roof in

When the time of year comes that all the stores are starting to put out their Christmas products (and it seems to be happening earlier and earlier), its time to put on your amateur roofer hat and get that part of your house ready for not only Santa's sleigh, but of course the winter season. Many homeowners overlook this aspect of home maintenance, but it is to their detriment. By keeping up with the maintenance when the weather is still warm, you can avoid having to get up there when the cold is chilling your brow. Not to mention avoiding potentially costly repairs. Here are the things you should be doing.

It doesn't take a professional roofer to clean out your gutters, but it does take the willingness to do it yourself. And do it you should, as clogs can lead to severe damage if left unchecked. Take a Saturday afternoon and your favorite cold beverage and head up to tackle this menial chore. If you leave the clogs there too long, they could cause water from the rain or snow to go up under your eaves. In turn, this could lead to the kind of damage that empties out your wallet. Better to take care of problems before they arise by staying on top of the leaves and other debris that tend to get caught up in the gutters.

If you've not done so already, now would be a good time to buy some waterproofing products and apply them. This will not only prevent leaks, but it can protect the surface of the roof as well, allowing it to last as long as possible. Most materials these days are designed to last many years, but they will only do so if you give them the tools and maintenance they need to survive. Take a trip to your local hardware store to see what they offer. If you're not comfortable or willing to do this yourself, check with a local roofer and see what they charge for waterproofing.

Of course, there comes a time in every home's lifespan when maintenance just isn't going to do it anymore. When it is time for a full replacement, find a good roofer in your area and discuss re-shingling. With a little searching, you should be able to find someone who is honest, hardworking, and will offer you a fair price. If you don't have any leads, try asking your neighbors who they've used in the past and whether or not they come recommended.

Tag : roof,roofer,metal roof,roof tiles

When it comes to replacing your roofing shingles there are many options available to a home owner. In fact the large number of choices can complicate the decision-making. Home owners are likely to decide based on a particular roofing shingles price. But this can end up becoming a costly decision if you go for the cheapest shingles. Cheap roof shingles won't last long and they will need replacement in a few years' time.

Going for more expensive but durable materials will cost more in the short-term but in the longer term this can work out cheaper. Take for example metal roofing shingles. These cost a lot of money but they last for 150 to 200 years. If you divide the cost of your roofing by the number of years they will last this will work to be very cheap or comparable to other roofing materials.

Composite roofing shingles are a popular choice but they don't last long. Made of different materials these shingles come in attractive colors, textures and patterns. But, some of the cheaper types don't last more than a couple of years. These types of shingles roofing should be avoided at all costs. Select good quality, durable shingles that will save you not only time but also money and effort in the long-term. Asphalt shingles are good choice when it comes to roofing shingles. They cost about $180 for hundred square feet of roofing.

Other popular choices for roofing are steel, copper, aluminum, roll, and laminated asphalt shingles. The last choice is fairly new and is priced very low. It's a green option and 3 bundles of these shingles will cover 100 square feet of roof.

Other factors to consider include where you live, the type of weather you have, the design of your home, your style and your budget. Hot weather all through the year will need shingles that help keep the home clean, colder climates will need shingles that retain warmth, places that have lot of strong winds will need shingles that won't fly away. Rain and wet weather can cause algae and moss growth so you need something that is moisture proof and so on.

Tag : roof,roofing shingles,roofing material,roof repair

If your roof is in good condition, but you're tired of looking like all the other houses in your neighborhood, you might consider changing the shingles on your roof as a way to jazz up the exterior of your home. While the long-term investment can add considerable value to your home, it should not be undertaken without careful thought, as it is an expensive and time-consuming project.

The first thing you will want to do is sit down and discuss any future plans for changing the rest of your home's exterior. Are you planning to paint the house or even the shutters any time soon? If you have siding on your house, will you be replacing it in the near future? Also, consider landscape in the equation, as well. If you select shingles that yellow as they age, you'll want to select the color of other plants in the yard carefully, to avoid having a circus colored property. If you aren't going to be painting or residing in the immediate future, look for colors that will compliment your home. If you need help, search through magazines the contractor can give you, or drive through your community and take note of homes that are of a similar shade, as well as the roof colors. If you are a joint decision maker, talk it over with your spouse or significant other before the work begins. Once the shingles are up, it's no easy thing to change them if one of you changes their mind.

Next, pick out a type of shingle. There are a number of types currently available, including slate, wood, laminated and two styles of asphalt: fiberglass or organic. Look into the advantages and disadvantages of each type, including the cost of installation and maintenance. Also, look for benefits that may be associated with a particular type. For example, because asphalt shingles are fire resistant, they can help lower the cost of your homeowner's insurance, by giving you a higher fire safety rating. Make sure that the design of the shingles is a good fit with the architectural style of your home. There are a number of styles on the market and a wide range of edges and thicknesses that should compliment almost any home.

Finally, select a roofing contractor that is within your budget to do the installation. Making sure that the shingles are installed correctly is essential to avoiding more costly repair or replacement costs. If shingles are loose or not put on correctly, they can blow off in high winds or severe storms, or cause serious water damage through leaks. Also, be sure to check on any guarantee that is provided.

It is common for most shingles to last between 25 and 50 years, though some can survive as long as 75 years or more, Make sure you read the fine print on any advertisements used for the purchase, as the roofing manufacturer often determines the conditions under which the guarantee will or will not be honored.

It has been done on the continent for many years. The technique consists in using a quaternary ammonium biocide to kill the "bio layer", that is all live organisms on the roof. Quaternary ammoniums are powerful algaecides, and deplete moss and lichen from their embedded algae. As they rely on the algae for food, they simply die. The dark discolourations sometimes mistaken for sout deposits are in fact micro-organisms dwelling at the surface of most concrete tiles. The micro-organisms will also die and gradually wash away, revealing the original colour of the roof.

The chemical then breaks down into residues eaten by ground bacteria. The environmental footprint is limited to the roof. The downside of the mechanism is that after the breaking down no latent effect can be expected. A normal roof needs one cleaning every 8 to 10 years only. If it is under shadow, or - worse - under trees the growth will come back faster particularly on a porous tile. No chemical will solve the problem. It is a design issue.

The key to success is to apply the right concentration and the right amount. Concentrations recommended for cleaning a driveway or a patio are often too weak for a roof. The tiles should be drenched to saturation, and the moss balls soaked through and through. The right product can be sourced on internet, preferably from a company showing a degree of experience in this specialised field.

The cost of cleaning a roof the non aggressive way is significantly less than using wire brushes or jet cleaning. Typically one third. Some companies will do it, but the technique is available to a private individuals as well. The ideal solution is to hire the specialised equipment: A chemical injection box and a light weight boom is often sufficient to carry out the spraying from the ground.

Tag : roof,roof in,metal roof,roofing

One of the most important criteria that make your home safe and a haven to live in is the roofing of your home. Most people tend to ignore this part of the house and do not give the matter enough significance, but it is only when something happens to your roof will you understand how important the roofing of a home is. A roof is not eternal and is one of the most exposed parts of your home that has to withstand the hot sunlight, rain and all the ever changing weather conditions.

So it is an absolute must that you choose your roofing material with utmost thought and care. It would be best to assign this job to a roofing company who are professionals in this filed. Make sure that the company is a reputed firm, has been in the field for a long time, have professional people to do the job at reasonable prices and offers excellent customer care.

Another important factor to be considered is the kind of roofing material that you want to choose for your roof. With the unbelievable strides that are occurring in all walks of life, there is a stunning range of roofing materials for you to take your pick from today. The most popular among them are ceramic tiles, asphalt, concrete, slate and metal to name a few of them. Remember to choose material that is weather proof and is best suited for the climate where you reside in according to your budget.

One of the most common trends in roofing today is fiberglass roofing. This is not very expensive but at the same time looks extremely stylish and classy. This roofing is totally water proof and so the usual problems of tearing, cracking, leaking and blistering are reduced to a great extent. This material also comes with a guarantee of eighteen to twenty years which is another great advantage. It is manufactured from recycled materials which makes it eco-friendly also.

Whatever be the material that you finally opt for the roof of your home, ascertain that it is properly installed and will be durable. Another good idea is to install solar panels into your roofing which are eco-friendly and will help you to lower your energy bills to a considerable extent. You can also decide whether you want a sloping roof or a flat one according to the design of your home. It will be ideal to get professional advice before you decide what kind of roof to opt for.

Tag : roofing material,roof,roofing

Roof restoration is an integral part of house maintenance but a lot of people tend to ignore it. This however is not a very wise thing to do. A roof performs several important functions and plays a major role in protecting the house. So, restoring your roof at the right time is important. And to restore the roofing of your house, you will need to hire a great residential roofing contractor. This is important because replacing the roof of your house or re-roofing is more expensive than most of the other housing repairs. And you will obviously want you make sure that you money is well spent.

To find a good residential roof contractor, you need to ask around. Talk to your friends and neighbors who have recently got their roofs restored. In this way you might get the names of a few roofing companies that do good work. After getting the names, your next step will be to learn in details about them. Check the internet for information on the companies. Make sure that the companies are insured and licensed. See what technology is used by each of the companies.

While doing your research try to at least 3 estimates. Most companies mention their estimates in the official websites. If estimates are not mentioned, call the companies and ask for the same. Meet the representatives of the company with the most favorable estimate and ask all the questions that are bothering you. Make sure you get satisfactory answers. Ask questions like which material will suit your house the best and how long will the roof last. You also need to ask questions regarding the workforce of the company. Know how long it will take the company to complete the roofing. When it comes to signing the contract, make sure that every important detail is mentioned in it.

Few things can cause as much consternation and damage as a leak in the roof. Unless you want to hire a roofing company to come over and fix it for you (which isn't the worst idea in many circumstances), you'll need to know how to not only find the leak, but repair it yourself.

Few things can cause as much consternation and damage as a leak in the roof. Unless you want to hire a roofing company to come over and fix it for you (which isn't the worst idea in many circumstances), you'll need to know how to not only find the leak, but repair it yourself. Thankfully, there are products on the market that can help you do just that. The primary product you'll be working with is a tri-polymer sealant. This sealant will be used to patch up small holes that have appeared overhead. If you have holes that are larger than this, you should immediately contact a professional. Keep in mind that fixing a leak in this manner is only a temporary solution.

Your first job will be to find the location of the leak. This is easier said than done, many times. The best place to start is in the attic, preferably when it is raining. Even then, finding the exact location of the leak can be a tricky prospect. Because of beams, nails, and other forms of interference, most leaks don't result in water dripping straight down from the hole. If you do happen to find the leak, however, stick something through the hole so you don't lose the location. Try to pick something small, so you don't wind up making the hole worse than it was to begin with.

After you've pinpointed the location of the breach, get up on a ladder and commence to performing your amateur roofing. Find the object you slid through the hole and remove it. Get out your sealant and spread it fully around the area of the hole, covering it thoroughly. Since it is a runny substance, it will drip down into the hole. This is perfect and exactly what you want. Most sealants of this type are clear, so you don't have to worry about matching it to anything. If you have anything valuable underneath the hole (that you haven't already removed due to the water leak), you will want to get it out of the way before you begin patching up the leak.

In this way, you can easily and quickly patch up any roofing leaks you may have sprung. However, it is a good idea to call a professional at some point in the future to get a good, permanent fix. You may also have other parts of your material that are susceptible to leaking, so it is best to get those looked at before any major problems arise.

Few homeowners give roofing the respect and thought it deserves. As the crown to any good house, the roof performs functions both aesthetic and practical, not to be ignored for the benefit of other, less important matters. While the biggest aspects of roofing are always best left to the professionals, that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a hand in the decision making process. If you are thinking of buying a new home or doing a roof replacement, here are some things you should know about some of the biggest trends in the industry.

While it has been around for many years, the popularity of the built-up roof cannot be overstated. It was first developed over a hundred years ago and because it has such a sterling reputation in the roofing industry, many contractors and professionals consider it the default option. Because it makes use of several layers, including gravel surfacing, it is typically one of the strongest choices you can make. If you expect the top of your house will be taking a beating from weather and climate, it might be the way to go.

Another form of roofing material that has been growing in popularity for some time is the single ply system. With this system, only a single layer of plastic material is used to form the basis for the structure. Naturally, because it still needs to protect the house from weather and other forms of contaminants, this type of material is generally quite thick in nature. While not the cheapest form of work you can get, single ply is on the inexpensive side and can thus be a good choice for those on a limited budget.

Of course, many people choose to go with that old standby: metal roofing. While typically not the choice for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing solution, it is still popular for many businesses and warehouses for its ability to last for a long time, provide terrific protection against the weather, and its predisposition to favorable warranties. On the other hand, there are few materials more susceptible to small leaks, which means some maintenance will almost certainly be required.

When it comes to choosing your system, take a look at the other examples in the neighborhood. This will not only give you some ideas to choose from, but can probably give you a chance to tailor your house to meet the area aesthetic. Choose a good contractor and you can elicit his opinion as well on which direction you should go.

Whether you are the owner of one small ranch style home, or the proprietor of numerous large properties, one thing about owning properties is inevitable. Eventually the roof will need to be replaced on your building(s). While this is something that the hard-core do-it-yourselfer could possibly do on his own, chances are that you will be hiring a roofing contractor to do the job for you.

Everyone would like to get the best deal possible when it comes to home or building repairs, but the best deal does not necessarily mean the cheapest price. You will also need to consider the quality of the work being done, the time frame in which it can be completed, and the reputation that the business has with its previous clients.

When looking for roofing contractors, word-of-mouth is usually a reliable way to go. Your neighbors and family members have all probably had to have a roof replaced at one time or another during their years of homeownership. Ask them what they thought of the contractor they used.

Good questions to ask include: "Did you feel that the business sent a professional crew out to do the work?" "How long did it take the crew to complete the job?", and "How has the roof weathered through the years?" You will also want to find out if the person thought that they received a good value for their money.

So, now that you have some roofing contractors in mind, you will want to compare the materials they use, the length of time it will take to finish the project, and the total cost involved. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

If one quote includes the tear off of your existing shingles, repair of any damaged USB board, new tar paper, new drip edge, and 30 year guaranteed architectural shingles, then you will want to make sure that the other contractor's quotes include those same items.

As you can see, choosing a roofing contractor involves a lot more than price. Choosing the lowest quote only gets you the cheapest price, not necessarily the very best deal. The lowest priced contractor may very well have the best deal for you, but to ensure that, you must compare the other aspects of his quote. You must also make sure that all businesses giving you a quote are licensed, insured, and have adequate experience to complete the project at hand.

The average life span of a roof is about fifteen years depending on the type of material used and the weather it is exposed to. At some point every home owner will face the daunting task of replacing it on their home and it can seem like an off putting job to find a professional roofer to get it done. One of the most important factors to consider that will have an impact on both the cost and the finished appearance will be the roofing contractor that is selected to do the job. Since the replacement should last a good fifteen years and the cost can be slightly high it is imperative to select a competent and professional roofer to do the job right the first time.

One method to find a contractor that is highly recommended is to utilize a consumer based web site that post the consumer reviews of a business with a degree of accountability by not posting reviews that are submitted anonymously. Finding at least three contractors should be easy after reviewing their consumer ratings and then selecting the top contenders to interview. A contractor can help guide the homeowner in the next part of the process of replacing or repairing the roof by helping with material selection based on the consumer budget and needs.

The material used will have an impact on the overall cost of repairing or replacing the roof as will the pitch and by doing a little research on the type of materials available you can understand your options better. A few different types of material to consider for roofing materials include asphalt composite shingles which are cheap but not overall attractive since they tend to have a flat look to them and slate roofing which is more expensive but also more attractive.

For the home owner wanting to be ecologically responsible there is rubber slate or faux slate which is a composite of recycled materials. Metal roofs have also begun to grow a bit in popularity due to the fact that they have a long lifetime of easy no maintenance care but this is a selection that can require the roofing contractor to have special knowledge to install correctly.

What ever roofer you end up going with will be a great asset to selecting materials and keeping the price within your budget. And of course after the roofing contractor does what should be a wonderful job after your research and selection process, make sure to post a positive review on the same consumer web site so the roofer can be around to replace the roof again in fifteen years.