Tips and articles about roofs and roofing ideas, of interest to homeowners. Learn from roofing professionals!
Many homeowners are burdened with unwelcome house guests every year. It's not the kind of guests that you're thinking of, however, as this guest doesn't enter the home. It invites itself to sit on your roof and causes unsightly discoloration. It's algae and it effects a lot of homeowners, particularly those who live in areas of high humidity. Algae, however, doesn't discriminate against those who don't live in highly humid climates. It will attach to any roof and can be carried through wind, squirrels, birds, etc.
Roofs can heat to high temperatures under the hot summer sun, and once this happens your house will become very hot as well. Extra heat in your house will become uncomfortable and the cost of keeping an air conditioning unit running regularly can escalate significantly. However, extra heat within your house isn't the only problem. When a roof gets very hot it becomes more likely to crack. Heat from the sun acts to bake and contort the roof and eventually the roof can end up with cracks and holes.
Years ago, most homes were built with either wood shake, slate or clay roofs. These materials were very durable and handsome when installed. Over time, roofing manufacturers developed less expensive options to these traditional roofing materials. The result was asphalt roofing shingles that sometimes detracted from a home's character and overall look.
Years ago, it was an easy decision to choose shingles for your home. With little variety and few differences between those available, it was a fairly quick decision. However, that's no longer the case as there are now a wide variety of shingles to suit all homeowners. With many colors, styles and warranties, competition has never been more fierce as every manufacturer scrambles to offer the best of the best. CertainTeed Roof Shingles are available in a number of excellent choices.
Your home is designed to protect you, your family and your property from the elements, and the roof is the part of the house that takes the most damage in providing you with this invaluable service. Yet it is the one area of the home that is most overlooked by people looking to purchase a home and by those looking to upgrade or maintain their existing home. However, without adequate maintenance and regular care your roof is liable to take leaks and can become damaged very easily in the worst of conditions.
Q: I have a 12 year old white asphalt shingle roof with a lot of dark staining from the leaves of the nearby oak trees. Is there anything I can do about it?
Q: I am a first-time home buyer. We are in the process of deciding if we should purchase a new home.
One of the problems we have is that the house costs around 325K and the roof is composition shingle roof and not tile roof. Isn't a tile roof much more durable?
The world is full of copper lovers, and lovers of the copper roof are by no means an exception. There are essentially two different types of copper roof you can buy. There is the solid copper roof that consists solely of sheet copper on your roof. It is resilient to weathering and will protect your house for decades but it is incredibly costly. On the other hand, copper roof shingles are made by attached sheets of copper around standard asphalt shingles. All in all, the cost is likely to work out less than a slate roof but once the copper roof shingles have aged and been weathered they will take on the magnificent green look that only copper can create.
Q: I have an asphalt roof which is the original roof and needs to be replaced soon. Any idea how much this will cost?
If you want to determine roof slope, it isn't as difficult as you may think. In fact, it's quite simple and can be done in a short time with minimal inconvenience. This is not a project that should be intimidating, even though home improvement work can sometimes be stressful. The slope of a roof is measured as the length that a roof rises vertically over a 12-inch horizontal distance. You can do this job yourself, ask a friend to help or call a roofing professional.
Q: I am interested in educating myself on the different types of roofing material available. We just bought a house that had its roof improperly installed. We would like to replace it with something better. Could you outline the different materials?
You may be asking yourself, "Do I need a new roof?" If you are also asking yourself the following questions, then you want to seriously consider a roof replacement:
Q: We have three wind turbines on our new roof. With winter setting in, is it necessary to cover them? Many of our neighbors do not, so as new home owners, we are unsure.
As with any major job that needs doing to the house one of the most important factors that is likely to play on your mind is the cost. Roof price is made up of several factors, and you need to be careful that you aren't compromising quality or service in order to lower the roof price by a few dollars. Many roofing contractors will provide similar price quotes but you should always ensure that you're comparing them on a like for like basis. Don't forget that the cheapest offer isn't necessarily the best value and the most expensive offer isn't necessarily the worst value for money.
There are many resources on how to find a roof leak but most of the time, homeowners can locate the problem themselves within minutes. A leaking roof should be repaired promptly before further damaged is caused to the structure of the roof itself, or to the home. If a leak is left untreated, the structure will likely be damaged along with some belongings inside your home.
A roof leak is caused by one thing - moisture. This can sometimes be difficult to detect, but technology has provided roofing professionals with a new method to find a flat roof leak using infrared survey. Because of their simplicity, flat roofs are common. Unfortunately, also because of their design, a flat roof is more susceptible to water build up and damage.
Flat roofs need to be covered with a waterproof material because water will not run off as in the case of pitched roofs.
Q: I'm trying to find out if a hip roof can be framed as a true cathedral. I know that when you are framing a gable roof, you can use collar ties in lieu of attaching ceiling joists to the bottom of the rafters. Can the same be done for a hip roof?
Roofing is a factor of home maintenance that is often overlooked. The roof is the first line of defense our homes have against the elements but it is often neglected when we consider the repairs on our houses. When it comes to repairing or replacing roofs you should never try to do it yourself unless you really know what you are doing. Most of us will need to get in contact with roofers who know the job inside out and can complete the work professionally. Hiring a contractor for any type of work can be difficult, and if there are many roofers in one area that it can seem even more difficult.
Whether you are considering having your home re-roofed or whether you simply want to upgrade your existing roof you should consider how many layers of shingles you can and should have on your roof. In some states and for certain types of building you will require a permit to have more than two layers of shingles. You should also check with a roofing contractor that your roof and the building itself could cope with the extra weight burden that would be placed on them.
Roofs are the most important part of a home's weatherproofing -- a leaking roof can cause incalculable damage in a relatively short time. When people spot a leak, they may discover that finding an available roofer can be difficult. Obviously, a roofer makes more money doing a replacement than he or she does doing simple repairs. But this isn't the main reason roofers avoid repair work.
This consumer guide to ice dams will help you understand what ice dams are, what causes them, and what you can do to prevent them.
As homeowners, we always concern ourselves with the harsh weather that accompanies the winter season. The cold temperatures and build-up of snow and ice can cause a wide array of roofing problems. Snow and ice shield installation is one way to protect your roof from the worst Mother Nature has to offer. Snow is a beautiful thing, but not if it's sitting on our roof and costing us big bucks in repairs.
Removing heavy snow from your roof can prevent costly water damage to your roof, walls and ceilings. Water leaks from ice and snow are caused by interior heat from the house. Water from this melting is trapped and creates an ice dam on the roof, gutters and downspouts. The water then takes the path of least resistance and under the roof system, or sideways and through flashings which were not designed for ponded water. When this happens, interior water damage can occur. But unless you can do it safely, don't jeopardize your well-being by trying to remove it yourself. Leave it to a professional.
When it starts raining outside an incredible amount of water beats down on the roof of your house. Your roof does the job of protecting your house and everything in it from the rain. Most roofs are sloped so water can run off and prevent heavy collections of rainwater from gathering in pockets all over the roof. If this were to happen the roof could become severely damaged and eventually holes will form where the rainwater once was (it would now be underneath the hole that has formed).
Many roofs need to be replaced prematurely due to moisture damage from leaks and improper installation. Thermal infrared inspections are non-contact, non-destructive testing procedures. This technology is used in finding damaged portions of the roofing structure so they can be repaired before water damage rots the entire roof.
In order to properly install a shingle roof, several guidelines must be followed to ensure safety and accuracy. Begin by placing a starter strip, which will prevent water from leaking onto the roof in between the shingles. Begin installing shingles from a bottom corner and working your way up. When installing the first row, confirm that each shingle has a slight overhang, which will allow water to drip away. Make sure that, as you progress up each row, they are lined up evenly.
Roofing can be a dangerous job. Working at heights and often in some extreme conditions means that workers are put at risk on a fairly regular basis. If a company is held liable for any injuries or accidents to workers then without worker's compensation insurance they may be forced to pay out large sums from their own pockets. For small roofing firms this can lead to financial ruin. Roofing insurance may cost money but it is a lot cheaper than not having it in the event that you need it.
Q: I'm looking for roof shingles from about the 1920s in tin, copper, aluminum, etc. measuring about 18" x 18" with a T shape on them. They may be interlocking. Something close would be fine.
Q: I would like to know if it is recommended to remove previous, 18 year old asphalt shingles before installing new shingles of the same type?
A skylight can be a beautiful addition to any home. Some people get depressed without sunlight and, for those who fit that description, a skylight can help to make the home bright and cheery. A skylight is designed to fill your home with sun, but certainly not the rain. Unfortunately, nothing is perfect and even skylights can develop structural problems.
It can be difficult to tell exactly where leaks are coming from in your roof and even more difficult to tell why they have started. If you have horizontal roof boards for instance the leak can be located several feet away from the wet patch on your ceiling or in your attic. The causes of a leaking roof can range from wear and tear to roof leaking by wind driven rain. Wind driven rain can cause a problem and be difficult to fix. Often a roof can be in perfect condition but because the wind drives the rain across and upwards it can get under the eave and under the roof.
A skylight is an excellent source of both warmth and light for your home and it can enhance the overall appearance of your house as well as giving a little extra air when required. A number of factors can lead to a leaky skylight but the most common factor is an improperly fitted or installed skylight. This inadequacy is usually brought about because having a skylight fitted by a professional roofing contractor can cost a lot of money, and people tend to revert to a handyman or, often worse, doing it themselves. Lack of proper knowledge of construction regarding the skylight fitting and the roof surrounding it can lead to disastrous results. Even the inadequate fixing of an existing leaky skylight can make things worse.
Having a new roof fitted or paying for repairs can sometimes lead to high roof costs, but there are ways to ensure that your roof cost does not become astronomical. The first thing to remember is that with materials you usually have to pay for better quality but by adding that little extra to your overall roof cost you could be saving money in the long run. Using lower grades of materials may bring down the roof cost you are quoted but it is not sound economy in the long run.
Looking after the roof is the first and possibly most important step to extend the life of any house. Roof leaks are obviously a big problem in any house but knowing the correlation between melting snow and roof leaks can help to prevent one of the major problems that many houses face. When snow melts and runs down the roof it often refreezes at it reaches the edge of the roof and the gutter. You've probably stood back in awe looking at these ice dams that form, but these can cause havoc with the integrity of your roof. However, they are relatively easy to prevent and doing so will save money and headaches in the future.
Metal roofing is usually manufactured in steel, copper, aluminum or stainless steel. It can be coated in a many different types and colors of paint and other coatings, making it as beautiful as it is durable. Modern metal roofing materials frequently carry warrantees of 50 years.
Metal roofing is an innovative approach to home improvement. When you think of a metal roof, you would often think of a commercial building. Fortunately for homeowners, that's no longer the case. In addition to the many technical benefits of metal roofing, it can be designed to look like conventional shingles, tile or slate. Visual appeal is one of the cosmetic reasons that someone may choose metal roofing. It can be light in color compared to other material, which is not always the norm. But it never hurts to lighten up, right?
Modern roofing options are the result of eons of invention and experimentation. Some, such as slate and wood shakes, have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Others, such as asphalt/fiberglass composites, lightweight concrete, and coated-metal tile, are products of the technological revolution. Each has slightly different durability, appearance, cost, and ease of application.
Q: We have a roof that is 30 years old and appears to be in pretty good shape - no leaks. We are hoping we can wait a year to have it redone when we will be better prepared financially, but my husband has noticed that there is a green mold growing under the edge of the roof at the back of the house. We are worried this may mean the wood underneath is rotting. Is this something to be concerned about or can he do something to get rid of the visible mold?
A shingle that shows 3 tabs, or measures 3 feet, is fittingly known as 3-tab roofing shingles. They are normally guaranteed for 20 years and help the roof to have a smooth, defined look. Depending on the manufacturer, 3-tab shingles are often available in 20, 25 or even 30 year limited warranties. They are generally available in a variety of colors and it's also important to note that 3-tab roofing shingles are some of the most cost efficient shingles to use on your home.
The most important part of preventing roof leaks is replacing damaged or missing roofing. Preservative oil treatments (sealants) can prolong the life of a wood shake roof if they are repeated at appropriate intervals throughout the life of a roof, ideally starting when the roof is three to six years old. However, that will not "repair" cracked or curling shakes which need to be replaced to maintain the roof's effectiveness. Also, after replacing some cracked, missing and curling wood shakes throughout the roof, the new shakes are lighter in color and can stand out like polka dots. Applying a preservative oil treatment can help blend the new shakes in with older ones and make the roof look more attractive, especially when trying to sell the house.
A well cared for roof lasts much longer than a roof that is left to its own devices. By spotting problems early you can save yourself a lot of heartache and extra cost from big problems. Your roof is responsible for taking the damage from everything that the elements can throw at it including wind, rain, sun and snow but it is also attacked by leaves, insects and other natural predators. Ineffective roofing can mean that any of these factors find their way into your attic and eventually your home and it is important you do what you can to prevent this from happening.
Simple roofing problems can easily become bigger and more expensive problems if they are left unattended. For this reason the most effective way to prevent large repair bills to your roof is to have regular and thorough checks done. You can have a certified roof inspection done that will give you a two-year certificate. If anything goes wrong with your roof in this two-year period the roofing contractor who carried out the roofing inspection will repair the damages free of charge. By using a service similar to this problems can be identified early and rectified before they become uncontrollable and a new roof is required.
The temperature of your roof plays an important part in a number of environmental factors within your home. If your roof collects heat without reflecting any then your home will get hot during the summer months meaning you will have to pay more for energy to keep your air conditioning running or face long sweaty days with no reprise from the searing temperatures. This extra heat can also cause a build up of moisture inside your roof and eventually cause damage to the timber structure; this damage may manifest itself in the form of cracks, warped materials and leaks. Also in winter your home will get cold and you will have to pay more for heating. There are essentially four main types of reflective roofing materials you may want to consider using for your roof.
A shingle roof may need repair for a variety of reasons. Whether it be improper installation, seal failure or weather damage, you will want to make sure that your roof is in good condition. Ultimately, the roof protects us from the outside elements and it's important to maintain its structure. If there is a problem, consider a few options to get your roof back intact. If you have a fear of heights or climbing onto the roof, you may want to call a professional. Otherwise, strap on your tool belt and get to work.
When installed correctly, slate is often considered to be the most durable and permanent roofing material available. In addition, its natural beauty is timeless. Slate roof structures have many positive qualities. Durability, low maintenance and resistance to fire and staining have made this natural material desirable to many. If maintained properly, the majority of slate roofs can be repaired as they have the capability to last a lifetime. Slate is a natural stone and it does have the potential to break or crack. If this should happen, repairs will be needed to prevent a leak or other structural problem.
After the rainy season is over, homeowners tend to turn their attention to spring and summer related home repairs and maintenance, such as landscaping and painting. However, if it's doubtful how much longer you can dare to ignore repairing or replacing you roof, check with a reputable roofing contractor now during the fair weather. You'll find their services more available and economical than in late summer and the fall when their waiting lists and prices inevitably grow.
Working on your roof, including repairing rolled roofing, can be a dangerous job. Before getting started, make sure that your ladder is strong and secured. Avoid working on the roof if it is raining or wet, as this can be hazardous. With the presence of water, the roof becomes slick and increases the likelihood of a serious fall. When repairing rolled roofing, always try to choose a day with nice weather in the forecast. If you have a fear of heights or just do not wish to do the work yourself, call a professional contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly. If you decide to take on the job yourself, here are a few tips to help guide you through the process.
Q: I am working on a house with little ridge. The owner wants to install ridge vents. Is it plausible to install these on the hips?
Many lenders require that roofs be certified when a previously owned home is purchased. Roofing contractors usually inspect the roof, determine if any repairs need to be made, then if possible will certify the roof, usually for two years. If the roof leaks within that period, the roofing company, which certified the roof, will repair the leak free of charge.
Q: We built a 5-sided bay window on the corner of our house. How do we put roofing over this area?
Q: Our white cedar roof is around eight years old and some of the shingles are starting to bend. Should we have it treated? If so, with what and how should it be applied?
Roof underlayment, also known as roofing felt or tar paper, provides a protective layer between shingles and the wood structure of a roof. While there has been reasonable debate about the need for nailing the underlayment to the roof, it is a good idea to secure it as well as possible. This may help to reduce the possibility of leaks, along with promoting a longer life for your roof. Before beginning to secure roof underlayment, it's important to make sure that the roof sheathing has been attached properly.
The most important part of your home is the roof. It protects you from the rain, the snow and anything else that Mother Nature dishes out. Without it, we are left out in the cold - literally. When building, or buying, a home, it's important to make sure that the roof is in good shape. One of the most important aspects of roofing is adequate ventilation.
When considering home improvement of any kind, there is more to think about than just supplies and labor. If you decide to contract the work yourself, without the presence of a professional, you could subject yourself to potential problems. If you are considering the installation of a new roof, you may want to hire a professional contractor unless you can complete the job without hiring any additional labor. If you take on the job of hiring employees to complete the work, without a contractor, there is a lot to be aware of with roofing and illegal aliens.
A roofing contractor license indicates that a person is licensed to work as a roofer but be aware that different states have different requirements for the procurement of a license. Indeed, some states only require you to prove you have worked as a roofer and pay a nominal fee. In fact, for an extra few bucks you don't need to bother with a roofing contractor license and can purchase a general contractor's license. This means that even if you have no experience in any field apart from roofing you are now registered to work as an electrician or a plumber and there is no way a potential customer can tell the type of work you specialize in.
Q: Is an ice guard mandatory on a roof, and where should it be?
Height considerations: A storey is a floor that's above ground. Most homes are either one or two storeys. If your house has more than one storey, your roofing job may require more specialized equipment.
As homeowners, we are vulnerable to Mother Nature every day. When misfortune lands at our doorstep or, in this case, our rooftop, we can be thankful for insurance coverage and the availability of roofing insurance claims for storm damage. When purchasing insurance, it is advisable to check with your insurance agent about your policy's coverage as it relates to storm damage.
Roofing nail guns are among the more extreme of DIY tools and are often reserved only for the professional contractor. If you are putting together a small chest of drawers or a book case you only really need the effective and affordable services of a standard hammer but if you are attaching a roof to a 2 storey house it could take you weeks to put a few nails in. Roofing nail guns take the burden out of this chore and make your job quicker and simpler so whether you are an amateur or a professional you should bear in mind that you won't get far without using roofing nail guns.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about roofing repair.
In addition to the type of shingles used as roofing material on your home, there are many other components that make up a roof. The following glossary will help you sort through the terminology associated with roofing.
Q: I had radiant barrier material installed in March 1989. The result is my electric bills are lower than some of my neighbors with similar homes. Summer costs average about $60. Wintertime gas bills average about $85.
Q: I am looking for a low cost method for re-proofing my 10x50 mobile home. Someone suggested rubber sheeting. Where can I find this type product? Please email this information to me if you can be of any assistance.
Q: I am currently doing some research on rubber roofing and was wondering if you could tell me whatever you know about it and if you ever installed it, and the pros and cons of rubber tiles.
A flat roof is more prone to leaks due to the fact that the roof has no pitch for snow and other debris to slide off, so it remains on the roof until we remove it. This can cause an array of damage, including snow and ice damage, holes from debris, heavy weight causing structure damage and more. Flat roofs should be inspected several times each year to detect any damage or possible problems before they arise.
Modern roofing options are the result of eons of invention and experimentation. Some, such as slate and wood shakes, have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Others, such as asphalt/fiberglass composites, lightweight concrete, and coated-metal tile, are products of the technological revolution. Each has slightly different durability, appearance, cost, and ease of application.
For homeowners who live in an area prone to harsh winters, you know what a nightmare snow and ice can cause for your roof. During the worst months of winter, snow sometimes accumulates faster than it can be removed, which causes a buildup on your roof. Continued cold weather causes the presence of ice, which can cause even more damage. As temperatures begin to warm up, it would seem that problems should be over when the snow begins to melt. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case.
The roof is the part of the house that takes the most damage when protecting us from the elements. It has to cope with extreme conditions ranging from wintry ice to summer sun. Many substances simply can not withstand this diverse abuse meaning it is important to select strong roofing made from a durable and resistant material that will withstand just about anything. Advances in technology have seen various new forms of roofing as well as advances in old techniques and reduces in cost, so the options are wide when selecting good roofing.
The roof is the one part of a house that really protects occupants against the elements. Wind, rain, snow, sun and any inclement weather are constantly beating down on the roof of your house and this combination can have dire effects. Using a quality roofing firm and superior roofing materials means that you will be protected from all but the harshest conditions. However, when bad weather really strikes there is little we can do to ensure the integrity of our roof. Storm damage repair can be costly, however, it is much cheaper than leaving it to get worse and worse.
If you're in a situation where you need a quick fix, you may be wondering how to temporarily cover a roof. If you have an un-finished roof, storm damage or a leak that has not yet been located, you will need to know how to temporarily cover a roof in a short time. If you have a leak, a temporary cover should be placed immediately. Covering a roof will help to keep your house, and any belongings inside, dry until you are able to resume maintenance or repairs. Because it's never advisable to step directly on the roof, there are simple instructions on how to temporarily cover a roof without having to walk on it. You can, in fact, use a ladder when covering your roof as outlined below. This will protect you from a serious fall or other mishap.
Good quality roofing is a vital aspect to any house. Not only does it protect the house itself from the elements but if it is well constructed it will protect everything within the house too.
Tile roofs initially cost a lot more to install than asphalt shingle or wood shake roofs but they also last much longer. Depending on the quality, a tile roof may last 50 years or more. Traditional clay tile is very heavy, sometimes requiring structural reinforcement. However, many tile roofing materials are now offered in new light weight versions which can be used on most structures without reinforcement.
Roofs are the most important part of our homes' weatherproofing. A leaking roof can cause serious damage in a short time.
Q: How do I know my roof needs repair or replacement if I have never noticed a leak?
Torchdown roofing is sometimes also referred to as rubberized asphalt and is the most common type of roofing to be used on flat roofs. The asphalt is melted onto the roof using a torch creating an impermeable roof that has an average life of between 15 and 20 years. It is ideal for flat roofs because of the protection it offers from rainwater that might collect on the surface. The cost is only slightly more than the traditional tar and gravel that is frequently used to cover flat roofs but torchdown roofing gives slightly better results. For an extra $1000 it is worth the extra, but there have been reports of several house fires being started because of the torches used in the process of installing the roof.
Classic cathedral ceilings are beautiful and timeless. They give the home an open, airy feel but they are also more prone to moisture damage than a traditional ceiling. The design of a cathedral ceiling creates isolated air spaces which are more difficult to treat. For years there has been an ongoing debate among experts who feel that ventilation is necessary for cathedral ceilings. Some say it is required to help eliminate the moisture buildup, while others say a simpler method will suffice. The question many are asking is, "What is best?" The real answer, however, lies with only one question. "What is best for my home?" You, and only you, can make a well-informed decision about how to properly care for and protect your ceiling.
More than ever, homeowners are frustrated by poor performing roofing products and upset when a new roof costing between $5,000 and $10,000 lasts only 12 to 15 years. In some cases, the problem is a troublesome brand of materials. More often, however, it is inadequate attic ventilation.
The flashing on your roof is essentially another shingle but because it is usually found at intersections where the component parts of your roof join they are prone to damage. Roof leaks caused by bad flashing are a common problem. Some roof leaks occur because the flashing was installed incorrectly, but it is also feasible that the flashing on your roof has been battered and bruised by the elements. Proper maintenance and early repair are both vital to preventing roof leaks caused by bad flashing.
The roof is one of the most important parts of your house when it comes to protecting the rest of the building and its occupants from extreme weather conditions. However, many roofs are in a state of disrepair, and they are left to worsen before people are willing to act and either pay for decent repairs or bite the bullet and have a new roof fitted. Paying for patched repairs or doing them yourself, when you don't really know what you are doing, may seem cheaper in the short term but it won't be long before you have to patch holes on a regular basis. One of the most effective ways to lengthen the lifespan of any roof is with regular maintenance and checks conducted by a professional.
Modern roofing options are the result of eons of invention and experimentation. Some, such as slate and wood shakes, have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Others, such as asphalt/fiberglass composites, lightweight concrete, and coated-metal tile, are products of the technological revolution. Each has slightly different durability, appearance, cost, and ease of application.
Q: I was told to always check references when looking at contractors to do home improvements. But I wonder if it's worth the trouble when I know the contractor is going to hand pick the references. Is reference checking effective?