Roofing Material Calculator Tips

Roof Repair - Dec 14,2012 - No Comment

Roofing material calculator tips help you get the most from what is a helpful and useful tool for many home owners. It is used in calculations of the price of roofing materials. Roofing material calculator will help you arrive at a reasonably good estimate, quickly and easily.

You will be able to gauge the size and area of your roofing, and then arrive at a good estimate of how much roofing materials are needed and what the cost of them may be. All you have to do is type in the dimensions of your roof and you will be able to factor in the type of your roof and its pitch to get an average cost analysis for, say, an asphalt shingle roof.

You must first measure your roof from the ground to the top. If there are any sidings, overhangs or gables, include those into the area of your roof. Determine the pitch or slope. Type these numbers into the appropriate boxes in a roofing material calculator.

Usually these calculations are only accurate for rectangular roofs. If your building has special projections or other features, you may need to run different calculations. You can get a more rough estimate from doing a factor multiplier which takes into account the variables that make your roof unique.

For more tips on how to use a roofing material calculator, check out this detailed article on roof estimates.

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.

Roof Repair Costs – How high do they typically run?

Roof Repair - Jul 24,2012 - No Comment

Roof repair cost can run very high at times. Leaving aside total roof replacement, the typical roof repairs tend to be, new shingles over existing installations (there are regulations in some places on the amount of times this is permissible), replacing plywood and shingles in a small roof area and using cement to re-seal seams (‘patch’ work).

Also, replacing metal ‘flashing’ seals around skylights and chimneys, and also guttering work. The most common roof repairs include replacing plywood, shingles and flashing on development of a leak. The average roof area requiring work tends to be 10′ x 10′. With regard to roof repair costs, some homeowners try to patch the leak in the roof using cement. This is really not a cost effective approach.

Roof repair costs – Cost breakdown

The shopping list and prices for this project are:

Sheets of roofing-quality plywood measuring 5/8″ thickness – approximately $20 a sheet
4 sheets required = $80
A standard square of shingles measuring 100 square feet – $100
1 square required = $100
A standard roll of roofing nails for an air-powered gun
1 roll of 1 1/4″ galvanized nails = $65
Roofing cement – $22 per gallon

Roof repair costs: Labor

A roof repair project, although only requiring basic tools, can involve more than just basic labor skills. For example a structural issue causing a roof leak may only be detected as an underlying problem by a skilled professional. Also, more complex work involves chimneys, skylights, flashing or valleys. For these reasons homeowners consult professionals to get the job done. Depending on location and type of job, charges tend to be around $45-$75 per hour, and can take two full business days to finish.

Roof repair costs: Enhancement and improvement costs

Running all new shingles – a second and sometimes third course of shingles is requested by some homeowners to address the leak problem. The cost to install standard asphalt shingles over existing shingles or shakes, according to HomeInspectorLocator.com, will be around $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot.

Roof repair costs: Skylights

It is more expensive sorting out leaks developed in skylights. The bigger cost is a result of having to clear the entire surface around the skylight of shingles, and new flashing surrounding the fixture has to be installed before the new shingles are laid.

On average, roofing experts put the cost as $450 for materials and labor on this type of relatively small project.

Hiring a Roof Repairs Contractor

Roof Repair - Jun 04,2012 - No Comment

Once you have a list of 2 or 3 potential contractors that have passed the first test, it’s time to interview each of them. When interviewing, ask about:

their area of specialty
how many years they have been in business
certifications
guarantee of quality work

You’ll also want to get a detailed itemized estimate of the work to be done. Carefully analyze each estimate. Look at the prices based on comparable materials, warranty periods and such.

Remember, you always get what you pay for. Don’t get so hung up on price that you just search for the cheapest guy off the side of the road. Anyone can quote the cheapest prices. But few can provide quality work. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean the highest price offers the highest quality either. Be smart and carefully weigh all your options.

Step 3 – Regional weather and climate considerations should always come into play in roof replacement. These issues affect not only the materials used, but also state law regulating roofing contractors. For example, in the Texas Gulf Coast area, roof replacement must pass windstorm inspection in order to obtain a windstorm certificate. If a roof doesn’t pass this inspection, the home can’t be insured. Since Hurricane Ike, many home and business owners have had to obtain re-roofing jobs because they originally hired contractors whose work did not pass windstorm certification. Think of the time and money wasted!

For the other tips on hiring a roof replacement contractor, be sure to read the full article here.

By Nathan Riley

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?Roof-Replacement—4-Steps-to-Take-When-Hiring-a-Roofing-Contractor&id=4612238

Roof Repairs & Shingle Project

Roof Repair - Apr 24,2012 - No Comment

The cost of a roof replacement project varies depending on where you live. A roof replacement costs less in the Midwest than it does in the Northeast. In places where the general cost of living is higher, roof replacements will cost more as well. If you live in the Midwest, you will need to replace your roof more often. High speed winds, tornadoes, blizzards, and ice storms will all wreck havoc on your roof. Temperature fluctuations can also damage roofs. In the desert the temperature can be over 100 degrees during the day and drop to 50 or 40 degrees at night. 20-year asphalt shingles in Arizona and New Mexico last on average only 15 years, due to sustained damage from temperature fluctuations. Homeowners in regions with mild weather can get away with more moderate roof repairs, putting off full replacements for longer periods of time.

Roof replacement estimates may vary depending on all of these factors (location, materials, etc.). The final cost once the work is completed may be higher than the initial estimate, as your roof may have some unforeseen damage that will add to the final cost . Underneath the shingles, your roof could be rotted or have water damage. Replacing the roof support system can add thousands of dollars to the bill, depending on the extent of the damage. This is a good incentive to keep your roof properly maintained and have it replaced on time.

Read more in this article about a roof replacement project.

By Connie Gallerizzo

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?What-to-Expect-During-Your-Homes-Roof-Replacement-Project&id=2636435

Roof Repairs for Leaky Roofs

Roof Repair - Apr 04,2012 - No Comment

Roof repairs are costly, unexpected and every home owner’s biggest fear. But while it provokes fear, the unpleasant truth is that most of these costs are the result of a home owner’s own delay in seeking to analyze and fix roof related troubles at an early stage. If you take efforts to find and fix any faults or deterioration in your roof early on, then you can put off or even totally avoid the need for costly replacement jobs later.

When the weather turns bad, and especially following unusually severe climatic shifts, it is a good practice to have your roof inspected. Roof repairs for leaky roofs can happen from neglect of damage in early stages. Emergency repairs then become necessary, since a leaky roof can result in damage to all materials inside a building.

And such emergency roof repairs may become necessary at odd times – during the night, or on holidays, when the appropriate staff and contractors may not be available – or will charge much more than their regular fee.

At the same time you will not be able to handle roof repairs yourself in bad weather. There is a real danger of lightning strikes, accidental falls and injury from heavy winds or snowfalls. You must take all possible precautions before embarking upon any such project. Also keep in mind that the roof structure may be weakened as a result of such damage.

This report on roof repairs for leaky roofs may give you even better insight into this facet of home improvement.

Shingle Roof Repairs – How To Fix The Most Common Problems With Shingle Roofs

Roof Repair - Mar 24,2012 - No Comment

The old joke about how to cure a sick race horse (“shoot it”) would probably be similar to asking a roofing contractor how to fix most of the common shingle roof problems; he would probably reply “new roof”. Asphalt-based roofing will eventually wear out, but fortunately for roofs (and horses!) some problems can be fixed.

Should you attempt your own shingle roof repairs? Contacting a professional roofing contractor will be essential if any of the following factors apply:

The roof is steep-sloped, pitch more than 25 degrees
Your roof is over 24 foot above the ground
You have a health condition, for example heart problems
You have a fear of heights
You have limited experience in DIY (do-it-yourself)
You do not have up-to-date building insurance (check your coverage) or you do not have building insurance

Shingle roof repairs – common problems that usually cannot be repaired:

Shingle granules excessively worn – roof needs replacing
Shingle tabs fraying or curling – are an aging or deep-rooted problem
Rafters or trusses with sagging between them – this is structural and re-shingling won’t fix it.
Damage caused by adverse weather conditions – call your building insurance company.

Roofing safety precautions must be followed if you decide to do your own shingle roof repairs. Some shingle roof repairs you CAN consider doing are:

A few missing tabs or shingles caused by wind damage
Minor tears by tree-branches that have not punctured the plywood

Shingle roof repairs – How to repair wind damaged roof shingles:

First, measure three tabs on your roof. 36 inches is the US (imperial) standard, and 39 1/3 inches (one meter) is the metric standard for shingles. To aid purchase, take a sample tab to your supplier to get the best match. It will be best to work out the quantity of shingles needed as you will be required to buy at least one bundle (equivalent to three tabs).

To remove the adhesive under each tab use a basic pry bar (such as Stanley’s Wonder Bar, which is ideal). Start above the problem area and raise the tabs to expose the damaged shingle. Insert the pry bar under the damaged shingle’s tab – under each nail and pry nail out. Do the same in the shingles above it so you can release the whole shingle. Replacement shingles should be nailed down and tab cement used to seal new tabs from colder weather.

Shingle roof repairs – How to repair leaks caused by worn out flanges:

In preparation take measurements and/or a photograph to your supplier and purchase a new flange in advance. Follow the procedure as above to remove the worn out flange and nearby shingles. The lowest ones should be replaced first, and the replacement set in tab cement. Then the next rows using more cement as you go, under the shingles and next to the cut out (using a hook-blade knife to repeat the old cut-out).

Shingle roof repairs – How to repair leaking where the roof meets a wall:

Although this involves step-flashing, you can re-use the existing flashing. Replacement can involve removing siding or masonry work and if the shingles are overlaid by flashing, a professional may be required to do the work. If not, each piece that abuts the wall should be removed as described above. Proceed from the top down, and where the old flashing is being re-used, install new shingle cuts from the bottom, up, adding tab cement under each piece of step flashing as you go.

Roof Repairs for Leaky Flat and Low-Sloping Roofs

Roof Repair - Jan 24,2012 - No Comment

Roof repairs can be a home owners nightmare! The biggest cause of early-onset roofing problems is failure in the early stages to find and resolve any minor faults or deterioration. On relatively low-sloped roofs this holds particularly true of roofing materials.

Adverse weather conditions require inspection of roofs, and emergency repairs may need to administered, because water leakage into a building can happen at any time (nights, weekends, holidays and so on). Be aware that it is not advisable to attempt repairs on roofs during storms because of the danger of lightning striking, and high winds, and caution should be taken when inspecting a roof after such adverse weather in case of damage to the structure, which may have left the roof in a hazardous condition.

If there is any cause for concern about the condition of the roof, contact a professional roofing contractor to arrange inspection and any repairs required. If there is no-one available, and to prevent damage to the interior of the building and its contents, emergency repairs can be undertaken. These should be as simple as possible to maximize safety of non-professional roofers, and they should be classed as temporary only – the permanent repairs being undertaken as soon as the weather allows.

If there is a manufacturer’s warranty, the manufacturer and the installation contractor should be contacted right away.

Roof Repairs – Procedures

There is a vast number of types of roofing membranes, too many to tailor to emergency roof repairs individually. If literature or advice cannot be found, or if there are no procedures available for emergency repairs, the following guidelines are suggested:

Protect the interior: Use containers to catch water leakages and plastic sheeting to protect building contents.

As much water should be removed from the roof as possible. Drains and scuppers need to be checked for any blockages and that they are functional. Excessive pooling of water on the roof causes leakage and collapse, and it is usually caused by blocked drains and/or scuppers.

While clearing debris from drains, utmost caution needs to be exercised, as draining water causes excessive suction force which can suck tools, hands and limbs quickly into the vortex and down the drain.

Locate the source of a leak: The area of leakage in the interior of the building should be inspected to locate the exact point on the roof surface above when determining the source of a leak. From here, check the condition of rooftop mechanical equipment and all flashing at terminations and penetrations. Next remove any ballast from the immediate site of leak and inspect the membrane surface for any damage. Lastly, check roofing membrane seams (laps).

PLEASE NOTE: On a roof membrane that has been installed over insulation on a structural concrete deck, it can be very difficult to locate the source of a leak, as well as over an existing membrane or vapor retarder. Where the source of the leak cannot be located, the building owner or maintenance personnel may have no other alternative than just controlling the spread of water until professional help arrives.

Perform emergency repairs: Choose roofing materials which will cause the minimalist of damage to the roofing membrane once the source of the leak is located.

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