Asphalt Shingle Roofing and Folsom Roof Repair

Nearly four-fifths of American homes have asphalt shingle roofs–and for good reason. Asphalt shingles are economical and fairly easy to install and repair. The two basic types are composition and fiberglass-base shingles.

Composition shingles are made of organic felt manufactured from wood and paper fibers. Fiberglass-base shingles are made of manmade fiberglass mat. Both kinds are soaked in asphalt, but the fiberglass base shingles are more fire-resistant than the organic ones. Asphalt shingles have mineral granules embedded in them; when you find these granules washing away, it’s a sign that you need to repair or replace your shingles

Although asphalt shingles may look like individual tabs, they are generally manufactured in 3-foot-long strips that are notched to look like smaller units. They come in a variety of weights. Generally speaking, the heavier the shingles, the longer they last.

Make roof repairs on a warm day, when shingles are more flexible (and therefore less likely to crack) and roofing cement spreads more easily.

Common Asphalt-Shingle Roofing Problems

Roofing problems make themselves known in the form of leaks and drips. Repair leaky roofs before ceilings and walls are damaged; better yet, check your roof at least once a year before the storm season (and after a major storm, if necessary).

Make your repairs when the weather is clear.

High winds can tear off shingles, particularly if they’ve become brittle with age. Ice and snow can cause shingles to crack, as can hot sun and heavy rain.

Check your roof regularly for bald spots, cracked or curled shingles, or an absence of mineral granules, usually exhibited by an accumulation in your gutters.

Bend any questionable shingles back to see if they have some give. If they crumble easily or appear gray and bloated, they may need replacing.

Replace existing shingles with any that remain from the original roof installation or buy new ones of the same type, color, and size if possible. Don’t remove damaged shingles from ridges–instead, nail each corner of the existing shingle in place and cover with a new one.

Shingle Maintenance

Roofing cement can work wonders on an asphalt-shingle roof. If shingles are cracked or beginning to tear, seal the cracked or torn areas with roofing cement.

Also use roofing cement to press torn or curled shingles into place and to cover exposed nail heads.

Asphalt Roof Shingle Repair

Lift the tab above the shingle that has been damaged and pry out the nails that hold the one you want to replace.

Snip off the top corners of the replacement and slide it up under the existing shingles, being careful not to tear the roofing felt.

Nail on the new shingle, placing the nails under the shingle above. After driving in the nails, daub the nail heads with roofing cement.

While you are on the roof, check the roof flashing for corrosion or pinholes and repair with roofing cement (you may need to lift up a flap of shingles to get access to the flashing).

1) On a warm day, lift shingles to expose nails of damaged one. Pry out nails.

2) Slip replacement in place under up-roof shingles.

3) Nail by hammering against a pry bar placed on nail heads.

2) Beneath the asphalt shingles on a roof’s surface, you’ll find roofing felt, sheathing, and the roof’s structure

Diy roofing and building diy – How to install asphalt roof shingles : Easy roof building diy for your gazebo, outdoor living / outdoor room, patio,garden shed,garage or pergola. Prepare the roof with horizontal and vertical chalk lines.
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Asphalt is a naturally occurring element. Probably more commonly known for its use in building roads, it’s environmentally friendly and one of the world’s oldest building materials. Economic, durable, attractive, and easy to install and maintain, it’s no mystery that asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for roofing material in the United States.

Starting at less than per square foot, asphalt is an inexpensive roofing option suitable for most building projects. And the simple installation, maintenance, and repair enables many homeowners to complete a roofing project themselves.

Asphalt shingles come in two basic types: fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles are more popular and less expensive. Organic shingles are heavier and more durable. Fillers are added as reinforcement and protection. Asphalt weighs less than concrete, slate, wood, and metal roofing, making it easier and less expensive to install.

Correctly installed, quality manufactured asphalt singles have few problems. Most problems arise from poor installation, improperly ventilated attics, or “spliced” shingles (which should be discarded before installation). A well-ventilated attic is thought to prolong the lifespan of shingles. Of course, there can be other damages to shingles such as debris, falling limbs and trees, and damaging weather conditions. Wind can cause the singles to uplift or tear off, and excess moisture can cause mildew problems.

The cost, maintenance, and lifespan of asphalt shingles depends a good deal on the environment. For the most part, the hotter the weather, the shorter the lifespan of the shingle. Drastic and sudden temperature changes, also called thermal shock can cause shingles to expand and contract too quickly, causing cracks and splits.

Asphalt roofing shingles generally carry a manufacturer’s warranty against defects. However, warranties do not usually cover labor charges or consequential damages. If your home is damaged due to a defective shingles, the warranty is not responsible. Make sure you get a written warranty and understand the terms and limits. Warranties are not valid if the materials were incorrectly installed or if the damage is due to insufficient attic ventilation. Warranties do not cover “acts of God or nature,” which is a common term for natural disaster such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Wind causes a substantial amount of shingle damage. Despite other options, asphalt shingles remain the top choice because they are also easy to replace. Heavier roofing materials can become projectiles in high winds, causing further damage on the home. To better protect against other damages, trim limbs away from your home and clear trees that could fall on your roof.

Despite all of nature’s forces, asphalt shingle manufacturers engineer their materials to endure the wind, rain, sun, and snow. Some shingles are even treated to withstand moisture damage, which can leave black spots and streaks due to mildew and algae.
Not only is asphalt durable, efficient, and economic, it can also be beautiful and add value to your home. Dozens of colors, textures, and styles, there are even asphalt shingles that look like cedar, tiles, or slate. With so much variety, your roof can be as unique as your imagination. Changing the style of your shingles can make your house a one-of-a-kind in your neighborhood.

Copyright (c) 2006

Related Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

Asphalt is a naturally occurring element. Probably more commonly known for its use in building roads, it’s environmentally friendly and one of the world’s oldest building materials. Economic, durable, attractive, and easy to install and maintain, it’s no mystery that asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for roofing material in the United States.

Starting at less than per square foot, asphalt is an inexpensive roofing option suitable for most building projects. And the simple installation, maintenance, and repair enables many homeowners to complete a roofing project themselves.

Asphalt shingles come in two basic types: fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles are more popular and less expensive. Organic shingles are heavier and more durable. Fillers are added as reinforcement and protection. Asphalt weighs less than concrete, slate, wood, and metal roofing, making it easier and less expensive to install.

Correctly installed, quality manufactured asphalt singles have few problems. Most problems arise from poor installation, improperly ventilated attics, or “spliced” shingles (which should be discarded before installation). A well-ventilated attic is thought to prolong the lifespan of shingles. Of course, there can be other damages to shingles such as debris, falling limbs and trees, and damaging weather conditions. Wind can cause the singles to uplift or tear off, and excess moisture can cause mildew problems.

The cost, maintenance, and lifespan of asphalt shingles depends a good deal on the environment. For the most part, the hotter the weather, the shorter the lifespan of the shingle. Drastic and sudden temperature changes, also called thermal shock can cause shingles to expand and contract too quickly, causing cracks and splits.

Asphalt roofing shingles generally carry a manufacturer’s warranty against defects. However, warranties do not usually cover labor charges or consequential damages. If your home is damaged due to a defective shingles, the warranty is not responsible. Make sure you get a written warranty and understand the terms and limits. Warranties are not valid if the materials were incorrectly installed or if the damage is due to insufficient attic ventilation. Warranties do not cover “acts of God or nature,” which is a common term for natural disaster such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Wind causes a substantial amount of shingle damage. Despite other options, asphalt shingles remain the top choice because they are also easy to replace. Heavier roofing materials can become projectiles in high winds, causing further damage on the home. To better protect against other damages, trim limbs away from your home and clear trees that could fall on your roof.

Despite all of nature’s forces, asphalt shingle manufacturers engineer their materials to endure the wind, rain, sun, and snow. Some shingles are even treated to withstand moisture damage, which can leave black spots and streaks due to mildew and algae.
Not only is asphalt durable, efficient, and economic, it can also be beautiful and add value to your home. Dozens of colors, textures, and styles, there are even asphalt shingles that look like cedar, tiles, or slate. With so much variety, your roof can be as unique as your imagination. Changing the style of your shingles can make your house a one-of-a-kind in your neighborhood.

Copyright (c) 2006

Related Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

2nd part

Read here 1st part: ASPHALT ROOFING SHINGLES: INSIDER TIPS (1)

Exposure to rain

It seems oxymoron to recommend protection of asphalt shingles from rain, doesn’t it?

It is surprising but asphalt shingles depend on the roof slope to bring off their mission with success!!

If asphalt shingles lay flat (zero slope), the water will permeate the asphaltic mass and cause problems exactly as with every porous material.

Exposure to freezing temperatures

Exposure of asphalt shingles to freezing conditions will induce cracking if installation is made under cold temperatures.

Of course shingles will be more prone to cracking if they need to be bent (ridges etc.).

Poor storage conditions: many pallets stacked atop one another

Some manufacturers recommend two pallets high shingle stacks. Others only one.

The thing is that many suppliers due to lack of storage room, store asphalt shingles in 3,4 or 5 pallets high shingle stacks.

This is totally unacceptable, especially when they don’t use plywood panels to separate the pallets.

The weight is excessive and considerable deformations/distortions may occur. These distortions will be dramatic if pallets are stocked outdoors.

When you buy this deformed shingles, it’s nearly impossible to achieve a nice, flat appearance on your roof. Deformations will be apparent if not conspicuous and the phenomenon will be rather irreversible.

It is also probable that some self sealing strips will not be activated due to lack of contact.

In case of high temperatures the shingles will stick to each other, becoming thus unsuitable for use.

TIP no 2

Check the age of shingles

As we have already remarked asphalt shingles age while stored.

Organized suppliers rotate the stock and they don’t keep shingles for more than one year. One year is – let’s say – a safety margin for the use of shingles. If they are stocked for a biggest time span their quality is compromised. This compromisation could be severe depending on the storage conditions.

Check the adhesive label or the imprint on the bundle wrapper and you will find the production date. Asphalt shingles should be preferably used within 12 months from the production date.

However, if the storage conditions are impeccable, this time span could reach 24 months, which is very important for all non moving items (special colors and shapes).

TIP no 3

Beware of color variations

Asphalt shingles from different lots have usually distinguishable color variations (shadings).

This is despite the improved blending procedures that many manufactures use for the blending of different nuance granules.

If you have a big project, make sure that you buy asphalt shingles from the same lot. Make this crystal clear to your supplier that you won’t tolerate shadings especially if your project is of great aesthetical importance and highly visible.

Another thing you have to do is to check if there is enough stock to cover your needs in case of unforeseen events.

A prudent action is to buy some bundles more and keep them for future interventions.

It is most probable that you won’t find supplementary material when you will need it and this may be for a thousand reasons.

End of 2nd and last part

Chris Strogilis

Civ. Eng. – MBA – DipM

http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com/

2nd part

Read here 1st part: ASPHALT ROOFING SHINGLES: INSIDER TIPS (1)

Exposure to rain

It seems oxymoron to recommend protection of asphalt shingles from rain, doesn’t it?

It is surprising but asphalt shingles depend on the roof slope to bring off their mission with success!!

If asphalt shingles lay flat (zero slope), the water will permeate the asphaltic mass and cause problems exactly as with every porous material.

Exposure to freezing temperatures

Exposure of asphalt shingles to freezing conditions will induce cracking if installation is made under cold temperatures.

Of course shingles will be more prone to cracking if they need to be bent (ridges etc.).

Poor storage conditions: many pallets stacked atop one another

Some manufacturers recommend two pallets high shingle stacks. Others only one.

The thing is that many suppliers due to lack of storage room, store asphalt shingles in 3,4 or 5 pallets high shingle stacks.

This is totally unacceptable, especially when they don’t use plywood panels to separate the pallets.

The weight is excessive and considerable deformations/distortions may occur. These distortions will be dramatic if pallets are stocked outdoors.

When you buy this deformed shingles, it’s nearly impossible to achieve a nice, flat appearance on your roof. Deformations will be apparent if not conspicuous and the phenomenon will be rather irreversible.

It is also probable that some self sealing strips will not be activated due to lack of contact.

In case of high temperatures the shingles will stick to each other, becoming thus unsuitable for use.

TIP no 2

Check the age of shingles

As we have already remarked asphalt shingles age while stored.

Organized suppliers rotate the stock and they don’t keep shingles for more than one year. One year is – let’s say – a safety margin for the use of shingles. If they are stocked for a biggest time span their quality is compromised. This compromisation could be severe depending on the storage conditions.

Check the adhesive label or the imprint on the bundle wrapper and you will find the production date. Asphalt shingles should be preferably used within 12 months from the production date.

However, if the storage conditions are impeccable, this time span could reach 24 months, which is very important for all non moving items (special colors and shapes).

TIP no 3

Beware of color variations

Asphalt shingles from different lots have usually distinguishable color variations (shadings).

This is despite the improved blending procedures that many manufactures use for the blending of different nuance granules.

If you have a big project, make sure that you buy asphalt shingles from the same lot. Make this crystal clear to your supplier that you won’t tolerate shadings especially if your project is of great aesthetical importance and highly visible.

Another thing you have to do is to check if there is enough stock to cover your needs in case of unforeseen events.

A prudent action is to buy some bundles more and keep them for future interventions.

It is most probable that you won’t find supplementary material when you will need it and this may be for a thousand reasons.

End of 2nd and last part

Chris Strogilis

Civ. Eng. – MBA – DipM

http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com/

When it comes to a roofing project you may want to look around and get some advice on which is considered the best shingle roof for your home.  Depending on the amount of money you want to spend you can purchase anything from metal, tile, asphalt, and cedar.  Decide if you want a company to install the shingles or if you want to do it yourself. 

Sears for example handles home improvements and does roofing projects.  They could easily be one company to consider with regarding the types of shingles you should consider when thinking of replacing your roof.  Your goal would be to find something that would be of high quality so you would have years of leak free shingles.  If you are thinking of installing the shingles yourself, you must realize that it is back breaking work and if it gets above seventy degrees it is going to be hot on that roof.  You risk dehydration, fatigue and dizziness the hotter the temperature gets up on the roof.  You run the risk of falling too.

Asphalt roof shingles can be made to look like slate; they come in all colors and vary in quality.  If this is your first roofing job you may want to consider do one with a shallow pitch that you can walk across with the fear of falling.  When it comes to color, if you are not sure what to use, you can easily pick up one bundle and lay them out on the roof and step away and look at it to see how the texture and color looks.  Your best bet if you do it yourself it to purchase your supplies from a roofing wholesaler.  The managers are the best to give you a quick lesson on quality.  The price per square foot is a good indicator of the quality too.  The higher it goes the higher the quality of the shingle you are purchasing.

If you are thinking of putting an asphalt roof over your existing roof check with your local building department making sure it is an acceptable building code.  Most roofing companies will take the old roof off before putting on the new one.  This accomplishes a couple of things, it allows an inspection of the existing roof and if there is wood damage then it can be repaired.  It there is a moisture problem it can be dealt with before the new roof is put on.  This comes in very handy if you have sky lights or a chimney or even exhaust fans.  Look over the roof and make sure the wood is fastened securely and take care of any small repairs while it is exposed before placing the shingles on the roof.

If you are in a high humid area then you may want to consider buying roof shingles that contain copper in the colored ceramic granules.  Copper is a natural biocide that kills common roof algae.  This is what is responsible for the black streaks that you see on many residential roof shingles.  Attention to detail is very important when you replacing your roof.  Whether you do it yourself or decide to have a company come in and install the roof for you, take your time and have the job done right.

Find More Buying Roofing Shingles Articles

Trying to decide if a roofing nailer will make life easier will depend on the definition of easier. Something else to consider is this; are you a professional roofer in need of a professional nailer? Or, are you a home owner and are looking for a nailer to help you make your own repairs? If you decide to go ahead and purchase a roofing nailer you will need to be decided on the type based upon your needs (like everything else…). Keep in mind that nailers are available with pneumatic power, electric and rechargeable, and made by various manufacturers.

To put it simply, a roofing nailer will save your arms and hands from pounding with a hammer all day long. The other nice add is that since most nailers have adjustable power settings; you don’t have to worry about over driving a nail into the roof, damaging your new roofing material. This can be especially helpful if installing slate or tile roof since too much power can crack one of the expensive tiles. On asphalt shingles too much power can tear through the shingle and, if left unnoticed, this can cause a leak in the future.

The first feature to look at is a nailers durability. It will have to hold up to hours on a hot roof without being damaged by the sun. It should also be able to live through a two-story drop onto the ground or concrete without breaking into a thousand pieces. Typically, no matter careful you think you’re going to be; you will no doubt drop your nailer from the roof at least once.

Choosing Clutter Or Convenience

While most professionals swear by a pneumatic roofing nailer there are some who are not interested in being connected by a long air hose and having to have an air compressor running all day. Although they can usually be adjusted for air power of between 70 and 120 pounds per square inch, they can be tough to maneuver in tight spots such as under second story eaves or around chimneys.

An electric power roofing nailer obviously does not require the air compressor but the user will still be dragging a long extension cord behind them as they work. Something else to consider is that adjustable depth gauges and built-in features to help keep nail lines straight into the shingles, while they’re great on paper, can make the nailing gun slightly heavier than a pneumatic roofing nailer as the driving power is located in the nailer itself.

Most rechargeable roofing nailers have the same power, with a minimum voltage of around 20, and do everything the electric roofing nailer can do. Typically, most companies claim the battery charge lasts long enough to nail down about two square of roofing material. Extra batteries are available for use on large jobs, but the ability of them to survive a 15 of 20-foot fall is questionable.

So before you buy check out the manufacturers specs and see if they’ll meet your needs. Consider how much use you’ll be giving the nailer and what kind of roofing you’ll be doing. With these things in mind you’ll be on your way to selecting the ‘perfect’ nail gun for your needs.

Be sure to check out our store for a complete line up of roofing nailers.

When talking about replacing or building a roof shingling a roof is among the least dear systems of installation for most homes. Many individuals feel that cheap and roofing don’t belong in the same sentence, far less the same paragraph though shingling with asphalt shingles is among the least expensive options for people that need a new or replacement roof. It pays though to have a look at the long stretch instead of simply focusing on the initial roofing job. If you intend to live in your home longer than the guaranty on your shingles would last, you may want to consider something a little sturdier than conventional asphalt shingles.

These other shingle options like slate, wood shingles, metal shingles, and tile each bring a different type of beauty to the table but also an additional layer of sturdiness over what’s often offered by asphalt shingles. All of them last for longer with some lasting outside the usually forecasted lifespan of any modern roof.

If you’re at all nervous about the state of the environment, shingling a roof with one of those other materials could be a big benefit to your cause. There are numerous reasons that explain why but first to consider is that the less you are replacing a roof, the less waste you are making. The advantages don’t end here though .

Wood tiles supply an added layer of insulation that will help in keeping warm air within during the months of winter and cool air within the home during those dog days of summer.

This leads on to the consumption of less energy ( which also saves on your electricity bills ) and the releasing of less pollution due to the lessened need for power.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs offer an added environmental benefit in the sense that they can be placed over existing roofs. This suggests that there’s very little waste when these roofs are installed. But the bonus does not end there. Years from now, 50 or so to be specific, when the time is right to replace that metal roof, the metal that was employed on the roof is totally reusable. No rubbish heap filling needed due to your metal roof.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofs are known to outlast even metal roofs and individual shingles can get replaced as required to avoid the cost and waste of replacing an entire roof in one slid swoop. What this suggests for you is that you’re going to spend more up front but may not be sure to need to replace this particular roof anytime in your lifetime. The final analysis is this : be ready to explore all your options for shingling a roof before choosing that asphalt is the most suitable choice.