When Is It Time To Replace Roof Shingles?

Roof Shingles - Jun 01,2012 - No Comment

One of the most difficult decisions a home owner must make is about replacing roof shingles. Research shows that the roof starts to age soon after roof shingles are installed. At first, the aging process is gradual and gathers speed as we go along the life cycle. Towards the end of its natural lifespan of 2 to 3 decades, the aging accelerates.

Roof shingles reach the curling phase after 10 to 15 years. Granules begin to loosen and fall out of the shingles. Blisters may appear on the surface. The edges of the roof shingles curl. During cold weather, this curling is even more prominent, and the shingles become flatter as the temperature rises.

After the curling phase, though, things don’t go downhill very fast. A somewhat stable phase of slow aging begins and this lasts for most of the rest of the shingle’s natural life. Depending upon where in this life cycle your roof is at present, you may need to repair or replace shingles.

Of course, this alone is not the only factor to consider. Roof shingles may leak or become loosened and blow off in the wind. This leads to damage of the interior of the building, making repairs more urgently necessary.

Once the roof needs replacing, it can be hard to know where to begin. If you’ve reroofed your home before, or would prefer to hire a roofing contractor, you don’t want to make expensive mistakes. There are many guides and brochures online from the roof shingles manufacturers which you can consult for more specific and detailed advice.

Finding a qualified roofer who can handle your roof shingles repair can be hard work. First, you must learn enough about the roofing materials that best suit your kind of home, in order to shortlist the most appropriate roofing contractor to take on the job. Then you must ask for referrals. If a friend, family member or professional body suggests a pro they’ve worked with, it can be your best bet. The second best option is to ask your local distributor or lumber dealer to suggest someone good.

And you should not miss reading this article about roof shingles and their repair/replacement – click here.

Roofing Tin Prices – Price Of Tin Roofs And Restoration

Roof Repair - Jun 01,2012 - No Comment

Roofing tin prices is commonly searched term where homeowners are looking for the prices of tin roofing for their homes or barns or sheds. Tin roofs are making a come back and restoration of old tin roofs has also very popular in the last few decades. There are specialists who are trained to do this.

If you are looking for roofing tin prices then you should know that it costs around $17 dollars per square feet. On the other hand restoring old tin roofs costs half that price. This is for major restoration effort. If you tin roof is good enough and such needs a lick of paint then the cost of painting an old tin roof costs $4.50 per square feet. This price is same as installing new asphalt shingles over the metal roof.

Many homeowners wonder if they need to replace their old tin roofs or go in for new roofs. Considering the high cost of roofing tin prices it makes sense to explore as many options as possible to save it. A test for saving old tin roofs is that if you can stand on it then it can be restored and saved. Some tin roofs have tar poured over them, others have asphalt shingles installed over them and some others have paint. Despite all these coverings, tin metal roofs can be saved.

There are experienced and skilled contractors who can work to keep your old roof, reinforcing it and restoring it. You need to seek out these experts to do job for you. The high cost of roofing tin prices makes restoration job much cheaper. The availability of modern acrylics makes tin roof restoration and preservation simpler and easier. Rust can be contained by special paints or through reinforcement system. So, there is no need to worry that your tin roof will keep rusting. The cost of painting it much lower than buying new roofing tin prices. With skilled application of these protective materials your roof can be restored to a beautiful state. Some of the restoration experts even offer 10 years or more of warranty for their work.

The major factors that affect roofing tin prices include size of the roof, the amount of preparation that is need to repair tin roof, the slope of the roof, how high is the roof and any preparatory steps needed. If the area needing work is small than base prices for materials, labor are calculated and about 30 percent margin is added for profits.

Tin roofing needed not be gray or shiny there are several tints available to help you match your roof with your surroundings. Incidentally even old copper roofs can be restored in a similar way using liquid copper. The rates are around $8.50 per square feet. Here we will look at the steps to be taken to completely restore a tin roof.

The steps to restore tin roofing includes first cleaning the surfaces, then preparing it and priming it. A base cost of acrylic is put in the tin and embedded with stitchbond mesh. Another layer of acrylic coating is applied on the mesh. On top of this goes a top coat. After it dries another layer of top coat of the acrylic goes on top of this. Roofing tin prices for restoration includes the cost for the above steps and a percentage of it as profit for the restorers. The works needs precision, care and skilled expertise. Also, once the job is done the contractors are willing to offer 10 year warranty on the work done to prevent leakages. So, it is worth the price.

A simple repainting of tin roofs will include the following steps and costs $4.50 per square feet. The roof is cleaned, prepared and primed. Two coats of acrylic is are put over the tin roof. The first coat is the base coat and the second coat is top coat. The whole painting job comes with two-year warranty against any leakages.

Types of Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Jun 01,2012 - No Comment

Been wondering about the types of roofing shingles, and how to pick the right one. This information will be of interest…

“Different types of roofing shingles are used in installing roofs in home and office buildings these days. Broadly, architectural shingles come in two forms – asphalt and wood. Wooden shingles are not as common as they once used to be, and are confined to a tiny niche including ornamental roofing and expensive ornate construction projects with big budget owners.

Asphalt shingles are the preferred roofing material for most home owners, primarily because they are less expensive, readily available and can withstand the elements making it suitable for roofing even in homes where weather can be harsh and inclement. While estimates vary, asphalt roofing typically lasts for twenty to thirty years.”

Enjoy the rest of this special report at the Roofing Shingles Prices blog.

Metal Roofing Prices – Cost Or Investment?

Roof Repair - Jun 01,2012 - No Comment

Some home owners think of higher metal roofing prices as a cost. But when you look at the big picture and see how metal roofs are more durable, less maintenance, more efficient, less wasteful and aesthetically appealing in the bargain, you’ll realize that contrary to costing more, metal roofing actually saves you money over the lifetime of your building.

Metal roofing prices are high because the materials cost more and labor costs are higher. But despite being thrice as costly as asphalt shingle roofs to install, they pay you back over time and enhance the asset value of your building to a level impossible with any other form of roofing solution.

In that sense the higher metal roofing prices become an investment, not a cost. And an investment that will pay you back a rich multiple in the years to come.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles – Your Guide To Asphalt Shingles

Roof Shingles - May 29,2012 - No Comment

If you have wondered what asphalt roofing shingles are and their purpose. We would like to answer your queries here. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing choices in America. More than 8 houses out of 10 will sport asphalt roofing. It is waterproof covering for your home. Asphalt serves as the mesh that keeps the granules in place which provide strength to shingles. The best type of asphalt roofing will remain flexible and tough even after years of exposure to sun and elements. The do not dry out or become hard and brittle during their expected life-span.

Because of their wide-spread popularity, their affordability and their ability to be mass produced on huge scales, asphalt roofing shingles have captured America’s roofing market in a big way. No other roofing comes even close to asphalt. The makers of these shingles have responded to the huge demand by making better and higher quality products. Here we will discussing the different types of roofing shingles on offer today.

Strip Shingles – These were the most commonly used shingles till a few years ago. These are single layered asphalt roofing shingles that very light weight and designed to look like slate shingles. The base of strip shingles is tough fiber glass and every shingle is tough and can’t be easily blown-off in strong winds nor torn by shear effect. These are considered the economy class in roofing shingles and are preferred by builders building budget homes. The strip shingles are also bought by homeowners as replacement for homes with strip shingles. Most major makers or asphalt shingles have major portfolio of strip shingles in different colors.

Dimensional Shingles – As the markets matured and people started looking for more options asphalt roofing shingles makers have come up with more deluxe versions of their basic shingles. Their most popular offering is the dimensional shingles which are asphalt shingles with multiple layers. This makes the shingle thicker and richer in looks department. Dimensional shingles are heavier than strip shingles and last longer. They are of better quality and can withstand the elements better. Because of their improved performance, manufacturers offer 30-years or more warranties on dimensional shingles. Every major roofing shingles makers offers dimensional shingles in a wide variety of choices in terms of texture, design and colors. Timberline from GAF is a much sought after brand.

Laminated Shingles – These are premium quality shingles that have a multi-dimensional and differentiated appearance. They differ in functionality from dimensional asphalt roofing shingles. They have been been designed to look like traditional tiles, natural slate and cedar wood shakes. They have textured appearance and old world charm of natural products without being as pricy or difficult to install like clay tile or slate shingles.

They are cut-above other asphalt roofing products in terms of looks. Functionally, they are superior in terms of impact resistance and reflection of solar rays. As result they have longer life and more energy efficient as they keep the homes cool in summer and warm in winters. Grand Manor, Presidential Shake and Centennial Slate are premium products from CertainTeed in this category.

GAF Roofing Shingles – A Trusted Name In Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - May 29,2012 - No Comment

GAF roofing shingles is one of most trusted names in roofing shingles market of North America. Their Timberline series is the most popular roofing shingles brand. While they produce shingles at every price range, the architectural series of shingles are their best selling brand. GAF produces basic 3-tab shingles, Timberline series of architectural shingles and designer shingles for high-end homes. All the above products come with 25-year, 30-year and 50-year warranties.

The GAF roofing shingles are available for both residential and commercial buildings. Their range of products are suited for a variety of local climates. When choosing the shingles make sure you specify your local weather and climate conditions so, experts can guide to the right type of shingle for your purpose. You choose from a wide palette of colors and styles. When choosing color and style of roof shingles be sure that it matches the exteriors of your home. Your choice should complement the paint job, the brick work and stone work of your home. If you are planning a designer home their designer series of high end shingles offer a wide choice.

Roofing shingles from GAF are available for different ratings of wind resistance, fire resistance, impact resistance and so on. Based on your local building codes and guidelines pick the right kind of GAF roofing shingles. If you love slate or wood shake shingles but can’t afford the high cost of the natural product then GAF has a range of slate and wood shake shingles that exactly match the look and feel of these shingles without any of the disadvantages of the natural product. While the natural slate is heavy, GAF slate roofing is light weight. Also, GAF’s slate roofing is much cheaper than natural slate.

GAF offers online tools to help you find the perfect fit for your home. You upload pictures of your home and see how it looks with a variety of roofing options. You can mix and match different styles and colors and arrive at your choice with this interactive tool. It’s a huge help for people who can’t picture their home and its final look without the aid of such a tool.

Along, with GAF roofing shingles if you opt to buy their roofing systems you get a complete roofing solution that offers optimum performance. The roofing systems from GAF include roofing shingles, underlayment materials, roof deck protection, leak barrier, starter strip shingles, cobra attic ventilation and ridge cap shingles are the basic components of the roofing system.

GAF offers complete roofing solutions for all your needs. There are GAF certified roofing contractors to help in case you needed trusted roofers to do your roof. These roofers are trained by the company and know how to lay the GAF roofing shingles and do it correctly so the product offers superb performance and the durability as promised in the warranty. GAF roofing shingles are energy efficient and offer energy savings for homeowners. GAF is a truly great choice for homeowners looking for quality at affordable rates.

Roof Shingles Cost – Save Money & Get Quality

Roof Shingles - May 27,2012 - No Comment

Looking for information about roof shingles cost? You don’t have to hunt high and low. Just fire up your Web browser and start searching. You’ll find articles, blog posts and reviews that provide you with the information you need.

Asphalt is the most popular roofing material in use in America, with almost 90% of all US buildings having asphalt shingle roofing. This is an affordable material that is also durable and sturdy, withstanding most weather conditions admirably.

Other alternatives exist, but can be quite expensive, even up to 6 times as costly as asphalt roof shingles. How many home owners have an extra few thousand dollars to spare on such extravagances? Asphalt roofing is inexpensive and also long lasting, which is why it is the preferred choice of cost conscious home owners.

You can explore this further in this post about Roof Shingles Cost – The Cost Of Shingles For Your Roof

Roofing Shingles For Sale – Finding Good Buys

Roof Shingles - May 26,2012 - No Comment

Roofing is a seasonal business and so, during the lean season you will find roofing shingles for sale at home improvement stores and roofing companies. Roofing contractors are usually busy through the peak season and you won’t find many discounts around that time. In the off-peak months roofing companies find themselves with roofers who are idle or unemployed. Even manufacturers find that their products are not moving fast enough. In order to clear out old stocks and make way for new lines of products store owners and manufacturers offer generous discounts. If you are tracking roofing shingles prices you will generally notice a drop in prices around this time. You may be able to pick some great deals if you purchase in the lean season of the roofing business.

But, again you need to think before you purchase roofing shingles for sale on your own. If you are not a DIY roofer then you have to depend on professional roofers. Roofing contractors generally factor in a small percentage of profit when buying shingles and add the installation cost to it. But, if you are buying the shingles then they might charge you extra for roofing installation. Some roofers might flat out refuse the job. As roofers buy shingles in bulk for several customers they will get shingles at a lower price which they offer it to you either at the same price or a slightly lower price. When you purchase roofing shingles you are cutting them out of their small percentage of profit which they will add to your installation cost.

Roofing Companies Roof Sales

You will find roofing companies offering roofing shingles on sale during the lean period. As their business drops they would like to keep their contractors busy, so they offer roof sales where they do the installation. Homeowners can purchase these roofs at a discounted price and the roofing company can keep its employees busy. Both the sides benefit with these kind of deals. The roofing company buys limited number of roofs types in bulk from the manufacturers and passes on the discounts to the home owners. The choice is limited but the prices offered are attractive.

Choice of Roofs Limited

If you plan to buy roofing shingles on sale then don’t expect much choice. You may have to compromise on a lot of factors like product color, product type, company, quality and so on. Whether you are buying it from the roofers or the from big super marts the businesses selling these products are either trying to clear out their old stocks or to drum up new business. In both cases you will have to settle for a limited array of choices. You will have to settle for unpopular colors, defective lots, styles that have gone out of fashion.

Installation Cost

Installation cost might turn out higher than you expected. One reason is that when you don’t buy the shingles from the roofing company then the company maybe reluctant to do your job. Some roofers might take it up but at higher costs then what they quote for regular customers. Also, even if you bought the shingles at a roofing company sale, they might be the high end contractors whose installation costs are generally higher than other contractors. You might be lucky and find a roofer who does a great job at the prices you estimated for.