7 Most Important Reasons To Choose Terracotta Roof Tiles

Roof Shingles - Nov 11,2010 - No Comment

Terracotta roof tiles are time-tested roofing option. Made from the finest of clays these tiles are baked in kilns at high temperatures to make them strong and tough. The color is infused into the material before the baking process and hence it remains fast and hardly fades. The maintenance aspect of these beautiful tiles is negligible. Over its entire life-time you will hardly notice any change in color or its appearance. This is truly versatile choice for roofs.

Long Life

Terracotta roof tiles come with 50 year performance warranties. They are aesthetically appealing and a hardy roof. The tiles add a subtle beauty and charm to any home. Most homes in Europe and Asia were using terracotta tiles for centuries. Some manufacturers have developed vitrified terracota tiles which are immune to air and water borne pollen, fungus and other pollutants. They are also designed to take the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun in their stride.

Sea-side Safety

The terracotta roof tiles by Boral are designed to be safe for coastal areas. The exteriors of homes in sea-side cities and towns are prone to corrosion because the high amount of salt content in the air and the high humidity. So, tiles that can withstand the ill-effects of surf, salt and sand are important for homes that lie close to the coastline.

Cool And Comfortable

Clay is a breathable medium Even after firing and baking it, the tiles retain this characteristic. It has these tiny holes through which air flows in and out of the house. So, when the air in the home gets very hot it naturally flows out from top and cool air from the outside comes in keeping the home comfortable under most conditions. Terracotta roof tiles need less energy to keep the the home cool compared to other roofing choices like metal. However, it also works better with some insulation or choosing lighter colors.

Cuts Out The Noise

These tiles are known to cut out the noise levels to a great extent. You will find that terracotta roof tiles are great in giving you a lot of peace and quiet even when you live close to noisy places like airports and near highways or rail tracks. They reduce sound levels by 30 decibels. Compared to this metals and other roofing options reduce noise levels by only 12 decibels.

Fire Safe

Terracotta roofs are safe from fire. They don’t catch fire and so are safe in areas which are susceptible to fire like homes close to forests and wooded areas. They are also safe from air-borne sparks or fire in areas close to your home.

Maintenance Is Painless

Unlike other roofs terrcotta roof tiles are low maintenance roof. They hardly need any. If any part of the roof is damaged or broken that section alone can be replaced with minimum fuss. It is one of few roofs that don’t need much fuss while installing nor after installation.

Rainwater Collection

You can collect rainwater from your roof with terracotta tiles and use it for daily use. These tiles are non-toxic the water is absolutely safe for your use.

The above factors make it absolutely clear that terracotta roof tiles are some of best roofing options for any home whether you live in the hills or the plains, by the seaside or in the deep interiors.

Solar Panel Roof Shingles Advantages

Roof Shingles - Nov 04,2010 - No Comment

In last decade or so solar panel roof shingles have become hottest development in the roofing industry. Their easy to install and convenient to generate electricity for home use. The previous generation of solar panels were large, unwieldy and clunky. They made installation on roof tops difficult and damage to roofing shingles could mean the warranties on them would be voided. Piercing of the roof top to bolt the panels firmly to the roof tops could cause leaks and cracks to the expensive roofing material. To avoid all these hassles the homeowners resisted any pressure to adopt solar technology despite big incentives from state and federal governments.

The rapid progress in solar panel roofing shingles has made them truly state of art. They can be installed on existing panels or replace the asphalt panels. These are also known as photovoltaic shingles and have been designed to look like commonly used asphalt roofing shingles. The interlocking shingles helps them to be integrate with any roofing system with shingles.

In the market today you will find a variety of solar panel roof shingles. There are solid panels which are shingle sized and can be installed directly on the roof or strips of shingles which can be fit on top of convention shingles. Latest technologies use thin film solar cells which look like regular shingles in terms of flexibility and size. Leading manufacturers of solar shingles include big power companies like Atlantic Energy, General Electric, Power Light and Sharp. All these giants have jumped into the building integrated photovoltaics sector big time. Other non-energy players like Dow Chemicals have also entered the solar shingles market to take advantage of high growth rates in the industry.

The cost of installation of these latest shingles has been reduced drastically. The latest installation techniques are so easy to use that fixing the panels is easy and fast. The number of hours of solar panel roof shingles is now around 10 hours whereas a few years back it used to take around 30 hours. This is a major reduction which also saves on installation costs. As the initial cost is reduced there is more incentive to adopt green technologies like solar panel roofing shingles. Aesthetically also, these solar panels look very pleasing to the eye with their dark purplish-blue hue. It blends in with most roofs and homeowners are no longer reluctant to use them for their roofs.

All aspects of design have undergone a great shift with the wiring for the solar panel roofing shingles running underneath the shingles and are completely concealed by them. The wiring can be connected to the inverters by a trained electrician and the roofer. No ugly looking wiring jutting out from the roof tops. You can decide to either distribute the shingles throughout the roofing or keep it located to one side. The best location is south-facing where it can catch the maximum light to convert to energy. Putting all the shingle in one place also makes the wiring easier. Make sure no trees or building cast shadows on solar shingles for maximum efficiency.

Read more on solar panel roof shingles here…

Slate Roofing Tiles – An Elegant And Classic Roofing Option

Roof Shingles - Oct 27,2010 - No Comment

Slate roofing tiles is not an invention of the modern times. It has a long and chequred history dating back several centuries. It has survived the ravages of time and history to survive as a highly prized roof because of its quality, its durability and it’s elegant looks. It has its downsides as any roofer handling slate roofs would inform you – its heavy, difficult to handle and install, has to be handled with care in order not to break them and as everything natural is expensive.

Let’s examine the advantanges of picking slate roofing tiles:

Natural

These tiles are natural stone. The slate roof tiles are mined from sedementary rocks and each batch of tiles will be unique with their distinctive tint and design.

Long Life

The roof will last for several decades. In fact if you see most of the old churches have slate roofs some of which had been installed over a century ago. Most slate roofs are installed so, that they last not less than a century. The installation has to be done right to get the maximum life out of the roof. It is a pleasant change from other roofs that need to be changed every 2 decades or so.

Beauty And Elegance

Slate roof tiles are a favorite among homeowners because of their beauty. No other roofing option matches the peerless classic looks of slate. Even though slate is a natural product and so it would seem the options are limited, the opposite is true. Each batch of tile mined has its own distinct appearance. They come in different sizes, thickness, colors and tints. Gray, red, green, purple, black are standard colors while a mixture of different shades is more common.

Fire Safety

Slate is stone product and it won’t catch fire. So, slate roofing tiles can be safely touted as the most fire-resistant roofing option. So, if you live in a home with slate roof you can be assured that your roof won’t catch fire from any forest-fires or accidental sparks.

Environmental Impact

As it lasts for hundered years or more the slate roof tiles carry least amount of landfill imprint. Asphalt and other roofs need frequent replacement and every time the old roof is pulled down it needs to be sent a landfill. This adds to the woes of city planners who need to keep assigning new areas for landfill. Slate has very low environmental impact.

Disadvantages of choosing slate roof tiles

The biggest disadvantage of slate roofs are the high cost of the material and also the expense of installing it. The installation process is not only expensive but it is also very tough. It is a found agile and delicate material that if handled roughly can break, also replacing damaged slate tiles is complex and needs skills and expertise. The cost of slate roof tiles is around $6000 to $8000 per square foot including installation cost. It’s huge investment in your home which is 5 times more than what you would spend with a normal composite shingles.

Second problem is that most roofers do not have the skills needed to do slate roof tiles. They assume that doing it is same as other roofs and get into difficulties when attempting slate roofs. Bad installation jobs can ruin the roofing and vastly reduce it’s life-span. So, hire a contractor only after verifying their experience and skills from people who have used them earlier.

Third problem is the weight of the slate roof tiles. It is estimated that slate tiles can weigh 400 to 800 kgs per 100 square feet. So, if you planning on installing slate roofs you will need to make sure that your roofing structure can handle that huge amount of weight. Otherwise you will need to strengthen them to take the extra load.

Another negative of slate roof tiles is that people can’t walk on them unless you know how to do it. Being extremely fragile they can break apart and replacing them is a huge problem. You will not be able to find the same type of slate tiles and you might have to settle for something that is close enough.

5 Reasons To Pick Spanish Roof Tiles

Roof Shingles - Oct 14,2010 - No Comment

Origins

Spanish roof tiles owe their influence to Rome which in turn was heavily influenced by Greece architecture. As the Greeks had wide spread influence in many parts of the world, spanish roofing tiles also spread their wings and found root in different parts of the planet. The modern clay tiles have originated about 3000-4000 years ago. You will clay tiles in Indus Valley and in Egypt too. As Spain expanded her influence, so did the spanish clay tiles. The tiles need to interlock and so, making them by hand is very tedious process. Hence they are poured into molds and then set to dry. These are then fired in kilns to make them strong and tough. Tiles that are centuries old survive still in different parts of the world. This is a tribute to their toughness and strength.

Spanish roof tiles are very popular and much sought after roofing option. Let’s take a look at why they are popular:

Aesthetics

Spanish roof tiles are usually made of two parts. It is also available as a single piece. The roofs have a classic look and feel and yet the designs are both modern and chic. The techniques used to install these modern roofs are also technically superior, so they last longer. The looks of modern spanish tiles are suited for a variety of homes and surroundings.

Over several centuries these tiles have evolved to become the modern spanish roof tiles. If you look at the old buildings in much of Europe and western buildings in other parts of the world you will instantly see the connection between them and these tiles. The tiles offer a multi-dimensional look but still manage to look smooth and clean. They are the epitome of grace and beauty. They are bold and offer a dash of drama with their wavy pattern.

Choice In Spanish Roof Tiles

Every modern roofing option has choice. Spanish roof tiles are available in a variety of materials, colors and finishes. You can pick from ceramic, plastic, metal and concrete spanish roofing tiles. There are wide array of patterns and finishes too. Then there is wide choice of colors to pick from. At the end of day every home that sports a spanish roof tile is unique and different from the next building.

Durability

Spanish roof tiles are long-lasting and durable roofing option. Homeowners seeking a sloped roof that last long will find spanish tiles ideal for their needs. The underlaying to make the roof waterproof will solve any water seepage problems.

Strength

Spanish roof tiles whether they are made of plastic, concrete or metal are all very strong. They are made from materials that do not combust when exposed to fire. These tiles are immune to moisture and very difficult to brak. These tiles comes with 50 years or more of warranty but typically last several decades more than.

Low Maintenance

These roof tiles require very little maintnance once installed and last for decades with no significant problems. All it requires is periodic checks to see that all the tiles are intact.

Roofing Shingle Prices – Get Your Facts Right

Roof Repair - Oct 07,2010 - No Comment

Do you know the roofing shingle prices in your area? If you are unaware of this important point before you embark on roofing your home, then you can be cheated. The roofing industry for most parts is good but there are some black sheep who will take the unsuspecting homeowner for a ride. Learn all about the pricing in this industry and save yourself from getting cheated.

Learning about roofing shingle prices will help you get the right information and also make sure that you get the best deals on the product. Two major factors affect roofing prices. One is the cost of materials and the other is cost of labor.

Most roofing options are easy to check out and find the prices for. Roofers who work in an area and take up roofing jobs professionally usually use similar products that suit the geographic area. So, it should be pretty simple to compare two quotes given by different contractors. You can even ensure that you get quality job done by asking for quotes from big roofing shingles makers like GAF and CertainTeed. The contractors certified by these companies are efficient and provide quality work for the money paid.

Manufacturers want you to buy all the accessories and other services offered by them along with their architectural shingles. They throw in attractive terms for guarantee to tempt you. But, if you read their pre-conditions you will notice that the pre-conditions specify that you have to order all the different roofing components like ridge cap, starter shingles, air vents and such from them to qualify for their warranty. There are companies that say you have to order at least 3 of their roofing components along with the roofing shingles for the warranty to apply. Roofing shingle prices don’t matter here as you are forced to buy a lot more than you planned for.

For a roofing job you will need ice and water shields which help prevent the formation of ice dams. This have to place in each valley and also at the lower edges of the roof. This prevents ice to dam up near the edges and the water leaks to happen as the ice melts. The components needed along with these are drip edges, vent pipe flanges and step flashing.

The roofing shingle prices will range from one hundred and thirty five dollars to one hundred and seventy five dollars per square. A square is equal to 100 square feet. This amount will vary depending on where you live. Other factors affecting the price include quality of shingles, its thickness, type and design. The thicker shingles are of better quality.

If you have look at the cost of labor for installing shingles, there is more room to negotiate. Installation is tough and involves lots of hard work. It is not a high-profile job. The job is dangerous unless undertaken with sufficient safe guards. The rates offered by most professional roofing contractors will be quite similar. You will get lower prices if the contractor happens to be new to the job or does not have required certifications and licenses. Many immigrant workers and others offer lower rates. It depends on you whether you trust them enough to offer the job. But, you will have to consider taking some risks in such a situation. Unlike roofing shingle prices which are fixed by manufacturers, installation costs can be quite flexible.

Apart from the above labor also depends on the complexity of roof. If your roof is has lots of features like chimneys and vents then the cost of roofing will be higher. If your roof is walkable the rates are lower but the steeper the roof the higher cost of labor. If you have simple, single story house then the cost of roofing installation is lower. A complex, double or triple story in costs more in terms of roofing labor costs even though roofing shingle prices are the same and depend on the roofing area alone.The time taken for roofing also increases in such cases and as a result the contractor will charge you more.

Removing old shingles from roofs will cost you extra money and so will the disposal of the same. You need to factor in extra for roofing shingle prices for breakage and wastage. More experienced people will not waste as much as newer contractors. Installation is critical part of roofing and it is best to employ well-experienced persons who their job. These roofs tend to last longer when installed properly and that saves you money in the long term.

Roofing Material Prices – The Major Factors Affecting Roofing Costs

Roof Repair - Sep 30,2010 - No Comment

The major factors affect roofing material prices. This article will explore them in detail. Of course there are other factors too that affect these costs but not to the same extent as the factors we will be talking about here.

Condition Of Roof

Condition of existing roof is a factor in determining roofing prices. For example a decision to ‘repair’ or ‘replace’ a roof needs to be taken. Small repairs are less expensive than replacement of the roof. Again replacing a few tiles or shingles is way cheaper than replacing the entire roof. If you are looking at remodeling your home then you might want to replace the entire roof which will be costlier in terms of roofing materials prices. Again if the supporting structure needs repair, then the costs will add up.

Complexity Of Roof

The shape of the roof, its complexity and height of the roof are major factors that will determine roof price. Gable roofs are the simplest and cost the least, but a roof with turrets, chimneys, skylights, vents, dormers, valleys, intersecting points is a complex one and costs more.

Materials

Roofing material prices plays a major factor is selection of the roofing. Again, not all roof structures can support every type of roofing material. Slate and clay tiles are heavy and will need reinforced roofing structure to support them. Also, the steeper pitch makes it more difficult to carrier heavier shingles up the slope.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roof in USA because the roofing material prices for this is the cheapest. It requires very little effort and skill to install. These shingles have a fiberglass base into which asphalt granules are impregnated. There are two types of these shingles one is the standard 3-tab shingles of single thickness variety and the thicker, laminated products of higher thickness are more expensive and last longer. The roofing material prices for asphalt varies with thickness and the life-span also depends on the price of the product. The higher priced products last longer and they are lot more attractive with textured finish. The higher roofing material prices of laminated shingles start from $50 dollars per square are justified by their longer life-spans.

Roofing material prices for metal shingles is expensive. It is a durable roof and costs about $250 per square. The prices can up depending on the metal type used. Aluminum, copper, steel, galvanized steel, galvalume are just few of the possible choices. Copper is the most expensive roofing option but it can last for 100 years or more.

Wood was a very popular option for many centuries. Readily available from local sources, wood shingles were made from cedar, redwood and pine trees. But, the decreasing forest cover and the fact that they can readily catch fire have limited their use. They have 25 years of life expectancy. Roofing materials prices for wood is twice as much as that of asphalt.

The roofing material prices for slate is the highest starting at $800 per square. Add to it the installation cost and you will see that these roofs are out of reach of most homeowners with modest budgets. These roofs will last much longer than the supporting fasterners and underlayment. Many old churches which feature slate roofs have had it for 100, 200 or 300 years. In many case the slate roofs are dismantled to help replace rotting wooden beams supporting them. The roof is re-used either in the same building or elsewhere.

Picking The Roofing Material

Most often the roofing material prices are determing factor in picking a particular type of roof. Another factor that affect this price is the roof previously used on the home. Changing the roofing material is not an easy choice for exisiting homes as a lot of other factors play a role like the exteriors of the home, the surroundings, the neighborhood, the color choice, the weight of the roofing materials and so on.

When you consider roofing material prices you should include the price of underlayment like felt, flashing to prevent leakage around vents, chimneys, valleys and ridges, the accessories used in laying the roof like ridge cap and the fasterners used to keep the shingles in place like nails and clips. Installation cost will include labor cost and cost of removal of old roof and its disposal.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles – An Attractive Yet Affordable Option

Roof Shingles - Sep 20,2010 - No Comment

Your roof is an important component of your house and using the very best roofing materials like asphalt roofing shingles to construct your roof will add great value to your home. Not only does a good roof add to the attractiveness of the home, it also protects your building from nature’s vagaries. Investing in top quality roofing material will be one of the best investments into constructing your house.

To protect your home and guard it against damage by the elements, a good roof is essential. There are different types of roofs you can choose from. Each one differs is its ability to ward off snow, rain and wind. Heat is another major environmental factor that you need to be protected from. Based on the geographic location of your home and the local weather conditions, your choice of roofing will vary.

When you choose asphalt roofing shingles you will find that they have several pros and cons. Similarly, other roofing materials like metal, rubber, concrete, terracotta tiles and slate have their own benefits and problems. The above materials have a distinct advantage as they are resistant to fire and heat. This makes them a safe option for homes. They are also easy to install and give optimum security to the home.

Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular roofing choice in the US. Over 80 percent of the homes choose asphalt over any other roofing solution because it is attractive and affordable. These shingles have a life of around 25-50 years. Makers of these shingles offer life-time warranty for their products. Did you know that your home’s resale value goes up when you upgrade to asphalt roofs?

Asphalt roof shingles last around 25 years and are considered a durable and long-lasting solution. Premium asphalt shingles last even longer and look better. These come with a manufacturer rating of 10 and are considered a lifetime roofing solution. Aluminum is much better than these as it lasts much longer.

There are mainly two types of backing used for asphalt roofing shingles. The roofing can use either organic reinforcement or fiberglass backing. The organic backing is tougher and has high tear strength. It is suited for cold weather conditions the fiberglass backing is fire-resistant and also moisture proof. Both types of shingles are highly recommended because of their scores when tested under adverse conditions.

How strong your asphalt shingles roof is and how long it lasts depends on the filler used. A high quality filler, granules on the surface and laminated surface helps reinforce the asphalt. It’s not just the strength that matters in roofs but also, it’s aesthetic appeal.

Asphalt roofing shingles matches both the criteria in addition to that it is also energy-efficient. That is another reason why asphalt roofing shingles are so popular. They offer great insulation capacity. They greatly reduce your heating and cooling expenses which you will see reflected in your energy bills.

Asphalt roofing shingles are an affordable solution for your roofing needs. It is easy to install too. So, you can do it yourself if you have the time and inclination. You might need a little professional guidance but it is not rocket science. When you have done it you can feel satisfied and happy that you have enhanced the value of your home by refitting it with asphalt roofing shingles.

How To Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles

Roof Shingles - Sep 17,2010 - No Comment

Can you install metal roofing over shingles? This is a question many roofers get asked often. And the answer is that it is not just possible – it is indeed desirable for many reasons. There are benefits to having a metal roof over shingles. You don’t have to tear down the old leaky roof, which itself saves you labor costs and the trouble of disposing off the waste. Another advantage is that the extra layer provides added insulation to your home.

To install metal roofing over shingles, your rationale might be that metal roofs are lighter and don’t need modifications to the frame of your older roof. Metal roofing materials weight just a quarter of what the heavier asphalt shingle roofs do, and this has benefits. In some places the regulatory guidelines specify that such roofing over shingles can only be permitted when there is a single layer of shingles in the older roof, and the new roof will be a metal one.

What’s important to note is that when your new roof will support the entire load of the expansion through transmitting it directly to the earth, and doesn’t need to rely upon the older roof for this support, you will not be compelled to tear down the older one. A standing seam roof fits this requirement, which is why it is a good choice for metal roofing over shingles.

Once you’ve decided to install new metal roofing over shingles, it’s time to first make some preparations before going ahead. You need to patch any damaged areas and repair leaks first. Broken or rotten frame or shingles must be replaced. By doing it sooner, you can avoid the need for more expensive repairs later one. Very heavy roofing materials might be profitably removed because by doing so you will reduce the overall weight of your roof.

Another way to workaround this is to make the roof frame stronger by inserting one additional layer of underlayment, or reinforcing the existing frame. Tar paper is a common choice for this, but it bears remembering that it could melt and stick to the undersurface of the new metal roofing over shingles, causing problems. Bubble wrap and other synthetic material make for better underlayment choices.

You can learn more about how to install metal roofing over shingles in this detailed report.

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