Types of Roofing Shingles – An Outline

Fire resistance, impact resistance, wind resistance make an impact on choice of your shingles. Your local council codes will determine what are the safe standards for your geographic area based on data collected over the years. These standards help keep the local residents safe in times of storms, high winds, hail and heavy snowfall. So, choose shingles that are both suited to your type of weather and which also meet all safety standards.

Types Of Shingles – Slate

Slate tiles are a classic choice expensive and exclusive. They are heavy and difficult to handle. Also, because of rarity of use there are very few qualified roofing contractors doing this job which needs skill and expertise. Otherwise it is a beautiful and long lasting. It is completely fire-proof and an environment friendly option.

Types of Shingles – Wood

Wood shingles or Cedar shingles were a popular roofing option in the last century. They are long lasting and give homes a nice rustic charm or clean sophisticated look. These shingles though have fallen out of favor because of their high fire risk and also because under moist conditions they curl, warp and rot over time.

Types Of Shingles – Asphalt

Asphalt is the most popular roofing option in North America. Over 80 percent of homes in America use asphalt because of its economical, durable a easy to install. The shingles are light-weight and available in hundreds of colors, shades, textures and brands. Architectural roofing shingles and composite shingles are variations of asphalt and have even more options. They are available in every price point to suite every budget. They last from 10-15 years.

Types of Shingles – Metal

Metal is another option gaining a lot of popularity because of its versatility. It’s light weight, durable and long lasting. Easy to install and available in variety of colors and textures. It is more expensive than asphalt.

Types Of Shingles – Solar

Solar panel shingles are one of the most innovative and green ideas that have come out of years of research to make solar technology more popular among the masses. As the solar shingles can be easily integrated with the normal asphalt shingles without marring the appearance of the home and at the same generating enough electricity to power most needs of the home it is become readily acceptable to folks around the country. It is more expensive than normal shingles but it pays for itself of the course of its life. The color and shading of the solar shingles go well with any dark colored asphalt roofing.

CONTINUE READING

Average Roof Replacement Cost – An Overview

Different roofing materials will have different average roof replacement cost. Here we will give some numbers to help you make a choice from the different options available. If you choose asphalt roofing shingles which is one of most affordable and also reliable roofing option you will find that the prices range between $800 and $4000 dollars. Coming to wood, cedar wood shingles or wood shake shingles fall in the range of $7500 to $20000 dollars. The next popular option is slate, the shingles are available in prices ranging from $17000 or higher. Actually some of the high end slate shingles cost around $84000 dollars. Metal shingles are light-weight and elegant roofing option whose price range is in the $5000 to $20000 range for steel. Copper costs from $25000 to $40000 dollars. Aluminum lies between the above two values. The above quoted numbers are for homes having areas of 1700 to 2100 square feet area of roof.

As we will see later on there are lot more factors affecting roof replacement cost and most important of them is the size of roof. The bigger your roof the higher is the cost of laying the roof. The cost goes up as you choose more expensive roofing options.

To give you a more detailed look at the average roof replacement cost, take a look at the following article on the topic.

CONTINUE READING

Torch Down Roofing Prices – An Overview On All Things Torchdown And The Costs

Torch down roofing prices are slightly more than normal asphalt roofing costs. But, what is torch down asphalt roofing? This roof is also known as rubberized asphalt and is used on flat roofs. In this roofing process the asphalt is melted and applied to the roofing using a torch which creates a roof that does not allow moisture to penetrate the roof. This type of roofs is lasts from one to two decades.

This roof is more suitable for flat surfaces as water tends to collect on them and cause pooling of water. An impermeable roof prevents water from seeping through. The torch down roofing prices are a little more than what you would pay for tar and gravel roofing generally seen on flat roofs. Torch down roofing offers better protection than tar and gravel. You might pay around $1000 dollars more for this type of roof but it overall protection against elements is so much better and hence the extra cost is worth it.

Tar roofing has one major problem during installation process. It lets out fumes while the tar is being melted and these are noxious and smell is not at all liked by people in close proximity. Many homeowners have to move out of their homes during the roof installation. On the other hand torch down roofing prices in addition to be slightly more expensive have one serious drawback  that is fire hazard during the installation process. Care must be taken to prevent any such problems from occurring.

In torch down roofing a modified form of bitumen is often combined with different resins of high quality to create a mix that prevents moisture from seeping through the roof. This UV-resistant roof does not melt like tar. There is lesser chance of small puddles getting created by the melted tar. This roof is tough roof as the combination of asphalt and resins make it practically impervious to punching of holes or other damage due to some sharp objects dragging on the surface. This strong roof has a long life-span of 20 years or more and the best part of it is that during this time you can expect a trouble free life with not much maintenance or repair work needed. Torch down roofing prices may be higher but the low maintenance and low repair cost will more than compensate for it over its life-time.

Another way to strengthen the already strong roof is to wait for two months after laying the torch down roofing and then applying a second coating. The extra protection it offers against heat and sun’s rays are one one benefit, another is that the roof becomes fire-resistant. Torch down roofing prices are not a factor at all if you consider all the above advantages. In fact this bitumen and resin mix as many other uses on basements floors, garage floors and on foundations. Wherever there is need for flexible but tough layer of covering then this type of roofing or flooring can be applied.

When it comes to torch down roofing prices remember that the contractor holds the key here. The cost of the project will depend on his rates and the cost of the materials used in the roofing. The cost of this roof is only slightly more than usual asphalt roof. Also, it is much tougher and hence preferable to the normal asphalt roofs.

CONTINUE READING

Are Roof Shingles Prices Most Important?

When it comes to trying to determine how much a new roof costs there are various factors at play. Roof shingles prices are one of them. But there is no definitive way to estimate this cost, or any single factor that has an overwhelming impact on the roof cost.

Many things must be considered. After all the elements are weighted, a quote or estimate can be derived. Some of these factors include:

* how big the building is, and what the area of the roof is
* what roofing materials will be used in the construction
* where the building is located (local costs vary widely)
* is the building new, or is this a re-roofing project?
* taxes and regulatory expenses, if any
* type of roof and building

Once you have listed out this information, the next step is to figure out what impact each of them has on the overall cost of your roof. When you do this, you’ll notice that roof shingles prices are certainly an important component – but by no means the only, or even major thing that influences roofing costs.

After drawing up a rough estimate, it is time to invite bids from roofing contractors for the project. This will help you get a good price on the job, even if roof shingles prices are relatively fixed and there is a limit to the extent of discounts possible.

CONTINUE READING

Roofing Shingles For Sale – How To Pick A Good Deal?

Every year during the lean season roofing shingles for sale are on offer in many parts of the country. Roofers will tell you that their main season for roofing installation runs from spring through to winter. During the peak winter not many roofs are installed. So, roofing shingles manufacturers and stores selling these shingles in a bid to clear out their old stock offer discounts and sales. If you have been keeping track of prices you will find that generally around this time the prices drop by a small percentage. If you are buying in bulk then you will be saving a significant amount of money.

Is is a good idea to buy roofing shingles for sale or get the roofer to supply and install the shingles?

If you are able to source good quality roofing shingles at a really low cost, then it might be a good idea to buy them and get a roofer to install them. But, you might face a situation where the roofers refuse to install the roofing shingles that are not supplied by them or they charge extra for roof installation. Roofing contractors generally buy roof shingles in bulk from their known contacts and generally make a small profit on it. When you cut them out of this profit by buying roofing shingles for sale they will naturally want to make it up by adding to your roof installation cost.

Roof Sales At Roofing Companies

Many roofing companies also offer roof sales during the lean season when they do not have much business to encourage homeowners and business owners to redo their roofs. These companies will generally offer limited time and limited number of roofs for sale. Here you can buy roofing shingles for sale and the roofer will install it for you. This benefits both the homeowners and the roofing company. As they can keep their roofing contractors employed during the mean season and also clear out the old stocks of roofing materials. The homeowners benefits as he gets a brand new roof at much lower cost.

Limited Choice

It has to be borne in mind that when purchasing roofing shingles on sale you can not expect much in terms of choice when you are purchasing it on your own from the big super marts or sourcing it through the roofers. The stores will trying to clear out their old stocks to make room for new products and arrivals. Also, they will be selling only stuff that hasn’t found many buyers. If you happen to like what’s on offer then that’s a double bonus for you. Roofing companies when they offer roofing sales will source at the maximum one or two types of roofing materials to get bulk discount. They are mainly trying to keep their roofing contractors busy during the lean season. So, here again the choice will not be too great.

Cost of Installation

As mentioned earlier the roof installation cost of roofing shingles for sale maybe higher. Another reason this could be higher even though you sourced the roofing shingles for sale from the roofing company itself is because the roofing company may have different method of installation which is more expensive. So, you may end up paying the same amount as when you do it in the regular season with a different company. Again, each company will claim their installation type to better. If you are satisfied with a particular company’s method of installation and their prices then taking up their offer in the lean season can get you a true discount.

How And Where To Find Roofing Shingles On Sale

Check out your home improvement stores in your city. They might be running clearance sales or have end of season sales, products lines that are discontinued, unpopular colors, roofing styles that have gone out of fashion are some of the shingles which might be offered on discount. Also, call roofing contractors in your area, they might be holding on to shingles from canceled orders or customers might have moved on higher priced shingles leaving cheaper stock lying with the roofers. You might be able to take this lot off the roofer’s hands. Another option is to call up shingles manufacturing units and ask them if they have some defective lots or discontinued products which might be up for sale. Manufacturers have to discard lots that have cosmetic defects or shingles from the last season. If you are lucky you might be able to pick up really good quality roofing shingles on sale which have only minor defects.

As always when you are looking for price discounts you have to pay in time and effort. Also, you might have to buy extra amount of shingles in order to replace defective ones, the color and material may not be of your choice. Also, some of the shingles may have been in storage for a long time and they may deteriorate faster than you expected. So, be sure to keep these factors in mind when looking for roofing shingles for sale.

CONTINUE READING

GAF Roofing Shingles – The Various Types

Marquis WeatherMax GAF Roof Shingles

These popular 3-tab shingles provide all-weather performance. Their super heavyweight design and Micro Weave core assist the shingles to resist tearing while protecting against harsh winter weather temperatures. These shingles are said to withstand winds up to 80mph and feature a Class A fire and wind rating.

Jumbo Royal Sovereign GAF Roof Shingles

These shingles combine 3-tab design with an extra large design. A special row of Dura Grip adhesive seals will help the shingles to withstand winds up to a warranted 110 mph. They feature a Class A fire and wind rating and a 25 year limited transferable warranty.

Grand Slate GAF Roof Shingles

These shingles combine the authentic look of slate with a lifetime limited warranty. They feature extra thick tabs at a fraction of the cost of expensive slate. Their super heavyweight PLUS construction allows for ultimate durability while their high performance Micro Weave core provides protection. A Class A fire rating and algae protection are among the benefits of the GrandSlate shingles, which also feature a double row of Dura Grip adhesive seals and the ability to withstand warranted 110 mph winds.

This free report on GAF Roof Shingles has more. Check it out.

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?GAF-Roof-Shingles&id=206971

By Steven Briesemeister

CONTINUE READING

Roof Shingle Calculator – An Estimate Of Shingles Needed For A Job

Roof shingle calculator is a sort of a ready reckoner to help estimate the roofing shingle needs for a home. The shingles needed for a roofing job are sold in either bundles or squares. A square as you might know is a roofing term used to denote hundred square feet of roof. Shingles are sold wrapped in plastic or paper and the bundles weigh light enough so a person can lift them comfortably and transport it up to the roof. So, if you compare a light-weight shingle bundle and a heavier roof shingle bundle you will find the light-weight shingles will cover more area than the heavier ones. So, you will have to buy more of the heavier shingles bundles to cover the same area.

As a general packaging rule, 3 bundles of roofing shingles cover one roofing square. This rule applies to the low-cost 3-tab strip shingles. But, today most homes no longer use these shingles as they are not as long-lasting or aesthetically attractive. So, when using roof shingle calculator remember that the heavier shingles need more bundles to cover the same area. 4-5 bundles of heavier or laminated shingles will cover the area of one square.

From the above discussion you will have an idea that you need to know the roofing area to be able to accurately place an order for the roofing shingles. If you input the area into the roof shingle calculator you will be able to arrive at the number of bundles to buy. When buying roofing shingles you also have to keep in mind the fact that roofing needs a lot of overlap not only on the plain surfaces but at the ridges, valleys, around chimneys, at the edges and as starter shingles. All these have to be factored into our ordering quantity.

There are a mainly two methods used to find the area of a roof. One is the direct measurement method where the roof is physically measured and in the other is the sheet count which is a much simpler and easier method of finding the roofing area even if it is less accurate than the measurement method. In finding the roofing area we are not bothered about getting very accurate answers. If it is as close to the actual area as possible than that is quite sufficient.

Once you get the roof area and key it into the roof shingle calculator remember that you have to also order extra bundles to cover for any shingles that are damaged or torn during their laying, the extra shingles for the starters, the shingles for overlapping, the shingles for ridges and valleys. You will an extra 4-5 bundles of shingles depending on how much of a careful roofer you are.

In the sheet count method we count the number of plywood sheets covering the whole roof. Add up the sheet areas and we get the roofing area. If you have any half sheet, quarter sheets on the roof just add them up to get full sheets. Now, enter the details in your roof shingle calculator and get the number of bundles to order and prices.

CONTINUE READING

Best Roof Shingles For Wet Areas

So, you are looking for best roof shingles that are suitable for wet, cold and moist areas? Areas that are damp and have precipitation through the year can cause significant damage to the roof shingles. It is important to choose suitable shingles for these areas. With rain and snow continuously battering the roof, the shingles have to be tough and flexible. It is easy to locate such areas with moss and algae growth prominent on their shingles. Moisture is ever present and every pore and gutter is pregnant with in. You can literally see water gushing out of the eaves. As these areas are prone to thunderstorms and hurricanes, homeowners pray that the roof stays in place through the worst of weather.

Wet and moist weather is found in hilly and mountain areas and near the coastal areas. If you don’t choose the best roof shingles for such areas with care and caution it can be disastrous for the roof and the home. Water can seep in and destroy your interiors – the paint job, the carpets, the attics, the electrical fixtures and much more. All roofing shingles are prone to shedding water and you will find that different shingles do this quite differently. Their tolerance for water shedding is also quite different. Mold, mildew, fungus, insect and plant life readily take root in such circumstances. This leads to damage and destruction of roof shingles.

For more information about best roof shingles, we have more on this topic here. Click and find out.

CONTINUE READING
1 45 46 47 48 49 76