roof in

Have a leak in your roof and cannot afford a repair man? Roofing DIY is always an option. But before diving into a project such of this type, there are a few things to review. Safety is always first when repairing anything around the house. With that said when attempting to fix a roof leak a few guidelines should be followed.

The first is never climb on a roof while it is raining or snowing. The adverse weather will create a very slick surface and can cause serious injury if you fall off. The second is to wear a harness that is tied to a secure point on the rooftop. This way if you slip you can avoid getting hurt. Third is to wear rubber soled shoes or boots. The rubber will allow for additional traction when on the roof. Fourth is to never attempt to fix the problem alone. Having a friend with you will not only make the job go faster but will give you back up in case something happens.

After gathering together the safety equipment tools and materials needed for the repair job. The next step is to assess what area of the rooftop has the potential leak. Once that is established then you can take a ladder and climb up in order to find the exact spot. Once the affected area is located some kind of liquid will be required. A garden hose is a great way to find the leaks location. Running water over the area while having someone on the inside of the house will help narrow down the spot of the leaking.

Once the repair is fixed then it is time to perform some preventive maintenance. Keeping the gutters on your house is a great way to keep water from building up on the surface of the roof. If water stays trapped under the shingles or tiles the plywood underneath can start to mold and rot. When that happens, a replacement roof will need to be installed.

Dry rot is another problem that can occur. This problem is caused due to lack of ventilation. A tell tale sign of this is if the center of the roof starts to sag and by doing so it will cause the shingles around the area to dry up and crack. When this happens water will collect in the crevices and cause long lasting damage. If there is dry rot in the roof then a professional contractor will need to be contacted for an estimate on repairing the damage. A preventive measure is to make sure the roof gets plenty of air circulation through vents that are installed.

In regards to vents that are installed. Another piece to check when maintaining or repairing a roof is to verify the roof boots are not damaged. The boots are the seals that are installed at the base of the vents. They are inexpensive and easy to install. Also they can be found at a local hardware store.

If upon inspection the gutters are not sitting directly against the house. A drip edge can be installed in order to cover the gap and allow rain and snow to drain into the gutters properly. Drip edges can be purchased at a hardware store or lumberyard and are generally made of metal.

Be sure to inspect the valleys in a rooftop. A valley is where two roofs come together and create a slanted valley. Be sure to keep that area clean in order to prevent insects from gathering and the growth of mold. When checking the valleys it is a good practice to also inspect the main drain point of the roof.

Following these guidelines and tips will help assure a safe roofing DIY repair job. Also by conducting preventative maintenance repair costs can be kept at a minimum. If a time comes to replace a layer or multiple layers of the roof then a professional contractor is the best way to go. Prices will vary for different types of materials but the one constant is the measurement that all contractors use. This is one square equals 10 feet by 10 feet or 3.048 meters by 3.048 meters.

Nature can play havoc with your roofs. Lichens, moss and algae grow on the rooftops and damage them. Such moss is a great threat to the roofs. They penetrate the tiles and other materials to make way for water. With the passage of time, the roof gets eroded and water starts leaking in it. With time the tiles become unstable rendering the roof unsafe and you have to go for major re-roofing.

All these troubles can be saved by initially selecting a good company which can make your roof waterproof.

There are lots of roofing companies which specialize in creating waterproof roofs. These companies use latest technology and high quality materials which ensures longevity of the top of your house. They also employ skilled workman who are adept with all types of roofing jobs. So whatever type of roof you have, sloped or flat, they can handle the task with their expertise. The companies maintain customer satisfaction as their priority and always give precedence to the customers' needs and preferences.

They offer a host of roofing services and can even tailor make services according to your needs. So, if you are worried about the safety of your home and your family members you can contact these companies for installation or repairing jobs and get the peace of mind you deserve.

The roofing experts will came over and inspect the top of your house. They are usually thorough in their job and make sure to keep you abreast with all the details. They will then suggest remedies to your problems. Then the crew will start the work and keep you informed about the proceedings.

Stateline shingles are a new and improved shingle. They offer a lifetime warranty; they have 110 miles per hour limited wind warranty. The new Stateline shingles duplicate the rich look of slate tiles that are often very expensive. Also, the large size offered is easier to install and reduces labor for the installer.

For someone who is looking to install the Stateline shingle, you would first use a starter strip for all Stateline shingle projects. Or if you would like, you can trim off 7 ½" of bottom tabs to align the self seal with the eaves. You would then trim 4" off the rake edge to ensure the first course will overlap the starters. The overhang drip edge should be at 3/8 at both the eave and the rake edges.

Then you would fasten 3"-4" for the eaves above the self sealant. Continue this across the eave with full length trimmed shingles. Installing the first course of shingles is the next thing to do. You start with a full shingle which gets installed over the starters which needs to be flush at the eave and the rake edges. You will use six fasteners to properly secure the Stateline shingles to the roof.

Fasten 5/8" above each cut-out with fastening below the self seal and above each cut out. High nailing comes with a precaution though. High nailing reduces any wind resistance and high nailing also can cause shingles to slip off of the roof deck itself. You are to drive the fasteners flush to the shingle, if you over drive the fasteners it can lead to damage to the shingles on the roof. If you under drive the fasteners it can lead to shingle blow-offs during inclement weather.

You are to continue laying the first course of shingles and then start across the eave using full shingles. Also, avoid crowding the shingles, place the shingles close but not too close. Crowding the shingles can cause the shingles to buckle.

Installing the second course of shingles you will trim off 12" off the rake edge to properly set the design pattern. Align then with the alignment notch of the underlying shingle, giving 3/8" overhang at rake edge. Align the bottom to the top of cut-outs of the shingle below, these results in a 7 ½" exposure. Avoid over-exposing though. This can result in high nailing and can alter the Stateline pattern.

Finally, fasten in place to secure to the deck and continue this across the eave with full shingles. Following these instructions will make sure that your new Stateline Shingles will last for many years to come.

The majority of homeowners fancy a roof that is cost effective, requires little to no maintenance, and endures the test of time. Even though every 20 years a large number will have to be replaced or at least repaired.

There are many different roofing materials but two of the more common types are listed below, as well as the pros and cons of each. Many homeowners only care about the aesthetics of the material they are buying, each type offers a mixture of qualities that can help in your decision making process.

Newer goods similar to synthetic, fiberglass and metal are obtainable, and a number of revolutionary. Energy-resourceful homes are even using sod to meet their roofing requirements. Two of the more popular roofing materials consist of composite shingles and metal roofing.

COMPOSITION SHINGLES are a great choice for a brand new look at an inexpensive price. The Advanced-quality versions are prepared from asphalt or fibreglass. These shingles present a more long-lasting alternative and may be available with recycled material.

The benefits of composite shingles are: They occur in a big assortment of types, brands and colors. They are versatile to adapt to different applications. They are pretty easy to mount, and in some treatments can be nailed in position above the roof you previously have installed. In most cases they arrive together with a class 'A' fire protection promise and are durable enough to walk on with no destruction.

There are issues with composite shingles that need to be considered that involve: They are known to become loose and at times blow off in too much wind. Also, sun and temperature can mark the look and they don't produce the multi-dimensional appearance of other new materials.

A good option to composite shingles is the metal roofing material. The METAL ROOFS have seen their popularity increase and diminish over the past 30 years, but they seem to be coming back into style.

Standing-seam steel roofing is the most well-liked suburban metal roofing today. Metal roofs can also be created to resemble wood shakes, clay tiles, shingles, plus Victorian metal tiles. Aluminum or coated steel is formed into distinctive shingles or tiles, or into modular panels four feet long so as to mimic a line of shingles or tiles.

The benefits of Mater roofing include: They are fantastically durable, fire retardant and to a large extent maintenance-free. Energy efficiency is also a positive factor since their reflective nature sends the sun rays back where they came from. Metal roofs have been credited for saving on average of 20% off heating and cooling bills and also friendly to the environment as the are 60-65% recyclable material.

The cons to metal roofing include: Installing a number of metal roofing can be a time consuming procedure best left to a professional, and though there it can save you cash in the long run, it costs more to have installed, so it is probably not a clear short-period investment.

You cannot go wrong with either of these two types of roofing materials. As with many things dealing with your home, your selection will likely come down to price along with the conditions the house is exposed to frequently; like wind and sunlight.

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