How To Install Roofing Shingles and Tiles

Roof Shingles - Aug 07,2012 - No Comment

Field Shingles and Field Tiles

Shingles, or “field” Shingles are the main component of your Roof System. It’s the part you see first when looking from the street. And it’s the part which primarily keeps the weather out of your home. Many differing types of shingles are available to choose from, ranging between the traditional Asphalt, Wood Shake and Slate/Tile, to the relatively newer Metal, Rubber and environmentally friendly Plastic Types. Manufacturers are even experimenting with new Green Roof Systems which do not have shingles at all but are instead composed of real dirt and vegetation!

Dry climates generally reduce the effectiveness of Wood Shingles in Calgary and Concrete Tiles are relatively expensive and require a very specific “taste” of design appeal. Rubber and Plastic tiles are relatively newer in the market and still gaining market share. It’s true also that many home owners are resistant to installing metal on their roof, although metal roof systems are quite true to their promise of reliability and curb appeal. This leaves Asphalt shingles as the most popular tile and shingle option for Roofing Systems, with asphalt being the most popular due to its lower cost and long reliable track record.

Asphalt and Metal Shingles have recently adapted in design to match the luxurious ‘layered’ look that Wood Shingles used to offer. Recent advances in technology have allowed more and more Asphalt and Metal shingle designs. Field shingles are installed overtop the Starter Shingles we just discussed. They take the brunt of the weather and are the ‘meat and potatoes’ a Roof System.

Without good Field Shingles, your roof doesn’t stand a chance. Of course, all components of a Roof System are vitally important, however it’s the Field Shingles which are the most visual, the most costly and receive the most attention on your Roof.

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

By Eric Gilbert

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

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

Metal Roofing Shingles & Materials

Roof Shingles - Aug 07,2012 - No Comment

Various Kinds of Metal Roofs

This provides many benefits for homeowners who choose it for their roof. These advantages are becoming increasingly apparent, as the dramatic rise in the popularity of metal roofs tells us. Responsible for this is also the growing variety of metal roof materials, no longer simple corrugated tin roofs, but rather a proper selection, which differs in durability, fire resistant standards, weight and cost of metal roofing of different types. Every house and every homeowner can find the metal roof that is right for them.

The Benefits Metal Roofing Provides

Consider the following categories, in each of which it proves to be a wise option. Metal roofs are seal out water, are strong against winds, are easy to clear snow off of and are totally resistant to fire, mildew and rot. A metal roof is guaranteed to reach its warranty period in full force. To add to this, metal roofs are considerably lighter than other roofing materials, requiring no additional structural support whatsoever. Not only their light weight make them easy to install, but also does the fact that metal roofing shingles come in sheets or sections, allowing for a quick and simple installation process.

Installing Metal Roofs

If you believe it is the ideal solution for your home, we here at Roof 101 provide the experts that will help you choose the exact material and install it for you. Our contractors are professionals, and will install the metal roof with care, avoiding any scratches or dents caused during installation.

Energy Benefits of Metal Roofing

One of the greatest benefits of it is its astounding energy efficiency. The source of metal roofing energy efficiency lies in its finish – an unpainted will reflect majority of the solar radiation that is absorbed by a roof and attic in a regular asphalt roof. Painted and granular coated metal roofing system both reflect solar energy and re-emit absorbed radiation such that it can also cool your home. In warm climates, a highly reflective surface is capable of re-emitting up to 90 percent of absorbed solar radiation, and in doing so, greatly reducing energy consumption. It has been calculated that the installation of a reflective metal roof can save approximately 40 percent of cooling costs throughout summer, and that a metal roof can reduce the air temperature in your home by about 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cashing In On Metal Roofing

Roofers are not the only ones to have recognized the benefits of it. the US government has established an Energy Policy Act of 2005 that rewards homeowners who have opted for the installation of a metal roof. In order to qualify for the Energy Star program requirements, an energy efficient improvement to one’s home must include a pigmented metal roof. Because the majority of metal roofing manufactured today is at least 25 percent solar reflective for steep roofs and 65 percent solar reflective for low slopes, most metal roofing systems qualify for the credit. The tax credit savings on a metal roof under this act can reach up to $500, and is deducted directly from one’s “total tax liability”, such that it can reach sums in the thousands. To get in on this savings bonanza, speak with one of our metal roofing contractors about installing a qualifying metal roof system – they will be happy to help.

Roof101 provides roof repairs, roofing contractors, roofers, roofing services and natural slate, asphalt shingle, skylights, wood shake flat, metal roofing materials and roof tiles installation.

By Eldad Levi

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

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Clay Roof Tiles – Tips For Installation

Roof Shingles - Aug 05,2012 - No Comment

Clay roof tiles have been in use for several hundred years. Archaeologists have founds clay tiles on old buildings dating back several centuries. These tiles have very simple manufacturing process and hence it has retained its original design, color and manfuacturing techniques. The tiles are tough, simple to mold and retain the color for long. After the tile is molded using clay it is fired in kilns heated to high temperatures. This makes the tiles tough and ready to use in our roofing process. Some of the tiles are given different types of surface treatments. Either it is made smooth, rough or glazed. The tiles have differing densities depending on how long it is heated and the temperature of heating. There is wide choice of colors, designs, and materials in tiles. The colors also vary. You will also find a bewildering array of accessories for hips, ridges, valleys, eaves to make the roof look sophisticated and contemporary. Clay tiles are simple to install but are heavy and need care while handling. They are sold in single tiles or two pieces or as flat tiles. You will also find interlocking tiles.

These tiles owe their rich color to the process of baking. The color is baked into the product and retains it even after several decades of exposure to sun and water. If you have noticed terracotta clay roof tiles in old homes they still retain their beautiful reddish hue even after all those years.

Clay roof tiles need special deck preparation. The wood roof needs to be continuous for the tiles to stay in place. To learn more about clay roof tiles installation check out the detailed report!

Find The Average Cost Of Roof Replacement

Roof Repair - Aug 05,2012 - No Comment

What is average cost of roof replacement? It is a number which gives you an indication about the cost of replacing with a new roof. A number of different factors affect the actual pricing of roofing and it is really moot discussing numbers such as average cost. But on the other hand without a reference frame or a starting point it is difficult for the homeowner to estimate the cost of the project to be undertaken.

A complete roof replacement should be considered after getting quotes from several roofers. The final needs of such a replacement are straightforward and simple. All you need to do is find a roofing contractor with reasonable experience and skills to do the roofing job. Remember that roofing does not just involves laying shingles. It also involves removing old ones, their disposal, making sure the decking is good, ensuring the sheathing, plywood sheets are in good order, putting in new flashing, and finally laying the shingles.

To know more about the average cost of roof replacement here is the full article on the subject.

Sheet Metal Roofing Prices – A Look At Roofing With Sheet Metal And The Prices Involved

Roof Repair - Aug 05,2012 - No Comment

Sheet metal roofing prices are typically marked per square. Square is a roofing term that means one hundred square feet. Sheet metal roofing starts its life as flat sheets of metal which are then formed into the required panels and components by manufacturers of roofing products. They also apply desired finish to the metal sheets.

This process is either done at the site of roofing or at the factory and sold as finished products. In the first case there is huge variation in quality of the finished product. Also, the number of possible finishes is also severely restricted. For this kind of product very limited warranties are provided. The reliability of the product is also lower as it is not backed by manufacturers name.

On the other hand when the sheet metal is sold as pre-formed panels of standard gauge (26mm) it is uniform in its quality and finish. The product weighs about a pound per square foot. The number of finishes are more. A variety of materials are used so, the consumer has a choice of using aluminum, copper, alloys of zinc and stainless steel. The panel sizes are generally huge and hence when you have large areas to cover this is an ideal roofing product. Sheet metal roofing prices vary based on the material, type of finish and other factors.

When it comes to sheet metal roofing, there are two types of joining that are used called standing seam and batten roofing. In the first system the product as self-sealing raised seams. In batten roofing there is wide cover cap to join the seams. The manufacturers also supply parts for ridges, valleys, hips, edges and other connections. Buying these matching products as a package will give your home a finished and professional look.

You will find sheet metal roofing prices ranging from $1.50 to $6 per square foot. These prices include the cost of sheet metal panels, the clips used in fastening, caps over the seams where the metal join, trims and flashing. When getting quotes from suppliers make sure that they are including all these parts when mentioning the price.

Getting bids from manufacturer is just a phone call away. Make the calls and they will put in touch with local dealers and contractors trained to install their roofs. You will get different quotes on sheet metal roofing prices and you can make a decision based on your roofing needs and your budget. Also, ask them if transport and labor is included in the price. Sheet metal roofing transportation from distant places can set you back by huge amounts. So, if possible an order from a manufacturer who produces these products in location closest to your home.

In sheet metal roofing prices location plays a significant role in pricing as transporting these sheets over long distances costs a ton of money. So, get bids before hand and ask for freight charges to be included in the bid to make your assessment about costs based on the overall price. Some popular brands of sheet metal roofing include Microzinc roofing system, Follansbee Steel and Berridge. The prices for sheet metal roofing for Microzinc ranges from $4 to $6 per square foot. Follansbee offers standing seam metal sheets for $3 per square foot. This does not include installation charges.

How To Determine Roofing Material Needs With a Roof Shingles Calculator

Roof Repair - Aug 01,2012 - No Comment

You can estimate how much roofing material you will need for your roofing project by using a roof shingles calculator. For your convenience a roof shingles calculator will round off the estimates and give you the number of bundles of composition shingles you will need to order.

While most roof calculators will make the best effort to ensure you get a fairly correct estimate, it is mandatory that every home owner checks and double-checks the numbers to make sure you are not exceeding or falling short. A roofing contractor will be able to easily verify the validity of an estimate made using a roof shingles calculator.

Roofing projects are best handled by pros. They are not only more accustomed to working on high and sloping roofs, but also they have leverage with suppliers when it comes to buying materials. They can save you money on buying roofing materials, and time by using the best tools to complete the project quickly.

When you deal with a professional roofer, the one area you would be best informed about is the amount of roof space that needs to be covered with shingles. A roof shingles calculator can help determine this easily.

A square footage roof shingles calculator will tell you how big your roof is. All you have to do is type in the dimensions of your roof and the calculator will spit out data you can hand over to your contractor. In roofing jargon, a square is 100 square feet and is used to refer to roofing area. Shingles made of asphalt, fiberglass or composite material usually comes in bundles that cover one third of a square. Roofing sheets come in rolls that are 3 feet wide and 36 feet long, and can cover 1 square.

Roofing felt or tar paper is used to layer a bare wood roof before laying shingles over it. Felt covers pad the surface over which shingles can be seated nicely. A roof shingles calculator will help you estimate the area of roof that needs to be covered with shingles. It will also tell you how many bundles of roof shingles to order.

For more about how to use a roof shingles calculator, check out this article – click here.

Limitations of a Roof Calculator

Roof Repair - Aug 01,2012 - No Comment

Roof calculators are useful tools. But they are not infinitely powerful or remarkably accurate. Most roof calculators are planned to include all major kinds of roofing materials. Price ranges that are provided may have a small margin of error. Generic and specialty roofing will have variables that differ in cost across geographic locales, as well as based upon the kind of roof they will be used on. A degree of disparity between what you compute and what your roofing contractor presents to you is only to be expected.

The type of roofing to be installed will also skew the accuracy of a roof calculator. For instance, with shingle roofing a contractor may be able to use existing chimneys or flashing, while for metal roofing this will need to be removed and replaced. So the estimated costs calculated with a roof calculator will be off, because they cannot automatically factor in these variations.

Tear off costs will also differ by the type of roofing previously installed. Flat roofs cost more to tear down than shingle roofs. The process is more complicated for flat roofing, and disposal of the waste is another expense. So a generic roof calculator will be reasonably good at making roof estimates, but not 100% reliable in all respects.

Why Asphalt Roofing Shingles Are a Great Choice

Roof Shingles - Jul 30,2012 - No Comment

Asphalt roofing shingles are popular for roofs in residential buildings across the US and Canada. They are waterproof, durable, long lasting and tough, in addition to being relatively inexpensive and easy to install. In the manufacture of roofing shingles, asphalt serves to bind the additives like ceramic granules and hold them in place, while at the same time enhancing the overall strength of the shingles.

Strip asphalt roofing shingles look similar to slate roofing and are made of a single layer of asphalt woven into shingles. The fiberglass base is strong, which makes these shingles resistant to wind and keeps them from blowing off. Dimensional asphalt roofing shingles are multilayered and more appealing in appearance when installed on the roof. These shingles are heavier and come with extended warranties.

Premium asphalt roofing shingles are a laminated version that gives a differential look to the roof. They create the impression of an old-world roof that’s made of slate or shake shingles. In terms of function also, premium asphalt shingles provide an advantage, being more wind resistant and providing better insulation for the building.

Asphalt roofing shingles are not just popular as an economical roofing choice because of their cost. They are also easier to install. This naturally makes them do it yourself home owners prefer asphalt shingles. Additionally, they are durable, available in many different color choices and are simple to maintain. All these significant benefits coupled with the longevity o around 20 years makes asphalt roofing shingles in great demand.

Because of their toughness, most manufacturers of asphalt roofing shingles will offer extended warranties that usually last the lifetime of your roof. The warranty will cover thermal splitting and granule loss as well as physical damage by way of curling or cupping. However, there may be some significant exclusions that you need to be aware of, and labor costs are usually not covered. Be sure you read the warranty documents carefully, and keep them safe in case they become necessary later. Your asphalt roofing shingles can be the best investment in your building if you follow this common sense advice.

To learn more about asphalt roofing shingles and their use in roofing, read this article on the subject.