How To Get Roof Estimates

Roof Repair - Dec 15,2013 - No Comment

Getting a Roof estimate is now a preliminary requirement before any roofing project. Often people do not go for an installer before making an estimate for their project. Roof contractors have exploited this opportunity and most people have ended up over spending for their roof. Home owners have no idea about roofing and the industrial materials like tiles needed for it. Preparing an estimate before assigning the contract has become important for home owners today. This will help them understand the budget needed and also prevent exceeding their own budget.

Roof estimate is basically a process of evaluating the total amount of money required for a roof job. There many different techniques available for developing a proper estimate. Estimates contain expenses and every other aspect related to your project. From the quantity and the type of materials used, to the labor costs, an estimate contains detailed information regarding everything. Many techniques can be employed to perform such an estimate. From hiring a professional estimator to using the Internet there are multiple options available and is up to the home owner to decide which one he wants to utilize. Performing an estimate gives a strong foundation for the project and will eliminate nasty surprises like over spending.

There are many professional roof job estimators. Use the Internet and try to find one who is working in your own area. Try to find a company that provides free estimates or gives the best quotes. Once you hire a roof estimator he would prepare a roof estimate for you. Most people go through this process and once the estimate comes they tend to relax and the estimate cannot be implemented properly by the roofing contractor and they overshoot the budget. Make the estimate a formal agreement and hence there would be clarity on both sides about the costs involved. The estimate must be thoroughly verified by you and must cover all the aspects of the project. It is important to put every detail in the estimate since any miscalculation can strain your budget.

Roof estimate software is another tool used for making these estimates. This software is an automated tool which accepts multiple inputs and produces the estimate. Using such software helps in replacing the cost of hiring a professional roof estimator. This software also generates accurate estimates according to the market values. Basically you enter the materials used; the quantity of the materials and the software generates the estimate based on the data that was given as an input. It also requires other inputs like length and width of the roof and various other dimensions required for a roofing project. Since the software accepts multiple values, home owners can evaluate and decide on the best option for their project.

Roof estimate solve the problem of getting building roofing done without knowing the costs upfront. It gives him a clear idea of what his roof is going to cost him and which materials are being used (along with the costs). If he is planning on a lower budget he can vary the type of materials used and try to find a budget that suits him. It also ensures that the contractors will not exceed the budget. Overall, having an estimate of the project ahead is the best way to proceed for any roofing operation.

Architectural Roofing – Why Architectural Shingles Are Desirable For Roofing

Roof Shingles - Dec 02,2013 - No Comment

A home isn’t just a roof over your head! No, it’s much more. It’s a visual statement about you, your lifestyle, your preferences, tastes and choices. And that’s why choosing the right kind of roofing for your house is vitally important.

Architectural roofing can be both aesthetic and functional. Combining a stunning 3D look with benefits like high wind resistance, architectural shingles roofing is highly desired by many home owners.

So what makes architectural shingles so appealing?

There are many advantages of having a shingle roof.

1. Stunning Appearance: Architectural roofing looks better than conventional natural wood roofing, with soft shadow lines giving them a smooth and slick appearance that is at once classic and attractive.

2. Wind Resistant: Architectural shingle roofing can resist high force wind and other elements. While they weigh around 300 pounds per square foot, they can stand up to wind speeds of 110 mph or higher!

3. Impact Resistant: Home owners who live near golf courses love this advantage of shingle roofing. And while being impact resistant, architectural roofs are also algae resistant, a benefit that matters in certain neighborhoods plagued by black streaking when rainfall and humidity are high.

What are Architectural Roofing Materials made of?

Ceramic coated mineral granules embedded in a fiberglass mat base are then layered onto water resistant asphalt. The components of architectural shingles are laminated together in a special kind of cement, and have self-sealing adhesive as well.

Sizes of shingles vary by region. You can use these shingles on roofs with slopes more than 2 inches per foot. If you want to use them on less sloping roofs, then it requires an additional layer of roofing to prevent water leaks. Also, if it snows heavily in your part of the world, then winter proofing is necessary.

Which companies make the best architectural roofing material?

There are many excellent manufacturers of architectural shingles. Some of the best known names in the industry are Elk, CertainTeed and Tamco. Architectural shingles come in a range of different colors, but make sure the one you want is available in your area.

You can visit the company website to check on region charts and sample boards to make sure you will get the kind of material you want. Otherwise, call your sales representative to verify.

Who should buy architectural roofing?

Architectural shingles can be a great choice for everyone. If you’re looking for an appealing look to your roof without sacrificing on performance and quality and functionality, this is your ideal solution.

Not only will your roof look attractive and resist extreme weather, using architectural shingles will also add to the resale value of your home when you’re ready to move on. And the nicest part of it all is that the cost is not much different from any other alternative!

The tough decision is not so much picking architectural roofing as in finding the best kind to use based upon your needs in terms of life span and color. Only you can tell what works within your budget and suits your tastes. But a good consultant will often be able to guide you to making this choice, so make sure you talk to a few good people and ask for recommendations before you decide.

Installing Asphalt Roof Shingles – Tips, Tricks & Best Practices

Roof Shingles - Oct 15,2013 - No Comment

Installing asphalt roof shingles doesn’t have to be hard, time-consuming or costly – if you follow some simple guidelines. Asphalt shingles are among the most popular roofing materials, and installing a roof yourself can be quick and easy because there is so much guidance available on how to do it well. It doesn’t need a lot of expensive equipment, or even a lot of skill or expertise. Prices vary for professional installation services, so be sure to do your homework and look around for a good contractor.

Starting With The Under-Layer

This is very important to get right. The under-layer acts as the waterproofing layer. There are different types of material available. You can use tar paper or felt lining for this, and secure the layer to the roof with staples. In addition, if weather conditions locally make it necessary, you may add ice and water shields too. This is nothing but a granulated surface, to protect your roof from water seeping through. Adding galvanized tin into the troughs and valleys can provide extra protection.

Installing Asphalt Roof Shingles

Asphalt shingles come in packs or bundles. The individual shingles are all of the same size. To ensure the roof sits smoothly and nicely, you’ll have to trim off some bits from the edge of shingles so that as you go uphill, the sizes of the shingles are just right to give a seamless fit. This happens by staggering the seams.

First place shingles along the eaves. Nail these pieces firmly to the roof, leaving some extra over the edge for water to drip off. Technically, this layer is called the start shingle.

Then, lay the first row of asphalt roof shingles. Line it up with the bottom of the roof, and nail it into place with a hammer and using the appropriate sized nail. Usually you will nail the shingle in front of a sticky strip that helps seal it to the next row. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as they are specific to the brand and kind of asphalt shingles you are using.

Create Overlapping Rows

Ensuring that your shingles overlap will prevent any water seepage through to the roof. By avoiding successive layers to fall one over the other, you will minimize any risk that water will find its way through gaps. Roofing cement applied to the corrugated underside of shingles can further help reduce this risk.

Roofing tar can help hold the shingles in place until the overlapping shingle is cut, and installed in place. Place each seam in the middle of a valley, a method called single weave, so that there’s extra protection against leaking.

At the peak, bending a few shingles to create a roof cap will give a nice, even split from one side of the roof to the other. Make sure no nails are exposed, and that there is no gap. By following a simple sequence of steps when installing asphalt roof shingles, you will ensure that you create a perfectly sealed roof. Architectural shingles have their own pros and cons. You may also apply them instead of asphalt shingles, if you want a posh and stylish look.

Don’t Hurt Yourself Installing Architectural Roof Shingles

Roof Shingles - Oct 02,2013 - No Comment

Installing architectural roof shingles does not always have to be a job for a professional. It is well within the capabilities of a reasonably skilled do-it-yourself’er, provided you take some common sense precautions (and maybe get yourself a helper or two).

Architectural roof shingles are more expensive than regular slate shingles, but this doesn’t mean that you have to spend even more on a costly pro or contractors to install them for you. Of course, if your roof is extremely steep or has unique features (such as proximity to drainpipes or electrical installations or solar panels), then you may be wise to outsource the task.

There are some dangers involved in roofing work. The most obvious one is that you may fall off the roof and injure yourself badly. Other risks to keep in mind are:

injuring your back by hauling heavy loads up a ladder
dropping material on someone standing below
losing balance while climbing up and down the ladder
slipping on steep roofs

The good news is that you can get through installing architectural roof shingles without harm or disaster by taking some simple precautions and following safe systems.

Let someone know you’re working on the roof.
Have a helper work with you, to hand over material and instruments.
Use a strong and long enough steel ladder.
Make sure your ladder is grounded solidly and won’t slip.
Take care that you are not dangerously close to electrical installations or power lines or antennae.
Don’t work on rainy days or when it snows. Wait until even morning dew evaporates before starting.
Wear heavy shoes with soles that have a good grip. That will avoid skidding.
Don’t wear loose clothes that may catch on something and make you lose balance.
Keep your work area clear of clutter. Put nails, tools etc. away after use.
Wall off (or clearly label) the surrounding area so people won’t wander too near and get hurt if something falls of the roof.

Before you begin, make sure that you have all the materials and supplies you need for installing architectural roof shingles. You’ll require the shingles, obviously, and nails, hammers, pneumatic nail drivers (optional), starter strip sheeting and other specific material based upon your unique needs.

Measure the dimensions of your roof. Compare this against the size of the individual architectural shingles and estimate how many you will require to roof your residential structure. Your choice should be governed by the purpose of the building, how much your roof slopes, local weather conditions and the overall structure of your home. Other factors may be specific to the kind of architectural shingles you are using, so be sure to read the specifications or check with your tiles manufacturers or sales person before you begin work.

If you are re-roofing the building, remove the older tiles or shingles. Install a starter strip, as backing for the first row of shingles. This also helps water leaks from soaking through to the interior. Install architectural shingles starting from the lower corner. Work your way to the right, and then go uphill. Overlap the shingles in a way that there are no gaps. Hammer down the shingles, or use a pneumatic nail gun.

Giving the rows of shingles an overhang will help avoid water dripping down and causing wear and tear on the veneer. If there are penetrations like a plumbing vent, then you may have to seal off the gaps using plastic or rubber flanges. At the very top of the roof, make sure that you over-lap the shingles, and then use ridge cap shingles to cover the peak. You may use a dab of tar to hold down loose corners.

Installing architectural roof shingles can give your building a pleasing, textured look that’s elegant and sleek. Done right, you can save a lot by shingling your roof without compromising on quality – and avoid getting hurt!

Small Bathroom Ideas – Design That Creates A Spacious New Look

Home Remodeling - Sep 18,2013 - No Comment

Bathrooms contribute to the overall beauty of your home’s interior. But not all homes have enough space to design the bathroom of your dreams, or to make it look spacious and attractive. That doesn’t mean you have to shelve all your plans and small bathroom ideas. Many homes have smaller bathrooms that are attractive, elegant and stylish. There are several small bathroom ideas that you can either implement in your existing home or use while designing a new house.

Simple ideas can help transform your smaller bathrooms to a more conventional, functional and beautiful washroom. One of the most important features of a good looking bathroom is the space that is required to store all your bathing and toilet accessories. You can have cabinets with sliding glass doors to store towels, soaps, shaving kits and more.

The benefit of having glass doors for cabinets is that you can eliminate the damage to wooden doors from water sprinkling on them and dampness in the room. Make sure to choose cabinets that are tall and not wide so that you can save a lot of space. Always use white or other light color for the walls, tiles and flooring for small bathroom interiors. Lighter shades make the area look more spacious than darker ones.

You can find small bathroom ideas in several home improvement magazines and websites. Another way to find small bathroom ideas is by consulting an architect or an interior designer who can help you enhance the look of your small bathroom. Just specify your needs and you can get a design done by them.

Regardless of where you seek good small bathroom ideas, before choosing any particular design for your home, you should take some time to determine your usage and requirements in order to find out what it takes to make the most of your limited resources.

Simple things can have a tremendous impact on the look and feel of your home. Did you know that brighter areas always look more spacious? So it’s nice to have better lighting in your small bathroom because it will appear larger.

Try and avoid installing a bathtub unless you use it very frequently. Most people do not find time to use bathtubs during a busy work-week, and it may be a little too much of an investment just to soak on the odd weekend. It might even work out better to enjoy a relaxing day at a spa on weekends, and use small bathroom ideas to design your home. If you must have a tub, choose one of the right size that fits your bathroom and ensure that there is enough space for other utilities.

Use nice wall paintings, designer mirrors, and fancy or colorful sinks to enhance the beauty of your bathroom. Corner wash basins are a more convenient and space saving alternative to bigger conventional sinks. It helps if you make a check list of the different things you need before you begin designing your bathroom.

You can get small bathroom ideas by visiting a hardware store that sells fittings and normally displays all the modern tools, features, bathroom, furniture, and tiles. Trade shows and exhibitions also showcase some professional designs which might spark off some ideas in your mind.

You can choose from a plethora of designer bathroom tiles and choose the one that suits your tastes. There are many small bathroom make over ideas that you can get from an interior designer too, such as using hidden storage shelves that are usually meant for space saving purposes.

Implementing the right small bathroom ideas is important if you want to convert your cozy bathroom into a functional bathing space that is also aesthetically appealing and enhances the overall beauty of your home.

5 Home Improvement Ideas That Will Boost Your Property’s Value

Home Improvement - Sep 11,2013 - No Comment

Home improvement projects can enhance the value of your property. The real estate market is in a perpetual boom and bust cycle. At times, it’s up and then there are other times when it is in a slump. Many homeowners opt not to sell their homes when the market is down. They wait until things turn around and they can sell their homes at a good price.

But not everyone is prepared to wait. There are some homeowners who proactively set out to implement home improvement projects that add value to their property before selling it for a handsome price. Home improvement can boost the value of your home even during phases when the market is down. This will increase the selling price of your home, and until you find a suitable buyer, it will make the home more comfortable to live in.

Here are some home improvement ideas you can use to improve the value of your property.

1. Add a deck

You can add value to your home by adding a deck. This will make the outdoors space more attractive and desirable. When the deck is attractively designed and matches a well planned backyard, the aesthetic appeal of your house will increase. Construction of a deck can however be an expensive proposition. It’s no surprise, then, that adding a deck will raise the value of your house.

2. Install energy efficient windows

Energy efficient windows will save you money on heating and cooling costs. Any potential buyer will be attracted to a house is energy efficient. With the cost of electricity and alternate power going steadily up, cost savings generated through better insulation of the home will add value to the building. That’s why, when taking up any home remodeling work, it is wise to consider installing energy efficient windows in your home.

3. Improve your kitchen

Your kitchen is an important part of the home, and needs to be spacious and safe. Ensure that all the old appliances in the kitchen are replaced with modern energy-efficient models that will help you save energy. Make sure all the appliances are in good condition, well maintained and safe to operate. This helps avoid any accidents. You should also consider painting the kitchen to give it a fresh and clean look.

4. Constructing additional rooms

When remodeling your home, you should have the needs, requirements and dreams of your potential buyer in mind. Consider adding more rooms if you have enough space and the budget for construction work. If you have one bathroom, you might add an extra bathroom. Additional bedrooms or store rooms can enhance the appeal of your building to a specific kind of buyer.

5. Basic insulation

Make sure that all the cracks in the building are well sealed to prevent air leaks of hot or cold air in and out of the home. Areas around the doors and windows are notorious for such leaks, and you can seal these crack securely and save money on wasted energy. Fix the electrical sockets and light switches, making sure none are broken or poorly insulated. Replace worn out equipment with better, more energy efficient appliances.

The main goal of your home improvement project is to enhance its value so that potential buyers are willing to pay a higher price than they otherwise would. Painting the home afresh and fixing a defective roof to avoid leaks are other home improvement projects that serve the same purpose.

With a clear focus and a reasonable budget, you could easily boost the asking price of your home by 10% to 75% just by choosing the right type of home improvement projects.

Corrugated Roofing Material – A Beginner’s Guide for Busy Home Owners

Roof Shingles - Sep 09,2013 - No Comment

There are many different kinds of corrugated roofing material in use today. Understanding them is important because as a home owner, though you can ask for expert opinion, the final decision of which one to use is yours. Being informed about the pros and cons of each option is of vital importance. Let’s take a look at some of the common corrugated roofing materials.

Corrugated Cement-Asbestos Roofing

Asbestos roofing shingles have been in vogue since the 1920s, and were used all over the U.S. upto the mid-1970s. Asbestos fiber and portland cement were combined to form a durable roofing sheet that was also fire-proof. Corrugated asbestos-cement roofing typically lasts 30 years, though in many cases these roofs have been around for over fifty years. Damage happens primarily in the form of failed shingle fasteners or cracked and broken shingles. Walking on corrugated cement-asbestos roofs can speed up this damage.

Corrugated Fiber Cement Roofing

Another one of the commonly used corrugated roofing materials is reinforced fiber-cement roofing shingles. These are similar to corrugated asbestos-cement sheet roofing in appearance and performance. They are however asbestos-free, being reinforced instead with a variety of fiberglass. There are other variations which use different combinations of fibers and perlite in place of asbestos, and some of these alternatives have been in use for thirty years.

Corrugated Duralita Cardboard-Cement Roofing

Duralita is an alternative corrugated roofing material that is widely used in Central America. It is brightly colored and is made of cardboard-reinforced cement. To the eye, it seems just like clay roofing tiles. The Duralita panels are fixed with fiber or rubber washers using threaded bolts. Some variants are similar to reinforced concrete. Other brands like Lamina are available in straight sheets.

Corrugated Fiberglass Roof Panels

Fiberglass is another corrugated roofing materials installed where one needs brightness. The risk is in the light weight panels blowing away in heavy wind unless securely fastened, though the material is so tough that it won’t get damaged even in such instances. This roofing is translucent, and permits light to diffuse through. Unless installed by an expert, the danger with this material is that it can leak water during heavy rainfall.

Corrugated Metal Roofing Panels

A relic of the past, corrugated roofing with metal sheets can be seen in any major city being used either for factories and workshops, or patches being plated over with this material. The danger, again, is wind related damage unless firmly secured. Corrugated metal roofing can be of aluminum or steel, and both are resistant to leaks and rusting.

As you can see, a wide range of corrugated roofing material has been used over the decades. Homeowners rely on this kind of roofing to guard against the elements without spending a fortune. Quality standards are by no means uniform, and it is extremely important to carefully research both material and contractors who do your installation to make sure you get a good job done.

Technological advances have made the quality of corrugated roofing material far superior to the past. Light-weight, cheap and durable, corrugated roofs are an attractive option for several kinds of buildings, especially when cost is an important limiting factor.

Should you Replace Or Repair Your Roof?

Roof Repair - Aug 12,2013 - No Comment

Homeowners saddled with a damaged or leaky roof face a very tricky situation.

Should they go for a simple roof repair or replace it entirely?

It’s not a decision that can be made lightly or on the spur of the moment unless the roof has suffered catastrophic damage in which case there is no option but to replace it.

A few factors that should be noted before going for roof repair or replacement include:

1. Are they any shingles missing, damaged, curled or torn?

2. Is the roof deck sagging when inspected from inside the home?

3. Are they any signs of water damage, dark spots, trails or water leak on the ceiling?

4. Is the sky or sunlight visible through the ceiling when looked at from inside the house?

5. Are the roofing materials like shingles and flashing around chimneys, skylights, dormer windows and other vulnerable spots intact?

6. Do the shingles show signs of excessive damage when inspected from outside? Are the gutters filled with more than usual amount of shiny granules?

7. Are they any visible signs of mold, rot, fungus on your roof or ceiling?

In most cases replacing the damaged shingles or tiles will solve the problem. However if the roof has worn out in a number of places or is extensively damaged a replacement of the entire roof may be recommended. It is better not to jump to conclusions and go for a new roof without expert opinion. Ask experienced roofing contractors and get at least 3 opinions and go with the advice that is most logical advice based on long years of experience.

As a general guide cedar wood roofs will last about 20 years. When it’s time for replacement it will just fall apart in dry climates or get mossy and green in wet climate. Tiles and copper roofs will last 100 years. But, they are delicate and walk over them is not recommended. An occasional tile will break or get damaged and can easily be replaced. Same is the case with slate roofs. Concrete roofs don’t need replacement for the lifetime of the house. Asphalt roofs need replacement after 15 years.

In case your home needs a new roof then it is better to choose a roof that suits your local weather and climate. A light-weight metal roof is recommended for areas with extensive snow fall. The snow melts and falls off such roofs and does not pile and cause a roof collapse. Homes situated near woods, forests or dry brush should opt for durable roofs like slate, tile or metal. Asphalt or wood roofs are a fire hazard as they can easily catch fire. Slate, tile and metal roofs are expensive but last 100 years and are good investment. Slate and tile roofs are elegant, aesthetic and have long life but they are heavy and need strong roofing structure to take care of the extra weight.

Roofing is not an easy DIY project. It takes major effort, expert skill and years of experience to do it right. A roof that has been installed properly will a last its life-time without any trouble if routine maintenance and repairs are done on schedule.