensure the highest level of energy efficiency and the best thermal balance for your home.

Systems that Use Solar or Photovoltaic Cells

These newcomers on the market of energy efficient roofing materials, the shingles that use solar cells or photovoltaic cells are still relatively expensive, but they offer the benefits of not only protecting the thermal balance of your rooms, but also of transforming the sun’s brutal energy into energy that is useful for your home. These special shingles are shaped the same way as conventional shingles, which means that they do offer the same curb appeal, but they need to be installed by a professional Austin roofing contractor who has been trained to handle them.

White Metal Shingles

Metal has been long used for making roofing systems, but metal roofs used to consist of large panels. Nowadays, metal shingles are also available and they are gradually finding their position among the top shingles for hot climates because of their stability, durability and enhanced heat reflectivity. Metal shingles come in many shapes and colors, but white shingles are definitely the ones that work best in hot areas because the color further enhances the thermal protection offered by the roof.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are among the most traditional roofing materials and still very popular. Natural wood has superior qualities that ensure the thermal balance of your home, but if you go for this extraordinary, attractive solution, you need to know that wood roofs require regular attention, treatments and coatings applied regularly to be able to provide the right protection for your home. If the solution looks attractive to you, make sure that the building regulations in your area permit the usage of wood and be prepared that the investment you will need to make into your new roof will be a bit higher than with other materials.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have been successfully used in various climate zones including very hot areas, in tropical and desert regions. The materials and the technologies used for making asphalt shingles are relatively cheap, which makes these highly efficient materials affordable as well. Another benefit that makes asphalt shingles so popular is variety in terms of shapes and colors – whatever the style of your home, you will surely find the shingles that looks best on your building.

While browsing the features of top shingles for hot climates, you can consult the building recommendations provided by local roofers on their websites or you can ask for advice contacting roofers personally – take your time to make the best decision, roof installation is certainly not the construction project that you want to get done frequently.

A Difficult Decision: When to Hire Someone Else to Repair My Roof?

If you are faced with a roofing issue and you are a homeowner who has some experience with fixing things around the house and you have tools, too, the question might obviously arise “when to hire someone else to repair my roof”. Not all roofing problems can be addressed by DIY roofers – some need to be taken care of by Manhattan KS roofing experts and can be aggravated by unprofessional repair attempts. Here are some prompts that can help you decide whether you need a pro or you can go ahead and fix the problem on your own.

Simple Repairs

Minor leaks caused by a few missing or damaged shingles or tiles and clogged gutters can be easily fixed by amateur roofers. All you need to do to fix a small leak is to identify the location of the leak, then to take a few of your spare shingles and tiles, go up on the roof and take care of the replacement. However, before you start, think about your experience working at heights – if you feel more comfortable doing things on the ground and you don’t have suitable fall-protection gear to use for anchoring yourself with while on the roof, it might be safer to call a roofer even for such minor repairs.

The problems caused by clogged gutters are easier to fix – you need a bucket and a tool that you can use to scrape off the debris accumulated in the pipes, but if you are not comfortable climbing on ladders, you might need someone else to do the cleaning for you.

roof repair contractors

Major Repairs or Situations that You Don’t Know How to Solve

If you are unsure about how to fix a roofing issue, you might want to consider calling a Manhattan KS roofing expert, even if the problem seems to be small, while in the case of severe roofing issues, such a storm damage or roof sagging, you definitely need an expert.

If you call a roofer, you can be sure that the roofing problem will be solved in a professional manner, but expertise is not the only benefit of hiring a roofer. Professional roof repair Manhattan KS roofers know not only how to address various roofing problems, but they also know how to look for hidden faults that can aggravate over time, such as almost invisible hairline cracks in the tiles or granule loss in the case of shingles. Roofing contractors also work with professional tools, such as special hammers and hydraulic devices, they know roofing materials and are familiar with roof repair best practices as well, so hiring them is the best solution for your roofing problems, especially if they are extended or very severe.

The Conclusion

To be able to answer the question “when to hire someone else to repair my roof”, you first need to decide whether you know how to fix the issue on your own, whether it is safe to do it all by yourself and whether the DIY repair will save money for you, so you need to perform a detailed evaluation of the situation and then to act responsibly.

How Long Does a New Roof Last – Factors that Determine Roof Longevity

roof installation

Whether you are currently in the process of buying a new home or you want to know whether you need to prepare for costly roof replacement any time soon on the home you are living in, here are a few things you should know about what to expect of your current roof and the answer to the question “how long does a new roof last”.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

3-tab shingles, the most basic asphalt shingle varieties are warranted for 10-20 years, while stronger, more resistant architectural varieties come with warranties of 15-30 years. However, the longevity of your roof will depend on several factors – 3-tab shingles are warranted only for areas where wind speed does not exceed 60-70 mph, so if you live in an area that gets higher winds, your roof should be covered in architectural shingles.

There are many signs that tell you your existing roof is reaching the end of its lifespan. Frequent leaks, major cracks, large areas on the roof where the shingles have no surface granules might indicate that you should prepare for roof replacement. However, if most of the shingles on the roof still look good and your leaks are caused by a recent storm, you can probably prolong the life of your roof by simply replacing the damaged shingles with new ones. Experienced roofing companies Omaha providers can inspect your roof and offer roofing services to meet your needs.

Metal Roofs

Most metal roofs are warranted for about 30-50 years. Standard metal roofing systems can withstand winds ranging at 90-110 mph, while fortified metal roofs can resist winds of 150 mph without sustaining any damage. While in the past metal roof systems came in the form of large panels, nowadays metal roofing can be made using metal shingles that are cheaper and offer the same durability.

The most important sign that indicates that your metal roof needs to be replaced is extensive rust and the leaks caused by the damaged metal components that have lost their integrity. Leaks that recur in the same area or leaks that appear in different rooms one after the other tell you that your roof might suffer from any issues that affect not only the surface of the roof, but other roof components as well.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

The tiles made from concrete or clay are not cheap and not suitable for every home (both clay and concrete are heavy materials and many lightweight buildings cannot support that kind of weight), they make excellent, attractive and durable solutions for solid buildings. Most clay and concrete systems are warranted for 50-100 years and they are suitable for any climate area, but they need to be installed by a professional roofer to provide that kind of longevity.

The signs that tell you roof replacement is around the corner is tile cracking and recurring leaks that do not respond well to professional repairs.

As you see, the answer to the question “how long does a new roof last?” is complex and it depends on lots of different factors, so try to figure out your own answer based on general warranty periods, the features of your climate zone and on how frequently you need to do repairs on your roof.

Roofing in Colorado – Services and Options

If you are facing any issues with your roofing in Colorado, you can be sure that local roofing services will help you fix them professionally and in the timeliest manner possible. Quick action and know-how, these are indeed the two most important things that you need when it comes to roofing problems or roofing projects, but what local roofers are also able to add is variety – here are the services they provide.

 

Roof Maintenance

 

Roof maintenance is a task that is very important, but very often neglected by property owners. Many people think that no leak means that the roof is in perfect condition, but unfortunately it is not so. Roofing problems can linger around unnoticed for very long periods of time and by the time the first visible signs of damage appear, the problem can be so serious that it costs the owner thousands of dollars to fix. Colorado roofs are especially sensitive, given the harsh weather conditions that affect certain parts of the state, so roofing maintenance is even more important in the Centennial State. Here are some of the most common roof maintenance services offered by local roofers:

 

  • Roof cleaning – any maintenance and repair intervention starts with cleaning to allow roofers to find cracks, holes or other issues and to prepare healthy roofs for the challenges of the upcoming season

 

  • Roof inspections – not all roofing issues are visible for the untrained eye, but expert roofers are experienced and they are able to notice even the thinnest of hairline cracks and the slightest displacement before it is too late

 

  • Additional maintenance – most roofers provide maintenance for the components adjacent to the roof such as the gutter and the siding panels.

 

Repairs

 

Maintenance makes roofs more durable and more resistant, but damage still happens, especially if the roof becomes exposed to some sort of impact such as hail, heavy snow, falling tree branches or harsh winds. To be sure the damage is properly fixed, you definitely need professional roofing services – every roofing material requires a different approach and repairs can properly carried out only with the dedicated tools and suitable expertise.

 

Roof Replacement

 

Some roofs can become so damaged that they can no longer be fixed and this is another situation when you need a professional roofer. Local companies provide partial and complete roof replacement services, most of them offering not only to remove the old and damaged parts and to install the new roofing, but also to remove the debris from the job site.

Installing New Roofs

 

The roof is one of the most important structural elements of your home, so it is very important to have it properly installed. Professional roofers experienced in roofing Englewood CO homes know the pros and cons of every roofing material, so you can turn to them for initial consultation, they can help you purchase the materials you need for prices that are probably better than the prices at the local construction warehouse or store and they can also guarantee that the roof will be put up properly and they also work faster and more efficiently than DIY roofers, to mention just a few of the benefits of hiring experts for the installation of your roofing in Colorado.

 

Roofing Companies In Georgia Talk About The Importance Of A Strong Structure

With the best Georgia roofing products, you too can have a strong and long-lasting roof. Some homeowners are still doubting the importance of a strong roof structure. They have the impression that it makes no difference of having a weak structure or a strong one. In an effort to make them understand better, we have come up with a small list that might help you out.

  1. The house structure dictates the roof structure

The roof structure is set on the building structure. We all know that a strong structure should support both a weak and a strong roofing structure. We also know that the roof skeleton needs to support the roofing material. If the architecture of the roof is heavier than the one from the building, the second one will suffer damage because of the weight.

  1. Material matters

Even though you think that any kind of material will do, we tend to disagree. The roofing material that goes over the structure can affect the entire roof. If you are looking to install asphalt shingles, then a wood roof structure will do the job. However, if you are looking to install ceramic tiles, which are heavier, you will need a combination of wood and metal. And if you are looking to install thick metal boards, you will need a metal structure. The heavier the roofing material is, the stronger the roofing structure needs to be.

  1. Design and architecture

If you have something set for your home, it would be best that you consult with your contractor and roofer. Depending on what you want, they need to figure out how to build the roof. If they know for a fact that what you want can put your life in danger, they will make modification and talk to you about it. The angles and math that goes into the process are extremely important. One wrong calculation or one wrong angle, and everything can take a turn for the worse.

You need to understand that a strong building needs to be stay like that for a long time. Everything that you disregard will have consequences in the near future. That means that before you go ahead and to things how you think they should be done, take some time and have a talk with your roofer or your contractor. They will both tell you that details matter and in case they have something better to offer, you need to keep an open mind. Once you have the final details of your project ready, you can go ahead and start building. And if you use the best roofing products, roofers Greensboro GA  has, say, your roof will not only be stronger, but it will also last longer.

So, before you make any decisions, take some time and think things over. Talk to specialist in this domain and see what they have to say. Chances are that they have a better option for you that will guarantee a better lifespan.

Quality Support for Roof Replacement from Flagstaff Residential Roofing Companies

Although a good patchwork can almost always help you reduce your roofing costs, Flagstaff experts agree that an old roof is often better to be replaced than to risk spending money on repair jobs that won’t hold.

 

With help from the best Flagstaff residential roofing companies, however, you can have the work completed in no time at all and even save some money on what would otherwise be an expensive and lengthy re-roofing job.

 

What to Take Note of When Replacing Your Old Roof

 

Before replacing your old roof, it is essential to make sure all the necessary steps are taken for the work to be smooth and straightforward. Your Flagstaff roofing service will, first of all, arrive at your location and evaluate the state of the current roof to make a detailed note of what the work will entail. You will then receive a detailed written estimate that you can either approve or reject.

 

While looking at your estimate and talking to the roofers, here are a few essential things to consider:

 

  • The time frame of the project – when will it start, how long will it take, and most importantly, is the time period in question a convenient one for you and your household?
  • The price – ask the roofers how much the entire job will cost, and make sure the exact amount is confirmed through a certified, written estimate.
  • Insurance details and warranty – make sure you are protected by a good insurance policy in the event of injury or damage, and the labor and material warranties are in place to protect your interests in case the new roof gets damaged too soon.
  • Who will supply the materials? Most local roofers will be able to provide all materials, and they can also make sure you get a better deal through the manufacturers they work with.

 

The Replacement Process

 

Even though replacing a roof is always more of a complicated issue than mainstream repairs, the most dependable and knowledgeable Flagstaff residential roofing companies will usually finish the job quite easily. The process entailed is overall very simple:

 

  1. After you gave them the green light to proceed with the project, your roofers will first get to work scraping off your old roof and repairing any damage to the decking. In some instances some or even all elements of the roof sheathing might need replacing as well.
  2. After the “foundation” of the new roof is properly prepared, additional layers such as underlayment and a protective membrane will be added for more support and insulation.
  3. Finally, the shingles and fascia have to be installed and the roof properly examined and tested for any leaks or problems.

 

While this set of tasks comprises the main steps to getting a new roof, it’s not always that simple. In some cases special materials and elements also have to be added, including skylights and additional protective layers both underneath and over the roof. Also, if you had major problems with insulation and ventilation in the attic, the entire architecture of the roof may have to be rethought.

 

Fortunately, with the most experienced and reliable Flagstaff roofing company at your side, all these jobs can be finished in no time, so you can relax and enjoy your brand new roof for a long time to come.