Category: roofs

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Choosing the Right Underlayment for a Roofing Installation!

When buying a new roofing installation, homeowners will also need to purchase a quality underlayment for application under the external roofing materials.

There are a number of types of underlayment that roofers can install under any chosen roofing materials, each one more suitable in different circumstances.

The easiest way for homeowners to choose the right underlayment for their roof is to know about the different types and how they are best used.

  1. Asphalt-Saturated Felt - Available in 15 and 30 lb. thicknesses, asphalt-saturated felt is the traditional underlayment used by roofers everywhere to make their installations watertight, protect roof decking, and even provide noise reduction under metal roofs. Also known as roofing paper or tar paper, this breathable but water-resistant material is readily available and easy to use, although it can wrinkle under the external materials, be torn, and is susceptible to mold growth in wetter climates. The 30 lb thickness, while being more durable and water-resistant, adds a significant amount of weight to the overall installation. Still, using a high-quality felt underlayment is a cost-effective, relatively reliable means of protecting any roof and the type chosen by most homeowners with an average risk of roofing damage. 
  2. Synthetic - Made of woven polyethylene or polypropylene, synthetic underlayment is the most costly but also significantly more water-resistant and durable compared to asphalt-saturated felt. It is also mold-resistant, making it ideal protection for roofs that endure wet and damp conditions. Synthetic underlayment is also much lighter than felt and offers a non-wrinkling, tear-proof, option when the added weight of 30 lb felt is too high for the installation. Synthetic underlayment is becoming the more popular choice as time passes due to its reliability and long life. 
  3. Rubberized Asphalt - Self-adhering rubberized polymer and asphalt underlayment is a higher-quality material that is completely waterproof and ideal for use on leak-prone areas like peaks, valleys, vents, protrusions, and other difficult areas on any roof. While it is not a required addition when using asphalt-saturated felt, it is a recommended extra bit of protection for premium, long-life roofs and adds extra waterproofing to the parts of a roof that are most likely to develop leaks over time.

Regardless of the type chosen, underlayment is a critical component to be used under a new roofing installation to cover the decking and provide breathable, yet water-resistant protection.

Talk to an experienced roofer to discuss the different types and which are recommended based on the type of materials being installed.

When spending thousands of dollars on a new roof, always protect that investment with a high-quality underlayment!

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Long Lasting Roofs – What Are The Best Materials?

A new roof is a large investment in your home or building, so it is important to make the right choice on materials.

If longevity is your goal, some materials that roofers can install are much better than others.

Below, these are the best materials that, with proper roofing maintenance, can last the longest.

Although they may initially be more expensive than many other roof types, the long lifespan makes them very cost-effective over time. 

1. Slate

Of all the materials out there used on roofs, none is longer lasting than slate.

Extracted right from the earth and then chipped into shape, slate shingles can withstand nearly any condition.

They are cool in the heat, fire-resistant, and do not blow off easily.

Slate can last 100 or more years and it requires very little in terms of roofing maintenance.

The main issue with slate, and the reason why most do not choose it, however, is its weight.

Many homes and buildings are simply not sturdy enough to support it all.

2. Clay Tile

With a lifespan of up to 100 years, clay tile comes in second under the longest-lasting material that a roofer can install on your home or building.

Another sustainable and organic material, clay tiles, especially rounded Spanish tiles, are energy-efficient, durable, and hard to blow off.

Requiring very little maintenance other than keeping moss off and replacing cracked tiles right away, it is beautiful and stylish, and can be glazed in different colors.

Like slate, clay is also fairly heavy and must be carefully installed on sturdy trusses that can safely bear the weight.

3. Metal

Available in aluminum, steel, or copper, metal roofs are long-lasting, more economical than slate or tile, and light.

Metal roofing can be found in various thicknesses and countless styles, from simple standing seam panels to panels made to look like other, more stylish materials like slate, tile, and even wood.

With a correct installation and some minor maintenance like checking for loose fasteners, keeping it clean, and applying a protective coating every few years, metal installations can last 30 to 50 years or sometimes longer.

4. Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood is a beautiful material used for roofing, and can last quite a while as long as it is properly selected and cared for.

Thick wood shakes made from resilient, water-resistant woods like cedar and redwood can last 40 years or more.

A shake roof does require considerable roofing maintenance, however, including regular washing to keep moss, mildew, and other organisms from damaging it, protective coating every few years if applicable for the wood type, and prompt repairs when needed.

Wood shakes look strikingly beautiful and rustic but do involve a commitment to take care of them.

Shingles, much like shakes are made from a variety of woods, but these can be found in many shapes and sizes to fit the architectural style of the building.

They also require a considerable care commitment. As they are much thinner than shakes, wood shingles have a life expectancy of only about 20 to 25 years.

5. Architectural Composite Shingles

The most widely used material installed by roofers everywhere is also the one that can have the shortest lifespan depending on the product.

Available in countless styles, colors, and types, today’s composite asphalt shingles - also called architectural shingles or dimensional shingles - are readily available, easy to install, but do require occasional cleaning.

Life expectancy spans from 15 to 50 years depending on the quality, with better quality, more expensive shingles lasting longer than the less-expensive types.

Asphalt shingles are a favorite due to their availability and their price, which can be much lower than any of the others mentioned.

Roofing Lifespan Depends On The Materials

With so many roofs you can choose to install on your home or building, lifespan should be one of the prime considerations.

A long-lasting installation that requires minimal roofing maintenance is ideal for any structure.

As for the cost, keep in mind that the longer the materials last the lower their actual cost becomes over the lifetime of the installation.

Talk to a reputable roofer about these different materials and which one is right for you!

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What is the Value of a Roof Turbine?

Adequate ventilation is a critical, yet frequently overlooked part of roofing.

Without it, any roof can suffer damage due to high heat and humidity in the attic, and utility bills can elevate much higher than they should be.

Although most roofs are designed to have more than enough ventilation to keep things cool and dry, roofers will sometimes install a turbine when the natural ventilation is not adequate.

What Is A Roof Turbine?

A turbine is a spinning mechanism built to create some sort of energy with its spinning vanes.

When applied to roofing, turbines added onto the tops of a roof installation are an effective solution when natural ventilation is not enough, or the design of the structure does not allow for proper ventilation.

These electric devices provide the extra ventilation necessary to reduce the humidity and temperature in the attic when the other ventilation systems already built into the roof (ridge, gable, and soffit vents) don’t do enough.

How Do Roof Turbines Work?

Roof turbines are run by electricity, usually on an automatic sensor that detects when conditions in the attic space beneath a roof become too hot and too humid.

Easily installed by professional roofers for as little as $100 per turbine, a few of these in strategic places can significantly improve attic ventilation and reduce the chance of the problems poor ventilation causes.

When switched on, the turbine vines spin quickly inside the housing, sucking hot and moist air in the attic up through the turbine to be released on the outside.

As the air under the roofing moves upward and into the turbine, cooler air from the outside is drawn in through the soffit vents.

This forced air movement creates a flow that also increases the amount of warm air that escapes from under the roof through ridge and gable vents.

Collectively, the increased airflow and removal of excess hot and humid air from the attic reduces the interior temperature and humidity level.

Why Install Roof Turbines?

The issue with poor ventilation for any roofing is the degree of damage that hot, moist air stagnating in an attic can cause.

Hot air under the decking can cause shingles to blister, or to lose their adhesion and lift up.

In climates where there is a possibility of snow or ice on the roof, hot attics cause ice damming.

All of these problems cause slow leaking that could, after some time, destroy the shingles, the decking, and even the structural framework of the roof.

Additionally, roofers find that moisture in the attic frequently permits mold growth, which ruins stored contents, pollutes the indoor air quality, and can even progress to the point of wood rot on the decking and structural system.

Hot attics also prevent rising hot air from leaving the home or building, making it harder to cool, increasing utility costs as a result.

All of these problems can be easily eliminated with a few turbine vents to control the temperature and moisture level in a hot, damp attic.

Avoid Ventilation Roofing Damage With A Roof Turbine

Roof turbines are an easy and inexpensive solution for preventing costly roofing damage and excessive utility bills.

If you are wondering whether your roof could use a few turbines, hire a roofer to do an inspection and test to determine if there is adequate ventilation.

Adding critical ventilation by installing turbines could save your entire roofing.

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Need A Roof? Look No Further Than Here!

If you're a homeowner, you need to know all there is to know about roofing.

You will pay for any bad choices you make.

After all, the roof is what hangs over you and your family's heads.

Read this article to educate yourself on proper roofing strategies.

Fix Leaks Right

When fixing leaks, do it right the first time.

The first spot may not be all there is in need of repair; continue to inspect the entire roof to ensure that multiple leaks are not to blame.

Climate Dictates What Roofing Material To Use

With roofing, it's important to think about the weather.

Clay roofs do well in dry climates and they help keep the house cool.

Clay tiles that are on a home that is in a place where it rains all the time can deteriorate fast.

If you are unsure, you can always ask.

Safety Comes First When On Roofs

When making roof repairs, safety needs to be a priority.

It's just too risky to get up on your roof during inclement weather, when accidents are most likely to occur.

Use a bucket to catch the leak, and then check out what is needed for repair when the weather changes.

Have safety precautions in place when going on your roof.

If you aren't secure, you are in danger of losing your balance and falling, which injures and kills thousands each year.

Be Sure You Have The Right Roofer

There are many questions you'll need to ask a prospective roofer before signing a contract.

One inquiry should be about how many nails the roofer will place into every shingle; typically, you would want more than three.

Ask them about which techniques they use and be sure you're happy with their answer.

If you do not, move on.

Ready For Roofing Work?

You should now have more information about roofing; your answer ought to be yes.

You're now ready to make roof repairs.

Hire help if you need it, or do the job yourself if you can.

Use these tips when constructing your plan.

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Important Roofing Facts You Need to Know

The roof over your head is probably one of the most important investments you will make in your lifetime.

So choosing the right roofing company, the right materials, and the right colors isn't a decision that should be taken lightly.

The paragraphs below will help guide you in the right direction.

Read each tip carefully and consider the impact it will have on the rest of your life.

Water Can Enter Almost Anywhere

Roof sheathing may be the cause of your roof leaks, so don't only assume it is the shingles.

Water can enter into many areas that are rotting.

You should examine all potential entry points on your roof so that you can find the problem.

Cold Weather and Roofs

If you need to walk on your roof, it is important that you do it at a time when it is not too cold or hot.

Extreme weather tends to make shingles very brittle, so walking on them during this time can cause a lot of damage.

Morning is the best time during summer months and afternoon is best in the winter to be on your roof.

Wet Conditions and Roofs

Wet conditions are the enemy of safe and effective roof work.

If the roof is slippery, you risk having a fall that can cause serious injury or death.

It is in your best interest to tackle your project on a dry, sunny day.

If you have a leak in your roofing and the weather is wet and/or icy, it is a good idea to wait until the weather is better to take care of it.

While fixing the roof right away might seem like the best solution, you are increasing your chances of getting hurt.

In Summary

These choices may seem trivial to the new homeowner, but they each have their own substantial impact.

Using the roofing advice that was offered above, you should know what to expect from each choice and what options to avoid.

If you are going to put a roof over your head, then read through these tips one more time!

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Important Knowledge On Properly Fixing Your Roof

When it comes to roof maintenance, many homeowners have no idea what to do.

Too often, people neglect their roofs altogether until a serious problem has developed.

Keep this from happening by using the information provided in the article below.

Taking care of your roof ensures that you and your family will always remain safe and protected.

Don't Check Roof in Bad Weather

Don't mess around with your roof if the weather is inclement.

Not only does it make it more dangerous for you to go up there, but it can also ruin the work you're attempting to do.

Wait for nice weather, both temperature and storm-wise, and then take advantage of the beautiful day.

Check For Roof Leaks With A Hose

If you are seeking out a leak on your roof, use a hose to find where the problem is.

If you aren't having any luck, reverse the direction of the water.

If you're pouring it down the roof, try spraying it up the roof.

Continue to move the water around until the leak is found.

Check Base of the Roof

While leaks sometimes do come from problems with your shingles, you should also check the foundation of the roof.

Water can enter into many areas that are rotting.

You need to look for every possible place that water can enter the roof so that the problem gets taken care of completely.

Don't Fix Roofs in Bad Weather

If you have a leak in your roof and the weather is wet and/or icy, it is a good idea to wait until the weather is better to take care of it.

While fixing the roof right away might seem like the best solution, you are increasing your chances of getting hurt.

Roof Maintenance Is The Wisest Choice

Roof maintenance isn't always easy, and it is rarely very fun.

It is however, a necessary task if you want to keep your home safe and protected.

Use the advice mentioned above to keep your roof in good shape year in and year out.

Your efforts will be well worth it in the long run.