Tile Roof Repair – A Beginner’s Guide

Roof Shingles - Mar 04,2012 - 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.

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.

Roofing Shingles Prices – The Cost Factor Of Shingles In Roofing

Roof Shingles - Feb 20,2012 - No Comment

Are you aware about roofing shingles prices in your area? If you don’t have a clue about the prices it is likely that you might be taken for a ride by unscrupulous roofing contractors. It is best to be informed about them for your own benefit.

In order to get the best deals, you have to learn some basic about the roofing industry. There are two major cost factors in roofing – one is roofing shingles prices and of course the materials prices, the other is labor costs.

This is not complicated science. Roofing related materials and their prices are easy to compare. There are certain pet likes and dislikes for each roofing contractor and how they work also falls a set pattern. So, using that as guidance you can generally match quotes from two different contractors. You can get quotes online which help you to compare and contrast more easily and it also serves as a guideline when choosing a particular contractor for the job.

There are a number of manufactures who offer roofing shingles at competitive prices. You will find roofing shingles prices that suit every budget. The makers of these systems offer complete roofing solutions with all the materials needed to lay a roof being offered as one package.

GAF offers some of best roofing systems which offer excellent value for money, high quality products and efficient roofing systems. Their roofing shingles prices are also pretty reasonable. Another company that offers similar roofing systems at great prices is IKO. There are several more of such big brand names like TAMKO, CertainTeed and others whose great quality and prices make them excellent buys. They offer dimensional, architectural and laminated shingles apart from normal 3-tab shingles. With this new range of shingles you get an additional dimension to your roofing.

The only problem with these complete roofing solutions is that the companies claim that you have to make use of these complete systems in order get a better performance and durability than trying to mix and match products across companies. They also put into a lot of pre-conditions stating that if you don’t use all their components when laying the roofing, then their warranties on the roofing shingles void. This is necessarily not a good thing for the consumers. Even if they shop around for best roofing shingle prices they may have end up paying lot more for accessories and extras which anyway jacks up the costs.

Considering these points it becomes imperative on your part to do a thorough research and find out about roofing shingles prices from different sources and how buying or not buying entire roofing systems affects the warranties. On average the best roofing shingles cost from $135 to $175 dollar per square ( a square in roofing is equal to 100 square feet). The prices also vary based on location. Most roofing manufacturers have several shingles making units in every state. This minimizes the transportation costs and also the locally made shingles are manufactured to the local area needs and follow the building codes set by the local councils and state building authorities.

Roof Shingles Price – Things To Remember

Roof Shingles - Feb 15,2012 - No Comment

When it comes to estimating roof shingles price, you should keep in mind that an asphalt roof will serve you from anywhere between 12 and 30 years. How long it lasts depends upon what quality materials you use for your roof and what extremes of climate and weather it is subject to. Damage to a shingle roof can come from heat or cold, water or snow, and sun. There are different manufacturers supplying this industry and roof shingle prices can vary widely from one to another.

You are quite literally spoiled for choice. There’s something for every taste, with roof shingles coming in various shapes and colors, spanning a range in quality and roof shingles price. The guarantee a manufacturer offers you will usually parallel the quality of their product. But there’s still variety, with guarantee periods ranging from 15 to 35 years or longer. Heavier asphalt shingle roofing lasts longer, and carries longer warranty periods.

Choosing Roof Shingles That Are Right For You

You need to constantly keep in mind the kind of architecture and style of your building while selecting roofing shingles. Everything should work together to create a pleasing appearance. Depending upon whether your siding is of aluminum, vinyl, wood or brick, your choice of roof shingles will vary to get an aesthetically appealing harmony. Regardless of which one you choose, your warranty period will typically last the lifetime of your roof shingles.

Three-tab Roof Shingle

Three-tab shingles have now become the default standard for most homes and even some office buildings. They are inexpensive considering the value they provide and their longevity, making this kind of roof shingle price effective and durable. You get a wide range of choice by way of color, size and structure. Quality usually comes in 3 broad categories, with roof shingles prices to match.

Shake Roof Shingles

Shake shingles are ideal for country home roofs, looking almost like cedar shake roofing, but at far lesser cost. Styles are pretty much the same across manufacturer, and the product itself is durable to last you in great style for many years. Your choice will often be driven by other factors than just roof shingles price.

Victorian Shingles

With a renaissance of sorts in the Victorian building style, these forms of roof shingle are coming back into vogue. Victorian shingles have rounded tongues, with large dark shingles creating a pattern of relief and contrast from the rest of the building. When sunlight strikes them, you can see some interesting patterns which add to their aesthetic appeal. Slightly irregular sizes and shapes add to the illusion of having a real slate roof. And to make it even more attractive, you can pick from a choice of gray, black, blue and even other colors.

Interlocking Shingles

As the name implies, this kind of roofing shingle is made of interlocking individual blocks that act like armoring over your roof. These are especially strong and can resist extremes of temperature and heavy winds, making them ideal choices for your roof shingle needs in specific geographic locations. The geometric pattern created by the interlocking shingles is also attractive.

Architectural Shingles

Designed for durability, architectural roof shingles feature shading and vertical lines that create appealing patterns when light strikes the roof. The chic and stylish look provided to your roof is what buyers are looking for when they buy architectural shingles. Architectural roof shingles price varies, but is usually a little more expensive.

Roofing Shingles For Slow Pitched Roofs

Shingles for slow pitched roofs have a wider portion covering adjacent shingles, making them slightly more difficult to lay. But once they are on, these appear very similar to regular three-tab shingles. When your roof has a pitch less than 4″ to the foot, and up to 2″ to the foot, this may become your preferred roof shingle.

Reroofing Using Asphalt Shingles

For buildings that are 30 years or older, re-roofing is a looming necessity. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to get rid of those loose shingles, fix leaks, and maybe even do a complete job on the roof. Before deciding on this, make sure you have an expert come and take a look. Sometimes, it may only require replacing a few old and worn out shingles. Also there are local municipality permits necessary before you embark upon any re-roofing job in certain countries, so make sure of your requirements and plan the project in advance.

And always get adequate help. A roofing contractor may save you a lot of hassle, but even if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, having the help or two or three others is usually a good idea as the work isn’t as easy as it first appears.

Is Your Roof Damaged?

Here are some early warning signs that things may not be good with your roof:

Broken roof shingles

Broken shingles are easy to spot if you go over the roof carefully, looking for them. When roof shingles are broken, they can’t protect the building from water infiltration. This problem is worse with roofs that have a low pitch, leaving water to collect on the roof and seep through.

Wavy roof shingles

Usually this is not the result of a fault with the shingles, but due to the support structure of your roof being weakened and getting warped. Often a consequence of poor attic ventilation, this may require structural support first, before doing anything with your roof shingles.

Warped roof shingles

The older your roof, the more likely that your roof shingles will get warped and deformed. These shingles can more easily blow off in heavy wind or get cracked or broken in snow or heavy rain.

Raised roof shingles

Whenever the edge of your roof shingles get raised above the surrounding roof, they are subject to greater strain from wind, and can get blown off. As your roof ages, portions of it will lift up as the building settles a little or the shingles contract and expand upon exposure to elements.

Solar Roofing Shingles – Use Your Roof To Generate Free Electricity

Roof Shingles - Feb 05,2012 - No Comment

Solar roofing shingles is one of most modern and advanced ways of generating electricity from our roof tops. Using flexible thin film photovoltaic cells manufacturers are fashioning roofing shingles. These shingles have been designed to do double duty – protect your home as well as convert sun’s energy into usable electricity. The power generated can help reduce your electricity consumption from the grid. Any excess power can always be sold back to the power company.

Photovoltaic cells embedded in roofing shingles are perhaps the most innovative energy solution that the industry has come up with. For long millions of consumers though eager to jump on the solar power bandwagon were put off by the thought of ugly looking solar panels cluttering up their roof-tops. Also, these roof top solar panels could void any warranty for the roofing shingles because of the conditions imposed by the makers of the shingles. So, the arrival of solar roofing shingles is like double delight for consumers.

These solar roofing shingles are non-polluting and have little impact on the environment. In a silent and steady fashion without any need for any fuel the cells absorb the light from sun to generate renewable power. Studies have shown that using solar powered shingles can reduce monthly electricity bills by 60 percent or more. That is significant saving – both for the environment and for your wallet.

In case your solar roofing shingles are generating more electricity than you can use, several states and power companies have facilities to buy back the excess power from you. In return when you need the electricity they supply it for free. The system called net metering only charges you for the extra power you use which is in excess of what you supplied to the grid.

If you are worried that solar roofing shingles may not be good protection for your roof, then you have no reason to feel that way. These building integrated photovoltaic shingles offer the same levels of longevity, protection, flexibility and versatility as asphalt shingles. They are visually very appealing and blend in with most types of roofing materials and colors. They have dark purplish tinge which merges beautifully with darker shades and adds a touch of contrast lighter shades of roofing. One more thing is that there is no need any extra protection underneath for these shingles. They are as sturdy and tough as normal shingles and can be used just like normal shingles.

The cost of installation is low and they are easily installed. There are no ugly looking wires sticking out as the wiring is integrated with the shingles which run underneath the shingles. They are light in weight. The solar roofing shingles are usually mounted to face south. This helps to maximize their energy generation potential. Even east and west facing provide up to 90 percent of energy generation potential. Depending on your energy needs you can buy enough solar roofing shingles to generate the electricity you need. It has been estimated that small homes will need 120 square feet of solar voltaic shingles while larger homes might need up to 1000 square feet.

Roofing Shingles and Tiles – 3 Basic Types

Roof Shingles - Jan 23,2012 - No Comment

Roofing shingles come in many different styles, shapes, colors and patterns. But every roof has but three basic shingle (or tile) types. This article explains the three basic types of shingles and tiles which are produced. We’re not talking about specific products here, simply the types of each product.

Starters Shingles and Starter Tiles

Starter shingles are, as their name implies, the starting shingles of a Roof System. They are installed on top of the Drip Edge/Rake Edge and on top of the Leak Barriers and begin the overlapping pattern for the remainder of Shingles (or tiles) on the roof. Simply put: One single row of starter shingles is installed everywhere your roof ends, ie: in the same areas as with Metal Drip Edge and Rake Edge.

As with every other part of a Roof System, different types of starter shingles are offered by many different manufacturers. Fortunately for you, you don’t need to select what type of starter shingle to use on your roof, because the manufacturer of the Field Shingle you chose chooses for you. As long as your Roofing Contractor follows the manufacturers recommendations when selecting starter shingles, you’re in good hands.

A note of interest: starter shingles set the beginning pace for the rest of the Shingles on your roof. If the starter shingles are installed straight, then the installation technician will be off to a good start. Also, starter shingles usually need to be installed off set from the remaining Shingles on your Roof System to allow for a proper overlap of the remaining shingles or tiles.

Another easy aspect for you about starter shingles is some manufacturers produce starter shingles which can be used with the Field Shingles of their competitors. In other words, some starter shingles are interchangeable with the products of different manufacturers. Not all starter shingles however are interchangeable. To avoid any ‘unpleasantness’, double check with your roofing contractor that they will be installing a proper starter shingle.

Field Shingles and Field Tiles

Shingles, or “field” Shingles are the main component of your Roof System. It’s the part you see first when looking from the street. And it’s the part which primarily keeps the weather out of your home. Many differing types of shingles are available to choose from, ranging between the traditional Asphalt, Wood Shake and Slate/Tile, to the relatively newer Metal, Rubber and environmentally friendly Plastic Types. Manufacturers are even experimenting with new Green Roof Systems which do not have shingles at all but are instead composed of real dirt and vegetation!

Dry climates generally reduce the effectiveness of Wood Shingles in Calgary and Concrete Tiles are relatively expensive and require a very specific “taste” of design appeal. Rubber and Plastic tiles are relatively newer in the market and still gaining market share. It’s true also that many home owners are resistant to installing metal on their roof, although metal roof systems are quite true to their promise of reliability and curb appeal. This leaves Asphalt shingles as the most popular tile and shingle option for Roofing Systems, with asphalt being the most popular due to its lower cost and long reliable track record.

Asphalt and Metal Shingles have recently adapted in design to match the luxurious ‘layered’ look that Wood Shingles used to offer. Recent advances in technology have allowed more and more Asphalt and Metal shingle designs. Field shingles are installed overtop the Starter Shingles we just discussed. They take the brunt of the weather and are the ‘meat and potatoes’ a Roof System.

Without good Field Shingles, your roof doesn’t stand a chance. Of course, all components of a Roof System are vitally important, however it’s the Field Shingles which are the most visual, the most costly and receive the most attention on your Roof.

Ridge Cap Shingles and Ridge Cap Tiles

The final touch. Ridge Shingles are to your roof like a picture frame is to a picture. What kind of frame did they put around the Mona Lisa in the Louvre? I’ll bet you it wasn’t purchased at Wal-Mart… And what a difference it makes to have a good quality ridge shingle installed. The bottom line is, visually appealing Roof Systems include visually appealing ridge shingles.

If you are not concerned with the visual appeal of your Roof System, then save a buck and use a standard cut shingle for your ridge caps. If however you’d like your house to look more like your castle…use a definitive edge ridge shingle such as an IKO Ultra Hip or a GAF/Elk z-ridge. The price difference between a regular ridge shingle and a more visually appealing ridge shingle on a standard home is around $400 – $800.

Important note: Higher quality ridge shingles typically require special installation procedures when installed. It may be wise to mention this to whoever you choose to install your roof. Ridge shingles are located at areas of your roof most vulnerable to wind damage and therefore subject blowing off if they are not installed properly. Ask your roofing contractor what sort of Special Installations are required for installing high quality ridge shingles.

This article is written by Eric Gilbert-Williams, owner of The Roof Hospital located in Calgary Alberta.

Visit the Calgary Roofing Contractor website

The Roof Hospital is a Calgary Roofing Contractor Company focused exclusively on roof repairs and replacements.

With 24/hr 7/day service, lifetime guarantee’s on workmanship and with a deep understanding of the complete roof system, The Roof Hospital is a safe and reliable for Calgary roofing projects.

If you would like to learn more about A Complete Roof System, visit the Calgary Roofing Contractors website

The Roof Hospital also serves the Cochrane, Airdrie, Okotokes, Chestermere and Langdon area.

Be Proactive. Choose a reliable roofing contractor for your project, work with them to select quality products and back yourself with a strong warranty.

Be Proactive. Let Us Help.

By Eric Gilbert

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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.