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Showing posts from August, 2017

Asphalt, Cedar, and Steel—Oh My: How Roofing Materials Have Changed

20 years ago, most shingles were made from Asphalt, Cedar, or Steel, but even roofing materials are not immune to innovation. A fair amount of thought and innovation has gone into make your roof more durable and more efficient than its predecessors.    Cedar You later   Today, regular Cedar shingles are a rarity due to their relatively short lifespan. To get the same Cedar shingle look today, many roofers use composite shingles  made from plant extract waste material from ethanol manufacturing plants. They look like wood, and are installed in the same way, but these man-made materials come with a 50-year warranty and cost about the same amount.    Phasing  Out Asphalt    Today ’ s Asphalt shingles are commonly made with a fiberglass backing which lets them withstand higher wind speeds. For even more protection and longevity, premium asphalt shingles are made to be twice or even three times as thick as regular shingles to withstand harsher weather for longer an

Go Cheap Now, Pay More Later; Three Roofing Shortcuts That Aren’t Worth the Money

A well-installed roof can last for 25 years, but sometimes though negligence or simply trying to cut corners, corners get cut. Here are three common roofing mistakes, and the damages they can cause.    Compromising Leak Protection   A waterproof membrane should be installed under your eaves and valleys at the absolute minimum. Failure to do so will allow water to find the holes in your roof, and eventually into your living space.    Reusing Old Flashing   Flashing is the material that ’ s used to cover joints on your roof. Usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel, new flashing is cheap but a common way to cut costs on a roofing project. Even though they may look fine, it ’ s best to replace them while you have the shingles off the house.    Nails in the Wrong Places   If not fastened properly, your shingles will fall off. Always follow the manufacturer ’ s suggestion about what kind of nail to use, how many, and where to drive the nail. Doing i

The Right Roofing Solution for Where You Live

Different roofing materials are designed to withstand weather. The shingles for a house in Los Angeles will have to withstand different stresses than one in Boston. So which material is best for where you live? Asphalt Asphalt shingles hold up well to most weather conditions like rain, snow, wind, and hail. They are the most common shingles and are use across the country, despite their weakness being warm, dry climates. Metal No longer used for barns, metal roofs are durable enough to handle all types of weather and can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. Wood Usually made from Cedar or Redwood, wood shingles are versatile, natural, and offer a classic look. However, they ’ re not great in wet or hot climates, as they ’ re prone to warping or cracking. Modern composites offer the same look with better longevity. Clay Tiles Commonly found in the South and Southwest US, clay tiles are known for their red color and resistance to heat. The reason they ’