Roof Repair Costs – Simple Tips To Slash Your Expense

Roof Repair - Nov 13,2012 - No Comment

Roof repair costs can snowball and expand out of control really fast. Finding out how much will be your roof repair costs is sometimes dreadful and unnerving, especially if you are on a very tight budget, as roof repair costs most of the time are very expensive. However, almost all roof repair contractors only charges you for their labor costs in repairing you roof. This means that if you have the know-how or you can accomplish the roof repair yourself, your roof repair costs will certainly be a lot less.

Having a specific problem with your home roofing does not mean that you immediately call the first roofing contractor that come into mind and have them repair your roofing problems. Only to be disappointed and shock about how much they charge at the end, which is more than youâve expected. When face in this kind of situation and want to reduce your roof costs repair as much as possible, good estimates for your home roof repair is what you need. As even if youâre roofing problems are urgent, estimates is very important since it will provide you the precise roof repair costs that you may incur with your roofing problem.

When asking for a work or repair estimates from a roofing contractor, make certain that all the work to be done are listed, which includes the materials to be use, the clean-up costs, roof maintenance costs if possible, and more. In addition, ask specific and significant questions that concerns to the work to be done by the contractor. These things are essential and crucial considerations in order to prevent and avoid any inconvenience and problems later.

Roof repair costs can vary significantly depending on the extent of the damage and the size of the needed roof repair, as it is wise and recommended to acquire a roof repair estimates from a reliable roofing contractor in order to find out the exact roof repair costs.

Another way to minimize your expenses for the roof repair costs that you need is by hiring a skilled handyman to do the roof repair job, as these skilled handyman charges much lower than professional roofing contractors. In addition, if your home roof repair is not that extensive and only needs simple and easy repairs, a skilled handyman is much more convenient to hire for the job. As it will surely reduce the expenses in your roof repair costs.

Roof repair costs can significantly be less expensive if you do the work yourself, as you can definitely have great savings on labor alone. However, many people or homeowners are not to keen on doing the work themselves, as this is due to reasons that they are not sure if they can take or handle the roof repair work. For some major roof repairs, hiring professional roofers or skilled handyman are recommended.

As for small and easy roof repairs, you can greatly reduce your roof repair costs by doing the work yourself. Just make certain that you read and understand all instructions provided by the manufacturer for any products or material you procure.

What Do You Need To Install Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Nov 11,2012 - No Comment

Equipment for Installing Roof Shingles — Your Cords and Hoses

Ideally, you want your compressor plugged directly into an electrical outlet. Extension cords reduce the power available to the motor, which can result in premature failure. That setup works just fine for many jobs, especially if you have an outlet on both sides of the house you can use.

But sometimes you need an extension cord. I’ve found that 100 feet of cord will position the compressor for installing roof shingles just about anywhere I want it. That’s also long enough to power my saws and drills on the roof. But get two heavy duty 50-footers so you keep the distance to the outlet as short as possible and minimize the power drop.

As far as your air hose, it’s best to have a one-piece hundred footer, so there are no connections to hang up on stuff as you drag the hose across the roof. It’s not just the irritation factor either. I’ve nailed my fingers twice over the years when my hose got hung up on something, redirecting the nailgun at my hand.

1/4″ hose works fine for one nailgun and is easier to handle than a 3/8″.

Be sure to have a spare hose and/or a repair kit to fix hoses and fittings that suddenly start hissing air. The compressor above comes with a 25-foot hose, which is generally too short for roofing, but it could be helpful as a backup to get you through the day.

With a hundred feet of extension cord and a hundred feet of air hose, you can shingle just about anything!

You may enjoy learning more about equipment for installing roof shingles in this article.

By John C. Bishop

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_C._Bishop

http://EzineArticles.com/?Equipment-For-Installing-Roof-Shingles&id=1945628

Metal Roofing Cost – What Impacts It Mainly?

Roof Repair - Nov 06,2012 - No Comment

Metal roofing cost is determined by some factors which are directly or in directly involved. Metal roofing manufacturers are the ones who initially set the metal roofing cost. Metal roof panel prices are also included in the metal roofing cost. Now the basic question comes how much do metal roofs cost? Well, let us have a look on how metal roofing prices are set and factors determining metal roof costs.

Materials used in manufacturing plays a great role in metal roofing costs. Metals like aluminum, steel, copper, nickel are highly priced metals. The prices of these metals vary from place to place depending on which metal roofing costs too varies.

To estimate metal roofing costs is a difficult task as the materials used will be of different price in different places. Metal roofing costs 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 costs vary a great from places to places. Then, the metal roofing costs 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 costs 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 costs 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 costs list and not getting the desired result or effect. So, one should judge and verify before going for installation.

A home maker who is keen to take up the installation task himself can have the guides available on nets and in form of handbooks too. The first step in this respect is to make the roof deck ready for installation of metal shingle. This roof can also be installed over asphalt shingles. It is advised to use breathable synthetic sheets underneath before installation as metal roofs do not permit air flow and ventilating systems are required to be checked thoroughly.

If vent pipes, chimneys are to be put on the roof in reference then the metal roof can easily customized by cutting it in exact shape and size. To ensure that a straight metal roof is installed one can draw straight vertical and horizontal chalk lines across the roof and install the shingle accordingly.

It is though always recommended to employ a professional installer irrespective of his charges if a metal shingle is being installed for the first time. there are many nooks and corners about which great care should be taken and for which a detail knowledge of installation of shingles is required.

How Does a Roof Calculator Work?

Roof Shingles - Nov 04,2012 - No Comment

Prices estimated by a roof calculator will be approximate, and depend upon geography, cost of living and real estate rates in your location. The kind of roofing contractors you hire for the project will also impact the projected cost, as will the need for insurance and the quality of materials used.

Pricing estimates are usually averaged rates of regional estimates received from different parts of the country. The rates my differ by $30 to $50 a square depending on which state you live. The experience and skill level of your roofing contractor will also influence the estimate. Sometimes you’ll get a very cheap quote, but it may come from a contractor who is out of work and in urgent need of work. It’s also possible that such a contractor might be uninsured, increasing your risk as house owner.

New and inexperienced contractors will quote lesser rates as they gain work experience on the job. It may be that the contractor isn’t aware of actual costs and may be losing out on profit. But on the other hand, it could be that he’s using poor quality material or similarly inexperienced sub-contractors, which can lead to your roof leaking shortly after installation. A roof calculator can thus be a guard against getting cheated.

Types Of Roofing Shingles – Best Options Available For Homeowners

Roof Shingles - Oct 30,2012 - No Comment

A wide choice in different types of roofing shingles are on the market today. Choosing one should be based on our requirements and the financial outlay from our overall budget. The types of shingles include the very popular asphalt, a little upscale architectural roofing shingles and the more costly but naturally available wood and slate. There are several others too which are available at various price points. Each has its own advantages and problems associated with it. Pick a product that offers great performance for your area’s weather and local needs.

Ask any person who owns a home about the qualities they are looking for in their roof. Nine times out of ten people will pick inexpensive, free of maintenance and lasts forever as the most wanted characteristics in their roofing shingles. Don’t we all want that? Things don’t work that way. Every 10 years or so you roofing needs replacement. Your best efforts to maintain it and take care of it might extend the life by another 5 years. But, at the end of that you have to get the roof replaced. But, if you research available choices and pick a roof most suitable for your local area and region chances are that the roofing will last 20 years or or whatever the life guaranteed by the manufacturer. You also, help the environment as you don’t have to send discarded roofing material to landfills ever so often.

Proper choice from the various types of roofing shingles save you money on your energy bills. Some types of shingles like wood and slate are naturally insulating type, they allow the air to move freely through their surface material. This keeps the home cool in summers and warm in winters. There are some non-natural options too in this category. Color of the shingles also plays an important role in controlling the heat intake of the material. Darker shades absorb more heat, light shades reflect light. So, for colder regions darker shades are better and warmer regions should opt for lighter shades.

Better quality shingles cost more. That is the general rule of thumb. In a hyper-competitive market like roofing industry pricing is cut-throat. Every company has products at different price points so, they can attract and keep customers. Lower cost shingles are not long lasting. Bad maintenance and extreme variations in temperature can damage the shingles and reduce its life significantly. Remember that different states have different requirements when its comes roofing codes. Fire ratings, impact resistance, wind resistance are some of the standards most areas demand of their residents. This is for your own safety and the safety of your fellow citizens. Make sure you comply will all the standards in order to be compliant to your state’s laws.

We will discuss a little about the most commonly used roofing material the asphalt shingles. This is one of the several types of roofing shingles available. The reason for its popularity is not far to seek. It is cheap and it is low maintenance. It is made by sandwiching asphalt and ceramic granules with fiberglass. It is extremely light and long lasting if installed right and taken care of properly. These are otherwise known as compositional shingles. Several of the top roofing shingles manufacturers make asphalt shingles in a choice of colors and textures. It is easy to install and can be laid on top of earlier layer of shingles. The problem with this type of shingles is that its ripped off in storms and hurricanes, it is prone to damage if exposed to very high temperatures, also great temperatures differences during day and night plays havoc with the shingles materials. You can walk on the shingles with a little care and it won’t get damaged. It is rated for fire resistance and impact. When laying these shingles ventilation should be taken care to get rid of excess heat.

For a more detailed report on types of roofing shingles click here.

Asphalt Shingles – How Innovative Manufacturers Are Revolutionizing an Age-Old Roofing Solution?

Roof Shingles - Oct 29,2012 - No Comment

Asphalt shingles have been used as a roofing material for ages. And while considering the need to redesign a building or renovate a home, one of the areas that often crops up as needing attention is the roof. Maybe your roof needs some extensive repairs. Or maybe you just need to replace it completely because everything is in disarray. Whatever your needs, the first goal is to identify a good and reliable roofing contractor who specializes in working on residential buildings. The person you choose should be competent and qualified to handle the job, so that you will be spared the anxiety and stress of managing everything on your own.

While looking for a roofer to handle your roof replacement, ask for an estimate for free. This will give you a fair idea of the kind of expenses involved and also allow you to crunch the numbers, run comparisons against other quotes and even get feedback from friends or family members before taking a plunge.

One of the early decisions you’ll need to make with replacing your roof is the kind of roofing material you will use. You can pick from tile, metal, wood shake and asphalt shingles for your roof. Asphalt shingles are often a popular and good choice. This is because they are versatile, available in a broad range of colors and textures, and are easily available in most parts of the country.

Asphalt shingles are also economical and can fit even a tight budget. Asphalt shingle roofs do not require much maintenance and are durable for a long time. Any roofing contractor can install them easily without much advanced training or special equipment being necessary. This in turn lowers the cost of roofing with asphalt shingles. In the unusual event of your shingles needing replacement a a later date, that can be handled without too much trouble or expense as well.

Things have evolved and advanced greatly in the roofing materials niche. Solar shingles that incorporate advanced photovoltaic technology into roofing shingles are just one of many innovations. And asphalt shingles too have come a long way since their first use. In the early days, asphalt roofing systems needed to be installed in strips. Felt backing was used to hold them in place, and granulated rocks were incorporated within the material of the shingles.

Fiberglass has since replaced them, and their added benefits of being fireproof and safer made this composite shingle more attractive to home owners and contractors alike. Asphalt shingles not only have advantages that home owners appreciate, they also have utilitarian benefits. By using granules of varying colors, asphalt shingles can be designed to match any color building. The granules further enhance longevity and durability of the roofing material. Special compounds mixed into the shingles even prevent the growth of moss and algae. And as mentioned before, baking in photovoltaic elements into the material of the shingles makes it easy to have a roof that generates enough electrical power to pay for itself!

Asphalt shingles come in a vast array of colors, styles and textures. Shingles are available in different sizes so you will not need to cut and trim them a lot. This kind of diversity was unheard of even a decade earlier. But today’s roofing systems in the marketplace are versatile and widely adaptable to many different characteristics of your home. Healthy competition between manufacturers has been responsible for this innovation without a corresponding increase in cost.

Replacing your roof with asphalt shingles or any other alternative will let you enjoy once again that sense of pride and comfort that comes from a safe and secure residence. A new roof is not purely an expense. By increasing the value of the asset that is your house, you are actually boosting the resale value of your building, making your new asphalt shingles roof an investment – one that will pay off richly over time.

Combined with the potential to lower your energy costs, provide an aesthetically appealing building, and do it all at affordable cost in a durable and reliable fashion makes asphalt roofing shingles one of the first choices of many home owners today. By conducting your research carefully, finding a good roofing contractor to help with your installation, and taking advantage of the incredible advances and innovations in the shingle roofing market, you can end up with a roof that is far better and reliable than the one you’ve been forced to replace.

Composite Roof Shingles – 3 Reasons Why Composite Roof Shingles Are So Popular and In Demand

Roof Shingles - Oct 28,2012 - No Comment

So you’ve heard a lot about composite roof shingles and are trying to decide whether or not to use them. First, let’s take a moment to see what makes them so attractive and appealing to home owners and roofing contractors alike. In a nutshell, composite roof shingles are durable, attractive and relatively less expensive. But to stop there would be leaving many things unsaid that matter to you before you decide to get your composition shingle roof.

What are Composite Roof Shingles?

This special type of roofing shingle is made from an amalgamation of many different roofing materials, like slate, asphalt, wood, shake or laminate. The combination of so many different tested and proven materials is what gives composite roofing shingles the durability and stress tolerance it is widely known for.

In recent times, composite roof shingles makers have improved and enhanced the product even further by using additives that inhibit the growth of algae and moss, prevent degradation, and even avoid chipping, cracking, and peeling of the shingles. Making this option more attractive, composite roof shingles come in various stylish designs, including some that closely match the look and feel of more expensive cedar shake shingles.

Why Should You Prefer Composite Roof Shingles?

The foremost reason for composition shingles to garner the popularity they richly deserve is their durability. Composite roof shingles are guaranteed by most manufacturers for 30 to 50 years, which is far beyond the lifetime of traditional shingles which last between 10 and 15 years.

Specially treated composite shingles are resistant to mold, fungi and algae as well as UV radiation, and this is an extra benefit to home owners. Repair or replacement costs of a shingle roof are lower because of the very low incidence of chipping, breakage or peel and warp.

Composite roof shingles come in a wide range of colors and designs to match almost any home or building. They resist extremes of weather well and rarely fade or change in color over time. Their availability in a wide range of colors, taken along with their resistance to fading or weathering over time, have led to a resurgence in the popularity of this type of roofing material.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal of Composite Shingles

With the focus of many home owners shifting to the appearance and appeal of their homes, it becomes a significant market advantage to have roofing products that are available in a wide range of choice by way of design, style and color. On this front, composite roofing shingles score over the competition.

Because they are available in various colors and designs, including some patterns that are more commonly seen only with the far more expensive cedar shake shingles, these composition roof shingles are being widely used in a range of different constructions.

Composite roofing shingles, for all of these reasons, are in popular demand in the roofing industry. Over a lifetime, they may fade only a shade. They are durable, tough and resistant to weather changes. And the use of various different materials in their manufacture further adds to and enhances these benefits. And while you may imagine the price would reflect such complex structure and style, composite shingles are refreshingly affordable and do not significantly alter the overall budget of roofing construction.

Roof Repair Cost

Roof Shingles - Oct 27,2012 - No Comment

How much it will cost you to repair your roof depends upon many different variables. You cannot make a guesstimate without first putting in some effort and time to address these various factors. Size of your roof is obviously the most important because a greater area that needs roofing will cost more than a smaller one.

How difficult a contractor will find it to repair your roof will determine the price he or she charges. A very steep roof with a higher pitch can make it harder to repair, and require specific safety precautions to be taken. A flat roof, on the other hand, is the easiest to fix and therefore the cheapest.

If your roof has many projections like dormers and chimneys or irregularities such as skylights or solar panels, then repairing or replacing the roof will require more labor and time. This will make your roof repair cost higher. And there are many more factors that come into play.