Almost every roof has a predetermined life span and roofing replacement is ideally the only best solution for roofs that has reached its estimated service life span. Although a roof’s life span would depend on some environmental factors such as rain, humidity, climate, location, type of roofing material, roof style and the slopping of the roof. Generally, some homeowners prefer to do roofing replacement with roofs with the same life span. In this way, they won’t be replacing their roof one at a time. The importance of roofing replacement would ensure home owners that they always get a reliable protection against environmental factors that are protected by roofs. A common question by some home owner is when would roofing replacement take place actually? For some, it is not important to wait for your roof to leak or show some indication of wear and tear. Roofing replacement should be done as soon as the roof has reached it ideal life span.

Indications that requires roofing replacement

The indications that the roofs have reached its predetermined life span would vary depending on the type of roofing material. Basically, roofs that are made from stronger materials like metals would last for more than fifty years. On the other hand, roofs made out of asphalt, or wooden shakes or shingles would only last for ten to twenty years in service. The typical roof would ideally last for thirty to fifty years according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. When proper roof maintenance is applied, the need for new roofing replacement would be extended. Roofing maintenance would include a yearly inspection and repainting. Indications that would require roofing replacement would include dents, uncontrollable leaks, severe damage, rust and unfixable cracks. Taking these indications of roofing replacement for granted would lead to catastrophic roof collapse that would endanger the people in the house. That is why, roofing replacement is essential in every roof owner. On the other hand, roofing replacement would require professional care. Roof contractors can be hired to replace a roof that has already served its purpose and requires replacement. In looking for roof contractors, you can visit your local hardware store and they can recommend professional roof contractors who have a wide knowledge regarding home roofs.

Considerations in roofing replacement

Once you have already contacted roof contractors for roofing replacement. Always take into account the type of roof material to be replaced. Make sure to use roofs with the same material and the same life span. Furthermore, always take note on how your rood is installed. Proper overlapping of the roof would ensure tight waterproof ability. Isolating material should also be considered since this would isolate the inside of the house from heat or cold temperature from the outside environment. Although contracting professionals for roofing replacement can be very expensive, it is still worth the pay since doing it yourself can be difficult and might cost more money if don’t do it right. Roofing replacement is just one home maintenance that you need to spend large amount of money for it.

There many houses right now without a metal roof and they experience a lot of disadvantages. Non-metal roofs get damaged easily and they tend to have shorter lives than those with metal roof. When you start buying your own house of course you consider the design and the materials you are going to use including the type of roofs you want for your house. Most modern American houses today either have cement or concrete to use as roofing material but in this blog post I will give you the benefits of metal roofs and how this could make your home or office more comfortable and more durable to stay in.

Metal Roof: Cost effective

Metal roof is becoming very popular but still not widely used because not a lot of people know about their benefits. Metal roof has a lot of advantages over other roofing materials. The life of a metal roof lasts for quite a long time as they are resilient to any kind of damage that other materials like wood or concrete cannot handle. Especially in states located in the middle of the equator or South America, where weather changes are occurring quite often. Metal roofs are very much recommended because when installed properly, it can last for as long as you do inside your home. It can seal out water, last through very strong and fast winds and is strong enough to keep snow from accumulating in the roof.

Metal Roof: Your Energy saving solution

Some etal roof of popular brands is also very resistant to fire, mildew, insects and rots. The only downside of metal roof is very lightweight and can last for decades. Some experts would also say that is is even possible to apply the new roof over 1-2 existing roofs while not taking down the old material or installing more support for the structure.

For the installation part, metal roof can be installed quite easily as they arrive in sheets or sections of shingles. Anybody, even amateurs would know already how to put up their new roof. However, another downside is that there are also single metal shingles you can purchase that actually are more expensive and very hassle to install so better be educated about that.

The thing about metal roof is that is can also help you save on energy. Since it is made of metal, it reflects heat away from your house and minimize heat during the day as compared to concrete and wood which actually absorbs and traps heat so you tend to use the AC more often. This is also good for the environment. Usually upon installation, contractors put a dead air space in between the tiles and the roof deck for a little bit of insulation.

The cost of metal roof is more expensive hence that’s the reason that they are not so popular but the benefits outweigh the costs. As I already mentioned, it lasts longer than other roofing materials and also withstands more damage whether natural or artificial damage.

The world is full of copper lovers, and lovers of the copper roof are by no means an exception. There are essentially two different types of copper roof you can buy, there is the solid copper roof that consists solely of sheet copper on your roof. It is very resilient to weathering and will protect your house for decades but it is incredibly costly, as you can imagine. On the other hand, copper roof shingles are made by attached sheets of copper around standard asphalt shingles. All in all, the cost is likely to work out less than a slate roof but once the copper roof shingles have aged and been weathered they will take on the magnificent green look that only copper can create.

Can I use copper roof shingles?

One of the advantages that copper roof shingles offer over other forms of long lasting roofs, especially the solid copper roof, is that the shingles are actually surprisingly light and most roofs and structures can usually cope with the load admirably. As long as you are prepared to pay approximately per square foot (compared to for standard asphalt but up to for solid copper) there is unlikely to be any good reason why you can not use copper roof shingles on your roof.

What kind of life can I expect from copper roof shingles? This is something of a confusing issue. Asphalt roof shingles will normally only last 20 years, but covered in copper sheeting the life of the asphalt shingles can easily be extended to between 30 and 40 years. However, the copper sheet itself will last an average of about 150 years. Obviously the copper roof shingles themselves will only last as long as the asphalt roof shingles that are found underneath the copper.

The cost of copper roof shingles.

Copper roof shingles are by no means a cheap alternative to other styles of roofing but if you like the look of copper and you want a longer life than asphalt shingles can offer then copper roof shingles are an excellent option. The copper sheet doesn’t an excellent job of protecting the asphalt shingles underneath effectively giving them an extended life of around 30 to 40 years. The copper sheeting also protects the shingles from most general wear and tear meaning that with good, regular maintenance you won’t need to have repairs done too often. On a yearly basis copper roof shingles do work out cheap but not overall and not for the initial installation.

Standard asphalt roof shingles usually cost around per square foot, whereas solid copper roofing will set you back around per square foot. Copper roof shingles are available at approximately to per square foot so they are 4 times more expensive than asphalt but considerably cheaper than a full solid copper roof. However, you are undoubtedly paying for the attractive looks of a copper roof but for less money than covering the entire roof in an expensive metal.

The world is full of copper lovers, and lovers of the copper roof are by no means an exception. There are essentially two different types of copper roof you can buy, there is the solid copper roof that consists solely of sheet copper on your roof. It is very resilient to weathering and will protect your house for decades but it is incredibly costly, as you can imagine. On the other hand, copper roof shingles are made by attached sheets of copper around standard asphalt shingles. All in all, the cost is likely to work out less than a slate roof but once the copper roof shingles have aged and been weathered they will take on the magnificent green look that only copper can create.

Can I use copper roof shingles?

One of the advantages that copper roof shingles offer over other forms of long lasting roofs, especially the solid copper roof, is that the shingles are actually surprisingly light and most roofs and structures can usually cope with the load admirably. As long as you are prepared to pay approximately per square foot (compared to for standard asphalt but up to for solid copper) there is unlikely to be any good reason why you can not use copper roof shingles on your roof.

What kind of life can I expect from copper roof shingles? This is something of a confusing issue. Asphalt roof shingles will normally only last 20 years, but covered in copper sheeting the life of the asphalt shingles can easily be extended to between 30 and 40 years. However, the copper sheet itself will last an average of about 150 years. Obviously the copper roof shingles themselves will only last as long as the asphalt roof shingles that are found underneath the copper.

The cost of copper roof shingles.

Copper roof shingles are by no means a cheap alternative to other styles of roofing but if you like the look of copper and you want a longer life than asphalt shingles can offer then copper roof shingles are an excellent option. The copper sheet doesn’t an excellent job of protecting the asphalt shingles underneath effectively giving them an extended life of around 30 to 40 years. The copper sheeting also protects the shingles from most general wear and tear meaning that with good, regular maintenance you won’t need to have repairs done too often. On a yearly basis copper roof shingles do work out cheap but not overall and not for the initial installation.

Standard asphalt roof shingles usually cost around per square foot, whereas solid copper roofing will set you back around per square foot. Copper roof shingles are available at approximately to per square foot so they are 4 times more expensive than asphalt but considerably cheaper than a full solid copper roof. However, you are undoubtedly paying for the attractive looks of a copper roof but for less money than covering the entire roof in an expensive metal.

Asphalt Shingles Roofing

Weighing Asphalt Shingles
by Roof101 – There are many reasons why most Americans pick asphalt roofing shingles, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles particularly, when choosing their residential roofing material. Asphalt shingles are economical, inexpensive and simple to install, either by a professional contractor or by homeowners themselves. The other type of asphalt shingles is organic shingles, heavier and more durable, containing about 40% more asphalt per square foot. Fiberglass roof shingles usually weigh in the range of 1.8 to 2.3 pounds per square foot, compared with 2,000 gram organic roof shingles. Although not as heavy as the asbestos roofing shingles of the past, they are in wide use in the United States, even in hurricane prone regions.

Asphalt Roof Shingles in Weather Conditions
Although highly durable, asphalt shingles depend on environmental and weather conditions. They are a better choice for cooler climates compared with warm ones, as they last longer in such conditions. This, among other reasons, explains their wide popularity in Canada and the northern regions of the United States. Roof shingles with a lifespan of 20 years in northern US states such as Minneapolis or Pennsylvania where data has been collected, last an average of only 14 years in the Arizona desert. Asphalt shingles suffer also from dramatic changes in temperatures over a short period of time. Splits and cracks may occur in such conditions.

Warranted Asphalt Shingles
Yet manufacturers of asphalt shingles usually provide 20 to 50 year warranties that cover manufacturing defects. Warranties are generally for the materials and will be voided in certain situations, in the case of improper installation for example. Certain natural phenomena such as hurricanes and severe hail storms may not be covered in the warranties either. Ask for the manufacturer’s literature before making a decision on your asphalt shingles and what type you prefer – fiberglass asphalt or organic asphalt.

Shopping for Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles prices start at around .80 per square foot. The best asphalt roof shingles, however, may be a little more expensive. Here at Roof 101 you are invited to contact us and describe the project you are interested in – installing, replacing, repairing roof shingles or other. A representative will then contact you with professional advice, price estimate and a comprehensive service offer. We will find the right material and work for the look you are after and for your exact location, leaving you satisfied with durable asphalt shingles over your head that are both aesthetically appealing and economical.

by Roof101

Related Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

Asphalt Shingles Roofing

Weighing Asphalt Shingles
by Roof101 – There are many reasons why most Americans pick asphalt roofing shingles, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles particularly, when choosing their residential roofing material. Asphalt shingles are economical, inexpensive and simple to install, either by a professional contractor or by homeowners themselves. The other type of asphalt shingles is organic shingles, heavier and more durable, containing about 40% more asphalt per square foot. Fiberglass roof shingles usually weigh in the range of 1.8 to 2.3 pounds per square foot, compared with 2,000 gram organic roof shingles. Although not as heavy as the asbestos roofing shingles of the past, they are in wide use in the United States, even in hurricane prone regions.

Asphalt Roof Shingles in Weather Conditions
Although highly durable, asphalt shingles depend on environmental and weather conditions. They are a better choice for cooler climates compared with warm ones, as they last longer in such conditions. This, among other reasons, explains their wide popularity in Canada and the northern regions of the United States. Roof shingles with a lifespan of 20 years in northern US states such as Minneapolis or Pennsylvania where data has been collected, last an average of only 14 years in the Arizona desert. Asphalt shingles suffer also from dramatic changes in temperatures over a short period of time. Splits and cracks may occur in such conditions.

Warranted Asphalt Shingles
Yet manufacturers of asphalt shingles usually provide 20 to 50 year warranties that cover manufacturing defects. Warranties are generally for the materials and will be voided in certain situations, in the case of improper installation for example. Certain natural phenomena such as hurricanes and severe hail storms may not be covered in the warranties either. Ask for the manufacturer’s literature before making a decision on your asphalt shingles and what type you prefer – fiberglass asphalt or organic asphalt.

Shopping for Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles prices start at around .80 per square foot. The best asphalt roof shingles, however, may be a little more expensive. Here at Roof 101 you are invited to contact us and describe the project you are interested in – installing, replacing, repairing roof shingles or other. A representative will then contact you with professional advice, price estimate and a comprehensive service offer. We will find the right material and work for the look you are after and for your exact location, leaving you satisfied with durable asphalt shingles over your head that are both aesthetically appealing and economical.

by Roof101

Related Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

A roof is one of the most important portions of a home’s structure, protecting the building and its contents from all the effects of weather. Roofs are valuable assets for homes and thus it is imperative that they are built in the perfect way so that they can enhance the overall strength of a building. There are many roofing materials that you can use to protect your property from the weather elements such as rain, snow, wind and so on but the part of the world where your building is situated actually influences your preferences of choosing a particular roofing material.

Different roofing materials come with their advantages and disadvantages according to their particular properties. Some of the most common roofing materials include – rubber, metal, slate, concrete, and the most popular asphalt shingles that are not only easy to install but also come with fire retarding properties for the maximum protection of you and your house. Being a practical choice for many homeowners, Asphalt shingles accounts for more than eighty percent of all new and replacement roofing applications. As they come with 20 – 40 years international manufacturing warranty,   asphalt shingles in true means are the materials that upgrade your house to enhance its re-sale value.

Asphalt shingles come in two varieties based on the type of reinforcement mat used i.e. organic and fiberglass (a.k.a. glass fiber). Where at one side fiberglass shingles are more fire and moisture resistant than organic shingles, the organic shingles offers high tear strength, good wind resistance and are perfect to be installed in colder temperatures. Both types of shingles are judged by warranty and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test standards. Basically any type of asphalt shingle material performance depends on the quality, quantity and compatibility of asphalt fillers, reinforcements and surface granules.

While choosing a roof materials for your home, it is important that you choose the material that not only enhances the beauty of your home but also gives you a relief from your increasing electricity bill. And when you choose asphalt shingles as roofing material for your home you can rest assure that it’ll greatly reduce the heating and cooling expenses of your home energy bill. Asphalt shingles have myriads of qualities to make them a premium choice for residential roof material.

Last but not the least, only selecting a quality material for your roof is not enough to ensure protection against weather elements, it is equally necessary that the material should be fitted correctly on roofs to eliminate the fuss of repairing them again and again. Taking the help from professionals is a good idea in case you don’t have any prior experience about roof fitting.

www.daviddeschaine.com – Remodeling Maine with Dave Deschaine is Maine’s newest home improvement show. Watch as our home improvement specialists work on Maine homes to ensure they are energy-efficient with insulated vinyl siding, traditional vinyl siding, Energy Star replacement windows, leak-free seamless gutters and and the best roof for those long new england winters. David J. Deschaine Installations, Inc. truly is Maine’s residential roofing expert. Join us as we complete over 500 jobs per year!…..See Show # 2 http
Video Rating: 0 / 5

More Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

You recognize why steel roofing will outlast shingles but you want a prettier-looking domicile. When you talk to roof installers, they would be glad to tell you that there are metal roofs that are now built to look like shingles! Isn’t that awesome?

You have bought a lot, you’ve had the house built almost completely and now you have to choose what roofing material you will use. You look at the neighbour and find that he has used shingle roofs. Bad news is that you have decided to live where twisters is a sure event, not a rarity. So what do you do? Well first and foremost, you have to do your experimentation.

For a hurricane-prone place, you should really think of material strength and durability as the top two factors when making your decision. Yes, in your book and most people’s, the shingles look preferred. For the insurance companies, on the other hand, they don’t look too good with the address written on your insurance application.

Metal roofing is good for your house for a lot of different reasons. One is the fact that it can withstand winds of up to 120 mph. During whirlwind season, seemingly, homeowners who have decided to go with steel roofing will be able to sleep better at night.

Likewise, most metal roofing comes with a 50-year guarantee. Now that’s a guarantee that most persons can find coziness in as restoration costs for roofs is too much costly. Yes, tin roofing is frequently more high-priced than the shingles but if you factor in the damage that can potentially damage your home when your roof caves in, you would be glad to have chosen the more long-lasting material. You know why tin roofing will outlast shingles. You also know you have a variety to choose from. Between tin and shingle roofs, the superior choice is clear.

Related Roofing Materials Residential Articles

You recognize why steel roofing will outlast shingles but you want a prettier-looking domicile. When you talk to roof installers, they would be glad to tell you that there are metal roofs that are now built to look like shingles! Isn’t that awesome?

You have bought a lot, you’ve had the house built almost completely and now you have to choose what roofing material you will use. You look at the neighbour and find that he has used shingle roofs. Bad news is that you have decided to live where twisters is a sure event, not a rarity. So what do you do? Well first and foremost, you have to do your experimentation.

For a hurricane-prone place, you should really think of material strength and durability as the top two factors when making your decision. Yes, in your book and most people’s, the shingles look preferred. For the insurance companies, on the other hand, they don’t look too good with the address written on your insurance application.

Metal roofing is good for your house for a lot of different reasons. One is the fact that it can withstand winds of up to 120 mph. During whirlwind season, seemingly, homeowners who have decided to go with steel roofing will be able to sleep better at night.

Likewise, most metal roofing comes with a 50-year guarantee. Now that’s a guarantee that most persons can find coziness in as restoration costs for roofs is too much costly. Yes, tin roofing is frequently more high-priced than the shingles but if you factor in the damage that can potentially damage your home when your roof caves in, you would be glad to have chosen the more long-lasting material. You know why tin roofing will outlast shingles. You also know you have a variety to choose from. Between tin and shingle roofs, the superior choice is clear.

Related Roofing Materials Residential 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