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Roofing Shingles

November 30th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Roofing shingles are something that most every homeowner has, but few spend enough time thinking about them. The purpose of roofing shingles are to provide a single layer solution to a leak proof top for a home or structure. Shingles are generally laid out from the bottom edge of the roof upward, with each higher row overlapping the lower row. Traditionally shingles were made of wood and were capped at the top with a row of copper or lead sheeting. In modern shingle roofs this has been replaced by a row of shingles with plastic underlay.

Back to the make up of shingles, wood was considered good. But in time modern materials such as asphalt and asbestos cement replaced wood as common materials. Fiberglass based asphalt shingles are now the most popular shingle used in the United States. The obvious issue with wood is fire, and fire is the reason wood and paper backed shingles are used infrequently in modern construction.

Most people have seen a type of wood shingle, but wouldn’t be able to identify it. It’s called a shake, which is a wooden shingle made from split logs. Shake roofs were common with log cabins, and with many wood frame homes. They’re still in use today, most commonly transported by helicopters, but it wasn’t always done that way. Before the invention of helicopters the shakes were tied into packs and transported by pack animal or even by human power. Often cut in hilly areas, they were carried down the slope with the help of a long line run from the bottom to the top. This line served as a hand hold so people carrying the shake packs wouldn’t fall.

The main difference between a shingle and a tile is flexibility. Tiles are generally made from ceramic. They’re brittle and ill suited to locations where tree limbs might fall on a roof. Shingles are flexible and therefor better able to stand up to tree limbs. Wood shingles rot, while ceramic tiles don’t., but modern materials such as the asbestos base for most shingles don’t rot. Another difference is the shape. Shingles are flat, while ceramic tiles commonly have an “S” profile to allow them to interlock for strength.

One of the more unique materials for roof shingles is slate. Because of both cleavage and grain slate can be easily split into thin sheets. Such sheets, the slate shingles, make for an old world look for a roof. Slate roofing shingles are installed by a slater, a tradesman trained to work with slate. The same qualities that make slate excellent for roofing shingles, they are fireproof and an electric insulator, made them useful for early 20th century switchboards and relay controls on large electric motors. Imagine that, making a phone call on your roofing shingles.

Roofing Materials

November 28th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

A house can be topped with a variety of roofing materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Location is a top concern when selecting materials, for example a sturdier material should be 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 have 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 type of shingle does not absorb water, and it resists cracking. It also tends to resist high winds, as tested by the Underwriters Laboratories. Sounds like a winner!

Architectural shingle is an inorganic, three dimensional shingle. It is made of multiple layers which gives it a depth and thus an appearance close to wood or slate roofing. These shingles weigh more and cost more than most 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. Most people have seen this type of roofing, most often on industrial buildings. It consists of a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. Easy to install, this type of material will last between 10 and 20 years.

Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. The best steel panels are made with zinc. Like roll roofing this is more common on industrial buildings. It is durable, withstands fire, and lasts a long time.

Wood shingles are the oldest type of shingle. They are made with a variety of woods, but cedar is most common. These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. 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 used to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. A special type of flashing is a “boot,” made to fit around a vent pipe. The boot is sometimes plastic. A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to shed water and protect the roof’s wood parts. 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 these roofing materials, installation and contractors, maintenance, and a lot more about roofs. The more you know, the less likely you are to get wet.

Roofing Material

November 26th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

When choosing the roofing material for your roof, take the roofing material’s lifespan into account because this dictates how long your roof will last before having to be replaced. 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. It’s generally best to select roofing products that have nearly the same lifespan to avoid piece by piece repairs throughout 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.

The average lifespan of asphalt roofing is from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. 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.

The average lifespan of fiberglass roofing is from 15 to 20 years. Fiberglass roofing requires little maintenance and can be manufactured in many different colors and styles to give the homeowner the desired look. Roofs made from this material are water resistant and mold resistant.

Many homes in the northeastern portion of the nation use wooden shakes and shingles. These roofing materials will generally last for about 15 to 20 years, and could last for as many as 30 years if the shakes and shingles are well maintained.

Slate roofing materials are some of the longest lasting roofing products on the market, with an average lifespan of 40 to 75 years.

Metal roofing can last nearly 50 years. Metal roofing products come in a wide variety of different colors, finishes, and styles to resemble other types of roofing materials such as tiles or wooden shingles. These roofing products are nearly indestructible from 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. The very first rubber roof ever installed was in Wisconsin in 1980. It’s still doing its job after nearly 30 years.

So you see, there are many different roofing materials each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Residentail Roofing

November 24th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Residential roofing sounds like a boring topic. Except for roofing contractors or other residential roofing specialists, who would want to talk about residential roofing? How about home owners? The roof is one of the most important aspects of a home. 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. Roofing needs vary by region and include such considerations as need to withstand tree limbs, wind resistance, fire resistance, ability to withstand the weight of snow 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 a northern, cold and snowy region than they would be in a hot and dry region. For those who purchase homes it’s important to understand 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 roof 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 of the maintenance issues that are important to ensuring the best performance and longest life from the roofing system. First amongst these issues is timing. Proper maintenance should begin the second the roofing system is complete. 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 aspects of the roofing system were installed to manufacturer’s specifications or to local government guidelines.

After six months to a year the roof should be inspected for debris such as sticks, leaves, and even garbage such as aluminum cans, and those debris removed. This should continue 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. Leaks cause a great deal of damage, including the possibility of mold that can completely destroy a home.

Pipe boot, the material at the bottom of vent and other pipes on the roof, often require replacing after only a few years. Many states require pipe jacks made out of lead, and this will last longer than the roof. But some states, including Oklahoma, don’t require lead pipe jacks.

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.

Residential Metal Roofing

November 22nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

The National Roofing Contractor’s Association says that residential metal roofing has become much more popular over the last decade. No, it isn’t that the corrugated tin barn roof look has come into style. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Once mostly used for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on houses.

Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. In addition to those already mentioned metal roofs are quick to install and great at reflecting the heat from the sun. People think metal roofs make the home hotter because if they stand on a metal roof it’s hot. But that heat is reflected away from the home. If it’s hotter on top, it’s cooler down below the roof.

Metal roofs are made mostly from aluminum and steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some popular styles retain a decidedly commercial look found by architects to give a home clean lines.

This is the real world, and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs do have drawbacks which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. But this expense can be recovered if the homeowner remains in the home for a long time, and a metal roof helps save on engineering and structural maintenance of the supporting structure. In a rain storm having a metal roof can be a little like living inside a drum. A metal roof is louder than other types of roofs. Using sound deadening insulation can help minimize the extra noise of a metal roof. Metal roofs, particularly aluminum and copper materials, are soft and prone to denting from hail stones. Some metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. Metal roofs can also be slippery when wet, something to keep in mind for gutter cleaning, inspection, or other maintenance that requires walking on the roof. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although again they’re generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.

A quick note on lightning for residential metal roofing is don’t be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn’t the case, particularly when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.

In this world of worlds in which we live, residential metal roofing is sure to give, a homeowner a great roofing experience.

Michigan Roofing

November 20th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

It’s a little known fact that Michigan is one of the most progressive areas when it comes to roofing. Part of the reason may be the temperature and weather extremes in Michigan. 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 30 years later, and rubber roofs are taking off all over the United States.

One of the best sources of information for roofs in Michigan is the MRCA or Michigan Roofing Contractors Association. 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 lists roofing contractors and consultants, has information on roofing, and holds yearly meetings to keep its members updated on the latest in roofing techniques and technologies.

Michigan is one of the most aggressive areas when it comes to the use of metal roofing materials. This includes not only the older tin barn roof style, but the newer styles that mimic the look of other roofing materials. Michigan’s cold, snow filled winters and hot summers test not only the shrinking and expanding ability of metal roofs, but their ability to shed water and snow. Only a fool would try to walk on a metal roof during a Michigan winter.

One local Michigan roofing company is Hansons, a family owned company that prides itself on customer service and treating customers like family. Hansons not only honors the manufacturer warranties on all its product, they add their own additional warranties. These include a 10 year guarantee all the way up to a 30 year fully transferable guarantee.

Michigan State University is a leading research center for green roofing. Green roofing is growing plants on a roof to replace the lost plants when the structure was built. Green roofing includes deep soil, a variety of plants, and even trees on the roof. 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.

From rubber and metal roofs to trees on roof tops, Michigan roofing is a wild subject to consider.

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