roof in

If you are building a new home or renovating an existing how then choosing a roofing contractor will likely be an important part of your project. Not only does your roof keep you warm and dry, an attractive new roof can also add value to your home. Choosing a roofing company isn't always easy so here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Businesses often say that referrals are the best source of customers, however while that is true it can also be the best source of contractors too. Asking your friends, work colleagues and neighbours who have had their roof done recently who they used and whether they were happy with them is a great source of leads for a roofing contractor. Ask them questions like what was their price like? Did they use qualified tradesmen? Was there any quality controls and guarantees? Where their any problems and if so where they smoothly resolved? What was their customer service like? These kind of questions will give you good feedback of what you should expect from a roofing contractor and what to look for to meet your requirements.

Next it is important to ensure that the roofing contractor has the relevant licenses, uses qualified tradesmen and are fully insured. This is very important in the event of any issues such as injuries or accidents. Calling or visiting the website of any local builders or trade associations such as Master Builders is another good place to find a reputable company as there associations usually insure members meet certain quality standards and possess the relevant licensing.

By now you should have started to gather a list of contractors who you are going to call for your job. Usually its a good idea to have three or four quotes. Typically you will find there will be one high ball quote, a low ball quote and a couple in the middle. While price might be one of your determining factors remember that cost can often be a reflection of quality. In the roofing industry often low cost operators substitute qualified tradesmen with inexperienced labourers and cut costs and corners on the job. It is important to look at what you are actually getting in the quote from the company and guarantees are an important aspect of this.

Make sure you have a look through the fine print and actually understand the warranties given to you by your vendors. Many warranties may sound similar, you'll be surprised at what they do and don't cover when you read the fine print! A good warranty should offer to fix any leakages or problems free of charge with some obvious inclusions such as major natural disasters. Further more once you have had someone inspect your roof, they usually will show you some of their recent work. This is important as you can often go and see the jobs for yourself. On some occasions companies will even have a revolving list of references you can phone.

Other things you will need to know are:

- how long they have been in business
- do they require a deposit upfront
- does the company require the money upfront (likely red flag)
- are they qualified to remove asbestos safely (if applicable)
- are they liable for any damage caused to your property
- are their any financing options
- what their warranty covers
- are they insured
- do their staff have work cover

It can also be a good idea to check with local authorities such as the BSA (Building Services Authority) to see if their were any complaints and how they were resolved. While complaints may happen from time to time how they are resolved is a better measure of what it will be like to deal with the company.

While it may seem like a lot of work to go to all this trouble it is a lot easier than it sounds and remember the roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Your roof keeps you warm, dry and safe and improves the overall look and value of your home.

Your roof is an important part of your home and plays a vital role in keeping you and your family warm and dry. When you are paying between $4,000 and $15,000 for a new roof you want to make sure you are getting quality workmanship, products and a strong guarantee. The best way to protect yourself is to ensure the roofing company you choose has a strong warranty.

What should be included in a warranty?

Usually the guarantee is broken into two components the product component and the service component. The product component is usually the warranty given by the manufacturer which they usually break up into a material component of the warranty and a performance component. The material component usually guarantees the materials the products are made from for a certain amount of time for example Colorbond guarantees their roofing material for 30 years without corrosion and and up to 12 years against flaking or peeling of the colour. Manufacturers usually also attach performance guarantees which usually specific that the coatings or materials will stand up as long as certain installation conditions are met. This is why it is important to have a roofing contractor who understands the products that they are using. Just as you expect a doctor to understand the medicines they prescribe you expect a roofer to understand the coatings and materials they use.

So what can you expect from the service component of the warranty? Well first you want to ensure that all tradesmen are appropriately qualified and insured and that any apprentices will be supervised. Secondly you will want to make sure that the business operator or project manager has to sign off on the job before you pay the company the balance. Thirdly you will want to make sure the company will come back fix any problems you might have with the roof if it were to start leaking. Most good roofing companies will guarantee their workmanship for up to ten years and will come back and fix any problems free of charge. Many companies will insist that you do not pay a cent until you are entirely satisfied with the work complete while some even go as far as to offer to have another company complete the work for you if you are not happy with their work. When it comes down to it, you will here many different kinds of assurances made by roofing contractors the best choice you can make is to choose the one that resonates most with you. You will find most roof warranties are for 10 years and offer the same things however some companies truly go the extra mile to provide assurance to their customers. Make sure you read the warranty and know what you are signing for.

Other factors you should consider in making your decision.

You should always make sure the roofing contractor your using is using qualified tradesmen and not cheap labourers to cut costs. All of their employees should be covered by work cover and professional indemnity insurance in case of an accident to protect your liability. Most importantly you should choose a company that has a strong track record of quality workmanship and offers a roof that meets your needs.

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Most homeowners don't spend much time thinking about the cleanliness of their roof. As long as it's not leaking the roof is fine isn't it? Well the truth is actually rather alarming. Leaving the roof uncleaned can lead to a number of issues that if left neglected can cause considerable damage to the pointing and tiles. This neglect will eventually lead to the deterioration of the roof far faster than if it had been cleaned in the first place. This article will discuss some of the signs of trouble, the causes, and some of the cleaning methods used to eliminate potential problems. Preventative measures are always less expensive than repair or replacement costs.

Black Algae also commonly misleadingly referred to as 'mildew' or 'fungus' is usually found on the slope of the roof which has the least sun exposure. There are shingles made with zinc or copper that are designed to inhibit algal growth. The most common way to help avoid black algae is to stop branches overhanging the roof allowing more sunlight to shine on your roof. Some people pressure wash the algae which is often a good solution however traditional methods such as cleaning with a brush can also be used so as not to damage a delicate roof. There are also chemical solutions to remedy this problem which will prevent algae and fungus from growing. It is best to contact a professional roofing contractor to help make the right choice, both for you and your roof type.

Debris Staining is a common problem on low pitched roofs with surrounding trees with overhanging branches. Staining occurs when debris such as tree leaves collect on the roof. These piles retain moisture and can cause serious damage if left unchecked. Both algae and fungus originate here as well as the growth of plants which eventually can cause large roof leaks. Moss, lichens, and other plant life will thrive on a neglected roof and the best method of fixing this problem is usually roof cleaning. Care should be taken not to damage any shingles or other roofing material.

Black Streaking occurs on your roof in the form of streaks which is usually caused by bleed through of the bituminous material in asphalt shingles which begins to break down and bleed from the shingle. This is usually a sign of faulty materials or that your shingles are in need of replacement.

Why Clean the Roof?

There are a number of roof cleaning issues that if left unchecked, can wreak havoc on your roof. Shingles, shakes and tiles eventually deteriorate due to weathering and the effects of mould and affect the roof structure itself. It is important to be able to notice the signs that your roof needs cleaning and the causes that lead to the deterioration of your roof. Preventative measures such a roof cleaning are much cheaper than repair or replacement costs associated with restoring a neglected roof.

In a May 2009 report, the "Denver Post" reported that "400 Coloradoans [had been] taken in [a] roof-repair scam." This article shed light on a problem that unsuspecting homeowners across the country face every single day: Not all contractors-roofing or otherwise-are who they claim to be.

Sad but true, consumers must take a proactive stance and investigate the (so-called) professionals they hire before putting down a cash deposit, or worse, paying in full for a home repair upfront. Of course, faced with an emergency situation like a leaky roof in the midst of a snowy January or a downpouring April, such detective work often falls by the wayside. In a rush to get the job done, many a homeowner will fall for what might otherwise present itself as an obvious money-robbing scheme.

In the case of the scammed Coloradoans, a roofing company approached "residents about inspecting their roof for possible damage, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Department." In other words, the victimized individuals were sought out instead of doing the seeking, thereby giving them plenty of opportunity to do their research before swallowing the crafty bait hook, line and sinker.

Here's how the roofing repair scam played out.

1. A representative from the alleged roof repairer "asks the homeowner to sign a release prior to inspecting the roof, explaining the release is a normal, routine procedure."
2. When signed by the homeowner, the form allows the scamming roofing contractor "to act as an agent for the homeowner regarding the roof."
3. "Once workers inspect the roof and find damage, they inform the homeowner that their homeowner's insurance will cover the repairs."
4. The roofing scam artist then "instructs the homeowner to ask their insurance company to have an adjuster come to the home to estimate the cost of the repairs."
5. The insurance company performs the estimate and "sends a check for the repair work."
6. Once the roofing scammers convince the victim to sign "the check over to [them] to begin repair work," they slink away without ever completing the repairs.

How can you avoid become the victim of a roof repair scam like this one? Hire a professional roofing contractor who can offer proven experience, a written estimate and worry-free installation. To make sure you're choosing the best roof repair company, arm yourself with a checklist before you sign a contract ... no matter how desperate you are or how urgent the repair work is.

At a minimum, that checklist should answer the following questions.

1. Does the roofing contractor have a good reputation?
2. Does the roofing contractor have adequate insurance coverage?
3. Does the roofing contractor know, explain and comply with local building codes?
4. Does the roofing contractor commit to supervise the job during all phases of work and inspect it completely when finished?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, stop and reconsider hiring them. The best way to vindicate yourself against a scam artist is not to become a victim in the first place.

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When selecting the roofing options for residential buildings in Brooklyn, you find yourself in the midst of large number of options ranging from asphalt or wood shingles, slate, roofs made from metal such as aluminum, tin, or metal, ceramic tiles, and so on. When deciding the best roofing options for the houses in Queens New York, consider the cost and the lifespan for each type of roof. You also need to consider the kind of roof that would best suit your housing architecture as not all the roofs are suitable for all kinds of houses.

Most houses in Queens New York have their roofs made of handmade slates which have an charm and elegance of their own. These slates are often used in large courtrooms and other Government buildings where they last a lifetime. Apart from such large buildings, slates are also commonly used in areas where they occur as a natural resource and are quarried locally. However, the use of this beautiful roofing option is becoming less popular due to its rising cost of production.

Also, the houses of Queens NY use vinyl siding to provide an attractive and economical exterior finish to their houses. Known for its durability and weather resistant effects the vinyl siding is used most commonly in almost all the houses and commercial buildings of Queens NY. Known for their durability, qualitatively rich looks, and economical prices, the vinyl siding are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs. What's more these exterior sidings are composed of chemical compounds that make this exterior finish highly durable along with increasing their panel strength to make the product sun and weather resistant.

Not only this, the vinyl siding exterior finish also provides a new look to both contemporary as well as modern houses alike. Apart from being very reasonable priced, this exterior finish provides a whole gamut of designs for you to choose from. However, ensure that you get this vinyl finish installed only from experts in the field of sliding your homes.

Roof renovation may mean repairing your current roof to be as good as new, or it may be that your roof needs an entirely new surface of shingles or tar. Whichever it is, roof renovation can be a tricky and dangerous process, so roof renovation for beginners needs to include safety.

Safety First
A fall from an 8 or 10 foot roof can lead to death or paralysis. Roof renovation for beginners is, therefore, somewhat dangerous. Use ladders when you are working on a roof. Make sure the ladders are firmly stabilized so that they will not sway or fall when you get on. They need to be so securely set that they can stay in place when you are climbing with full hands. Scaffolding can actually provide a more stable surface for a beginner working on roof renovation. If you are working near the edge of the roof, stand on the ladder or scaffolding, not on the roof reaching over. Roofs with a steep pitch are especially dangerous, particularly in wet weather. You need to use roof jacks and planks for safety. A roof jack is a bracket made of metal and attaches to the roof with nail. A board goes between the jacks to provide a more stable surface to walk on. It's a good idea to use roof jacks and planks, even on roofs that have a more mild pitch. You will also want to consider the safety of the occupants of a home as you complete the restoration. Clean up the nails as they drop, and don't put ladders and scaffolding over entrance doors, if you can avoid it.

Repair
A beginner may learn to replace flashing on the roof, the soffit and facia, or repair shingles. Replacing an entire roof is likely beyond the skills of a beginner, and shouldn't be attempted without careful oversight from an experienced helper or a professional. For a leaking roof, often the homeowner can do a roof restoration by replacing blown off or broken shingles. Note where the leaking point is in the home, and mark it. Then find the marker on the roof and make note of any damaged shingles there. If there are damaged pieces, then the leaking is likely a result of the damaged roof.

Replacing damaged shingles is generally a roof renovation for beginners. It can be done with a few basic tools and without a great deal of experience. First, find the broken or damaged shingles. If the roof is curling back, get a quality asphalt roof cement. The easiest way to work with it is in a tube made for a caulking gun.

In warm weather, go on the roof, flatten the shingle, and glue it down again. In the winter time, you may need to use a propane torch to slightly soften the shingle. Don't use such a tool on your roof unless you know to use it. Broken, torn or rotten shingles should be replaced. Hopefully you have a few spare shingles stashed in the garage; if not, roofers can usually supply a few. Pry off the old shingle with a pry bar and nail and caulk a new shingle in its place.

Issues with roofing can be nightmare often times. Proper roofing is as important as the proper foundation. If the roof is not fixed by a professionally competent service provider, there are chances that serious issues may surface after a while. Even in cases where the it was initially fixed by an efficient company, it would warrant inspection and maintenance in proper intervals.

Westchester has a good array of roofing and siding companies. They offer services ranging from initial installation to maintenance. The customer gets a chance to view the previous projects completed by the company and evaluate the work for himself. It is not unusual that the customer obtains quotes from a number of companies before he makes up his mind. You will definitely get very competitive pricing from various companies making it difficult to take a decision. It might not always be the best idea to go with the one offering the cheapest quote. There are lots of other factors to be considered. The past credentials is far more important than the pricing. It doesn't make sense to compromise on the best quality work for a small difference in the price. This can create later worries which can prove to be far more expensive in total.

Stucco is in the fray of home decoration for a while now. Though the basic method remains the same, modern aesthetics allows it to offer a long range of solutions to the needy customer. Stucco is commonly used for the siding, thanks to its flexibility and attractiveness. In addition to that, stucco is durable as well. It can last nearly indefinitely with the least amount of repair and maintenance needed. Just in case one wants to add color to the stucco, the most inexpensive way would be to use a plaster that is mixed with the desired pigment.

Stucco solution providers in Brooklyn are one of the best in the country. It is not difficult to get your perfect stucco in Brooklyn. Getting quality work done at reasonable rates requires nothing more than a walk into one of the known solution provider in your vicinity.

The roof is a very important component of every home. The roof saves us from whatever is dished out by the nature like rain, winds, cold or heat. We sleep and live in our homes with a great comfort due to this all-important roof. Therefore, it is our responsibility to take care of the roof so that it can take better care of us. As nothing in this world is everlasting, there always comes a time in every home when the replacement of the roof is necessary.

The signs for the replacement of the roof can be like when the smaller leak spots turn into big unmanageable patches or the cracks are developing in it. To go for which kind of roof is a tough decision and would depend on various factors like budget, maintenance cost, architecture of the home etc. For replacing, metal roofing particularly Copper roofing could be a very viable and durable option if you are residing in a bungalow, ranch or any contemporary building. For Copper Roof Nassau County has many experienced roofers. Call your experienced roofer and ask him about the various possibilities and aspects regarding Copper roof like the shade and compatibility with your home structure.

Along with the roof replacement, if you are also looking for the siding then in Bronx Vinyl Siding could be a very viable and cost effective. In Bronx you should contact the various distributors who have got the proper certification in the vinyl siding. They would provide you the complete information about all the shades and colors that are available in the Bronx along with there proper pricing. Vinyl siding is a very durable option and if you have complete knowledge then it can also be installed and maintained properly by you saving you some bucks. Vinyl siding withstands the various mood of the nature and does not fade as it used to when it was launched initially.

Eaves are the part of the roof that overhangs from the building wall line average five hundred millimeters wide. This area is covered by a boarding of timber or PVC tongue and groove, gypsum or weather proof materials. If this part of the building is not covered or is damaged due to weather, it could lead to rodents or birds nesting in the open ceiling. Its important to cover since rodents are a health hazard and birds droppings could damage the ceiling space.

When a developer intends to fix the PVC eaves boarding, measure the area to be worked on. Cut the pieces of timber to form the mesh like supports called brandering. This is done by nailing timber battens along the fascia boards and wall lengths. After nailing the battens lengthwise, cut smaller pieces and nail along the width of the eaves. This timber battens should be fixed at intervals of six hundred millimeters center to center distances.

Prepare the area to fix PVC eaves boarding by positioning a gauze wire to stop crawling insects from entering the ceiling. Again cut the PVC to be fitted the size of the eaves width. This are fixed by inserting into each groove provided on the strips. Nail the first piece on the brandering and then insert the next into the groove and nail the edges to keep, firm. Continue this process until the whole length of the eaves is finished. Clean off any dirt marks.

Once the PVC eaves boarding is fixed by joining the pieces, nail timber quadrants on the edges. This is done by nailing them along the fascia boards and wall line to hide the joints. Ensure that they are nailed straight and apply under coat. Apply three coats of gloss paint on the timber quadrants and fascia boards to protect from extreme weather. Again use some thinner to clean off any paint marks appearing on the PVC eaves to give a good finish.

Many people are now waking up to the call of renewable energy as an alternative to oil which is not only harmful to our mother earth but costly. Among the most commonly alternative sources of energy is solar energy. Solar panels are already popular with most of the people. They are normally fitted on the roofs to tap solar rays which are then converted to electric energy. The latest technology which uses the same analogy is solar roofing shingles.

Solar roofing shingles are roofing materials made of photovoltaic cells that are able to take in solar energy from the sun. Just like the solar panels, the rays are converted into electric energy and stored into backups. The electric energy can then be used for residential as well as commercial requirements. Solar shingles are laid on the house roof just like the sheets or tiles, not only to shield your roof but also supplying you with electricity to power your home.

Photovoltaic technology unlike most power - generating technologies is friendly to the environment. The shingles are coated with thin film to absorb sun's rays without causing environmental pollution, no noise and require no fuel to run them other than the sun. Solar shingles can save you more than 60% of your monthly power costs.

There are a number of benefits that come with solar shingles. They give you the same durability, protection and flexibility as asphalt shingles. When it comes to their outlook appearance, they are attractive. They are made to conform to the standard roof for the normal house constructions. They come in a variety of shades giving you an option to choose your favorite. In fact, many people like the aesthetic beauty that they provide to the house roof. With solar roof shingles, you don't have to worry about roofing materials as they provide perfect roofing shingles. Solar shingles are light in weight and the cost of Installations is normally low.

Before fixing solar shingles on your house roof, there are a number of things you need to put into considerations. First, you need to ask yourself if you really need them. Most certainly, you do. You can fix them either on a new house that had not been roofed or you can replace existing roof with the solar shingles as a source of electricity for your house. In either case, the shingles need to be fixed carefully. They should be fixed on the sides that receive sunlight most and areas that are free from shades. Depending on your energy requirements as well as financial ability, the whole roof or part of it can be roofed with solar shingles.

Many governments are advocating for the use of renewable energy sources. As a result, they have subsidized solar energy equipments to encourage more people to turn to this alternative source of energy which is eco friendly as opposed to the oil-based energy sources. You need to check out with the relevant authorities and see if such grants are available in your area.

While the cost of installing a metal roof can seem prohibitively high to some people, there has been a recent trend amongst home DIY enthusiasts of trying to install metal roofing themselves. Essentially, these people are trying to get the durability and energy-efficiency benefits of metal roofing without having to shoulder the cost incurred by hiring a metal roofing contractor.

While the frugal thinking that informs these efforts is admirable, there are a lot of good reasons you should find some other way to diminish your metal roofing costs. While there are a few companies out there that make metal roofing shingles specifically designed for the amateur to install (from panels that pretty much clip together by hand to those requiring little more than the standard tool arsenal of screw gun, hammer, metal snips, caulk gun, and tape measure) these uniformly shaped shingles will only work on homes with a very regular roofing structure.

But your typical home doesn't have that. Odds are your home has a sidewall, a chimney, a dormer or a skylight somewhere up there, and the average homeowner trying to work around such structural irregularities without any panel-reshaping is almost bound to leave weak spots that make the internal structure of the roof vulnerable to water damage, possibly decreasing the lifespan of a roof which, properly installed, could last half a century without maintenance. The cost of installing a metal roof on your own could, in reality, be that you'll need to get the entire job redone by a professional. When even a simple mistake like leaving a mark on one of your metal panels with a lead pencil instead of duct tape can lead to massive corrosion and compromise the integrity of the roof, is it really a risk you want to take?

This is the reason that, unless your house is featureless and box-shaped, calling on the services of a metal roofing contractor is often the most sensible way to go. Odds are, a skilled contractor is probably not going to charge you nearly as much as he would to install clay, fiber glass or asphalt shingles, as the lightweight and easy, clip-on installation of metal shingles makes their assembly a far less labor-intensive job.

You should ensure that your contractor intends to use a brake, the name for the portable hydraulic cutting tool employed by roofers to shape irregular roof panels on site. If he doesn't, odds are the job will stretch out far longer than necessary, costing you more and leaving parts of your roof open to the elements. In the long term, hand cut panels are also likely to be poorly shaped, reducing the visual effect of your roof.

If your contractor does try to charge you the same rate, you should probably seek quotes from numerous metal roofing contractors, or better yet, ask around amongst your friends and family for referrals. This is how most contractors get business, and knowing that you're tied to a network of past and potentially future clients will make that contractor much more eager to please with quick service delivery.

When it comes to metal roofing, many people may think of an old drab, dull tin roof sitting atop an old shack or something similar. As a matter of fact, for years metal roofs were strictly viewed as a cheap option that almost paled in comparison to old fashion tiled roofing and reduced the overall value of a property. Today, those old conceptions about roofs are being turning on their heads, especially due to the stylish options and well built construction - and as a result, metal constructed roofing is in high demand. Without a doubt, this style of roofing today leaves its ancestors in the dust - and it's winning new fans every single day.

If you were to ask any Brisbane roofing contractor what one of the most requested roof styles was today, metal roofs are normally the favourite any other option. What is it about today's roofing that's so special? First of all, it is important to note that unlike their predecessors, today's metal consrtucted roofing is extremely durable and rather than overwhelming a home's appearance, it can be used to complement its overall theme. The idea of old fashioned ugly metal roofing is a thing of the past.

Roofing Made of Metal

When people are looking for a re roofing Brisbane company to help them to decide on the type of roofing most suited to their house, they are often surprised with the massive options available when it comes to metal roofing. As an example, the is a common conception that Roofing made of metal is constructed out of tin. As a matter of fact metal roofing is constructed of Zincalume and Aluminium which is created via a very hi-tech multi layer process and is excellent product for strength-for-lightness and durability.

The good news with the durability of metal roofing is they outlast conventional roofing and end up cheaper in the long run. This doesn't mean you have to pay a fortune either as there are options available to suit virtually any budget, making metal roofs an attractive choice for all kinds of homeowners.

Are there more options with Metal Roofing?

From an architectural or aesthetic standpoint, metal roofing can lend a remarkably sleek, modern look to today's homes. This material can be used in many creative ways to give a home a really unique style. Designers love this style of roofing thanks to its versatility, weight and generally attractive look.

Those who prefer a more traditional look for their roof - but want to take advantage of the benefits of metal roofing can choose from a plethora of designs and different patterns. For instance, there are roofs constructed of metal available that resemble Spanish tile or slate. People who prefer the look of wood shakes will be able to find a pattern that suits as well.

The bottom line is that around Australia, people are choosing metal roofing not only for their proven benefits and the value they add to a home, but also for their style. Metal roofs have come a very long way indeed. It's no wonder that so many people are selecting this versatile material for their homes.

If you're seriously considering a DIY standing-seam roof installation, you'd best bone up on your general knowledge regarding what is undoubtedly a great roofing solution. While successful amateur installations are not unheard of, your surest bet is to seek the help of a professional. Standing-seam roofs are made of numerous interlocking panels, which run vertically from the ridge, or edge, of the roof to its apex at the eave. The seam where any two panels interlock is raised just above the surface of the roof, allowing water to run off the roof without it dripping in between the panels. This simple structure belies numerous details of installation that, if not properly attended to, can lessen the efficacy and lifespan of the roof.

Also, should you choose to hire a professional accomplished in the craft of roofing, you're probably not going to find yourself looking at roof installation costs that are anywhere near as expensive as those of ordinary clay or fiber-glass shingle installation. Metal roofs in general and standing-seam roofs in particular are lightweight (between 1 and 2 pounds apiece), making them very easy to move around. They can also be installed over the old roof, which eliminates the time and manpower it might have required to tear the whole previous layer of roof off.

Properly installed, standing seam roofs are watertight, immune to the forces of wind and hail, fire retardant and require virtually zero maintenance aside from the odd hose-down every year or so. Indeed, they so improve the safety of your home that many insurance companies are willing to cut large amounts of money off the cost of their policies for homes with metal roofs.

If you're intent on going through with your DIY standing-seam roof installation, however, here's a few tips. You'll probably want to lay down some kind of waterproof plastic membrane over the existing roof structure, followed by a good layer of roofing paper which will ensure that water stands no chance of making it through and into your home. Don't neglect to fill in the roof's valleys (the spaces between roof surfaces). Then you'll need to cover the roof's peak with a preformed ridge-cap, which you'll need to get made to order unless you really intend to go into the roofing business professionally.

When it comes to shingles, there are a few companies, such as Permanent Roofing Systems, that design shingles specifically made for DIY metal roof installation. There are four-way systems of shingles that can be made to interlock with each other by hand or with minimal use of tools. Get someone from the manufacturer, or a qualified person at your local construction outlet, to show you how to fit the pieces together, which should be in a staggered pattern for the best visual effect. It's possible to buy their shingles pre-assembled in sheets, making for the easiest possible solution to your roofing needs.

That said, there are going to be certain circumstances under which pre-made shingles just won't be enough, and that's when you need to swallow your pride and call in the pros. On roofs with irregularities - things like sidewalls, chimneys, dormers and skylights - standing seam panels will need to be cut to size on-site, which requires the use of a sophisticated piece of machinery called a brake - a hydraulic shear with teeth sharp enough to cut panels to just the right length without damaging their ends. That's one feat it's very difficult for a human saw-wielder to replicate.

If under such circumstances you persist in your DIY efforts, the odds are that patch jobs around irregular areas are either going to look bad or result in your standing-seam roof being compromised, leading to leaking and other forms of weather damage, such as the negative effects that swelling ice can cause when caught between panels.

Properly installed standing-seam roofs are subject to warranties of up to fifty years, given the nigh-on invulnerable hardiness of the materials. So don't skimp now - a once-off investment could leave you with a roof that lasts a lifetime.

An average homeowner's education never ends--this is especially true for first time homeowners. For the very handy among us, building terms, types of repairs and an understanding of how to locate wall studs seems to have been ingrained from birth. For a homeowner with less repair experience, each and every necessary repair comes with a sense of urgency to learn how to fix it.

New Homeowners and Home Repair Crash Courses:
It's typical for crash courses in plumbing and electrical work to occur fairly early during the time a first time homeowner takes ownership of his home. Other big repairs, thankfully, don't come up as often. While this is easier on the wallet, it also delays the homeowner's education on various aspects of their homes. Roofing is one such area.

While it's impossible not to notice if the plumbing works as you turn on a faucet, or if the electricity is running when you flick a light switch, whether or not you have a healthy roof is something that's considered less frequently. Along these lines, it's logical that the first time a homeowner really thinks about their roof will be because there is a problem that has arisen.

Take a roof leak as an example. Once the homeowner notices a wet and buckled ceiling, they can get ready for that crash course in roofing, because at the very least, a roof repair is in order. Peel back a few extra layers of the source of the problem and many times the homeowner discovers the inevitable, the roof has begun to fail and a new roof is in order. When this happens, be prepared to bring in a professional for an opinion.
- Did you know: Most asphalt shingle roofs are designed to last for 30 years. The roof's expected life can be shortened if the roof is exposed to heavy winds or becomes a victim of roof hail damage.

Professional Roof Repair Contracts Assess the Roof:
As a roof repair contractor is brought out to examine the roof and identify the problem area, roofing terms will start flying. Think of this as the vocabulary section of your crash course in roofing, and ask about as many of the unfamiliar terms as you can. Writing some of the terms down to research later is also a good idea; in the long run, your new roofing knowledge could be helpful.

To get you started, here are a few common roof terms used by roofing contractors that could be confusing for the average homeowner, and could have contributed to a common roofing problem:

Cricket: A wood-framed structure that diverts water away from chimneys, walls or other vertical roof projections and penetrations; also called a saddle.
Flashing: Metal or other flexible material used to seal the roof and prevent leaks around any projection or intersection, such as pipes, chimneys, dormers, valleys or adjoining walls.
Plumbing boot: A prefabricated covering, usually of flexible material, used to seal around a penetration; also called a pipe boot or roof jack.

By the time a roofing contractor has climbed up and looked around the roof, he'll be ready to make a recommendation on how to best fix the problem. In the case of a leak, perhaps that flashing can be repaired, making the roof watertight once again. If a small fix won't solve the problem or if the roof is near or over 30 years old, it might be time for a roof replacement. In that case, get ready for many more vocab words, because the crash course isn't over yet! Before you know it, you'll be able to discuss the pros and cons of different roofing materials and methods with any roofing contractor.

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