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  • How Can Roofing Help to Keep a Home Cooler in Summer?

    Summertime temperatures are soaring in some regions, leaving homeowners shelling out to pay exorbitant power bills in their efforts to keep cool.

    What many may not realize is that their roof has much to do with the energy efficiency of their home.

    When the time comes to have roofer services install a new one, consider these ways that different roof features can help to keep a home cooler in extremely hot climates.

    Discuss them with an experienced roofing contractor, then make the necessary changes to have a cooler home and a lower power bill.

    • Roof Color – When choosing material colors to have installed by a roofer repair service, remember that lighter colors reflect UV sun rays while darker colors absorb them. In hotter climates, consider lighter colors and shades as opposed to traditional black and dark gray if possible. 
    • Insulation and Ventilation – To prevent heat from building up inside the attic then penetrating into the living space, homeowners should invest in high-quality insulation, both under the decking and on the attic floor. In conjunction, roofer services should ensure there is enough attic ventilation to reduce heat buildup and work collectively with the insulation to contain heat to the attic where it can escape through the ventilation system. 
    • Energy-Efficient Roofing – Choose energy-efficient roofing like premium shingles with high R-values, metal roofing, tile, and other cooler materials. Roofing contractors have access to many newer, energy-efficient products today. 
    • Cool Roof Coatings – An option for existing roofs is to have roofer repair services apply a cool roof reflective coating that will increase the R-value of the roofing and reduce heat absorption into the attic. 
    • Roof Pitch – A final consideration for homeowners building new construction or willing to invest in a structural remedy to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by their roof is increasing the roof pitch. Roofs with steeper pitches that only receive direct sunlight part of the time are more energy-efficient than lower-slope or flat roofs that receive more direct sunlight.

    As the monthly utility bills climb, homeowners can turn to their roofer service to discuss energy efficiency and how their roofing installations can affect it.

    Investing in one or more of these solutions can make a home much more comfortable in the summer by reducing the amount of UV heat that gets into the house.

    Knowledgeable roofing contractors advise that the extra investment into energy-efficient roofing will pay for itself many times over in the form of lower summer utility bills.

  • Common Types of Essential Roof Vents and How They Work!

    Roof ventilation is a critical requirement to prevent roofing damage and to make it easier to control the interior climate of a home or building.

    Grouped into two main categories consisting of passive vents that work on their own and active vents that work via some power source, roofing contractors advise that each of the different vents used on a roof plays an essential role in keeping attic temperatures cool year-round to prevent roof overheating and the problems that can result from it. 

    What Is The Role of Roofing Vents?

    Roofing companies advise that most of the vents installed on any average roof are passive and work by simply allowing air to pass through naturally.

    Vents higher up on the roof allow hot air to escape, while vents lower down enable cooler air to be drawn in as it does. 

    What Are The Different Types of Passive Roof Vents?

    Passive vents in their various forms are standard inclusions in every installation done by experienced roofing contractors as they are considered an integral part of every roof system.

    The types of passive roof vents that can be found on most roofs include: 

    • Ridge Vents – Positioned at the top of roof pitches, these exhaust vents allow hot attic air to escape freely through the top of the roofing to prevent the attic from overheating. 
    • Static Vents – Another type of exhaust vent opening positioned near the tops of the roof to allow hot air from the attic to naturally rise and escape. 
    • Gable Vents – Located at the ends of gable roofs, these are one more example of passive exhaust escapes for rising hot air that help to keep the space directly under the roofing cooler.
    • Soffit Vents – Working directly in conjunction with ridge, static, and gable vents, these intake vents positioned low on the roof in the soffit allow cooler air to be drawn in as hotter air rises upward and escapes through the top vents.

    For the natural flow of air to function properly so hot air can escape through the higher vents, experienced roofing companies know that soffit vents are sometimes left out in an effort to save money yet should be included.

    Without them, an overheated attic is more likely. 

    Other Roof Venting Options

    In circumstances where all the vents are in place but there is still not enough airflow to keep the attic cool, roofing companies may suggest installing one or more active vents to create more airflow.

    Those vents include: 

    • Turbine Vents – Round, swirling exhaust vents run on wind power that are positioned higher up on the roof to promote air movement and help hot air to escape the various roof vents. 
    • Power Vents – Exhaust vent fans that run on electricity or solar power to create upward air movement by drawing hot air out and increasing airflow to the other vents. 

    In Summary

    Getting roof ventilation right requires skill and the ability to gauge when the natural flow of air is not enough to protect a roofing installation.

    The best way to achieve good attic ventilation is to hire an experienced roofing contractor who can assess the existing vents and determine whether they are working well together or if the addition of more or different vents might help.

  • Want to Install A Skylight or Two? Know These Things First!

    Skylights are a great addition to any standard roofing installation to add light where there is none and create a warmer, more natural environment.

    As appealing as having a roofing contractor install a skylight may be, there are important details to know about them before committing to the installation.

    These tips from roofing companies experienced with skylight installation can help homeowners make the best choice and know what they are getting for their money.

    • Skylight Shape Matters – The shape of the glass on a skylight dictates how the light shines through it. Lights with straight edges and corners shine a straight, more focused beam of direct light into the space, while those with flared, softer edges shine a gentler, more spread-out beam to increase the level of light in the whole room.   
    • Glass Over Acrylic – Although acrylic skylights are considerably less expensive than glass ones, they will eventually oxidize and yellow with age or become brittle. A glass skylight installed by professional roofing contractors stays clear and durable throughout the years, and will not end up clouded from exposure to the outdoor climate, letting in bright clean light. Double-insulated or UV-coated glass is also a great choice for minimizing the passage of UV and infrared lights that will heat up a home without reducing the amount of visual light it allows through. 
    • Consider The Glare When Positioning – Skylights installed by roofing contractors sometimes create glares in the room depending on the time of day and the angle at which the sun is shining. This can create uncomfortable conditions, heat up a room, and even fade out fabrics in the room if not properly managed. Position the light in a spot that is less likely to be affected by an uncomfortable glare or install a sun shade on the window frame so that any glare can be controlled. 
    • Pick The Right Options – Skylights can be purchased with a variety of options for a roofing installation that make them more useful and add to home comfort. Before installing, discuss the various types of manual and automatic vented skylights that are available with a roofing contractor, as well as those that include window shades to reduce glare, and other customizable features.   
    • Anticipate Installation Time – Understand that adding skylights to a roofing installation can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple days for just one skylight, so it is best to get a time estimate from the contractor ahead of time. The more skylights a roofing company will be installing, the longer the installation will take, as this is a specialty type of installation that must be correctly done with precision.

    Ready to install a few beautiful, illuminating skylights?

    Discuss it today with a skilled roofing contractor nearby experienced in these helpful home and roofing accessories!

  • How Is Hail Damage Identified?

    Hail can destroy a shingle roof in multiple ways.

    Though most shingles can withstand smaller hail without issue, larger hail can produce widespread impact damage that requires considerable hail damage roofing repair or even a total roofing replacement. 

    How Can You Tell If Your Roof Has Hail Damage?

    Hail damage can be apparent sometimes and inconspicuous other times.

    Noting this, hail damage roof contractors recommend that homeowners know how to identify hail damage on their roofs so they can arrange repairs promptly.

    In some cases, failing to do so could lead to the gradual decomposition of the entire roof.

    Look for these three main signs after a hail storm and call a hail damage roofing repair service to assess an affected roofing installation.

    1. Cracked, Split, or Broken Shingles – The most obvious sign that significant damage has occurred and hail damage roofing repair is necessary is shingles with cracks and splits or even chips and chunks missing from the shingle. This can happen when larger hail impact shingles, especially if the shingles are aged and somewhat brittle from prolonged UV damage. This type of damage requires immediate attention from hail damage roof contractors to either replace a few damaged shingles or do an entire roofing replacement. 
    2. Dents or Impact Marks on Shingles – Two less obvious signs of hail damage are little dents on the shingles from hail impact or small scratches or light impact marks where the shingle was hit. Though both of these symptoms might seem mild and may not cause any serious damage from the top of the shingle, the underside may be cracked under the point of impact. Dimples and light spots may not necessarily be unsightly from a distance, but a hail damage roofing repair service should inspect the damage to ensure there are no cracks on the underside that can make the shingles less resilient or water resistant. 
    3. Missing Granules – The most common problem that requires hail damage roofing repair but frequently gets missed until it is too late is widespread granule loss off the shingles from hail impacts. The protective granule coating makes asphalt shingles more UV and water-resistant; hail chipping away at this coating and causing widespread granule loss can cause a shingle roof to fail prematurely. Bald and thin spots on the shingles and granules collected in the gutters are the main signs of this sort of less conspicuous but highly damaging effect. 

    Though it is commonly assumed that hail damage would be very obvious in all cases, this is not so.

    Homeowners experiencing hail should look carefully to identify these telltale signs that hail damage roofing repair is required.

    When in doubt, have a reliable hail damage roof contractor inspect the roof after the storm to assess its condition and note any destruction that should be addressed.

  • Tile Roofing – A Top Eco-Friendly Option!

    Energy costs are skyrocketing these days, so finding new ways to save money is more important than ever.

    One way that homeowners can do that is with tile roofing, as it is an incredibly eco-friendly material.

    A tile roof installation done by professional tile roofing services will not only last much longer than the typical asphalt shingle installation, but it can help homeowners save money on their power bills, too.

    Today, tile roofers are busier than ever installing these beautiful, and very cost-effective systems. 

    Tile Roofs Are Thermal-Resistant

    The first and most significant way that tile roofs installed by tile roof contractors are so economically friendly is that natural tile roofing is thermal resistant.

    Clay and concrete tiles specifically have a higher R-value among roofing materials due to their ability to prevent the transfer of heat into a dwelling.

    These tiles have a high thermal mass, meaning they can slowly absorb much more heat energy before releasing it into the airspace beneath them. 

    Tile Roofs Resist Heat Transfer Up to 70%

    Installed on a home by professional tile roofing services, thermal-resistant tiles will slowly absorb heat throughout the day, then release it into the atmosphere again once temperatures lower at night, all before reaching the point of releasing that energy into the home.

    Through this thermal reaction, clay, cement, and concrete tiles can reduce the amount of heat passing through the roof deck by as much as 70%.

    Tile roof contractors advise that when combined with a well-insulated attic, the less heat that gets passed through the decking and into the attic space, the less energy is required to keep the home cool. 

    Tile Roofs Are Made of Natural Materials

    The second important way that clay, cement, and concrete tiles are environmentally friendly is that they are all made of raw natural materials such as natural clay, sand, and minerals which are non-depletable.

    They are even more sustainable than wood shingles sourced from sustainable forests.

    Additionally, natural tiles installed by tile roofers are 100% recyclable and environmentally safe as they can either be recycled in some way or safely disposed of without harming the environment. 

    Consider Installing a New Tile Roof!

    Homeowners looking for an eco-friendlier roofing solution have a number of systems to choose from.

    Of them all, tile roofs installed by tile roof contractors can be some of the most beautiful and energy-efficient ones that also do no harm to the earth upon removal.

    Before investing in costly and unsightly solar panels or settling for environmentally damaging asphalt shingles, call a tile roofer to discuss the many benefits of long-lasting, thermal-resistant, eco-friendly tiles!

  • Metal Makes a Great Commercial Roofing System!

    Of all the roofing materials installed today by commercial roof contractors, metal is one of the more durable and long-lasting materials currently available.

    It is especially suitable for use on commercial buildings as well, with commercial roofing services recommending it for many types of buildings.

    Commercial roofer services can even install metal on some buildings with lower-pitch roofs.

    Considering the many benefits that metal systems provide, commercial building owners should consider a metal roof before settling on the same old thing!

    • Long Lifespan – The installation of metal roofs done by commercial roof contractors can last as long as fifty years or more depending on the metal gauge and when required maintenance is performed. This outlasts most other commercial systems by decades. 
    • Strong and Durable – A common problem that commercial roofing services deal with is perforations and tears in membrane or built-up commercial systems. Metal installations are durable against even the most severe weather, offering strong protection against rain, wind, snow, and even hail when thicker gauges are installed. 
    • Lightweight – When installing roofing materials on large buildings, commercial roofing services must always be concerned with the weight of these materials and whether the building is structurally able to support them. Metal roofs are one of the lightest roofs available, perfect for large buildings with expansive roofs. 
    • Thermal-Protective – With a relatively high R-value, metal roofs installed by commercial roofer services provide the added benefit of reducing the amount of UV energy passing into the building. It is easier to keep large buildings with metal roofs cooler than it is with other types of roofing. 
    • Attractive – Available in many different colors, metal roofing tends to be more attractive on a commercial building than many other installations. 
    • Versatile – Installed by commercial roof contractors in standing seam, corrugated, and other types of panels, metal roofing can be used on nearly any commercial building. Perfectly suited for architecture with steeply sloping roofs or long gradual slopes, it can even be used on lower-sloping buildings as long as there is enough slope to promote water drainage. That can be as little as a few degrees on a roof that otherwise appears to be flat.

    Overall, when considering all of these important benefits, metal roofing installed by experienced commercial roofing services is simply a more cost-effective investment in roofing.

    With a longer life expectancy, more durable protection, and great energy efficiency, commercial building owners cannot go wrong by choosing a strong, attractive metal roof!

  • Repair or Replace – When Is Roof Repair A Valid Option?

    When dealing with roofing damage that has homeowners making calls to local roofing contractors, a question that frequently arises is whether repairs are possible or if the whole roof should be replaced.

    Roof repair usually seems better than a total replacement, but that isn’t always the case.

    To figure out which option ends up being more cost-effective, roofers typically consider a few critical points.

    1. Overall Condition of the Roof – Before any decision to do roof repair should be made, always look at the overall condition of the roof and use that as a basis. If it is in perfect condition, repairs make sense. If the roof is already suffering from some kind of damage or is aging prematurely, roofers might suggest a replacement instead.
    2. Roof Age – A newer roof that is still in very good condition and can still give a full service life after roofers repair it is a prime candidate to be repaired. Conversely, if the roof is older and nearing its life expectancy, sinking money into repairs now when further age-related damage is always possible may not be a wise investment.   
    3. Extent and Cost of the Damage – Weighing against the previous two points, roofing contractors must also consider the type of damage and how widespread it is. Repairs that could involve most of the roof suggest a full roof replacement might be best, especially if the cost of repairs is already going to be close to the cost of a new roof. Serious damage that is confined to a smaller area, like a penetration through the roof or one section of shingles being damaged, is more easily and cost-effectively repaired. 
    4. Is The Damage Insured – Whether or not the damage is insured might also affect the decision. If it is covered, the decision to repair or replace might end up being up to the insurance company.
    5. Plan for Selling the Home – Another ancillary factor that might affect the recommendation of roof repair or replacement is whether there are plans to sell the home soon. Repairs can take a while to complete and while a new roof might cost initially, it can also be a selling point that brings a higher sale price for the house.

    Roof repairs are sometimes the best way to go when dealing with lesser or more confined damage on a newer roofing system or when an insurance company agrees to pay repairs, but not a replacement.

    Yet when dealing with damage to an older roof or problems that are widespread affecting a large portion of the roof, a replacement can be the better choice.

    Since no answer is correct in every situation, homeowners and roofing contractors should weigh the pros and cons of each option to pick the most efficient one.

  • Recycled Roofing Shingles – A Sustainable Option to Asphalt!

    Sustainability is becoming a big topic today, especially concerning roofing and other industries and materials that traditionally create high amounts of waste.

    One solution to this problem has been the creation of more sustainable products for shingle roofing contractors to install instead of the customary asphalt shingles.

    Asphalt materials, while being widely popular for shingle roof replacement, also fill up landfills after removal and are less sustainable to produce in general.

    Fortunately, shingle roofing companies now have other options in the form of shingles made of recycled materials. 

    Can Shingles Be Made To Be Sustainable?

    Shingles remain the most selected type of roofing material due to their easy installation and their relatively long lifespan for the cost paid for them.

    Considering this, a number of roofing materials manufacturers have now developed more sustainable shingle roof replacement products by recycling rubber and plastic.

    Available to most shingle roofing contractors, these shingles are also 100% recyclable as well, greatly reducing the amount of landfill waste they produce.

    In using waste material to produce them, then allowing them to be re-recycled later on, these shingle roofing companies are doing their part to join the green roofing movement in an affordable way. 

    Recycled Shingle Products Can Look Like Other Materials

    The best part about recycled rubber and plastic shingle products is that they are designed to look like other desirable materials while providing similar benefits.

    Recycled shingles made to look like slate and wood are popular alternatives to the real thing, offering a long-lived shingle roof replacement without the high cost of wood or the extreme weight of slate.

    Additionally, shingle roof contractors find these durable, impact-resistant materials to be a great choice in areas where hail storms are common or for homeowners wishing to purchase attractive shingles that do not damage the environment through their production or disposal.

    They are so advanced and well-designed at this point, shingle roofing companies can even use them on historic buildings. 

    Such A Benefit With Recycled Shingle Material

    As recycled roofing materials like rubber and plastic shingles become more popular, shingle roofing contractors recommend them as an environmentally-friendly alternative to asphalt, wood, and other options.

    Shingle roof replacements made from recycled materials, which are also re-recyclable, can slowly reduce the amount of roofing waste that ends up in landfills.

    Considering that two-thirds of all roofs in the U.S. are asphalt shingles and account for ten million tons of tear-off waste in landfills each year, these durable, long-lasting, recycled materials are kinder to the environment and, over time, to the wallet, too!

  • When Considering Tile Roofing – Weight Matters!

    A critical detail that many homeowners fail to consider when choosing roofing materials is weight and what their roof can support.

    This is a prime concern for tile roofing services, as it is a factor that frequently limits the ability to install beautiful tile roofing on some homes.

    Fortunately, experienced tile roofers know what to look for when inspecting a home prior to installing any type of tile and there are methods available to improve these roofs so that tile can be installed. 

    Weight of Metal and Asphalt Shingles

    Roofing weight matters, so the best way to illustrate this fact prior to hiring tile roofing companies to do an installation is to compare the weight of common roofing products.

    The two most commonly installed materials are metal roofing, at a weight of ~125 lbs per square, and asphalt shingles, ranging from 300 to 450 lbs per square depending on the product.

    Since these are the most commonly installed products, it is safe to say that every structurally sound home out there can support this weight; however, going beyond these two is a different story. 

    Weight of Clay and Concrete Tiles

    Both clay and concrete tiles installed by a tile roofing company have a weight range of between 600 and 1000 lbs per square, which can be more than twice that of the heaviest premium dimensional asphalt shingles.

    It is even heavier than a wood shake roof, which has an upper range of about 600 lbs per square.

    The only heavier roof out there is slate, which can range from 900 to 3000 lbs per square depending on the shingle thickness.

    Considering the fact that these heavier roofs are frequently optional choices by homeowners, standard construction homes may not be built with a roofing structure that is able to support this much weight. 

    What Options do Homeowners Have?

    What does this mean for homeowners wishing to add a beautiful tile roof to their homes?

    There are two options.

    First, they can have an experienced tile roofing service come out and assess their roofing structure to determine whether it can bear the load of a tile installation and if not, have those tile roofers add any additionally required structural support.

    • The other option that tile roofing companies can now offer is lighter-weight composite tile roofing that looks just like the real thing but without all the weight.

    Synthetic look-alike tile designed specifically for homes that cannot support the weight of real ones gives every homeowner the chance to have the look of tile without the added expense of improving the roofing structure. 

    Ask A Tile Roofing Service For Help!

    Regardless of the preferred solution, tile roofing is a specialty installation that should only be done by experienced tile roofers who know how to assess roof structure and how well the weight of ceramic or clay tiles can be supported.

    A reputable tile roofing service will find the best solution to give their customers the gorgeous and stylish tile roof they desire!

  • Is It Time For a Shingle Roofing Replacement?

    A new roofing replacement is an expensive investment in a home.

    It is natural to try to prolong the life of an installation as much as possible with roofing repair, but there will come a time when a repair is just not enough.

    Rather than continuing to spend money on repairs, these are the signs that a roof replacement is the better choice.

    In the long run, replacement is more cost-effective when these widespread symptoms exist.

    Roofs that show any of these widespread problems are ready for a new roofing replacement:

    1. Damaged Shingle Edges – Shingles that have chipped or curled edges, or the whole shingle is either bowed or cupped, are all signs that the shingles are damaged, no longer properly affixed to the roof, and need replacing. All of these symptoms reduce the water tightness of the roof, making roofing repair more necessary as leaks start to pop up.
    2. Cracked or Broken Shingles – Shingles that crack and break are usually suffering from dry rot and have lost their resilience and ability to resist rain and wind. The more time that passes, the worse this condition will get, and the more shingles will crack and break off.
    3. Bald Spots – The protective granule coating on asphalt shingles serves numerous purposes, from aiding UV resistance to protecting the under layers of the shingle material from the decomposition that can happen due to years of weather exposure. When the granules start falling off it is time for a new roof before worse problems begin.
    4. Dark Streaks – Dark streaks on asphalt shingles are caused by either algae or moss on the roof. When either start growing because the shingles have become porous and can no longer resist moisture and microorganisms as well, the best choice is to start thinking about a roof replacement.
    5. Old Roof – A roof that is 20+ years old or has reached 85% of its suggested lifespan is close to the point of needing a roofing replacement, even if it looks like it is in great shape. Start planning for a new roof and once the first signs that roofing repairs are needed appear, opt for the new roof instead.

    It is important to have roofing repairs made as soon as a problem is discovered; however, there comes a time when no amount of repair can deny the fact that an old roof or one experiencing specific problems should be replaced instead.

    A dependable local contractor can help any homeowner determine whether a roof replacement is necessary or if repairs are still a viable solution.