Replacing Roof Shingles – A How-To Guide

Roof Repair - May 08,2013 - No Comment

Replacing roof shingles is one of the inevitable tasks that you just have to put up with every now and then. Roof shingles of all types are bound to get damaged over time and also require immediate replacements. If your home is just a few years old, then replacing is not difficult and can be done by the home owner himself.

But replacing damaged shingles of an older house is tricky and often needs professional help. Damaged local rubber products and shingles needs to be replaced immediately because neglecting it can cause further damage to your roof and your house. Depending on the amount of damage decide whether the roof can be fixed by yourself or if you need to hire some help.

The first step is to estimate the number of damaged shingles. Perform a complete survey of the roof and check what items should be replaced. After getting your estimates purchase the new shingles. Replacing roof shingles is easier and be done with tools like roof ladders, hammers, cement, etc. If the job is too difficult better hire a professional since you can end up making the roof worse than it was before. Start off by installing starter strips; these strips basically prevent water from entering the home through the gaps. It will act as a backup till you complete the repair.

Find the damaged shingles, remove the nails that are attached to it. Install the new ones in the place of the damaged ones. While installing them, remember to remove all the dirt and debris that you find. This is important since the shingles may not attach properly if these are not removed. Shingles that are cracked or torn due to long usage need to be replaced. They can be easily repaired by applying a roof sealant at both the top and bottom of the cracked shingle.

There are many safety procedures involved if you are replacing roof shingles yourself. Firstly the alignment of the ladder is very important. If the alignment of the ladder is right, then the replacement can be done easily. If the ladder is not placed correctly then the work can become very difficult and trying harder, you might risk falling down. Ladders must come with a safety rope, this will protect you in case you slip or fall down the roof. Working at a roof level is dangerous and often unpredictable. Wearing the right gear is also equally important to avoid any mishaps. Shoes must come with gripped soles; clothes must be suitable for heavy duty work.

Replacing roof shingles is task that can be done by yourself on a weekend, or you can use a specialist. By doing it yourself you avoid spending money on hiring a crew who will charge you per square foot. Replacing damaged shingles is important for any home; doing this will enhance the overall appearance. This also protects your home from any kind of leakages. Remember to finish the task immediately because delaying the work may cause further damage to your roof. If your building is about a decade old, then almost all its shingles are bound to be damaged. Hiring a roofing contractor would be the best option in such cases.

Compare Roofing Shingles To Find Your Ideal Roof Solution

Roof Shingles - May 01,2013 - No Comment

To not compare roofing shingles is to make a big mistake when it comes to building a home. You need to stay on top of the latest news and information regarding roofing shingles and compare roofing shingles manufacturers and material at the time you are engaged in construction to avoid being left high and dry by buying inferior solutions.

Roofing shingles prices vary widely and there are also many varieties and brands to choose from. Roofing shingles price compare and contrast websites make this task easier and quicker, not to mention more convenient. You will be richly rewarded for taking the time and trouble to do this painstakingly and well.

Compare Roofing Shingles Made of Copper and Aluminum

Metal shingles are preferable to others like wooden shingles or asphalt shingles because of a price advantage. When you compare roofing shingles price, metal roofing will always work out cheaper. Also, they come in multiple choices of color and sizes, so you will always find a brand or design that fits your needs. The single biggest drawback of metal shingles is that they may lose their veneer and shine, maybe even change in color. This is marked with copper shingles. Metal shingles typically last long, from twenty to fifty years since construction.

Compare Roofing Shingles Made of Fiberglass

Fiberglass roofing shingles prices are the least expensive of all kinds of shingles. They are even less costly than metal roofing, and easier to install. The vast range of shapes, colors and patterns make them attractive choices for the home and office. If you decide to buy on the basis of roofing shingles prices and feel that fiberglass roofing shingles are a good choice, then be sure to select shingles that are treated with AR so that they won’t grow mold and fungus.

The biggest drawback of fiberglass shingles is durability. They are weaker than other forms of roofing shingles and have an average lifespan of fifteen to thirty years, nearly one half of metal and asphalt shingles roofing.

Compare Roofing Shingles – Slate, Wood and Tile

Whenever you compare roofing shingles on the basis of longevity, slate shingles will come up the winner. Even one hundred years later, slate shingles are going strong. However, this extra durability and value comes at a price. Slate roofing can be too expensive for most houses. Another problem is that you will require professional help in installing a slate shingles roofing solution. This needs skill and expertise, and trying to do it as a novice may be a big mistake.

Wood roofing shingles fall down when you compare roofing shingles because they are not fire-proof. They are quick and simple to install, and have a nice and ornate look. But durability is an issue, with 15 to 30 years being a reasonable estimate of longevity of wooden roofing shingles.

While you compare roofing shingles, one other type that falls down on the point of roofing shingles price is tile shingle roofing. These may be manufactured from plastic and are light in weight. Clay tiles are another kind that are fire-resistant but are however difficult to install.

All these kinds of roofing shingles are resistant to temperature changes. They will last for fifty years or longer. That is why price alone is not a good thing to base your choice of roofing shingles upon. Those factors that influence the longevity of your solution also matter, sometimes even more than others like roofing shingles price.

Hurricane Damage To Roofs

Roof Repair - Apr 26,2013 - No Comment

Hurricane Sandy is just one of the many that strike the United States every year. While hurricanes are common, the ferocity and strength of this particular storm is unlike any other that have hit this country. It’s storm of epic proportions. It’s likely that despite the best efforts of homeowners and civic authorities, there will lot of damage to homes, particularly roofs.

Here’s a look at what a hurricane can do to a roof…

We will be discussing the various aspects of hurricane damage to roofs, temporary fixes for roofs, assessing the roof damage, claiming insurance, finding reliable roofing companies to fix your roof, repair and renovation post a storm and so on. Hope our blog helps you in some way to overcome the devastating effects of nature. Please stay tuned and stay safe.

Storms, Hurricane or Hail Damage to Roof – Steps to Replacing Old Roof or Repairing Damaged Roof

Roof Repair - Apr 17,2013 - No Comment

Natural Calamities And Disasters:

Every year hurricanes, strong winds, rains, storms, tornadoes, dust storms, blizzards and hail buffet our roofs causing untold damage to our property. It’s the nightmare that we all wish to avoid but can’t really do much if you are in path of hurricane, tornado or blizzard.

The wind speeds in a hail storm can be as high as 120 miles per hour, in a hurricane it can reach speeds over 150 miles per hour. Blizzards and tornadoes can be similarly devastating. While some of the damage is obvious, most of isn’t as apparent. If not assessed, you would never know the damaged sustained by your roof and can be unpleasantly surprised several months later. If the damaged roof isn’t fixed soon after the damage is sustained, it can worsen over time causing irreparable damage to various aspects of your roof and can be potentially damaging to the contents of your home.

Roof Inspection:

A complete and thorough inspection of the roof is very important and has to be as soon as possible after the damage is sustained. The first step obviously is to make a call to the company that laid your roof. You can also contact other trusted roofing companies in your area if for some reason your previous roofing contractor isn’t available. The roofing company will assess the damage to your roof. The assessment of roof damage is done on a randomly selected 100 square foot area of the roof. The cross-section of the roof is inspected to check the full extent of damage.

They will inspect the roof, gutters, sidings, chimneys, skylights and other roofing features. Most roofing contractors will do this assessment for free and present a quote with what needs to be done to restore and repair your roof. If your roof has suffered hail impact, then these are counted, circled and numbered. This will give an idea about the damage sustained by your entire roof. The gutters, gutter screens and other roofing aspects are checked for dents, cracks and holes. Once all aspects are inspected it is time to present you will a complete report about the state of your home. Most roofing contractors will explain the damaged sustained by the roof and how to fix it. They will give you the recommendations and give you a quote about the costs involved.

Assessing Roof Damage And Filing For Insurance Claims:

Experienced roofing contractors have spent a life-time assessing roof damage and filing for insurance claims. If they are offering that service take their help in filing your insurance claim. An insurance adjuster will fix up a time with your roofing contractor/yourself and will make joint inspection to ensure that the claims about the damages sustained are all in order. After all the parties have reached an agreement about the extent of the storm damage, cost for roof repair/roof replacement will be estimated and numbers arrived at.

Usually, within a couple of weeks you will receive information about the agreement reached between you and the insurance company and a check towards the first payment for your roof replacement. If you will pay a certain part of the roof replacement cost which is the deductible from the total cost. In most cases you will not receive the entire amount of cost of repairs as age of the roof, its condition before replacement; depreciation will be taken into consideration.

Warranty For Installation:

Your final check will be sent in after the roofing company finishes the work and sends in the work completion report. Before that you will need to finalize your roofing material choice, the color and design choice with your roofing contractor. Get all the permits and clearances required to replace and repair your roof. Make sure that the contractor does not damage your existing landscaping and other elements of your home. Damage to decking has to be fixed before new roof goes on it.

Ensure that the roofing contractor follows all the warranty specification and NCRA prescribed standards for your roof repair or replacement. Make sure that they properly dispose of old roofing materials and other debris accumulated during roof installation. A quality controller from the roofing company will make an inspection of the roof and issue a standard 10 year warranty for their roofing installation. They will also make sure that you are satisfied with the work done. A final check from the insurance company will be sent once the work is completed.

How Much Does A New Roof Cost – An Analysis

Roof Repair - Mar 30,2013 - No Comment

A popular question on home owner forums is how much does a new roof cost. There are twists and tweaks that are unique to each person who asks this question. One home owner may frame it in terms of the cost of a new roof per square, or 100 square feet. Another may want to know how much does a new roof cost in the current year.

So what goes into replacing a roof that’s leaky or worn out, or installing a new one from scratch. For replacements, the older roof must first be torn down. In some cases, it may be possible to repair the support sections of it. Once the underlayment is strengthened, the new roof can be laid. This is done in a sequential fashion following traditionally accepted processes.

Picking high quality roofing materials and well recognized brands can save you over the long term even if the upfront expense is higher. Local hardware stores can be of value in steering you right. Find a reliable contractor and negotiate good rates. All of this will help keep the cost of your new roof within reasonable limits.

For more information about how much does a new roof cost, be sure to check out this short special report.

Roof Truss Prices – What Determines Them?

Roof Shingles - Mar 16,2013 - No Comment

When it comes to roof truss prices every home owner will agree that it makes up an essential component of budget computations and costs. Roof trusses come in various configurations. Some are prefabricated for ease of installation. Others that are customized to your taste are available in different options that are priced to be attractive to any budget. Cheaper and simple roof trusses can cost a few hundred bucks. The more spacious and elaborate ones are priced higher.

Any roof can have one or more trusses. Some buildings have three. In addition, other extensions such as gables and hips may be additionally present. Depending upon this, the roof truss prices may vary.

Broadly speaking, when a house has more than one trusses, the complexity is greater which increases the cost of construction. It may seem attractive to get 3 individual trusses because of the lower price. But three single trusses are not suitable in places where a triple truss is necessary.

Triple trusses price ranges around $1,000 whereas a single truss costs $100. Roof truss prices for double trusses are approximately $600. But getting the right kind for any building will provide the greatest value.

For more about roof truss prices read this special report – click here

Metal Roofing Prices – What Factors Does It Depend Upon?

Roof Repair - Feb 25,2013 - No Comment

Metal roofing prices can vary widely based on a multitude of different factors. The term ‘metal roof’ itself indicates that it is a type or pattern of roof shingle which is made of metals. So, it is clear that metal roofing prices will depend on the metals used in its make. Metal roofing materials usually consists of metals like aluminum, steel. As these are costly metals, metal roofing prices also rise considerably.

Lowes are a home improving and roof manufacturing store of America which offers all types of materials for building up of a house either from scratch or for renovating. Metal roofing prices in this store is quite reasonable and suitable to one’s budget and pocket.

Home depot centre, a stadium in California is one of the finest examples of metal roofing and architecture and its title sponsor is another roof manufacturers as well as home improving stores The Home Depot. Such pattern of metal roof has got high metal roofing prices. Also, metal roofing prices of The Home Depot is fairly set keeping in mind the type of customers.

To estimate metal roofing prices is a difficult task as the materials used will be of different price in different places. Metal roofing prices also depend on factors like cost of the labors involved, distribution cost of the materials, cargo cost for transportation. Thus, it is seen that metal roofing prices vary a great from places to places. Then, the metal roofing prices will vary depending on the contractor involved to buy the materials required for metal roofing and as per his charges. The contractor will charge metal roofing prices as per square meter of the total area of the roof in question.

After the purchase one can surely ask the manufacturer or the retailer about the process of installation or about an installer capable enough of metal roofing installation. Though this installer too will add charges to the metal roofing prices list one has made to keep a track of the expenditure done. It is highly recommended that should not go with an installer who has not done such type of work before which would only mean adding up charges to metal roofing prices list and not getting the desired result or effect.

So, one should judge and verify before going for installation. Also, a wrong installation will mean a re-installation hiking the metal roofing prices in reference. It is also preferable to have equipments of oneâs own rather than going with the installer’s as it leaves chances of having bad or not specific equipments while installing which may re direct to have a re-installation. If such measures are not kept in mind then it will unnecessarily increase the metal roofing prices.

While installing metal roof care should taken of how the house or building in question is ventilated. The house needs to have sufficient ventilators so as to facilitate air passage because metals do not permit air flow through it. Roofs with typical angles, chimneys on them will require to be customized while metal roofing installation.

Commercial Roof Repairs – How To Efficiently Manage This Complex Issue

Roof Repair - Feb 16,2013 - No Comment

Commercial roof repairs are a tough and challenging task, as the roof covering can sometimes span great areas and dealing with huge numbers is basically the difference between residential and commercial roof repairs. Since there are many types of materials used for commercial roofing system, commercial roof repairs are will always be a big job and an ongoing endeavor every commercial and business establishment owners should be ready and prepare for.

Almost all commercial and industrial roofing are built with flat roofs. This is because these types of roofing system are very sturdy, durable, and have a great structural stability. They are likewise very easy to maintain, offer safe access to rooftop AC units, and excellently cost-effective compared to sloped roofs.

However, even with these good features and qualities of roofing system cannot endure weathering, degradation, and deterioration in the long run, which is why proper commercial roof repairs or industrial roof repairs and maintenance are necessary and essential. Commercial roof leaks, coating deterioration, rust or corrosion, small holes, cracks, to name a few are among the types of commercial roofing problems that requires commercial roof repairs.

However tough and durable commercial or industrial roofing systems are, it is not impervious against the onslaught of the elements, the expansion and contraction, weathering and acidity over time. An example of these commercial establishments is a restaurant with flat roofing, as it is likewise very susceptible to weathering and significant roofing damage, since most of these commercial structures are located mostly out in the open and are always at the mercy of the elements and various weather conditions.

Significant damage and wear-and-tear will occur eventually, and to address this issue appropriately will require the expertise of reliable and professional commercial roofers to do the restaurant roof repairs.

There are many commercial roof repairs options to choose from out on the market, especially for flat roofs such as EPDM coating, TPO commercial roof repairs, metal coatings, gravel foam system, silicone, acrylic, polyurethane and butyl, rubber membrane and shingles roof coatings, asphalt, and more. These commercial roof repairs options are very efficient and effective in providing the appropriate commercial roof repairs and protection for any commercial and industrial roofs. Applying coatings on roofs whether flat or metal roof can enhance the life and performance of commercial roofs, as commercial roof repairs coatings serve as an effective barrier of protection against various weather conditions and the elements.

Regular maintenance and inspection should be done for commercial roofing system in order to improve the roof life span and minimize the need for costly commercial roof repairs. Hiring reliable commercial roofing experts to provide maintenance on the commercial roof can avoid any unnecessary and expensive replacement and commercial roof repairs. These roofing experts will thoroughly inspect and check very possible location of roof damage and wear-and-tear, and will recommend possible solutions and commercial roof repairs.

Only when these professionals have completed their commercial roof repairs will any building owner relax, secure in the knowledge that their roofing problems have been solved.