Tile Roof Repair – A Beginner’s Guide

Roof Shingles - Jul 22,2013 - No Comment

Tile roof repair is an unavoidable aspect of any tiled home. Most experts and manufacturers assure you that tiled roofs work well without any problems for up to 15 years. But you might find that your tiles have started leaking within 10 years of installment. Tiled roofs are vulnerable to rain and heavy winds. Eventually these tiles get broken or cracked due to these weather conditions.

The damages may cost you in thousands of dollars. Home owners usually prefer tiled roofs because it gives their home a classic and trendy appearance. Tiles come in various colors, sizes and shapes. They also add an elegant touch of detail to even the simplest houses.

Tiles are one of the most common materials used for roofs. Unlike the shingles, the tiles are heavier and require extra materials for installment. Tile roof repair is an expensive process since it involves a lot of extra materials and labor other than just the tiles. Usual problems with the tiled roofs are that cracks keep appearing on the tiles. These cracked tiles should be removed immediately since it will put the entire roof in danger of collapsing.

Replacing or repairing a single tile is not a problem and can be done easily with minimum costs. But the replaced tiles won’t have the same color as the rest of your roof since it depends on the length of exposure to the sun and other weather conditions. There are many options available for repairing the tiles like filling a sealant inside the cracks of the tiles. The choice of replacing or repairing is left to the home owner. If the tile has very bad cracks, then it is best to replace them.

Maintenance of tiled roofs is important since it can help you avoid any problems before they turn into a bigger expense. Always keep checking your tiles every day. Best place to inspect your tiles is from the attic or from the roof. From the attic check the tiles and look for any cracks or water straining.

Tiles, like steel sheets and other corrugated material, deteriorate over time and hence looking for cracks on a regular basis is important. Use a flashlight and look for cracks across all the tiles and if you find any tile with hair line cracks, then get them replaced immediately. You can also inspect your tiled roof from the ground level. Tiles that are broken or shifted can be found and replaced.

Once you are done with checking the tiles, estimate the damage. If there are too many broken tiles, then it is best ask for professional help. If there are only a few and the damage is not too much then, it can be done easily. Just try to replace them yourself. Be very careful while doing the replacement because you might have to walk on other tiles and might end up breaking them as well. Consider the weather conditions and decide if doing the replacement is suitable at that time. Have the necessary materials ready for immediate replacements should the need arise.

Tile roof repair is a delicate process and depending on the situation must be done by the right people or accredited members of associations, who are experienced and qualified. Repairing the damaged tiles immediately is necessary and will help prevent further damages to the roofing and other parts of the house.

What Are Rubber Roof Shingles?

Roof Repair - Jul 08,2013 - No Comment

Rubber roof shingles is one the new latest options available for roofing your house. Normally people use wood shingles and other materials for their house. But wood is a vulnerable material and in areas that have frequent bad weather like heavy rains and strong winds, it is not a good option. Rubber is very durable and lasts for a very long time. They are suitable for any weather conditions and also provide good insulation in colder weather. Rubber roof shingles are becoming very popular and lots of people are going for it.

Rubber roof shingles are primarily made up of recycled material. If you are an environmentalist and is looking for a greener option for your roof then rubber is the best option. Getting rid of rubber shingles is also easy since it can be recycled and reused. Quality of the material is good and be can easily replaced for any ceramic or cement roof since it is equally durable. Most people do not use rubber shingles because they see rubber to be a cheap material and don’t want it on their roof. This thought must be completely avoided since rubber is one of the most reliable materials out there. Besides this you can also paint your rubber shingles any color thus giving it an added charm.

Roofing is one of the most expensive services and companies which render these services are often calculator to be very profitable. Whether it is having a new one or renovating the older one, it requires a huge budget. With rubber roof shingles the cost is very less compared to other materials. Rubber is cheap and is readily available so home owners need not worry about finding material. These roofs also come with a warranty of over 30 to 50 years depending on the manufacturer. Rubber roofs bring many other benefits along with being inexpensive. They are resistant to insects, moulds, etc. They are a natural insulator and hence prevent extreme heat or cold inside the house. They have the ability to expand and contract so you need not worry about the temperature conditions. Cracks and crumbles are completely avoided.

Installation of a rubber roof is also easy and prices are low. The unique ability to contract and expand makes it one of the easiest to use roofing materials. It will easily fit in bends and is one of the most flexible materials available in the market. Maintenance costs of rubber roof shingles is almost zero. If required they are easily done and finding a replacement is also very easy. Rubber roofing is fire proof, water proof and also take the shocks of hail storms.

Rubber roof shingles also come with a few disadvantages. Rubber, being an inflammable material requires extra fire protection. While installing a rubber roof the weather conditions need to be considered. Newly installed roofs come with an odour which can last for a few weeks. For someone looking for inexpensive roofing that is long lasting, rubber roofing is still the best option. If you are looking to install a new roof then try rubber shingles since it comes with a large number of benefits added with low maintenance costs.

Roofing Estimate Template – Making It Easier To Get Roof Estimates

Roof Repair - Jun 22,2013 - No Comment

A roofing estimate template would be very helpful for any roofing job. Repairing a roof or constructing a new one: both involve a lot of money. First step in any such work is to prepare an estimate of the cost. Roof estimates help the home owner to understand the amount of budget he needs for his work.

There are a lot of ways to do a roof estimate for work like replacement or upgraded roofing, especially when using commercial contractors. Hiring a roof estimator is the best way to proceed. A professional would know about the current market prices, labor costs etc. His estimate would be very accurate. Often homeowners make an improper estimate because they do not have enough knowledge about roofing and end up taking wrong decisions. The contractors take advantage of this and the homeowners end up overspending for their roof. If the homeowner has a proper estimate then he need not worry about over exceeding the budget.

If you cannot hire a professional roof estimator you can use other means like roof estimating software. This software is specifically designed for making such estimates. The various parameters like length, width and other dimensions are provided as input and the software makes the corresponding estimates. This software is also updated with latest market prices and they also calculate the accurate the pricing depending on the quantity and also the quality of the material.

A metal roofing estimate template is like a predetermined calculator for your estimate. The contractor and the homeowner use this template to explain the costs and negotiate the pricing. Often people take the trouble for having an estimate, but do not formalize it and hence their estimate gets neglected. A roof estimate template is like a tool that helps in better communication between the contractor and the homeowner as far as the numbers go. This results in proper implementation of your estimate. This also removes any confusion between the contractor and the homeowner.

A roofing estimate template is useful for both the homeowner and the contractor. A contractor is often complained about over exceeding the budget or using cheaper material. By using the template all the contractor has to do is use only the materials mentioned. Since he has already got an accurate estimate for the project he need not worry about needing more money for completion. He can also complete the job within the given time. These templates can also be used for his future projects and also for getting new projects. Using a roofing template he can communicate with the customers about his pricing and also convince them that this is the best deal they can get.

Roofing estimate template will act as a bridge between the contractor and the homeowner. This will help remove misunderstandings and it’s a win-win situation for both. Having a proper estimate template is very important. The estimate will decide the outcome of your roof. Any mistake in making the estimate would result in huge losses and hence the estimate must be perfect. Also every detail and the process involved must be mentioned. The best part is the homeowner can relax and assure himself that the project will be completed on time and without any extra budget.

Roofing Contractors – How To Hire One?

Roof Repair - Jun 08,2013 - No Comment

Roofing contractors are experts you think about when you’re in need. Just as you don’t spend much time thinking about doctors when you’re healthy, roofing contractors are furthest from your mind – except once every 15 to 20 years, when you notice the roof leaking or damaged in some part!

Typical roofs last for a long time. Often many decades will pass before you need to repair or replace your roof. Usually, the older your building, the higher the likelihood that you’ll need to replace the entire roof when there’s a problem rather than being able to get away with a shingling or repair job.

Employing roofing contractors is usually a smart choice, unless you’re a die-hard do-it-yourselfer with the requisite experience and skill in repairing your roof. Apart from being skilled with the job itself, roofing contractors can add value in many other ways like knowing where to source quality roofing material and order them at preferential discount rates available only through them (because of the volumes in which they do business with dealers).

But no matter when or where you’re looking for roofing contractors, be sure to do your research. Search the yellow pages for roofers listings. Ask your local better business bureau for referrals. The BBB is a relatively unbiased rating agency who handles thousands of agents and can vouchsafe for a roofing contractor’s skills and reputation.

Also be sure to interview the roofing contractors before you hand over a job. Ask about their experience and previous jobs they’ve done. See where they are based and even ask for a physical address. Reliable roofing contractors need licences and registrations in specific states where they practice. If you’re looking for roofing contractors Houston, don’t search in the listings of roofing contractors Atlanta or San Diego!

Ask for references and check on them before even ordering roofing materials or roofing shingles. Your roofing costs will depend upon the quality of the work carried out and by taking care to review the person doing your roof repair, you’ll end up saving a lot of money in wasted roofing materials or re-do of shoddy work.

Roofing repairs require some specialized materials that may not be readily available in your area. Procuring and shipping them to your work spot may be expensive in such cases. Having these issues ironed out in the preliminary discussion will also save you some serious money as the project rolls out.

Before hiring roofing contractors, get a contract that lists the details of the project including when it will be finished. Ask for a roofing price quote that outlines payments, materials and incidental expenses. Specifically detail any warranties. Be sure that you’re protected in case things go wrong. Make sure it covers issues like who will clean up after the job is completed and dispose off any waste.

In the final analysis, don’t rush to hire a roofing contractor. Be cautious and pick the right person for the job, after verifying credentials and getting references. Roofing repairs and roofing estimates can be expensive things and are a major investment. Be sure you’re protected by having a contract – and hiring roofing contractors who will live up to it.

Roof Estimating Software – A Powerful Tool For Contractors

Roof Repair - May 22,2013 - No Comment

Roof estimating software is one of the marvels of modern technology. Gone are the days where home owners are completely dependent on the contractors for their roofing and their flat cost. The use of this software is helping thousands of people every day.

Users can understand and know how roofing estimates work using software. The major problem with roofing contractors is that they take advantage of people by using their ignorance and overcharging them. Since most of us won’t know the cost of construction materials we just pay off whatever the roofing contractor has asked for. With the roof estimating software we can stop worrying about being overcharged.

Using roof estimate software, we can calculate the exact amount required for building or renovating your roof. This automated tool estimator accepts the quantity of the materials used and multiples it with the price of the units required for the project and produces the estimated price for the project. The prices vary along with the quality and type of the material and company, this software is capable of taking that into consideration when estimating the price. This essentially helps the renovator to understand the amount he needs to spend even before the project starts. He can then negotiate with the contractors and reach agreement for the amount without being overcharged.

The software is programmed to accept the parameters required for any roof job. The major factors that are required for the software are the type of material and its quantity. Other than that it also requires many other factors like height and width of the project. Roofing varies with different homes. The dimensions and the type of your roof are also important. By providing all the data accurately you will be able to obtain the accurate estimated price of the project. This also enables the home owner to work out his budget. Normally people start out with a budget and often they end up overspending for their project. But with this tool home owners will be able to make estimates and also determine where he can cut costs and reduce the budget. This is one of the best tools for a roofing job because other than providing all the estimates, the individual will also be relieved from stress of over exceeding the budget.

Roof estimating software is not just for the home owners. Contractors can also use this software for their own uses. The process of selecting and choosing the materials can be taken as a combined approach with both the home owner and the contractor together. The type of materials used will be left to the owner. Contractors lose a lot of clients because clients do not trust them. To build up that trust contractors can show the estimates by the software and convince that the price they are asking for is fair.

With the roof estimating software the trust gap between the contractors and the home owners for repairs has reduced a lot. Both sides can now work together towards building a better roof within the right budget. Before you proceed with any roofing work it is best to have this software.

Replacing Roof Shingles – A How-To Guide

Roof Repair - May 08,2013 - No Comment

Replacing roof shingles is one of the inevitable tasks that you just have to put up with every now and then. Roof shingles of all types are bound to get damaged over time and also require immediate replacements. If your home is just a few years old, then replacing is not difficult and can be done by the home owner himself.

But replacing damaged shingles of an older house is tricky and often needs professional help. Damaged local rubber products and shingles needs to be replaced immediately because neglecting it can cause further damage to your roof and your house. Depending on the amount of damage decide whether the roof can be fixed by yourself or if you need to hire some help.

The first step is to estimate the number of damaged shingles. Perform a complete survey of the roof and check what items should be replaced. After getting your estimates purchase the new shingles. Replacing roof shingles is easier and be done with tools like roof ladders, hammers, cement, etc. If the job is too difficult better hire a professional since you can end up making the roof worse than it was before. Start off by installing starter strips; these strips basically prevent water from entering the home through the gaps. It will act as a backup till you complete the repair.

Find the damaged shingles, remove the nails that are attached to it. Install the new ones in the place of the damaged ones. While installing them, remember to remove all the dirt and debris that you find. This is important since the shingles may not attach properly if these are not removed. Shingles that are cracked or torn due to long usage need to be replaced. They can be easily repaired by applying a roof sealant at both the top and bottom of the cracked shingle.

There are many safety procedures involved if you are replacing roof shingles yourself. Firstly the alignment of the ladder is very important. If the alignment of the ladder is right, then the replacement can be done easily. If the ladder is not placed correctly then the work can become very difficult and trying harder, you might risk falling down. Ladders must come with a safety rope, this will protect you in case you slip or fall down the roof. Working at a roof level is dangerous and often unpredictable. Wearing the right gear is also equally important to avoid any mishaps. Shoes must come with gripped soles; clothes must be suitable for heavy duty work.

Replacing roof shingles is task that can be done by yourself on a weekend, or you can use a specialist. By doing it yourself you avoid spending money on hiring a crew who will charge you per square foot. Replacing damaged shingles is important for any home; doing this will enhance the overall appearance. This also protects your home from any kind of leakages. Remember to finish the task immediately because delaying the work may cause further damage to your roof. If your building is about a decade old, then almost all its shingles are bound to be damaged. Hiring a roofing contractor would be the best option in such cases.

Ventilation & Your New Roof

Roof Repair - Oct 05,2012 - No Comment

An oft ignored facet of the durability of your new roof is proper ventilation. Heat and moisture can build up in your attic, making the rafters rot faster and causing shingles to buckle. That’s why louvers, vents, eaves and slits are important.

Your ideal attic will have a secure layer of insulation on the floor that prevents heat loss from the house, a vapor retarder beneath it to prevent moisture from reaching the attic and enough vented open space to let the circulation of air happen freely. Having a space of at least an inch between the insulation and sheathing is recommended. The NCRA recommends 1 square foot of free vent area for every 150 sq.feet of attic floor.

What Will Harm Your New Roof?

Your roof’s performance is at the mercy of various elements of nature.

Sunlight and heat cause wear and tear of your roofing material, with direct exposure to the sun accelerating this process.

Rain water seeping beneath shingles and shakes can cause the roof structure to rot and weaken it. Damp encourages growth of moss, mildew and fungi.

Wind can stress shingles and even lift them right off. Damage can be extensive if the quality of your new roof isn’t good.

Snow and ice in colder climates can cause physical injury to your new roof. When the ice melts, unless water flows off it can create more harm.

Condensation in moist weather promotes decay of wooden components of your roof. Ventilation can help minimize damage from condensation.

Moss, algae and fungi grow on moist wood or even shingles and shakes. They not only weaken the structure, but also create health hazards for residents.

Trees, branches and leaves near the building can potentially impact your new roof by falling on it or pressing upon it.

Other factors that can weaken your roof are the result of wear and tear on your roof, with missing or torn shingles, deterioration of poor quality roof shingles and flashing degradation leading to damage.

A new roof is a major undertaking. Some home owners may be qualified to install one themselves. Most are not, and seek the services of a roofing professional. If you fall into that category, hopefully you have enough information to hire the right one for your needs.

How to use a Roofing Material Calculator

Roof Repair - Sep 24,2012 - No Comment

A roofing material calculator is a very helpful tool. When calculating the price of materials for your new roof, a roofing material calculator allows you to do this quickly. It enables you to estimate the size of your roof and the required roofing materials and the cost. To do a calculation, simply enter your roofing dimensions, choose roof type and pitch and it will give you the cost for 30-year asphalt roofing shingles.

Measure your roof from the ground up, adding any overhangs to the total roof size. Estimate the roof pitch (slope) and enter the dimensions and pitch into the calculator. State whether it is a Gable roof, Hip roof or Mansard roof. Only rectangular roofs can be used in these calculators, without valleys or dormers.

There are many roofs with irregular shapes, and it is not possible to account for them within the scope of these calculators. If your roof has an irregular shape or is rather cut up, try using the factor multiplier (roof difficulty setting in the calculator) for a more accurate estimation.

Roofing Material Calculator: How Roofing Materials Prices are Calculated:

The results of the calculation of roofing materials, include the roof size in square feet as well as a detailed list of the required materials need for a new roof installation. It will include the following:

Roofing Shingles – price per square (100 sq. Ft.) – three bundles of shingle in one square
Roofing Underlayment – 30 lb Felt, Ice and Water Shield along the roof eaves
Drip Edge
Miscellaneous accessories – nails, pipe boots,
Step flashing (for chimney flashing),
Roofing caulking
Ridge Vent
Ridge cap shingles
3-tab shingles for starter course

All roofing prices are based on what national building materials retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s charge for roofing materials. Prices are virtually the same here as trade prices where most contractors buy their materials. In fact, Home Depot’s price on GAF Timberline architectural shingle is actually lower than most trade roof supply places.

The following types of shingles – Three tab asphalt shingles (25 year), 30 year common architectural shingles and 50 year asphalt shingles will all have prices provided.

There are four major asphalt roofing shingle manufacturers in the USA/Canada, and the prices are averaged among them. There is also a waste factor to be taken into account for each type of roof: Gable, Hip and Mansard’s roof waste factors are 7.5 per cent. Mansard roofs have a flat roof in the center and often windows along the Mansard side, so adjustments need to be made to the waste factor at some point, as well as add an option in the calculator to select the number of Mansard roof windows.

Tag Archives: roof estimates

What Will Harm Your New Roof?