Replace Roof Shingles – Maintenance Is Key To Long-Life Of Roofing Shingles

Roof Shingles - Mar 21,2012 - No Comment

Every responsible homeowner will replace roof shingles that are damaged as soon as they notice them rather than neglect it and end up replacing them entirely which is a nightmare that is best avoided. A careful maintenance schedule that makes sure the roof is in top condition should be right at the top of list of things to do on a homeowners maintenance schedule. Annual or twice yearly inspections and maintenance is a must.

Apart, from this whenever there are strong winds, heavy rains, storms, blizzards or hurricanes you will have to make sure your roof has not been damaged in any way. If you find any signs of damage then fixing it immediately avoids water seeping through the exposed areas and finding their way into the house. Water damage can be very expensive for your home. The water rot the wood sheeting and ruin the paint job in the interiors if neglected for long. Replace roof shingles that are damaged and fix any potential problems and you can sleep at night peacefully. Neglecting this simple tasks can literally hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your roofing bill.

It is time to replace roof shingles if your roof is 20 years or older. If you find roof shingles that are badly damaged, worn, curled, cracked or broken then replace them. Assess the damage to see if it needs partial repairs or a complete overhaul of the whole roof. If it’s simple matter of replacing a few worn out shingles or nailing back shingles that have come loose in wind or lifted up due to improper nailing then you can do it yourself.

If your roof is a shallow or medium pitch roof on which you can walk comfortably without the danger of you slipping and falling, then replace roof shingles that you think are potential problem makers. There are 3 most common problems usually a homeowner will face during this inspections and which are easily fixed without involving a roofing contractor. Make sure it is warm and dry afternoon when the shingles are supple and easy to install. Don’t do this in the early mornings when there is dew or when the roof is wet and slippery.

Missing Shingles

If you find any shingle or part of shingle missing then replace the whole shingle. If you have left-over shingles from your last job then the use them else you can buy a bundle from the roofing supplies store. Get a close match if you can’t find the same shingle type as your roof. Tools you will need include hammer, pry bar, knife to cut the shingles to required size, roofing nails. Every shingles needs 4 nails. When the course above is installed the nails from that course also pass through the top edge of these shingles.

Use the pry bar to remove the first row of nails by sliding the pry bar under the shingle that is above the damaged shingle. Gently lift and free from the sealer strip. You will see the nails keeping the damaged shingle in place. Pry upwards, once the nail comes up about quarter inch press the shingle down and remove the nail. Do this with remaining 3 nails. Now, put the bar under the shingle directly above damaged one and remove second row of nails. Once all 8 nails are out, you can pull out the damaged shingle. Now, replace roof shingles in place of old, damaged ones.

Sometimes, you can’t removed nails as the shingle is brittle and cracked. Cut v-notches on the replacement shingle to fit under the nails and nail it place at 4 other places.

Curled Shingles

Due to age or constant exposure to elements the shingles curl at the corners. If you notice it, then glue it down. A caulking gun sprays a little glue under the shingle and press it down. Weigh it down for 24 hours. There is no need to replace roof shingles here.

Cracked Shingles

A cracked and torn shingle doesn’t mean you have to replace roof shingles. Apply a thick bead of roofing sealant under both sides of cracked shingles. Press the shingle down. Now, apply another bead of sealant on top and spread it around with your putty knife. Just sprinkle some colored granules found in the gutter and no one will know that you have fixed it.

Roof Shingle Calculator – Estimating The Requirement Of Shingles

Roof Shingles - Mar 07,2012 - No Comment

A roof shingle calculator will be of invaluable help to homeowners to make a correct estimate about the number of roofing shingles needed for a job or a re-roofing project. Give yourself lot of time to assess and making the required math to know the number and quantity of shingles, the felt paper, under-layment, flashing, nails, vents, turbines, ridge caps and other materials needed to complete a roofing project.

When you do a thorough job and make your calculations as accurate as possible you will be able to order all the materials before starting the roofing project. You don’t have to wait around for materials after you start laying the shingles. A roof shingle calculator gives you an accurate amount of shingles to order. Based on this figure you can order all other related items. When you prepare well in advance you job will move along smoothly and with out interruption. You also can finish it on time which gives more satisfaction than anything else.

A roof shingle calculator needs some preliminary data that is used to arrive at the number of shingles to order. Here we will explore two methods of calculating roofing shingles quantity to order. You also have to factor in extra roof shingles for wastage, overlapping and starter shingles.

There are certain roofing terms that you need to know when using the roof shingle calculator.

Square- This is a roofing term that refers to an area equal to 100 square feet in real terms. So, if you are buying a square of roofing shingles it means that it will cover 100 square feet of roof area.

Bundle – Shingles are wrapped in paper or plastic and sold in bundles. These bundles are light enough to be carried by any person. So, when buying heavier shingles you will need to order more bundles than when buying light-weight shingles. Usually the standard asphalt 3-tab shingles cover 3 square per bundle. There are about 29 shingles in bundle of size 12 inches by 36 inches. Heavier laminated and architectural shingles need 4-5 bundles to cover the same area.

So, now you know the basic terms used in roof shingle calculator. Next, most important step is to go measure your roof. You need to the area of your roof to order roof shingles. To measure the roof you can either measure it or use the sheet count method.

Measurement:

Get up on the roof measure each plane of the roof, get its length and width and calculate the area by multiplying the lenght and width of each of plane and adding them all up to arrive at the square footage of the roof to be used in the roof shingle calculator. If you have steep slopes then measuring the area is a little more complex. First measure the length of the building at the ground level and make provisions for any roof overhangs. Now, walk up a ladder and using a stiff measuring tape, measure the length of the slope from the eaves to the edge of the ridge.

Sheet Count Method:

In the other using the sheet count method to use in the roof shingle calculator, you just count the number of sheets needed to cover the whole area. It’s fast method and can be done from the ground. This can be only done with the sheathing is exposed and panels are of 4 feet by 8 feet are used as structural panels. Count the full panels and make a estimate about the ripped and crosscut sheets at the edges and make it up to a full sheet. If sheets are diagonally cut then assign them a size of say or half or quarter depending on the cut. As each sheet measures 32 feet area you can arrive at the square footage by adding up all the sheets you have counted.

How Much To Order?

If the roof shingles you are ordering are of the kind that cover 3 bundles to a square then it is easy to order one bundle for every sheet of roof sheathing you counted. If you are buying the heavier or lighter kind of bundles then just divdide the number of sheets of sheathing by 3. This gives you the total number of squares of sheet needed to cover the roof. The calculations are fairly simple and you can work it out yourself that three sheets of sheathing cover roughtly 100 square feet or one square in roofing terms.

All these measurements may seem very simplistic but you don’t have to be really that exact considering that there will be wastage of shingles and at the edges and corners you have to allow for good margin, you have to calculate for the overlapping and so on. If your roof shingles calculator allows for healthy margin for extra shingles then that might be quite enough. Else, you need to order more.

Take Into Account Wastage

Remember that you will need to order more than the just square foot area of the roof. Starter courses along the eaves and at rakes, extra shingles for ridges, hips and valleys all need more shingles than the area they cover. Also, in order to stagger the joints you have to cut the shingles by half a tab length for every row, this again will generate its own waste, against the walls and around chimneys and other vents, shingles will need to be cut to fit correctly. Some wastage is inevitable due to breakage, wrong cutting, improper nailing or tearing. So, add about 3 bundles of extra shingles to the value arrived at by your roof shingles calculator. If you are inexperienced you may need more than that.

Installing Roof Shingles – Pitfalls To Avoid And Tips For Effective Roofing

Roof Shingles - Mar 07,2012 - No Comment

As a homeowner the task of installing roof shingles is a daunting one unless you are a professional roofing contractor or have lot of do-it-yourself experience. But, considering that the maximum expense incurred in a roofing project is cost of labor most homeowners are tempted to take up this project as a challenge. Roofing is not all that difficult if you know the basics like hammering, nailing, measuring, keeping straight lines and most important keeping safety rules in mind.

Most homeowners are first time roofers. And as beginners they tend to make mistakes when installing roof shingles. In our experience it has been found that amateurs roofers commit the following ten most common mistakes. They leave out the starter strip. The starter strip is first line of shingles which do not have tabs. Second mistake they commit is not following a straight line when installing the shingles. This will create a wavy appearance and immediately shows up as a work done by amateur.

Third mistake that most people doing roofs for the first time is not allowing for a overhand of shingles at the eaves. The overhang helps the water/snow to fall to the ground rather than drip on the walls of the home. Shingles have to be nailed properly and firmly. Many roofers tend to do this wrong and this causes the shingles to come away soon after laying or damages the shingles becoming the source of leak soon after. When installing roof shingles anew it is important to replace flashing around chimneys and other vents, skylights and windows. This makes the roof secure around these openings in the roof without any danger of water seepage or leaks.

A big mistake is to use tar to seal any gaps in the roof. Tar is a big no-no. When it is hot the tar melts and oozes into the surrounding shingles damaging them. Bigger mess is when the tar melts and flows over the sidings and walls of the house. To fix this mess you will be paying a lot more than what you spend on a professional roofer. Installing roof shingles can be a tough job for first-timer but does not excuse any tardy work as this will haunt you for years to come. Another big mistake is not maintaining straight lines at the hip and ridges. A roof is the first thing that most people will notice about a home. A badly done job can reduce the value of your home by several thousand dollars.

When installing roof shingles for every shingle use 4 nails. The shingles should overlap. At every point on the roof, wherever there are joints and even where there are none, shingles have to overlap. At the eaves, near the edges, near the hips, valleys, all the vents, flashing, gutters and hips. The shingles have to be laid so no adjacent rows have the shingles lined up. This is to prevent wind-shear or the zipper effect when a whole columns of shingles are blown away in a strong wind. If you think you can do with 3 nails for every shingle then you are in big trouble. The extra nail takes only a few seconds more and will save your roof from a catastrophic failure later on.

Where the manufacturing guidelines mention that you will need ice and water shield make sure you use it. The felt on the deck protects it from potential damage. Particularly on low pitched roofs where the drainage or evacuation of water and snow is slower ice and water shield is a must. If you avoid the above mistakes when installing roof shingles you will do good job of which you can be proud. also, you will get years of trouble free service from your newly installed roof.

Rubber Roofing Shingles – Exciting New Technology for Innovative Roof Solutions

Roof Shingles - Feb 27,2012 - No Comment

Rubber roofing shingles are manufactured using new technology that recycles products to generate shingles that look almost identical to the conventional cedar shake, tile and slate shingles but cost just a fraction of their price. Rubber roofing shingles are not just cheaper but also considerably lighter.

The manufacturing process for rubber roofing shingles involves recycling plastic bags, rubber tires and polyvinylchloride items like pipes. To create a texture that mimics natural shingles, other components will be included such as saw dust for cedar shake look-alikes and slate dust to create recycled slate shingles.

Rubber roofing shingles are suitable alternatives to just about any kind of conventional roof shingles. They are especially suited for re-roofing projects involving older or historic buildings where it is desirable to create a look and feel resembling the older roof, but economic realities make it difficult to invest such a large amount in getting genuine slate, wood or metal roofing shingles.

Rubber roofs are also very resistant to pests, and do not crack, peel or chip off the roof. They are fire proof and water proof, avoiding the dangers of a leaky roof and offer excellent insulation to the building. Because of all these benefits, rubber roofing shingles are gaining popularity among informed home owners.

Manufacturing Process for Rubber Roofing Shingles

Recycled tires are used to manufacture rubber shingles. The tread is sliced into pieces and then buffed to outline the rubber shingle, which is later coated with suitable material like sawdust to create a textured appearance. In some shingles the tread is retained so that the steel belting adds to the structural integrity. Plastic tabs may be attached so that nailing the rubber shingles to the roof becomes easier.

Some manufacturers use a different process. They heat recycled rubber materials and then inject them under high pressure into suitably shaped molds where the shingles set and harden. These shingles are remarkably similar to cedar shake or clay tile shingles. The weight is lesser and structural strength comparable to the natural roofing materials.

Are Rubber Roofing Shingles Durable?

Rubber shingles are just as strong and long lasting as other conventional shingle types. They are sturdy, strong and flexible. Most manufacturers offer 30 year warranties for rubber roofing shingles, and some even extend this to 50 years or longer.

There are very few problems with storing, shipping, using and installing rubber roofing shingles. In the long term, they are very efficient and reliable. Being lighter and cost effective are further advantages. The biggest problem is their cost, which is 4 times more than asphalt roofing shingles. When you consider that rubber roofing is less likely to require any maintenance or repair work, then the cost savings over the long run may well justify this higher upfront expense.

Rubber roofing shingles have the highest fire rating scores, indicating that they are resistant to extremes of temperature. Insurers are satisfied and appreciative of rubber roofing shingles as their homeowners won’t be filing claims as frequently as with other buildings. Rubber shingles are also resistant to winds for upto 80 mph. On balance rubber roofing shingles provide a viable alternative to home owners who are considering a shingle roof but don’t have any specific preferences in mind.

Roof Shingles – Fixing Roof Problems

Roof Shingles - Feb 21,2012 - No Comment

Roof shingles need timely and regular maintenance for a long touble free life. It is one of the most important features of a home that literally protects you from external factors. It keeps you and your belongings safe, warm and dry. If you find any leaks, signs of water damage, wear or rotting take immediate action. Call a trusted roofer to help fix the problems.

If the water seeps under the roof shingles it will start damaging the wooden planks underneath which will rot and cause bigger problems. If you tend to neglect these small problems you will end up with ma jor expenses later on. You will end up spending thousands of dollars later on to replace the whole roof and the sheathing underneath which arises due to the small problem you ignored earlier.

Home maintenance is an ongoing process. Roof repair and maintenance tops the list of the most important tasks in your to-do list. Every homeowner who has neglected to nix roof leaking problems in the bud has ended up spending a lot more in money and also time and effort in re-roofing later. Roof shingles for the whole roof area can cost you a pretty penny. As they say for want of a nail a kingdom was lost.

If the last time you laid roof shingles was 20 years ago, then it is time to replace it. Research your options well and based on how long you plan to live in the home, your budget and your local area needs. Only homes with steep pitches or very old roof need professional maintenance and repairs. Shallow pitched homes, flat roofs and relatively new roofs can easily be maintained by homeowners themselves.

Basically the three most common problems most homeowners face with their roof shingles are – replacing a damaged shingles, fixing a curled shingles, repairing cracked shingles. Safety is the most important consideration when it comes to roof shingles repair. So, if you have any doubts about your ability to work on heights then call for help. Steep or even shallow slopes can be slippery in any weather and should not be attempted on wet days. It should not be attempted in the mornings when roof is likely to moist with dew or in the evenings when the light is failing.

Take up your roof shingle or roof repair project on a warm, sunny and dry afternoon. When the weather is right the shingles are also supple and flexible. They won’t easily crack or break when handled by you.

Replacing Damaged Roof Shingles:

Make a visual inspection of your roof. If there are parts of shingles missing then they need replacement. All you need to do is take out the old shingle and replace it with a brand new full shingle. If you have a box of left-over shingles from your last roof job, you are in luck. Else, buy shingles that are same as your old shingles or nearest match to old roof shingles. Stores sell shingles in roof squares which are about 100 square feet and will cost about $15-$20 dollars.

To replace the damaged roof shingles you will need a prying tool, knife, hammer and roofing nails. As the old shingle is secured using 4 nails plus the nails from the shingles from the row above and below also go through this shingle, you have to use your prying tool to gently lift the shingle to reveal the nails underneath. Remove the nails one by one. Use small amount of force the eight nails out. Too much force can damage a lot more roof shingles than what you bargained for.

To remove the nails slip your tool under the damage roof shingles and gently jerk it upwards. As the nail comes out a little, press the shingle down and pull out the nail. Just keep doing the same thing till you have removed all the nails on that particular roof shingle. Now, pry the shingle directly above the damaged shingle upwards and remove the nails that are keeping the damaged shingle in place. Repeat the process for all the eight nails. Once the eight nails are out yank out the damaged shingle.

Brittle shingles make the job harder as you will be cracking roof shingles when removing the nails. So, instead of removing the nails cut V-notches around the nails on the damaged shingle and remove it. Now place your new shingle in the place of old and secure it with 4 new nail leaving the old ones in place.

Cracked Roof Shingles Repair

Cracked and torn shingles are easily fixed. No need to replace them. A little sealant is all you need. Apply a thick layer of roofing sealant under the cracked shingle. Press the torn shingle on to the sealant. Apply a second layer of sealant on top of the shingle. Spread the sealant around using a putty knife to get even coverage. Now, don’t be worried that your fix can be seen from afar. If you look in the gutters of your roof you will granules from your roof shingles that have washed out. Collect them and apply them to the glued shingle area. This effectively covers up the work you have done. It’s a simple and easy task to mask the repair and as easy to fix the problem in the first place.

Fixing Curled Roofing Shingles

Due to age and the effects of rain and sun some of the older asphalt shingles will curl with age. They will start curling at the corners either upwards or downwards. If you notice this problem then fix it immediately to prevent the whole shingle from curling and damaging the surrounding roof shingles. Straighten out the shingle and stick it to the roof using a strong glue.

A caulking gun is used to apply a bit of roofing sealant under the curled corner. Put a heavy object like brick on top of the shingle once it is glued down. Leave it in place for about a day to two before removing the brick. This helps the sealant to dry and seal the shingle in place.

These minor repairs when undertaken during your regular roof maintenance every month or two will keep your roof shingles going for a long time with out needing replacement before it’s guaranteed life-span ends.

How Measurement Mishaps Can Increase Roof Replacement Cost

Roof Shingles - Feb 07,2012 - No Comment

Measuring for a new roof can be complex, and miscalculations can lead to a higher roof replacement cost. If you want to roof your house by yourself, you will need to understand all the intricacies of measuring your roof. Math calculations must be done to account for special features of the roof after the measurements are done. A professional home remodeling company can make short work of measuring accurately for a roof replacement. Here is what you need to know if you are doing it yourself.

1. Basic Square Footage

You will need a measurement of the basic square footage of the outline of your roof. Remember that this includes every part of the house that is covered by a roof. Include every ell. To do this, you have to measure the length and the width of each rectangle that makes up the base of your house. Figure the area of each rectangle by multiplying the length times the width. Then, add all these figures together.

2. Overhang

The basic area is not good enough for the calculation of overall roof coverage area. You will also need to add on an extra measure for the overhang of the roof that goes beyond the edge of the house. If you do not include this figure in your reckoning, you will be short on materials when you go to do the roof. It is best to include this roof replacement cost in the beginning rather than pay more for it later.

3. Pitch

The basic square footage and overhang are measurements of the roof if it were level. Assuming you are not replacing a flat roof, you will need to consider the slope or pitch of the roof in your calculations for roof replacement cost.

Pitch is described as the number of feet the roof rises for every 12 feet of distance. For example, a low pitch might be 3:12, a medium pitch might be 6:12, and a steep pitch might be higher than 9:12. These categories are important in determining the number of shingles needed.

4. Conversion

A special number is used to convert the flat, level measurements into 3 dimensional figures using the pitch of the roof as a guide. This number is called an approximate average roofing multiplier. For a low pitched roof, it could be from 1.15 to 1.25. For a medium pitched roof, the multiplier might be between 1.25 and 1.4. A steep roof would have a multiplier of anywhere from 1.41 to 1.7.

The basic measurement of the roof is then multiplied by the approximate average roofing multiplier for the given roof, and you arrive at a new, more accurate figure. If you use the wrong multiplier or do not do the calculations correctly, you can throw off your roof replacement cost budget.

5. Special Features

The measurements of a roof can be altered by special features such as dormers, end-walls, valleys, and chimneys. These must all be accounted for and there is no one neat, simple formula for figuring them in.

If you want to get all your shingles at the same time to get a price break, it is important to figure correctly. If you want to make sure you get enough of the same kind of shingles, you need the proper number. Finally, if you do not want to overbuy, you need an accurate estimate of your roofing material needs. A home remodeling company can help you measure and calculate to reduce the roof replacement cost.

Shawn Hickman is the Search Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvements

To read more about Roofing by Sears, visit the Roof Replacement Cost section of our website.

By Shawn Michael Hickman

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Measurement-Mishaps-Can-Increase-Roof-Replacement-Cost&id=5477273

Roofing Shingles Price – How To Avoid Being Scammed

Roof Shingles - Feb 01,2012 - No Comment

Roofing shingles price varies widely across the nation. Being up to date with trends and current rates will help you spot hucksters who try to cheat you.

This article will help, too.

“Roofing products are easily comparable, and if residential contractors use the same products, you can find out how one person’s quotations match against another one, even though they may practice in a different part of the country. A GAF roofing system is a great pick for cost with power efficiency.

One thing you must understand is that manufacturers like IKO want you to use more than just their dimensional shingles. In fact, they tie up that fact with their materials guarantee, so when you don’t get all the components from them, you may not be eligible for their warranty. GAF roofing systems require you to order 3 components with great ratings.”

Enjoy the entire report at the Roofing Shingles Prices blog.

Shingles Roofing – Important Points To Consider

Roof Shingles - Jan 05,2012 - No Comment

Shingles roofing is a economically viable and effective option when you decide to replace your old roofing. It happens that with time your old roofing suffers the ill effects of aging, gets damaged due to exposure to sun’s ultraviolet rays, cracks and warps due to the prolonged exposure to elements, get broken due impact, curls up as the glue comes off or gets blown away in strong winds or hurricane. Either you or your roofer has to take a call on roof repair or roof replacement. The first option is a lot cheaper but if you roof has lived out its life then replacement may be the way to go.

Once the decision to go in for shingles roofing has been taken in it is time to educate yourself. There are number of roofing terms and definitions that you need to know like hip, gable, dormer window, mansard, flashing, drip edge, underlayment, starter shingles, ice shield, ice dam, decking, plywood sheets, sheathing, felt, roofing nails, valley, ridge cap, ventilation, attic vents, ridge vents, 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, laminated shingles, 3-dimensional shingles, roofing gutters and so on. Your roofer will be using these terms and it will helpful for you to know about these so, you are not all at sea.

There are other terms used in shingles roofing industry called square and bundle which you need to buy when you shopping for shingles. A roofing square is equal to 100 square feet and roofing shingles are sold in bundles. Each bundles usually has enough shingles to cover one roofing square. The bundles are packed so, a person can easily lift them. Heavier shingles are packed less in number in a bundle and 3-tab shingles are just enough to cover one square of roof. So, if you plan to purchase the heavier shingles like architectural shingles or laminated shingles you will need more bundles to a square. Also, with more complex features on the roof like chimneys, skylights, dormers etc you will need extra materials. You should also factor in wastage due to breakage or cracking while working with shingles.

You might be under the impression that the best brand or make of roofing shingles is the most important factor in a roofing durability. Yes, they are crucial factor but the more important point is installation of roofing. Bad installation can cut your roof’s life by several years. Faulty shingling can cause more damage to the roof. So, it is imperative that you choose the right roofing contractor who has years of experience, has the requisite expertise and training and who comes with right references. It is also important that the roofer follows all the norms and guidelines set down by the roofing manufacturer for installation of their roofing systems. Failing to follow them leads to voiding of the warranty. It means if your roof has any defects the maker might refuse to replace them.

Before installation it is important to plan a checklist of the tasks to be done and verify that the roofer is doing all that is required to be done like laying of starters, applying flashing around chimneys and valleys etc, installing the ice and water shield, overhang of the shingles overs the drip edges, ridge vents, installation of ridge caps and so on. You should be able to get a thorough checklist from any roofing website or experienced roofer. You don’t need to be a busy body and interfere in the work of the roofer but at the same ensure that they are doing a good job.

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Tag Archives: roof shingles