Choosing Right From The Different Types of Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Oct 20,2012 - No Comment

There are different types of roofing shingles used in building construction today. Architectural shingles come in two general categories – asphalt and wood. Once upon a time, wooden shingles were very popular. Not any longer. Their expensive nature has relegated wooden shingles to niche status with only a few ornate projects with large enough budgets being able to afford this luxury.

For other home owners and building contractors, asphalt shingles are the natural choice. Asphalt shingles are less expensive. They are also easily found in most hardware stores across the country. As a roofing material, asphalt shingles are hardy and can tolerate extremes of weather. Durability is high with typical longevity being 20 to 30 years.

Is Asphalt The Right Type of Roofing Shingles For You?

Asphalt shingles come in 3 types. Organic asphalt, laminated organic asphalt and fiberglass asphalt are the names given to them. There is little in common between the types of roofing shingles made of asphalt, with even manufacturers specializing in one kind or another. Roofers and roofing contractors often disagree on which of them is best suited for a particular construction project. The truth is that many factors govern your choice, including how you prepare your old roof for installation.

Especially when it comes to re-roofing a building, you must make sure that the old roof is completely removed – even when it appears to look perfectly ok. Unless you do this, you cannot say for sure whether or not the underlying roof sheathing is intact. You may suspect there is a problem with the sheat when you notice dampness on the ceiling beneath it, or fungus and mold and rot in different parts of the building. Inspecting the roof base after totally removing all the older shingles will instantly show you where any potential damage has occurred.

What Types of Roofing Shingles Will You Use For Replacement?

Once the damages in your roof sheathing are identified and have been repaired, you are ready for the re-roofing to begin. Any other accessories like vanes and pipes must be installed at this stage too. Once you’ve done it all, the difficult choice of picking the right types of roofing shingles begins in earnest. There are many choices of manufacturer to select from, as well as a wide range of design and color to match your project. Browse the various options available before making a buying decision.

Also be sure to not jump at the very first or most convenient deal but to shop around and request quotes from a few different manufacturers and retailers in addition to what you get from your roofing contractor. With the different types of roofing shingles varying widely in price and quality, this step could save you a lot of money.

Ask roofing manufacturers and sales reps questions about which types of roofing shingles they recommend for their customers and the reason why they choose one over another. Research the recommendations on the Internet by visiting various technical websites where everything is explained in detail. Look for issues such as how the different types of roofing shingles stand up to wind resistance or how well they perform at insulating the house. Such measures of performance are all relevant to your choice.

Buying The Right Types of Roofing Shingles

Building a new home or re-roofing an existing building can be a major venture. But you don’t have to get overwhelmed if you simply focus on carrying out some basic research and find the right roofing contractor to work with. The most difficult choice you will have to make is about the types of roofing shingles to order.

Deciding to order a well known national brand of manufacturer may short-circuit your research process, but you’ll pay a premium price for that privilege. In order to get comparable quality but at a more reasonable price, you’ll have to shop around for quotes from different manufacturers and then weed through the information in order to zero in on the ideal types of roofing shingles for your home.

Roofing Shingles For Sale – Tips For Roof Maintenance

Roof Shingles - Oct 20,2012 - No Comment

It doesn’t matter what roofing materials you use in construction. It matters that you regularly inspect your roof to make sure that any problems that may have arisen are quickly dealt with in a cost effective manner.

The schedule on which you conduct such inspections will depend on the type of roof you have. Asphalt roofing is designed to last for 15 to 20 years. Others like clay, tile and metal roofs have varying durability. When you use roofing shingles for sale, be aware of the potential for variation in this longevity and modify your inspection schedule accordingly.

Here is a checklist to make sure that your roof is in good condition – and to identify any flaws or failures that must be addressed swiftly.

1. Look for signs of discoloration on the roof. Streaks of black or brown on the roofing shingles for sale can indicate wear and tear or long storage periods on the store shelf. It may also mean that the shingles are affected by fungus or mold. This is common in high humidity situations like where the roof is in shade or when it faces north, especially in damp and cool climates.

2. Look to see if there are any signs of damange in the roofing shingles for sale. Shingles that are torn or cracked will leak and should be replaced. Missing shingles create a weak spot through which the elements can damage the underlying roof. If ignored for too long, this will end up weakening other shingles and tiles, causing them to be ripped off or blown away in heavy winds, causing more extensive damage.

3. If there are trees growing close to your roof, trim the branches or even cut them down if they are likely to cause friction injury to your roofing shingles. If this continues, it can cause more serious damage.

4. Green roofs require more maintenance. Regularly check and maintain them to ensure the shingles are in good working order.

5. Water leakage can be serious and damages your attic and walls, as well as weakening the entire structure. Watch the inside walls for signs of moisture or the growth of moss or algae. This indicates damp seepeing through the wall or roof, and may require a trip to get roofing shingles for sale.

6. See if there is any rubbish, leaves, or other debris collecting on the roof or on eaves. These can cause organic material to grow on them, like bugs and molds. As a result, your roof will be damaged and require costly repairs.

7. Get expert reviews from time to time. You may overlook something which a specialist will pick up in an instant and that may help you save a lot on expensive repairs when the problem has multiplied.

In addition to these issues, you could have animals and weather conditions cause damage to your roofing shingles. The important part of maintaining a roof is not to rush out and grab some roofing shingles on sale and pop them up over the broken or empty spaces. Instead, it is to do a thorough check for areas of damage, and pre-empt more serious problems by taking swift and correct action on these areas.

Facts About Shingle Roofing Prices

Roof Repair - Oct 20,2012 - No Comment

Shingle roofing prices and their installation are the biggest expenses for homeowners. The cost of replacing roof can start as low as $2500 dollars and go up to $10000 dollars or more. The area of the roof is a major factor which will determine how much you will spend on your renovation or replacement project. Asphalt is the most commonly used roofing material as it is most affordable and offers a decent run of around 15-30 years. The shingles are either single layer or multiple layered products which are nothing but asphalt embedded in fiberglass layers. Over these a coating of granules of either minerals or slate is applied to finish the look.

Self-installation of asphalt roofing will slash your shingle roofing prices by around half. For example for a simple one story home with 1800 square foot area the cost of laying a new roof will be around $800 to $4000. The cheapest of shingles are 3-tab shingles. Bl ut, don’t base your decision to reroof only the price of cheapest shingles as these have very short life-span. In a few short years you will replacing them and the cost of replacing them will much higher than if your decided to go for better quality shingles in the first place.

Not only that the cost to the environment is also higher. The task of removing old shingles costs money, the cost of transporting it over long distances to designated landfill sites is also expensive and so is the cost of disposing at the landfill site. On top of is the environmental cost as these shingles will be occupying valuable land space.

For more information on the subject of shingle roofing prices click here

What to Expect During Your Home’s Roof Replacement Project

Roof Repair - Oct 20,2012 - No Comment

Replacing your roof is an essential part of maintaining your home. A damaged or improperly maintained roof can cause thousands and dollars in damage to other parts of the home. Repairs only go so far, and eventually it will be time to replace your roof entirely. Replacing your roof can seem like a daunting task for the first time homeowner. Choosing between hundreds of professional roofing contractors can be confusing. Thankfully, the project of getting a new roof is not too complicated, and it helps to know what to expect.

The first step in any roof replacement project is obtaining estimates and choosing a contractor. It’s a good idea to research several companies. Make sure they have good reputations and are licensed in your state. Be sure to obtain estimates from several contractors before signing a contract, as roofing estimates can have a wide range. There are many factors that can influence the cost of a roof replacement. It’s good to know a little about them before you get too involved.

The size and slope of the roof, the materials being used, and the region of the country can all affect the final cost of the project. A roof that is particularly steep and slippery will cost more to replace than a roof that is more easily accessible. The height of the roof matters as well. Roofs on two-story homes are more expensive to replace than roofs on ramblers or ranchers. This is simply because it’s easier for the workers to access a roof that is closer to the ground. Also, like almost anything, prices vary depending on where you live. Roof replacements cost more in places where the general cost of living is higher. The frequency of roof replacements differs depending on the region of the county as well. Roofs in the Midwest generally need to be replaced more often than roofs in other parts of the country due to extreme weather. Likewise, homeowners in Southern California replace their roofs less often since the weather is usually mild year-round.

There are several different types of roofs you can have installed. The materials can range in price anywhere from $1 to $40 or more per square foot. The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. These are relatively inexpensive and are usually guaranteed to last anywhere between 20 and 30 years. They come in may different colors to compliment the exterior of your home. Another form of roofing is wood shake, which usually costs $6 to $9 a square foot. These roofs are usually made of cedar and can last 12 to 25 years, but they require almost constant maintenance. Metal roofing such as copper or aluminum can cost $15-$20 a square foot. Tile roofs, such as terra cotta, are generally used in southwestern architecture and cost $6 to $9 a square foot. (Tiles are not recommended in areas with frequent rainfall, as they have a tendency to leak.) A slate roof is the most durable, though it is also the most expensive, and can cost up to $40 a square foot ($120,000 to replace a 3,000 square foot roof). Slate is generally used on upscale homes and can last up to 200 years or more depending on the quality.

Along with being inexpensive, asphalt shingles require little maintenance, making them the most popular roofing choice for American homeowners. While asphalt shingle roofs are often designed to last 25 or 30 years, the actual life span of your roof can vary depending on where you live. High speed winds, hurricanes, heavy storms, blizzards, and dramatic temperature fluctuations decrease the longevity of your roof. Estimates for replacing an asphalt shingled roof can range from $1,500 to $9,000 depending on the size of the roof as well as location.

The cost of a roof replacement project varies depending on where you live. A roof replacement costs less in the Midwest than it does in the Northeast. In places where the general cost of living is higher, roof replacements will cost more as well. If you live in the Midwest, you will need to replace your roof more often. High speed winds, tornadoes, blizzards, and ice storms will all wreck havoc on your roof. Temperature fluctuations can also damage roofs. In the desert the temperature can be over 100 degrees during the day and drop to 50 or 40 degrees at night. 20-year asphalt shingles in Arizona and New Mexico last on average only 15 years, due to sustained damage from temperature fluctuations. Homeowners in regions with mild weather can get away with more moderate roof repairs, putting off full replacements for longer periods of time.

Roof replacement estimates may vary depending on all of these factors (location, materials, etc.). The final cost once the work is completed may be higher than the initial estimate, as your roof may have some unforeseen damage that will add to the final cost . Underneath the shingles, your roof could be rotted or have water damage. Replacing the roof support system can add thousands of dollars to the bill, depending on the extent of the damage. This is a good incentive to keep your roof properly maintained and have it replaced on time.

When you’re choosing your roofing contractor, ask for references. You’ll definitely want to see examples of their work on local homes. When giving an estimate, a contractor will come to your house to inspect your roof. He’ll come up with a number that factors in the cost of materials and labor, including the cost of stripping and throwing away the old shingles. The estimate should include the cost of removal and disposal of the old roofing material. If not, ask about this to avoid surprises. There is a chance that there will be some unforeseen costs in the project, so it is good to avoid as many of these as possible. After the visit, they will send you a written contract. A contract from a roofing company should include a description of what is to be done, as well as when it is to be done and a schedule for payment. Having it all in writing can protect the homeowner later on. Be sure to shop around before settling on a specific contractor, as prices can vary considerably.

Once you’ve chosen your roofing materials and your contractor, it’s time to set a date for the project. The actual work of replacing the roof can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the roof. You should plan to have someone at home while the work is being done. If they have any questions or discover any additional problems with your roof, it helps that you are home to discuss things with them.

Before the workers arrive, it’s good to remove any items that may get in the way of their ladders. Climbing on roofs can be dangerous, even for professionals, so it’s best to stay out of their way. First, the roofers rip out all the old roofing shingles and replace any rotted or damaged wood in the roof. Next they lay a base, and then they lay the shingles. Roof work is noisy. Expect to hear a lot of hammering as well as people running around all over your roof. It’s not really an invasive home repair. You won’t have workmen coming inside your house. As long as you don’t mind the noise, it’s not much of a hassle.

When the old shingles have been stripped, any un-shingled portions of the roof should be covered with a tarp overnight to protect your home in case of rain or overnight storms.

Once your new roof is completed, make sure the workers have cleaned up all the debris that has fallen. When a roof is replaced, the workers usually toss the pieces of the old roof onto the ground or into a dump truck as they’re working. Once the bulk of the old material is disposed of, responsible companies will clean up after themselves to ensure customer satisfaction. They usually have a magnetic broom that picks up all the nails and other materials that can be hazardous as well as unsightly. You may find a shingle or two in your yard afterwards, which is perfectly normal.

When you have roof work done, you should never pay anything up front. You always pay after the job is completed. This is standard procedure. All reputable roofing companies operate this way.

During your next project, it’s important to have a general idea of the costs as well as procedures. The basic thing to remember is to get several roof replacement estimates before choosing your contractor. Expect professionalism and get references. Knowing what to expect is the key to having a pleasant experience.

By Connie Gallerizzo

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

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Using a Roof Calculator to Generate Roof Estimates

Roof Repair - Oct 19,2012 - No Comment

To estimate expenses for your roof, you will need to know the kind of style of your roof – typically gable roofs or hip roofs – and the existence of valleys and dormers. The difficulty of a roofing project will impact the cost, and knowing the roof’s size and pitch are additional requirements to make a fair estimate.

With all this information at hand you can plug numbers into a roof calculator and get a reasonable roof estimate at the press of a “Calculate” button. A roof calculator seems like a magical tool for home owners. In reality, it is a good guideline, but nowhere close to a definitive and final answer.

Solar Roof Shingles – The Many Positive Factors To Installing Solar Shingles

Roof Shingles - Oct 15,2012 - No Comment

Solar roof shingles are no longer like those clunky solar panels of old. Today’s panels are sleek and very attractively designed to look like architectural roof shingles. They can be simply integrated with present roofing. The wiring runs underneath the shingles and are out of sight. They generate free electricity for the home and this lowers electricity bills making your home a green home. As the electricity generated is by converting solar energy there is no by-products or emissions making it completely pollution free.

An investment in solar roof shingles will crank up your home value. More and more individuals are seeing the value in getting free power from solar panels and installing them over their roofs. A home that already boasts of solar power generating shingles is so much more valuable to home buyer. The warranty covers the shingles for any faults or defects. So, in case of any problems you can get it replaced free of cost. The solar shingles are your contribution to society’s efforts to protect the environment. As these shingles are backed by years of research and advanced technology the panels are long-lasting. They are investment for your life-time and beyond.

Many states and the federal government are encouraging the use of solar roof shingles in order to reduce the citizens dependance on conventional fuels. They are offering extensive tax rebates and incentives to help offset the higher cost of shingles. As fossil fuels are getting more expensive there is a relentess effort to find cheaper alternative sources and solar energy has emerged as a front runner along with wind power.

These shingles have been found to be very pleasing to look at and are fully integrated with any type of roofing. The shingles are laid to follow the natural lines of the home and offer freedom to design and lay them any way you want. The enhance the look of the home as they are very pleasing aesthetically and structurally. You don’t have to worry about water seepage or the solar roof shingles being blown away due to high speed winds. These solar shingles are designed to withstand strong winds and are water proof. As they are perfectly designed to match other roofing materials, there is no chance of water seepage.

3 Types of Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Oct 12,2012 - No Comment

Ridge Cap Shingles and Ridge Cap Tiles

The final touch. Ridge Shingles are to your roof like a picture frame is to a picture. What kind of frame did they put around the Mona Lisa in the Louvre? I’ll bet you it wasn’t purchased at Wal-Mart… And what a difference it makes to have a good quality ridge shingle installed. The bottom line is, visually appealing Roof Systems include visually appealing ridge shingles.

If you are not concerned with the visual appeal of your Roof System, then save a buck and use a standard cut shingle for your ridge caps. If however you’d like your house to look more like your castle…use a definitive edge ridge shingle such as an IKO Ultra Hip or a GAF/Elk z-ridge. The price difference between a regular ridge shingle and a more visually appealing ridge shingle on a standard home is around $400 – $800.

Important note: Higher quality ridge shingles typically require special installation procedures when installed. It may be wise to mention this to whoever you choose to install your roof. Ridge shingles are located at areas of your roof most vulnerable to wind damage and therefore subject blowing off if they are not installed properly. Ask your roofing contractor what sort of Special Installations are required for installing high quality ridge shingles.

For more information, be sure to check out this full report about roofing shingles.

By Eric Gilbert

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?Roofing-Shingles-and-Tiles—3-Basic-Types&id=2261910

Roof Shingle Calculator Use To Order Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Oct 09,2012 - No Comment

A roof shingle calculator can help home owners by serving as a quick and easy ready-reckoner for estimations over roofing shingle quantities needed for constructing a building. Roof shingles are sold in bundles, or based on the number of shingles needed to roof a square (100 square feet).

When delivered by the manufacturer, shingles are wrapped in paper or in plastic. The bundles are organized so that they can be easily carried by workers and lifted up onto roofs, even with higher buildings. For this reason, a bundle of lighter shingles will have more pieces, and can cover a larger area of roof than a comparable bundle of heavy roofing shingles.

This becomes important while ordering roofing shingles for your home. With heavy shingles, you will need to order more bundles to cover similar areas of roof.

As a broad rule of thumb, it takes 3 bundles of shingles to roof a square. 3 tab roofing shingles which are the most popularly used types follow this rule closely. But because they are purely functional and rather ugly looking, modern homes do not feature plain and simple 3 tab shingles but instead sport more attractive architectural shingles.

When you use a roof shingle calculator to estimate shingle counts, keep in mind that heavier shingles will require more bundles in order to cover the same area. It may take 4 to 5 bundles of heavier shingles to roof one square. For more information about roof shingle calculator use in estimating shingle count read this special report – click here