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Michigan Roofing Info

November 19th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Most people don’t realize that Michigan is one of the most aggressive areas when it comes to roofing technology.  Michigan’s temperature and other weather extremes may be a reason for this.  When it comes to Michigan roofing, if it works in Michigan it works.  That may be why Michigan was the site for the first rubber roof installation way back in 1980.  That roof is still going strong nearly thirty years later, and rubber roofs are becoming more popular everywhere.

The MRCA or Michigan Roofing Contractors Association, is one of the top information sources for Michigan roofing.  This groups includes numerous chapters which are the ARCWM,  Associated Roofing Contractors of Western Michigan; the Flint PRO, Professional Roofing Organization; JLWRCA, Jackson, Livingston, Washtenaw Roofing Contractors Association; LRCA, Lansing Roofing Contractors Association; RIPF, Roofing Industry Promotion Fund; SVRCA, Saginaw Valley Roofing Contractor Association; and the SMRCA, Southeastern Michigan Roofing Contractors Association.  The MRCA maintains lists of roofing contractors and consultants, has information on roofing, and holds yearly meetings to keep its members informed on the latest in roofing advancements.

Michigan is one of the leading areas when it comes to the use of metal roofing materials.  This includes not only the older tin barn roof style, but modern styles that mimic the look of other roofing materials.  A metal roofs’ ability to shrink and expand as well as to shed water and snow are tested by Michigan’s cold, snow filled winters and hot summers.  But never walk barefoot on a metal roof.

One local Michigan roofing company is Hansons, a family owned company that prides itself on customer service and treating customers like family.  Hansons both honors manufacturer warranties and adds its own warranties to the products they sell.  Hanson’s extra warranties include a 10 year guarantee all the way up to a 30 year fully transferable guarantee.

Green roofing is becoming a more popular subject, and Michigan State University leads the way in researching green roofing.  Green roofing means growing plants on a roof to replace the plants destroyed by the building’s footprint.  Soil, plants and even trees are elements of green roofing.  Research continues to determine the benefit of green roofing to the environment, the benefit of green roofing to a roof and a structure, and any negative impacts a green roof may have on a structure.

I’m rubber you’re metal, we’re both part of the wild world of Michigan Roofing.

Metal Roofing

November 18th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

When people think of metal roofing they think of the corrugated “tin barn” look. But metal roofing has come a long way. Today metal roofing includes a variety of styles and materials so that the roof can look good, while retaining the qualities of durability, longevity, fire resistance and easy maintenance.

Metal roofs are made from a variety of metals. These include the traditional aluminum and steel, as well as copper and a variety of alloys. Modern metal roofs can be formed into shapes that imitate Spanish tiles, wood shakes, and even slate. They can be given a variety of finishes such as granulated stone topcoats to complete a realistic imitation of almost any other material.

There are some negatives to a metal roof. One is cost, with a typical square running from $150 to $600. Another is the necessity of professional installation and maintenance, both again adding to the overall cost of a metal roof. But even with these negatives many people feel that metal roofs have benefits that make them worthwhile. Speaking of cost, a properly installed and maintained metal roof can last as long as the house. That means, over a typical home’s life time, the cost of a metal roof is low compared to the cost of other roofing materials that might require replacement after 15 to 20 years.

Metal roofs are very light, 50 to 150 pounds per square compared to 750 pounds per square foot for tile or 900 pounds per square foot for concrete tile. Metal roofs can also be installed right over existing roofs without installing additional support. Metal roofs withstand high winds, snow slides off them, and they are resistant to mildew, insects and rot.

Another major concern with a roof is roof pitch. Many materials require a steep pitch to ensure water flows off the roof so that the roof won’t leak. Metal roofs require a less steep pitch, with a typical recommended minimum being 3-in-12, which is three inches of height for every horizontal foot. Consider the benefit of a less steep roof next time you have to climb onto it to clean the gutters, or retrieve a ball or Frisbee thrown there by a child.

Just as with other home projects that require a professional, the best way to find a metal roof contractor is through word of mouth. Talk to friends and neighbors, or look for metal roofs around the neighborhood and ask the home owners who installed them. The Internet is a good source to find pre-screened metal roofing contractors, as are architects who design homes with metal roofs. The National Roofing Contractors Association can also help. Their number is 1-800-USA-ROOF.

You may not be ready for a cat on a hot tin roof. But if you want a long lasting roof for your home, consider that traditional wood and shingles are good, but metal may be better.

Residential Roofing Tips

November 17th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Residential roofing might sound like a boring topic.  Except for roofing contractors or other residential roofing specialists, who would want to talk about residential roofing?  Home owners should.  One of the most important elements of a home is the roof.  So it’s essential for homeowners to be up to date on the subject of residential roofing at least as far as it pertains to their own residence.

One of the most important points to consider when discussing residential roofing is the area where the residence is located.  Needs for roofs vary by region and include such considerations as need to withstand tree limbs, wind resistance, fire resistance, ability to withstand or to allow snow to slide off, and even color when it comes to a good looking roof for the area.  Residential roofing needs are quite different in New Hampshire than they would be in Los Angeles.  For home buyers it’s important to be familiar with the features and maintenance needs of the roof.  For those who build homes, particularly if they serve as their own general contractor, choosing the right roofing material for the region is a key.

Since it’s more common for a homeowner to purchase a home complete with a pre-installed residential roofing system, let’s examine some maintenance practices that ensure best performance and longest life from the roof.  First amongst these issues is timing.  Proper maintenance should begin the second the roofing system is finished.  Such maintenance will save money in the long run.  Immediate maintenance includes inspecting the work and checking the contractor’s license, insurance, and whether all elements of the roofing system were installed to manufacturer’s specifications or to local government guidelines.

After the first year inspect the roof for debris, such as tree limbs and aluminum cans, so they can be removed.  This should be repeated at least once a year.  Also make sure the gutters are cleaned at least once a year to ensure proper drainage.  If the residential roof can’t drain, it will develop leaks.  Some of the issues associated with leaks are damaged property and even a ruined home due to mold.

After only a few years the material at the bottom of vent and other roof protrusions, called pipe boot, may need to be replaced.  This is particularly true in states like Oklahoma that don’t require pipe jacks to be made out of long lasting lead.

Many roofers convince home owners that the entire roof needs replacing even when there’s only a tiny leak.  That’s nonsense.  And the best way to avoid the scam is to have the roof inspected twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.  An easy way to remember to have the residential roofing inspected is to do it when the clocks spring forward and fall back.

Types of Roofing Material Options For a Roof

November 17th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

A house can be topped with a variety of roofing materials, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.  Location is a primary concern when selecting a roofing material, for example a sturdier material is used in areas prone to hurricanes or heavy snow fall.  In the medical world a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but in the world of homes it’s “owner know thy roof.”

Fiberglass asphalt shingles consist of a base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated mineral granules .  This is an inorganic shingle with a high fire rating and often a longer warranty (and life span) than other types of shingles.  This shingle resists water and cracking.  It also tends to resist high winds, as tested by the Underwriters Laboratories.  Sounds like a winner!

An inorganic, three dimensional shingle is Architectural Shingle.  It is made of multiple layers which gives it a depth and thus an appearance close to wood or slate roofing.  Disadvantages are weight and cost, both more than other shingles.

Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles.  It’s used on roofs with shallow grades, or on steeper roofs as a compliment to shingles.  This is used most often on industrial buildings.  It has a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface.  This roof is easy to install and will last a long time, 10-20 years.

Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles.  Zinc is used in the best steel panels. Like roll roofing this is more common on industrial buildings.  Durable, long lasting and resistant to fire, metal roofing is a great choice.

The earliest shingles were made of wood, and wood shingles are still used in modern construction.  Cedar is the most common wood used for these shingles, but many consist of a variety of woods.  Wood shingles are amongst the most difficult to install.  As expected wood shingles are susceptible to fire.  A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but does not eliminate it.

In the interest of being complete, a discussion of other elements of the roof is necessary.  These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof.  Flashing consists of strips of sheet metal or roofing material  placed to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof.  The boot is a flashing made to fit around the base of a vent pipe.  The boot is sometimes plastic.  A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to help protect wood portions of the roof by shedding water.  Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Building paper helps keep water away from the wood frame under the shingles.

The Internet is full of information on all types of roofing material, installation and contractors, maintenance, and a lot more about roofs.  The more you know the less likely you are to get wet.

Install Metal Roofing

November 16th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Let’s start with one simple rule for people who want to install metal roofing. If you cannot easily walk on the roof because it’s too steep, call a professional. Now that the rule is out of the way, if you have a building that needs a metal roof but can’t afford what the professionals have bid, here’s how to tackle it.

The proper tools are needed. These include a measuring tape, a chalk line with plenty of chalk, a good drill, a good extension ladder and a good step ladder, ½ pound of ¼ inch roofing nails, metal roofing screws, metal snips, and a cloth nail bag to hold the nails and screws.

Measure the roof’s height and add the desired overhang, generally two to four inches. Take multiple measurements keeping in mind the handy man’s mantra “measure twice, cut once.” Now measure the roof’s length and height on both sides to determine how much metal edging is needed. Take these measurements to the selected roofing supply company. They will tell you how much roofing is needed. Keep in mind that 3 to 6 inches of unblocked air flow is needed between layers.

Although it isn’t necessary to remove the old roof before laying down a metal roof, it is best. Remove old shingles with a pitch fork, roofing shovel, or roofing pliers. Once this is done lay down 30 pound tar paper as the base for the new roof. If there’s only one layer of shingles on the old roof, lay down 1”x4”x building length pine wood boards screwed onto the old shingles. Once the roof is prepared the metal roof edging can be applied.

Start placing the metal sheets running from top to bottom. Screw them into the wood slats, using a screw every two feet on both sides of the sheet. Each sheet overlaps the last. When you reach the edge cut the last metal sheet so it’s just past the edge of the roof.

Once the sheets are applied to both sides of the roof apply the metal trim along the sides of the roof at the edge. Also apply it at the peak, first scoring it in the middle so it can be bent over the peak.

Of course these instructions are useful only for installing the standard type of tin barn roof seen in industrial buildings, garages and the like. Other types of metal roofs require different methods for installation. But those can be tackled equally as well by a do it yourself person who wants to install metal roofing.

Roofing Material Choices

November 15th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

When a homeowner makes a selection of a roofing material, they should, take the roofing material’s lifespan into account because this dictates the overall lifespan of the roof.  And that impacts long term cost.

A roof’s lifespan depends on a number of factors, including roofing style, materials, and the climate in the area where the home is located. Selecting roofing products with nearly the same lifespans will avoid piece by piece repairs over a ten to fifteen year period.  In most cases, roofing materials last for about twenty years. This is if the roof has been maintained properly and there has been no significant damage to the roof from the weather. Some materials have a lifespan of as much as 50 years while some others last as little as 10 years.  Here are some of the common roofing materials and their lifespans.

A properly maintained asphalt roof will last between 15 and 20 years. Asphalt roofing materials are one of the most common types of roofing materials used throughout the nation because of the low cost of the materials and the ease of repairs.

Fiberglass roofing lasts between 15 and 20 years. Little maintenance is required for fiberglass roofs, and they come in many different styles and colors to match almost any desired look. Fiberglass roofs resist water and mold because they don’t have organic components.

Wooden shakes and shingles are common in the north eastern United States. These roofing materials will generally last between 15 and 20 years, and can even last for as many as 30 years if the shakes and shingles are well maintained.

With an average lifespan of 40 to 75 years, slate roofing materials are amongst the longest lasting roofing products.

Metal roofing can last nearly 50 years. Metal roofs come in a variety of colors, finishes and styles, and can even resemble tiles and wooden shingles. These roofing products are nearly impervious to weather and can be installed over the current roof.

A less well known option is rubber roofing.  It’s easy to install, easy to maintain, and long lasting.  It can be a single sheet cut to fit the roof or shingles.  In 1980 the very first rubber roof was installed.  It was in Wisconsin.  It’s still going strong after nearly 30 years.

Roofing materials come in many varieties and styles.  Pick the one that’s right for you.

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