Types Of Shingles – How To Choose Your Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Apr 19,2012 - No Comment

There are many types of shingles available today like wood or cedar shingles, clay tiles, asphalt shingles, metal shingles, cement tiles, slate tiles and solar panle shingles. Choosing a particular color or texture of shingle is a matter of taste. However, deciding on a particular type of shingle is not that easy. That depends on other considerations besides your own taste. For example wood shingles or cedar shingles maybe your favorite but using it in areas where forest fires are frequent occurrences is a foolhardy thing to do particularly if you live close to the woods. If your home is a modern and contemporary one then rounded shingles or clay tiles would not gel with it. The clash of styles will leave your home looking odd.

Most often when browsing the different types of shingles our homes are not yet finished. Neither will the exteriors be completed before the roof. So, we have to use either software tools to show us how the house will look once the tiles and painting is done or use own vivid imagination to visualize the final outcome. The type of shingle you select should complement and complete your home’s entire look and feel.

Style, Neighborhood, Layout:

When choosing a shingle color keep in mind factors like the style of your home, the sidings that will be used, the type and size of windows and doors, the neighborhood where the home sits and the layout of your property. Some colors are considered traditional, others are more contemporary. Your color selection will determine the look of your home. Make sure to take into consideration the homes in your neighborhood. Colors that clash with that of your neighbor’s don’t really enhance either home.

Durability:

Another factor when choosing from all the types of shingles on offer is the durability factor. Long lasting, trouble-free, maintenance-free roofs are much sought after. Most types of roofs need some attention and care through the year to keep them going for a long time. Lack of proper care can cause small leaks and cracks to expand and grow. They morph into major trouble makers which are tougher to fix.

Weather And Climate:

The weather and climate conditions of a particular area also have an impact when picking one from the different types of shingles out there. Damp and moist weather conditions are not suitable for wood shingles, too hot and high temperature differences in day and night conditions are not suited for asphalt shingles. Clay tiles are great for all types of moderate weather. Cement is also suited for most weather conditions. Solar panel shingles help generate electricity, so they should be place to catch most amount of sun. Slate is brittle and should be handled carefully when installing otherwise it gives home a classic look with its beautiful shades.

Solar Roof Shingles – Exciting New Technology

Roof Shingles - Apr 15,2012 - No Comment

Solar roof shingles are transforming the building industry. With innovation in technology adding complexity without significantly altering safety, strength or cost, this form of roofing shingles is set to become a hot trend that lasts well into the future.

Some information about solar roof shingles you may find helpful:

“Special forms of solar roof shingles called BIPVs (or building integrated photo voltaics) have brought new life to an intriguing concept in roof construction. BIPVs are made of solar cells integrated into slate, metal, cement and even asphalt roof shingles.

In photovoltaic cells, when sunlight strikes a semiconductor, it is transformed into electrical energy. A single tile may not generate much current. But even the BIPVs in a single solar roof shingle can create between 100 and 200 watts, which can power a single bulb or a small window fan.

The real power of solar roof shingles comes by serially linking up large numbers of these power generating units. Installed over old roofing or as a new alternative, the roof shingles have wires that must be hooked together and then tied into the building’s electrical mains. The energy generated during sunlight hours can be stored in a capacitor for later release, consumed immediately or even returned to the electrical company in exchange for a credit.”

To read the rest of this article, visit the Roofing Shingles website.

How Much Does Roof Construction Cost?

Roof Repair - Apr 15,2012 - No Comment

Roof construction can be considered one of the critical elements of your home building. Of the entire budget for your house, the lion’s share will be for the roof. Your roof’s structure and style, the materials you use for roof construction and the labor costs you incur together make up the price you’ll pay for a new roof. Estimating the cost of roof construction is not very difficult, and you can do it even more easily with the aid of a roofing calculator.

Roof construction involves the following steps. First comes the construction of a superstructure upon a frame, usually of wood, followed by sheathing, roofing felt and flashing. Then the surface of the roof is laid, making up the final cover. Regardless of what kind of roof you get, the superstructure will cost almost the same because it involves putting up a skeleton upon which the rest of your roof will be built. The only factor that may increase your expense is if the frame needs to be reinforced because the new roof you install will be heavier than the older one.

Roof construction can be of 3 kinds. Traditional or ‘cut’ roofs are made with beams and trussed rafters. The choice will depend upon how much roof space is available and how you intend using it. The easiest way to roof construction is by using closed trussed rafters. These come prefabricated for easy installation. The major disadvantage of this style is that the enclosed roof space becomes useless and cannot be re-purposed for other uses.

Wherever the space beneath the roof has other purposes, you must opt for alternatives like cut, beam or panellized roofs. Open rafters with trusses or attic trusses may also serve the same purpose. The cost of the frame isn’t very important here in light of the fact that the space being useful pays for itself in a short time.

Beam and panel roof construction is useful in simple roofs that don’t have much detailing. But complex roof construction designs need traditional roofs that fit your needs. Whichever kind of roof you end up choosing, be sure that you have taken note of the roof edge. Overhanging eaves or closed off ones are options, and the gables are another choice you must make.

For more about roof construction, go through this special report here.

How Roof Repair Estimates Can Help You Sleep Well At Night!

Roof Shingles - Apr 12,2012 - No Comment

Roof repair estimates can help remove most of the unpleasant surprises home owners fear at the time of repair or replacement. Roofing jobs are always unique and unpredictable. Some leaks are minor and easily fixed. Others are major and need serious work.

There are elements of the environment that impact the kind of repairs your roof will need. If you live in areas prone to hail or hurricanes, the chances of needing serious repairs is higher. Finding the right roofing contractor who can handle your projects and execute them within your budget is critical.

Many homes also need periodic repairs and overhauls. Getting roof repair estimates from many different contractors can help you get a good deal and save money in maintenance. With online processes for getting repair estimates becoming widely available, this is no longer as cumbersome as it once was.

For more details you can review this special report about roof repair estimates

Roof Repair Estimate – For Better Costing And Budgeting

Roof Repair - Apr 10,2012 - No Comment

Roof repair estimate gives you a idea about the cost of replacing a roof or repairing it. According to recommendations from the NCRA you need to make regular inspections of the roof about twice a year. If there is any wear and tear, damaged or torn shingles, then you need to replace them. Major damage needs to be fixed urgently.

Roofing shingles and other roofing materials are sold per square. One square is equal to 100 square feet. So, once you have the area of the roof it gives you a rough idea about the number of bundles or rolls of felt you need. If you also need to replace the plywood underneath then dividing it by 32 will give you a rough estimate about the number of plywood sheet needed for your roof.

Costing and budgeting without a roof repair estimate can be a nightmare for homeowners. Trying to figure out roof repair or relaying costs can be extremely confusing if you don’t know how to do it. Trying to measure a sloping roof and getting everything right, calculating areas without leaving significant chunks and then adding it all together is one part of the problem, you also have to find out how much extra you need as shingles have to overlap in order to prevent leaks and water seepage.

Next step, is trying to estimate the labor costs. This varies and depends on a lot of factors. Location is a major determinant of labor. Urban areas cost more. Expert roofers charge more but they do job faster and also their expertise is worth the price. If you need old shingles removed that costs you more. Even if the roof repair estimate seems higher on labor cost for an experienced roofer remember that he will use much lesser materials than a newbie who ends up breaking quite a few when fixing the roof.

It is better that you leave the roofing to experts even if you are great DIY enthusiast. For one roofing is a little dangerous especially on steep slopes. The roofing contractors will work with safety harness in such cases. Another reason for this is because roofing is a complex business in the simplest of cases like flat roofs. Even here you might get into trouble if you are not careful and do a thorough and patient job. The problem with roofs is that the troubles only manifest much later when a leak springs up and water starts seeping through the ceiling. There are any number of problems roofs can have even while laying the shingles. An expert will know how to tackle and correct them as they arise.

Roofing shingles price and a roof repair estimate varies quite a bit depending on location. The cost will also of your roofing will increase with its size. A larger roof will need more shingles hence higher cost. Then you need to consider wastage and breakage. Some of the shingles can get damaged during transit or while laying the roof. But, this cost can be greatly reduced by hiring a expert roof layer.

Best Roof Shingles For Areas That Are Wet, Moist And Humid

Roof Shingles - Apr 09,2012 - No Comment

Moist and wet conditions can be tough on the best roof shingles. Roof shingles for wet areas are shingles that are most suitable for such weather conditions. Some parts of the country are more wet and moist than others. Here it rains most days of the year and shingles are exposed to the constant battering by rain and snow. You can spot such areas by the moss and algae growth on the roofs. Rainwater is found readily in every pore and gutter. It literally pours out of the eaves. When storms and hurricanes hit the area, the air is thick with moisture and homeowners pray that their roof shingles don’t give way in the wind and rain.

Wet weather is usually found in hilly and mountainous areas and homes on plantations usually face such conditions everyday. Not choosing the best roof shingles can be devastating for the home as rain and moisture can destroy the badly chosen shingles and the water can seep in. Roofing shingles are prone to water shedding but different types of shingles do this differently and their tolerance levels also varies. The moisture retention in the shingles causes mold, bugs, plants and mildew to take up residence. This is sure fire for the destruction of the shingles.

Fiberglass based asphalt shingles use a hard layer of asphalt that are then combined in layers of glass fibers to help it tolerate heat and moisture. Many regions that face hot and humid conditions in fact have regulations that specify that fiberglass should be used instead of organic shingles. As with all asphalt shingles the heavier shingles are more expensive but also last longer. These type are the best roof shingles for your needs in wet weather areas.

Organic shingles are traditional roofing choices that is affordable but not suitable for wet and humid weather. Over time the paper or felt base over which asphalt is impregnated in a protective layer is prone to water absorption and this causes the shingles to swell, crack and loose their protective coating. The deterioration of the roofing shingle is complete in such cases. It is big headache to fix these problems repeatedly. It is better to opt for the best roof shingles and sleep peacefully at night.

Wood is a good choice for hot and humid weather especially cedar shingles made from cedar wood. This material is readily available and its protective oils prevent moisture and insects from taking residence. It also prevents plant life from taking root. Mildew, mold and insects do not find cedar wood hospitable. So, this is great for areas which have hot, humid and windy conditions. The one problem is the high cost factor of the roof. Also, it needs to be made fire-proof.

Cement and clay tiles are great for protecting against hurricanes as they are heavy and won’t be blown away easily. On the flip side the numerous crevices in the roofing allow growth of plant, algae and moss. Slate is also great for wet areas being strong and tough roofing material but it is porous and allows biological growth. In addition to it is quite expensive and so is rarely used. Metal is another option that is slowly gaining ground but it is still a long away from dominating the market like asphalt does. For now asphalt and fiberglass based products are the best roof shingles available at prices that are affordable to most people.

Understanding New Roof Tax Credits

Roof Repair - Apr 08,2012 - No Comment

Are you looking for information about getting new roof tax credits? Maybe your old roof has been leaking and you’ve finally decided to have it replaced. Someone told you about how you were eligible for new roof tax credits which could save you some cash. Well, here is some of the important information you need in order to assess if you are indeed eligible for tax credits, and if so, what you should do in order to claim them.

Home owners like you are constantly seeking for ways to ease the burden of having a new roof installed. With supplies and labor growing costlier by the day, the expense of getting a new roof has become quite significant and not everyone can afford it comfortably. New roof tax credits can help subsidize your cost of renovations or roof repair.

Federal government offers tax credits in exchange for home owners keeping their buildings safer and stronger. It benefits the government indirectly by way of creating a safe resource instead of a potential dangerous hazard zone. In 2010, the Federal government offered a $1,500 tax credit for new roofs. These credits however are constantly and dynamically changing every year, so be sure to check on the most recent data before making your decision.

What to do in order to get new roof tax credits?

First, discuss the proposed plan for your new roof with your contractor and make detailed plans. When you know whether you are eligible for tax credits and the nature of this eligibility, you must then see if the proposed plans fit the requirements to claim your rebate. In case the contractor is unable to help you, contact your tax adviser. The Energy Star website also carries recent information pertaining to new roof tax credits and you are well advised to study it for details.

Once you have confirmed the eligibility and nature of your new roof tax credits, ask your contractor for an itemized description of the materials and plans for your new roof. The list should cover both materials and labor costs. This information goes on your tax forms, so be meticulous about the details you collect. There will be a cap on each component of the cost, typically 10%, and so you won’t be able to maximize your new roof tax credits unless you get this step right.

After the job is finished, you must submit a claim in the form of your IRS Form 5695. There are specific sections for claiming your tax credit for new roofing. Make sure that the information you submit is in the appropriate format so that you don’t later run into trouble with the tax authorities. Consult your accountant or adviser about doing this and make sure that you have the latest version of the correct form.

Most tax credits for new roofs are offered by the government in order to enhance energy efficiency of a building. Getting a new roof will qualify because of the energy savings that are attendant upon a better insulated roof which protects the building better. Energy needs and costs will therefore drop, a desirable end point which is the reason for your new roof tax credits.

Roofing Shingle – The Different Types And Other Factors About Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Apr 07,2012 - No Comment

Picking a roofing shingle to cover their roofs is one of the most important investments that a homeowner is expected to make periodically to keep his home safe from external factors like snow, wind, sleet, rain, heat and sun. The roof covering not only makes the home look more attractive but also protects it from the elements. The market today is flooded with choices and any homeowner will find it mind-boggling to pick a product that matches their needs, fits their budget and also looks appealing to the eye.

Not because of any paucity of products. It’s other extreme in fact. Makers of roofing shingle and other roofing options know roofing is a must buy product for homeowners and most often price decides the choice of a roofing option. Recognizing this need they have developed products at every price point. You will find that your are spoiled for choice as there are so many brands, makes, types, designs and color options available.

The roofing shingles have overlapping elements which help keep them in place once they are laid. The rectangular strips are laid from bottom up on the roof and each shingle overlaps the next and each roofing shingle row is overlapped by the next row of shingles. Overlap is a very important design aspect of roofing as this prevents leaks and also helps anchor the shingles firmly to the roof without getting blown away in strong winds or rains.

Roofing shingles traditionally were made of slate, wood, wood shake, asbestos, cement, rubber, ceramic and other composite materials. As there is higher risk of fire with natural products like wood and paper, fiberglass based shingles have largely replaced them. Naturally available materials are more expensive, heavier and more difficult to lay. Newer options today look and feel like these traditional materials but with much better functionality.

You will find the following three different types of roofing shingles in the market today though some have gained in popularity and largely replaced the other options in roofing. With this short refresher you will be able to differentiate between the different roofing shingle options and make intelligent buying decisions for your home.

Strip Roofing Shingle

Strip shingles are the original roofing shingle that was widely used a few decades back. It is a basic shingle with a single layer of roofing material. It is generally modeled on slate and is still used by builders of economy homes. Homeowners looking to replace their previous strip shingles also purchase these products. They are extremely light-weight and flat in appearance. As technology and product quality has improved most homeowners have moved on to better quality and longer lasting options.

Dimensional Roofing Shingles

The dimensional roofing shingles are also known as architectural shingles or laminated shingles. This have replaced strip shingles as the most popular type of roofing in North America. These shingles are manufactured in two-layers or multiple-layers. The products have a much more robust and full-bodied look. They are richer in appearance and due to their thicker size they last much longer. The makers of these shingles also offer longer warranties as the product is made to last. 30-years or more warranty for these shingles are not unheard of.

Laminated Roofing Shingles

Laminated shingles are also known as premium shingles as they manufactured to the best industry standards and offer better functionality. They are designed with a differentiated appearance that adds a dimension to your roofs. Made to look like natural roofing products like slate, wood, wood shake or tiles, the laminated shingles mimic traditional roofs. This roofing shingle offers an ideal mix of the natural look and feel with none of its short-comings.

Laminated shingles are manufactured to be impact, wind and fire resistant. They are also immune to mold, fungi and mildew. Modern shingles come with flecks of white which offer better light reflectivity. This makes the home much more energy efficient and helps in lower energy bills for the homeowner. Naturally, this is one of most sought after roofing option as its offer better function and longer life. The laminated and dimensional look also makes the roof very attractive and aesthetically appealing.

Asphalt is the most popular roofing shingle that is used by most North American homes. It is relatively light-weight, simple to install and lasts a long time. Buy roofing shingles that is guaranteed to last for at least 25 years.