Advantages and Benefits of Architectural Roof Shingles

Roof Shingles - Dec 20,2012 - No Comment

Architectural shingles are thicker than regular ones. The weight, per square, is considerably higher for this roofing material. This provides additional durability and manufacturers happily extend their warranties in the certainty that they won’t be forced to pay for repairs or damages. Indeed the heavier the shingle, the longer the warranties that vendors offer.

There is one more serious advantage to architectural roofing shingles – their resistance to disfigurement and discoloration from algae, fungi and mosses. Asphalt architectural shingles are designed to hide or mask this common bugbear of aesthetics – the black streams along the roof caused by infestations. More commonly seen in wet climates with heavy rain, snow or greater humidity, they can detract from the appeal of your new roof or entire building. Architectural roof shingles impregnated with copper and zinc granules interfere with the growth of algae and fungi. This prevents discoloration over time, keeping your roof looking new and attractive for many years.

The benefits of architectural roofing extend to better fire resistance and wind resistance. Their greater thickness greatly reduces the chance of being blown off in heavy winds. These shingles also don’t tear off or wrinkle easily and can tolerate extremes of weather. Granulating the surface layer of architectural shingles enhances the fire resistance, as does the use of fiberglass in the shingle itself. Most of these shingles are rated at the highest level of fire safety, Class A.

To sum up the benefits and advantages of architectural roof shingles, they are visually appealing, create a beautiful multi-dimensional effect on your roof, and are constructed to last longer while reducing the chance of algae, fungi and moss growth, and enhanced fire and wind safety.

Architectural Roof Shingles Brands

Some of the most popular brands of architectural roof shingles include:

GAF Timberline Roof Shingles – These are among the most popular architectural roof shingles in the market today. Timberline shingles provide a delightful natural wood look, and are backed by the reliability and brand of America’s most popular shingle retailer. Usually these shingles come with a lifetime warranty.

Tamko Heritage Roof Shingles – These are a good, long-lasting kind of architectural shingle, and are well known for their ‘shadow tone’ effect that enhances the depth perception of roofs lending a 3D look and feel to your building.

Certainteed Landmark Shingles – These are slightly more expensive than other brands, but come with an extended warranty and are of top class construction value. In most respects, Certainteed architectural roof shingles are comparable to GAF Timberline, and there is little to choose between both brands.

When it comes to decision-making time, often the hardest choice isn’t whether or not to get these shingles. Architectural roof shingles are a grand choice for anyone looking for a solution that enhances the appearance, value and reliablity of their building’s roof. The difficult part can be in choosing the color and texture that you want – because there are simply so many choices to pick from!

Solar Panel Roof Shingles – Clean, Green And Beautiful

Roof Shingles - Dec 17,2012 - No Comment

Solar power systems for home use are getting increasingly popular because of the trend towards green energy solutions and the proven cost savings from energy needs for the home. Builders are therefore seeking creative and innovative ways to incorporate solar panel roof shingles into their construction offers. These panels have now become better, and are more durable and efficient than earlier versions. In the process, they have also become aesthetically appealing, lending beauty to homes.

Home owners are looking for ways to include solar panel roof shingles into their constructions, and suppliers are happy about this. They want it to be less noticeable, while at the same time providing the solar powered energy that is essentially free once the initial investment in installing these panels has been paid off, typically within a year or two. And the extra expense of installing a separate set of solar panels can be avoided by making them a part of the roofing itself.

For the past few years, research and development of solar panel roof shingles has progressed rapidly. There have been commercial versions available for quite some time, and what made them more attractive lately to builders and home owners alike is the enhanced durability and the development of new mounting options. In the past, installing solar shingles was hard work because of the way they had to be mounted, and then integrated into the home’s electrical system.

Solar panel shingles always have pros and cons. They had to be installed in large groups, and being thicker and of a different shape, size and texture than surrounding shingles, this stood out like a sore thumb. Modern steel versions are thin, and easily interspersed with conventional roof shingles so that they blend more or less unnoticeably into the roof’s design. Also, solar panel roof shingles now come in a range of different colors so that you can pick one that fits the color theme of your other roof shingles.

Mounting them has also become easier with the nail patterns conforming more regularly to the conventional roof shingles. This means a construction contractor or worker can install them without needing special training or experience in dealing with solar panel roof shingles. And without the need to hire a specialized company for this, the cost of installation comes down dramatically.

Another advantage is that the wiring for these solar panel roof shingles is run through the roofing material itself. The interconnections can be done in the attic, and so there are no wires seen on the roof. This leaves a clean and neat installation which is aesthetically appealing.

Among the benefits of solar shingles are the cosmetic style, their durability, the ease of installation and energy saving efficiency. There are some challenges to using these shingles, such as the chance of rain and ice flowing beneath the panel and creating a lifting action on the shingles. This can be of concern in areas with high speed winds. Also, heavy snow can damage panels that are not supported fully.

While solar panel roof shingles will not provide as much power as typical standalone solar panels of the same size, they are getting better and more efficient every year. That’s why they make good sense from a financial standpoint to use as home roofing solutions.

Roof Shingles – Installing & Repairing Shingle Roofs

Roof Shingles - Dec 15,2012 - No Comment

The most visible part of any home is the roof and roof shingles make a house stand out as a stunning masterpiece – or an eyesore. Roof shingles also act as the first line of defense against natural elements, protecting your building against wind and water. Given this, it is amazing how often the roof is ignored until shingles are torn or damaged, worn out or go missing. It’s only when water seeps through and damages the interior, causing electrical problems or staining or fungus on the walls that action is taken to fix roof shingles.

Here’s how to get the most from your shingle roof. The life cycle of most shingle based roofing systems is 2 to 3 decades. A warranty will save you a little bit, but as we draw closer to the end of this lifespan, it’s up to you to proactively repair roof shingles to get high value from your investment.

It’s a scary decision to go ahead and repair or replace your roof. Given the vast array of brands and options by way of roofing material, you can worry about making mistakes that are costly and dangerous to your safety. How to decide whether to repair or replace a damaged roof?

Well, you can ask a roofing contractor who specializes in roof shingles. Or you can take a look at the roof yourself and see why the roof shingles are failing. Are they curled, cracked, broken or blown off? Is only the occasional shingle damaged, or is there general wear and tear? This can determine whether you only need to fix a few broken shingles, or tear off the entire roof and do a good job.

By being diligent and observant, you can even identify problems with your roof shingles before they become apparent and obvious, allowing you to take preventive action. If the gutters on your roof are accumulating ‘sand’ that’s the same color as your shingles, it’s likely they are wearing out and clogging the gutter with dust.

Proactively caring for your roof can save you money and enhance the durability of the rest of your building. It is better to have things fixed before the roof shingles blow off and water seeps through causing interior damage. And maybe you’ll only need a few shingles for a quick repair job. To learn more about how to buy roof shingles and decide when is the best time to have your roof repaired or replaced, read this short report.

Roofing Material Calculator Tips

Roof Repair - Dec 14,2012 - No Comment

Roofing material calculator tips help you get the most from what is a helpful and useful tool for many home owners. It is used in calculations of the price of roofing materials. Roofing material calculator will help you arrive at a reasonably good estimate, quickly and easily.

You will be able to gauge the size and area of your roofing, and then arrive at a good estimate of how much roofing materials are needed and what the cost of them may be. All you have to do is type in the dimensions of your roof and you will be able to factor in the type of your roof and its pitch to get an average cost analysis for, say, an asphalt shingle roof.

You must first measure your roof from the ground to the top. If there are any sidings, overhangs or gables, include those into the area of your roof. Determine the pitch or slope. Type these numbers into the appropriate boxes in a roofing material calculator.

Usually these calculations are only accurate for rectangular roofs. If your building has special projections or other features, you may need to run different calculations. You can get a more rough estimate from doing a factor multiplier which takes into account the variables that make your roof unique.

For more tips on how to use a roofing material calculator, check out this detailed article on roof estimates.

How To Compare Roofing Shingles?

Roof Shingles - Dec 13,2012 - No Comment

So you’ve decided to install a shingle roof and now it is time to compare roofing shingles. While it’s a good thing to have a wide range of choice to select from, when it comes to crunch time you sometimes wonder if it wouldn’t be a good thing if there was only one (or few) options. That way you’d be saved the time and trouble of having to compare roofing shingles. But don’t worry – this short guide will take you step by step through the process of elimination until you end up with the ideal roofing shingles for your home.

There are many different forms, manufacturers and styles when it comes to selecting roofing shingles. Often the first thing you start with when you compare roofing shingles is the price or budget. And there is a wide range of variation between, say, a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof and a slate shingle roof. Then there are regional and geographic factors to keep in mind like the local climatic conditions, architectural style of your roof and the impact of your roofing material on the environment.

With so many variables on which to compare roofing shingles, where does one begin? Let’s start by listing out the different types of roofing shingles, ordered by price.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular kind, and themselves come in a range of variations at different price points. Asphalt shingles are weather resistant, tough and durable, waterproof and easy to install or maintain. 3 tab asphalt shingles are the basic form which come in color choices but are not textured.

Architectural asphalt shingles are laminated and give a range of depth and color which adds to the variegated appearance of your roof. When you compare roofing shingles with similar appearance, such as slate or shake roofing, you’ll find architectural shingles showing up to their advantage. Because they are almost similar in cost to 3-tab shingles but provide a rich and deeper appearance, many home owners who compare roofing shingles end up choosing laminated architectural shingles over others.

When you start to compare roofing shingles of asphalt, you’ll find there are other nuances as well. Some shingles are reinforced with organic materials and others with fiberglass. The organic reinforced shingles are stronger and better insulating because of the felt covering in their structure. Fiberglass variants have a mat into which granules of ceramic and mineral are embedded which makes them better reflectors of solar radiation. If you’re looking for environmental friendly roofing solutions, then you may prefer ones made from recycled materials. Or if you’re looking to cut down your cooling costs, then asphalt shingles which are reflective of radiation will make for a better option.

Metal Roofing Shingles

Another feature to compare roofing shingles on is the material they are made of. Metal panels and shingles are being increasingly used for residential roofing. These shingles can be modeled to mimic other forms of roofing, while providing your roof with a clean and neat appearance. Metal roofing shingles are among the most durable roof materials with typical lifespans running to 50 years or more. For that reason, metal roofing shingles are also more expensive than other options. So a simple attempt to compare roofing shingles without factoring in the lifetime cost of a roof may point to metal roofs as a disadvantage, while actually the overall expense of installing metal shingles is lesser than even asphalt roofing despite the higher upfront cost.

Synthetic Roofing Shingles

When you compare roofing shingles on price, asphalt shingles are the least expensive and others made of synthetic material are more expensive. There are some advantages, however, that you get for the higher price tag. Synthetic shingles can be manufactured to appear identical to other natural roofing material like slate or wood shake. Synthetic shingles come in various color choices and manufacturers claim that they are suitable for various climates and weather conditions. However, being relatively untested and new to the market, these roofing shingles have not yet proven themselves to be durable or color-fast.

Wood Shingles

When you compare roofing shingles in the premium shingle range, too, you will find multiple options to pick from. Wood shingles are usually considered for high end use, with high budgets to match. They are elegant and beautiful, but also need a lot of maintenance work. Wood shingles can be damaged by rot and insects, and are susceptible to fire damage. What stands out when you compare roofing shingles against each other, however, is the much greater expense of wood shingle roofing. If despite this you are keen on installing wooden shingles, check if the manufacturer you use is Forest Steward Council certified to indicate the wood comes from proper forests.

Slate Shingle Roofing

Slate is among the most durable, elegant and tough roofing materials and slate roofing comes out on top in performance indices whenever you compare roofing shingles. Slate shingles are low maintenance and extremely durable. They withstand extremes of weather and temperature. The one major drawback is the weight of the material which requires structural reinforcement if you plan to re-roof using slate. Slate being natural is easy to recycle, giving it environmental advantages over other kinds of roofing.

So when you set out to compare roofing shingles for a new roof or re-roofing project, your best choice will depend upon multiple factors including price. Hopefully this guide has helped highlight the most important things you must compare in roofing shingles before you make your final decision.

Roofing Tools to Replace Roof Shingles

Roof Shingles - Dec 11,2012 - No Comment

The procedure was simple once I was positioned comfortably on the roof. It is illustrated below:-

· Lift the shingle tab of the shingle two rows above the shingle I wished to replace shingle.

· Remove the nails from around the shingle tab

· Use the flat pry bar to lift the shingle and keep it securely at a place from where it will not slide down.

· Use the hammer claw to remove all nails around the shingle such that the shingle or a part of it can be removed with ease.

· Place the new shingle in place of the old one and fix the new nails at a place where there is no hole from previous fixings.

· Apply adhesives to the required place.

Certain precautions to take while replacing a new shingle are as follows:

· Choose a shingle of a similar shade when replacing it.

· When installing a new roof, keep at least 20 shingles for such conditions of replacements.

· Don’t replace the entire shingle when only a part is to be replaced. Cut the bad part and put a new one over it.

· Don’t lean on the edge of a roof while replacing a shingle close to the gutter.

· In case there is a requirement to install a shingle near the edge of a roof, use a ladder or scaffolding.

· Consult an experienced roofer prior to starting work. This will also ensure that you don’t do more damage to the roof.

Shingle replacement is an easy operation and can be attempted by a person after taking the requisite precautions. It is however advisable to take assistance from an experienced roofer. Once you get the hang of it, its simple and easy.

As a Virginia, VA Roofing Contractor, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

You can learn more about how to replace roof shingles, and any other necessary tools and instruments to help with it.

To learn more about how to replace roof shingles, and any other necessary tools and instruments to help with it, check out this article.

By Steven Briesemeister

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Briesemeister

http://EzineArticles.com/?Replace-Roof-Shingle—Roofing-Tools-and-Procedures&id=257769

Roofing Shingles For Sale – Learn How To Keep Your Roof Problem Free

Roof Shingles - Dec 09,2012 - No Comment

Roofing shingles for sale help you buy shingles at a lower cost than normal. These are usually available when the retailers or dealers want to get rid of their extra stock or if the particular shingles are not moving fast enough for them. Whatever be the reason if you get them at a discount you will be saving a lot of money.

It is not enough to buy roofing shingles for sale at low prices. It is also important to maintain them in order to prevent small cracks from widening and major leaks from happening. It is not important what roofing materials you use as long as your roof maintenance is timely and effective.

When and how you conduct roof inspections depend on roofing type you have installed. Some roofs need more care than others. Asphalt is designed for 15-20 years and need proper care, metal roofs are long lasting and don’t need that much maintenance but they are proportionately much more expensive. If you have decided to buy roofing shingles for sale then make sure they are not defective or have potential problems. The problems will not be worth the reduced price.

Check the following points to make sure your roofing shingles are always in pristine condition and last a long time without needing replacement.

1. When buying the roofing shingles for sale makes sure that there is no discoloration as this indicates either long storage or presence of mold and fungus. Black or brown streaks indicate wear and tear during storage. This is usually common in humid areas.

2. After installation check for any signs that any of the shingles are damaged. If the roofing shingles for sale are torn or cracked the roof will leak. It is important to replace them immediately.

3. If any shingles are missing then replace them immediately. A missing shingle will be a weak spot in the roofing and lead to water and snow seeping into the surrounding and underlying backing. This is weakening it. In the long term the shingles around the missing one will all be damaged and the repair costs will be higher.

4. Cut down the low lying branches of trees growing close by. Continuous rubbing of the branches against the roofing shingles for sale can damage them. Also, during heavy rain or storm the branches may break and fall over the roof causing significant damage to it.

5. Green roofing shingles for sale are more prone to problems. So, they need more checks and maintenance than regular shingles.

6. Make visual inspections of your home. Are they any wet patches or signs of dampness near the roof? This can mean water seepage. Growth of algae and moss also indicates dampness seeping through either the wall or roof. If it is through the roof then it may be important to get some roofing shingles on sale for replacing older ones.

7. Keep the roof clean of organic matter at all times. Organic matter and dust collected on roofs will encourage the growth of small plants, bugs and mold. This will damage your roof.

8. Get a roofing maintenance company to inspect your roof once in a few years. Experts will be able to spot problems that you might miss.

When you spot a problem don’t just rush to get roofing shingles for sale and try to mend the cracked or damaged area. It is important to find out the underlying cause for the problem and fix it first. Otherwise you will frequently be making those trips to the store for more shingles.

Roofing Shingles Home Depot – Your One Stop Shop

Roof Shingles - Dec 08,2012 - No Comment

Roofing shingles Home Depot is your one stop shop if your roof is at risk and needs renovation or replacement. The complete, integrated roofing replacement system at Home Depot is among the most attractive solutions for beleagured home owners. Home Depot offers roofing shingles with their unique quality stamp of being cheap, trustworthy and that come in a wide range of options with regard to texture, style and color.

Not only does Home Depot offer the best roofing shingles, they also guide you to making the best choice. A consultant at Home Depot will patiently educate you on the merits of architectural shingles or highlight their advantages over traditional shingles, and tell you if you are better off installing a roof on your own or hiring a professional to help you out. This is invaluable for do it yourself amateurs who may find they’ve bitten off more than they can chew, especially with some kinds of specialty shingles.

There are several distinct advantages and benefits to picking a particular kind of shingle over another. Architectural shingles, for instance, can make any building look more elegant and ornate. They will enhance the appeal and value of your home. Architectural roofing shingles Home Depot offers are not only discounted deeply from regular retail pricing, you can also be assured of getting quality products which come with a warranty against performance. The shingles you buy from Home Depot will be tough, durable and usually enhanced in some ways such as by laminating them with an additional layer to resist mold and mildew.

Roofing shingles Home Depot purchases may include accessories like adhesives to hold the shingles together even under extreme climatic conditions such as heavy downpours or deep snowfalls. Traditional roofing shingles Home Depot offers are another alternative to the pre-packaged bundles for roofing a building. They are even less expensive than architectural shingle roofing packs. Asphalt shingles sell side by side with fiberglass roofing materials at Home Depot. They offer diversity by way of color and style, offering an aesthetic appeal not found with metal or other shingles. Roofing material at Home Depot like lowes and trims also come in matching colors to the shingles so that you can select a style that fits the overall theme and color of your home.

Timberline roofing shingles Home Depot deals are also popular because of the premium perception among roofing contractors. As it comes with a lifetime warranty, this not only attracts new customers but leaves many delighted repeat buyers at Home Depot because the shingles perform to standards. That’s why many home owners turn to this trusted brand whenever they think about repairing their roof or having a new one installed.

So what to do as the first step in re-roofing your building? You may become aware of the need to fix your roof when you notice leaks in the attic or dampness in the walls indicating that there is a leak in the lowes or between your roofing shingles. Home Depot offers a simple guide which will help you evaluate the status of your own roof from time to time.

Before you panic and rush out to buy the first available solution, take the time to look up the topic and find answers. The roofing shingles Home Depot website has a lot of expert content that will guide you to making the right choices. And it is important to first understand the nature of your roof, the reasons for the leak, and the ideal solutions available to fix it permanently before you take the next step of going shopping for roof materials.

And another early step to take is to investigate factors like tree branches that might be pressing on the roof, or replacing torn and broken shingles that leave gaps through which leaks can happen. If all these are addressed, then the next step is to visit the and find the solution to your problem.