Tag Archives: roofing materials

What are the Differences Between Asphalt, Fiberglass, and Tin Roof Shingles?

Not many homeowners are aware of the diversity when it comes to the materials on their roof. While it is true that they may have some knowledge, it is also true that they also do may not be as knowledgeable as they could be when it comes to what a roof is constructed from. There are over a dozen varieties of shingles on a roof, and three of these will be analyzed and discussed in this article: Asphalt, Fiberglass, and Tin.

Asphalt Roof Shingles

Across all the varieties of roof shingles, asphalt are the most common. They are the most common because they are easy and cheap to install and also because they come in a plethora of designs.

Because they are so common, it is very easy to have these installed. Nearly any roofer, from Plano TX to Boston MA, will be able to install, work on, repair, or replace asphalt shingles. And because they are so cheap to maintain and easy to install, most roofers can be finished installing asphalt shingles in a matter of hours. Additionally, they can keep a house cool by deflecting UV rays. This is very important for anybody who lives in hot climates year-round.

You do get what you pay for with asphalt shingles, however, so they do not last long. They only last an average of 20 years, with many repairs likely needing to be done within that time frame. Additionally, if you live around a lot of trees, the limbs and branches from them can easily damage the asphalt shingles. This is also a cause of constant repair. If you live in a dry area where there is a small chance of outside impact on your roof, it would be ideal to install asphalt shingles. They will keep the house cooler and will be much cheaper to maintain.

Fiberglass Roof Shingles

A variation of asphalt shingles are fiberglass shingles. These are a bit more expensive than asphalt shingles, but last a bit longer and are resistant to even more things than asphalt shingles. Similar to asphalt shingles, fiberglass shingles will reflect UV rays. But because fiberglass is not flammable, they are also somewhat fire-resistant as well. They are not completely fire resistant because they are combined with asphalt shingles, which are flammable, but they provide a bit more protection from fire than standard asphalt shingles.

As mentioned previously, fiberglass shingles do cost more money than traditional asphalt shingles. To provide some perspective, asphalt shingles can be installed for as low as $1700. Fiberglass shingles can be installed starting at $3800 on average. However, because they cost a little more, fiberglass shingles also last a little longer, about ten or so years longer than asphalt shingles do. They are also slightly more durable than asphalt shingles. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on a roof but also want more protection than asphalt shingles, then install fiberglass shingles.

Tin Roof Shingles

The first thing to know about tin shingles is that they are made of metal. Roofs that are made of metal last incredibly long, in particular, because they can obviously absorb a lot of impact and exposure to outside elements. Any metal roof, tin included, can last as long as fifty years. This makes metal roofs a very good long-term investment that will provide almost maximum peace of mind when it comes to any homeowner’s roof.

Tin shingles can and will protect your roof from nearly anything and everything. However, because metal absorbs heat and doesn’t reflect it, tin shingles can and will increase the temperature of the house. However, there are now options to modify most tin roofs to not absorb so much heat. Additionally, installing a tin roof is deceptively expensive. Because the procedures of building and installing tin shingles is much different than the procedures involving any other kind of roof, not only does it cost more money, it also takes a lot of time.

How much money and how much time would something like this cost? Around $10 per square foot across a few days. But the price is well worth it, especially if you live in an area that encounters a lot of intense weather. Installing a tin roof in a place that experiences a lot of hurricanes, for instance, will save thousands in the long run, as asphalt and even fiberglass shingles are not nearly as durable as tin shingles.

After learning that there are so many kinds of shingles that can be placed and installed on a roof, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. So the best way to go about choosing which shingles are right for your home is to go through a simple checklist, and always seek consultation from a roofing company near you.

First, you should determine how long you will stay in the home. Remember that different shingles have different lifespans. For example, if you plan to stay in your home for over 20 years, it would not make sense to install asphalt shingles, as they last a maximum of 20 years. But if you are planning to move within 10 years, it would probably not make sense to install tin shingles that last a really long time.

Second, take a look at what is surrounding your roof as well as the consistency of the weather in your area. Is it underneath a lot of tree branches and other things that can fall and damage the roof? Are you in an area that experiences hurricanes every fall? Answering these questions will also determine what kind of roof you should have installed.

These are considerations that many do not think about. And because they do not think about these kinds of things when installing a new roof, they either spend a lot more money than they need to on installing a roof, or they end up getting a roof installed that they then need to replace or make constant repairs on. These descriptions of these three types of roofs are designed to get you to think about which kind is best for you in the short term or in the long term.

 

Epoxy Roof Coatings: What You Need to Know (Cost, Leaks)

The most important concern that anyone getting a roof installed should have, whether the building is commercial or residential, is protecting the roof from leaks. Fixing a leak can be one of the most costly ventures one could possibly take when repairing a roof. Whether you hire a roofing company to fix the leak or take the time, money, and effort to fix it yourself, it can be agreed that the best way to address roof leaks is by making sure that they never happen.

Another thing that anyone who has a long term investment in a roof should be aware of is protecting the roof from impact. In fact, it is because of debris that bounces off of an unprotected roof that causes leaks in the first place. Protecting your roof is priority one, and using the right coatings to protect your roof will provide peace of mind that will last. Epoxy roof coatings were invented for this very reason, to make sure that any given roof is protected from anything that could permanently damage it.

What is Epoxy?

Before any discussion about epoxy roof coatings can even begin, it is imperative to understand what epoxy the substance actually is. The reason why this needs to be known is because when using epoxy as a roof coating, it is possible to apply too little of it to where the roof is not as protected as it needs to be, and it is also possible to apply too much of it onto a roof to where it could permanently damage the roof.

Epoxy is a resin that almost immediately sticks onto any surface and makes the surface much harder. It is similar to cement but it does not bind anything permanently like cement does. Think of epoxy as a cross between plaster and cement. It is designed to hold things in place like plaster does, but it is also designed to create very, very hard surfaces, similar to cement.

So, to summarize, when epoxy is used as a roof coating, it is effectively cementing any material on the roof. This is why knowing about it is so important. If too much epoxy is applied onto a roof coating, the roof will literally turn into cement. It will get heavier and heavier as a substance, will cause the roof to be heavier than it needs to be, and it could cause damage to the walls in the attic.

Before you Buy – Necessary Precautions

Keeping this in mind, before you shop for epoxy roof coatings for your roof, there are few things to keep in mind. Drawing on the previous observations, that too little epoxy content will not protect the roof enough and that too much can cause damage to anything related to the roof, it would be a very good thing to use this information to make an educated decision on what kind of coating you need.

Different coatings have different amounts of epoxy in them. For example, the epoxy roof coating that is sold by Armor Garage has no chemicals to mix and lasts about 15 years. This seems like a good investment, but there is more information that needs to be gathered before using it on your roof. Because no roof is created the same, it is important to check to see what kind of coating is necessary for your particular roof.

There are a few ways to do this. The first way is to save this chart to a device of your choosing to see all (or most) of the coatings that exist. This will give you a general guide of what you may want to use. Another thing to do is to check what kind of materials your roof is made of, and how old they are. This requires you to climb on your roof, which can be extremely dangerous. It is not recommended that you do this alone.

Different rooftop materials have different durabilities and this should give you an idea of how strong the coating you want to get needs to be. For example, a roof with asphalt shingles, which is the most common roofing material, probably does not require coating with a high epoxy content, especially if it has been a long time since it has been installed. A metal roof that was just installed may need coating with a bit more epoxy content.

One thing that can ensure that you are not going to permanently damage your roof with an epoxy coating is to err on the side of applying too little. While it is true that applying too little coating will not protect your roof completely, at least it will protect your roof somewhat. Applying too much coating can weigh the rest of the house down, especially if the roof is made up of asphalt shingles.

Every roof should be protected as much as possible. Even in areas where there is not a lot of bad weather or a lot of debris hitting the roof constantly, it is still a good idea to consider protecting the roof. This is possible and very easy to do with epoxy coating, and it is a much cheaper alternative to not doing anything and then fixing a roof leak yourself or hiring somebody to do it.

While it is a very good idea to protect your roof with epoxy coating, this process can backfire if too much coating is applied. One solution for this is to protect the roof somewhat by only applying a little coating, or consulting with an expert in roof maintenance. These are just small things that can protect your investment of a roof in a big way that can save a lot of time and money in the long run.

Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options

Protecting the environment has become a rather popular trend in our culture, but it can seem difficult for homeowners to consider eco-friendly roofing options. Not many think that the components of a roof even has a negative effect on the environment. This does not make the common homeowner a bad person, it just means that these homeowners do not know that eco-friendly roofing options exist. This article will explore how exactly the common roofing practices can damage the environment, and will then explore a number of environmentally friendly options.

Roof Components That Can Negatively Affect the Environment

There are two issues that must be addressed when it comes to a roof’s effect on the environment: recyclable materials and energy efficiency. Most of the materials that make up the shingles of a roof are not recyclable. This means when they are disposed of, nothing happens. They get placed in a landfill or any other area in your neighborhood where garbage is taken.

Another issue is energy efficiency. Houses with traditional shingle tile roofs can affect the temperature of many houses, thereby requiring you, as a homeowner, to keep the house at a proper temperature. This, of course, requires energy to be used. And as it is commonly known, using energy affects all kinds of resources. This is what happens when the common asphalt shingles are used to construct a roof. Although they are common, they are not eco-friendly.

Possible Sacrifices to Consider by Getting an Environmentally Friendly Roof

Because eco-friendly roofing materials and contractors are not as common as traditional roofing materials and contractors, possible inconveniences can come up. It seems like this is how most things that involve eco-friendly materials are, and it is something that cannot be helped. So one sacrifice that you may need to make when pursuing eco-friendly roofing is that you may need to go past shopping at places like your local home depot for eco-friendly roofing materials.

The other sacrifice that must be made is that these materials may not last as long and may have some disadvantages compared to conventional materials. Some of them may need to be replaced more frequently. Some others may cost more or might be harder to find. Like with any form of home preparation, there are a great many things to consider before swapping out your conventional roof for an eco-friendly one. If you’re considering an environmentally friendly roof, make sure to get in touch with a local roofing contractor to discuss all your options!

List of Eco-friendly Roofing Options

There are many environmentally friendly roofing options available. And if you are willing to make the general sacrifices listed above, you should be able to find at least one that suits your home. The following is a list of all the options, along with a short description of some good and bad qualities of each.

1. The “White/Cool Roof”: This is an eco-friendly option that involves the least amount of sacrifice. The white roof has white shingles that can keep a house cool by bouncing the sun’s rays off of the roof, instead of darker shingles that absorb the heat. This is great because if you live in a hotter climate, it can lower energy costs by quite a bit. If the shingles are still made of asphalt, they cannot be recycled, however.

2. Recycled shingles: These are shingles that are made of recycled plastic, wood fibers, and even rubber. Because these are recycled, they can be recycled again when they need to be replaced. Many who use these to construct a roof also say that they last a bit longer than asphalt shingles. However, they likely absorb heat just as much as any other material, which can raise energy costs.

3. Metal roofing: These reflect light just like the white roof does, and are said to be much more durable than shingles. Certain metal roofing is also recyclable and there is an option to choose a brighter color, which can also save on energy. However, metal roofing can cause a lot more water and/or snow runoff to the exterior of the house. This can fill gutters rather quickly, meaning you will need to clean them quite a bit. Metal roofing is not ideal for people who live in areas where there is a lot of rain or snow.

4. Wood shingles: Wood is one of the most recyclable materials known to man. Using it to form a roof can ensure that you can recycle parts of your roof that must be removed. However, they can be dangerous as wood is also flammable. If you live in a place that is not affected a lot by acts of nature, wooden shingles are ideal. However, they do not last nearly as long as metal roofs.

5. Clay and slate: Along with white shingles, clay and slate have been a beautiful look for many roofs over the years and they are very common to come across. They last even longer than metal, and are also recyclable. Clay and slate roofing remains one of the most eco-friendly of all roofing options. However, they are extremely expensive. Also, they are heavy, meaning before you get them installed, you will need to make sure the foundation of your house is reliable as well.

 

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What is Rubber Roofing?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you from the elements and keeps you secure. But as a homeowner, you should know all of your options when it comes to your humble abode. Some people don’t even know rubber roofing exists, much less the benefits that it has over traditional asphalt shingles. So, let’s take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of rubber roofing so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you and your home.

Why Should I Choose Rubber?

As you can obviously see from the name, rubber roofing is made from rubber. But, its specific materials are much more complex than that. The materials are more eco-friendly than their asphalt counterparts. Some popular materials are recycled tires, sawdust, and slate dust. However, these materials make rubber roofing more expensive than asphalt roofing. Asphalt shingles are usually around $100 a square, while rubber roofing often goes for at least $300 to $400 a square. But by paying that premium first, you’re going to save yourself a lot of stress, headaches, and cash in the future.

In the long run, the benefits of rubber roofing will be clear as day. Asphalt roofing usually lasts about 15 to 20 years. Rubber roofing, on the other hand, will last about 30 to 50 years. If you’re looking for optimum longevity, you can repaint your rubber roofing every ten years or so to help extend its livelihood. Throughout the lifespan of your asphalt roofing, you’re probably going to have to put a lot of effort into the maintenance. You’ll deal with a lot more cracks and leaking than you would have with rubber roofing. Rubber roofing is incredibly durable, waterproof, and weather-resistant. Even if you do have a problem with your rubber roofing, it’s an easy fix. All you’d need is some liquid rubber or a heavy-duty rubber repair tape to get your roof in check. It’s fast and simple which gives you more time in your lovely house and less dealing with a leaky roof.

How to Install Rubber Roofing

The process of installing rubber roofing is quite easy compared to other roofing options. Installing a huge rubber roll is the most cost-effective and beneficial method to installing your rubber roofing. After acquiring the roll, you have a couple of options. You can either strip your current roof down to the plywood base, on installing it on top of your current shingles. Most manufacturers won’t honor your warranty if you apply it on top of your current roof, but it’s up to you whether you want to go one way or the other.

We suggest hiring a professional and experienced roofing contractor, but if you’re roofing your home yourself, you’re going to have an easier time handling rubber than you would with other substances like slate or cedar. Rubber is a lot lighter, so it’ll take less effort to carry around. Make sure to cut the roofing for your specific roof and keep in mind the vents, chimneys, and antennas that are in your home. Sweep your roof to get rid of all that dirt and debris that’s lying around. You surely don’t want all of yesterday’s gunk to get on tomorrow’s fresh rubber roofing. After that, apply the adhesive all throughout your roof. If you see any air bubbles forming, get rid of them. Once you’ve finished all your hard work, wait about half an hour for the adhesive to set. Then, do a final look over and make any adjustments as needed.

Just as you put the roofing on your home, it’s already saving you money. Since you can put up your roofing with only a few layers, that means that there are going to be fewer seams. Fewer seams mean fewer cracks and fewer cracks mean fewer leaks. This all means more money saved! The rubber material reflects the sun and heats away from your home, so you’re definitely going to save some money on cooling costs. On the flip-side, it also traps heat inside during the cold winter months. The material is also fire-resistant. When you look at the benefits, having rubber roofing just makes sense. But, having a rubber roof is not all sunshine and rainbows.

Cons of Rubber Roofing

When the benefits are weighed against the cons of rubber roofing, the benefits definitely do reign supreme. However, that doesn’t mean cons don’t exist and that they aren’t worth talking about. Rubber roofing isn’t as popular as asphalt roofing, so you might have a hard time finding a roofer that is skilled in rubber roofing. Not having your rubber roofing installed correctly can lead to problems down the road. Since there aren’t many professionals that know about this recent phenomenon, they might try and make you pay a pretty penny for your rubber roof. As mentioned earlier, the price is one of the biggest cons when it comes to this type of roofing. It’s a big investment in the house in all aspects when it comes to labor and materials alike.

Piping throughout the house can be a major threat to the integrity of your roofing. You are definitely going to have to keep an eye on these areas because it’s likely that there may be cracks in the future. Due to the rubber material and its unlikeliness to crack, you may have a hard time seeking out the source if you end up having a slight problem in the future. It might be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Choosing your roofing shouldn’t have to be a hard decision. Using rubber in roofing is a recent discovery that has brought an easier homeowner experience to people all over the world. The extra couple hundred dollars that you pay at price certainly pays off as time goes by. The money that you save in maintenance fees is going to pay for the roofs themselves and then some. When you’re choosing your roofing, be sure to think about the long-term and not just the right now. Your future self will thank you, along with your wallet.

 

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Best Metal Roofing for Residential Homes

The roof on your house needs to be strong, sturdy, and reliable. Metal roofing can be a great option for your home because it does all three, and it does them extremely well. No matter what the weather’s like where you live, having a metal roof would benefit you. These roofs can withstand storms, extreme weather changes, and snow extremely well. If you’re thinking about buying a metal roof for your home, you might be thinking about what specific metal you’d like to utilize for your home. Read on to figure out the pros and the cons of each material, and figure out which one is the right one for you.

Types of Metal

There are a couple of different choices you have when it comes to the metal that you can choose for your roof. The most popular options are various types of steels, aluminum, copper, and zinc. There are also metals that are combinations of the few. All of these types of roofs have various pros and cons that will either convince you to purchase them or push you away.

Steel is the material that is most used in residential homes. That fact probably has a lot to do with its low cost. But often, galvanized steel (a low cost, thinner version) can corrode very easily when it’s exposed to heavy amounts of saltwater. In turn, you probably don’t want to use this material for homes that are by the water (beach homes, etc.) The prices of steel depend on the type of steel that you’re getting. If you’re looking at stone-coated steel it starts at about $400 dollars a square. If you’re trying to get steel shingles, that might be about $270 a square. But typically, if you’re not trying to go for the fancy stuff, ordering steel for your roof is going to set you back at least $300 dollars a square. If installed right, your steel roof should last you at least 50 years.

Aluminum is the second most popular steel for roofing. It’s so popular because it’s more durable than steel, while only being a fraction of the price of premium steels like copper and zinc. When it comes to how it would fair in a coastal home, aluminum works a completely different way than steel does. If you’re living in a place by the beach, then aluminum would be the best choice for your home. It’s often thought of as a step up from steel when it comes to the quality. In turn, you’re going to have to give up a bit more cash. In general, it costs about $100 more per square than steel. Along with steel, aluminum will also last you at least 50 years.

The most expensive metals and the most durable of the bunch are definitely copper and zinc. These are roofs that could last hundreds of years with the proper care. But, if you’re looking for that longevity, you’re going to have to cough up some serious coin. They both cost about $900 to $1400 dollars a square. Because of the pricing, most people don’t make roofs that are fully out of copper. They usually just use it for accents throughout the home. But hey, if you’ve got enough money to pay for a fully copper or zinc roof then be my guest. If you’re trying to calculate the full cost of setting up your copper or zinc roof, it usually will be around $1800 for materials and labor per square.

Benefits of Having a Metal Roof

No matter what type of metal you’d prefer to use, they’re going to bring most of the same benefits. When it comes to the horrors of the winter season like ice dams and snow, a metal roof is going to be your best protection against it. They are thought of like ice and snow shedding system, so you’re not going to have to worry about roof leaks. Speaking of weather, these roofs can withstand hurricane-level winds. That makes them great for people who live in states where hurricanes are more prevalent.

The durability of metal roofs is what separates them from other types of roofs. You won’t have to worry about it cracking, rotting, or splitting. You’re also not going to find any creatures or rodents in your roof. They’re not going to survive on metal. It’s fire-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it like you would for a wood or asphalt roof. Whether you’re dealing with a hailstorm or sticks from overhead trees, it’s not going to damage the roof. This roof can handle almost anything that life might throw at it. When it comes to maintenance, you won’t have too many problems. The credit goes to the material’s incredible durability.

When you have a metal roof, you’ll see a difference in your energy bill. You can save at least 25%, due to the roof’s reflective nature. Copper and zinc aren’t as energy efficient as aluminum and steel. But, when you’re talking about energy-saving capability, it’s a lot better than dealing with asphalt. If you’re interested in saving the environment and reducing the amount of waste you produce, having a metal roof would be a great option. It uses the least amount of resources and can always be recycled. It can be recycled hundreds of times without worry about the material corroding. That means that it’ll never end up in a landfill once it reaches the end of its lifespan, reducing the country’s waste. Choosing a metal roof is one of the greenest choices that you can make when you’re finalizing your home.

Choosing the material of your roof can be difficult. There are pros and cons to each type of metal. But, they all are specialized enough that you can pick the perfect one for you from the choices given. Whether you choose steel or copper, metal roofs provide great benefits for your home that your family will love and adore for years and years to come.

 

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