Author Archives: Marilyn Stone

What Does A Typical Roof Replacement Cost?

An important role in the construction or renovation of a house is the choice of a roof system that will prove its long-term efficiency. Each component of the roof requires special attention so that it is fully functional, watertight and durable – from the resistance structure, the thermo and waterproofing membranes, to the cover materials and the installation of the drainage system.

Obviously, a roof replacement is a complex project, which will cost you a significant sum of money, depending on the type of the roof, the materials you choose and the contractor your hire. In 2019, on average, roofing contractors charged between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot (which means $350 to $550 per square) for replacing asphalt shingle roofs (the most common and popular roofing material). For the roof on a typical single-family house, the owner can expect to pay $4.50 per sq. ft. ($450 per square).

However, in order to be able to plan to the smallest detail the budget for the replacement of your roof, you will need to consider a number of factors that can help you estimate correctly the total price of the work.

The type of roofing materials

First of all, the total cost of the replacement project depends on the type of materials you will choose: metal or ceramic tiles, bituminous shingles, wood shakes etc. – they all have different prices.

The surface and geometry of the roof

Before contacting a manufacturer or distributor, it is best to measure your roof`s surface. This way, you can get an accurate estimated price, although keep in mind that it will be substantially influenced by the type and quantity of fasteners that you will need. Never make a decision only considering the price per square meter of a particular material, if you do not want to have unpleasant surprises! A visit from a Gaithersburg roofing specialist is what you need for a complete and correct quote.

The pluvial system

The price of purchasing and installing gutters and downspouts (or drainage holes, in the case of flat roofs) must also be considered. The pluvial system aims to protect the building from water ponding and infiltrations. The quality of a pluvial system resides in the materials used that should be resistant to corrosion, even in quasi-permanent humid conditions, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations.

Roof accessories

Each roof needs accessories to ensure its proper installation as well as the aesthetic and functional design. The best thing is to opt for accessories made or recommended by the manufacturer of the cover system.

Gaithersburg roofing

Workmanship

Another factor with a significant influence on the final cost of roof replacement is the team of Gaithersburg roofing specialists you hire to install the roof. You will have to carefully choose the contractor because an improperly installed roof system will automatically result in additional expenses caused by incorrect measurements faulty installation or, even worse, the loss of warranty on purchased products. Besides, each roofing company has different prices for the provided services, so you should be able to determine the best match for your budget, by comparing prices and services.

The Best Shingles to Use for Hot Climate Regions

Roofs certainly fulfill an aesthetic role, bringing the appearance of the building together and harmonizing individual components, but the most important role of the roof is to protect the building, its contents and its dwellers from the elements. Fortunately, most shingles types are today available in many different design varieties, making the aesthetic aspect is easy to handle, so the most important factor take into consideration when choosing new shingles for your roof is the weather. Not all types of shingles are suitable for all climate zones – some work better in cold regions, others are more suitable for hot or storm-prone areas. Here are a few things that Panama City roofers say you should know about when choosing the material to go on your new shingle roof.

Panama City roofers

Roof Color

The color of your shingles is a feature that is important for creating a harmonious building appearance, but not only for that – the hue that you use will also influence your home’s energy efficiency. Light colors are known to reflect solar heat and light, so light-colored shingles are more efficient when it comes to maintaining the temperature comfortably cool in your home, even when it is very hot outside, while dark colors absorb the sun’s heat and transfer some of it to the home’s interior. A shingle roof of the right color can reduce your cooling-related energy bills by 10-15%, provided that the roof is properly installed and that the building is properly insulated as well.

Shingle Type

Roofing shingles come in three basic types: asphalt shingles, fake slate shingles and shingles made from real slate. Asphalt shingles come in two varieties: laminated shingles, also known as architectural or dimensional shingles, use multiple layers of material, usually layers of fiberglass alternated with layers of asphalt and ceramic granules and they are thick and durable, looking very much like slate and three-tab shingles that are composed of a single mat sandwiched between one supportive layer on the bottom and a layer of granules on the top and are therefore much thinner and not nearly as resistant as the former type.

Fake slate shingles are very similar to asphalt shingles, but they are much more varied in terms of the materials they are made from, such as plastic, rubber or clay. They usually offer the same level of resistance as asphalt shingles.

Slate shingles are made from natural stone and they offer all the durability and the attractive looks that can be expected of the great natural material. If you are contemplating using slate for your next roof, be prepared that it is among the most expensive and the heaviest roofing solutions available today

Special Features

The manufacturers of modern shingles have developed special products for hail- and storm-prone areas. Called impact-resistant shingles, these special types of shingles are extensively tested before they are sold – steel balls are dropped onto them to simulate the impact of hail stones and many are also tested for wind resistance. In terms of pricing, impact-resistance shingle varieties are a bit more expensive than standard shingles, but they also come with other extra features, such as increased resistance to water.

Durability

In terms of longevity, all shingles types can be expected to resist for around 20-40 years, depending on how much attention you pay to roofing repair and maintenance.

Fort Worth Area Tips on Selecting the Best Roofing Products

4 Materials Preferred by Roofers – Forth Worth TX Tips on Selecting the Best Roofing Products

What will the most knowledgeable roofers Fort Worth is home to recommend that you use for a long-lasting home? While wood shakes are considered to be the most practical and fashionable of products in the Chicago metropolitan area, you’ll find you have many other options at your disposal for a reliable and durable roof installation in the village of Fort Worth.

Below are some of the hand-picked top choices that roofing specialists in Texas would recommend for the area. Whether you are more interested in a classic look, higher durability or an energy-efficient roof, you’ll find these options to be more than satisfactory.

 

  1. Wood Shakes and Shingles

Because wooden roofs cost more to install and require an experienced roofer, most homeowners – especially those living in warmer climates – usually steer clear of wood shingles and shakes. However, for the colder weather in Fort Worth, this type of roofing is just about perfect.

The main difference between shakes and shingles is that the latter features a smoother surface, since shingles are sawed. Shakes have a more natural and “artistic” texture. The best type of wood to consider is the evergreen Alaskan yellow cedar or the European white cedar.

 

  1. Composite Shingle Roofing

Composite shingles offer a greater degree of freedom and flexibility, since they can involve the use of a wide array of different materials. Simulated slate is one of the most commonly used composite roofing material in the Illinois area, and its blend of rubber and resins can be a more affordable long term choice for any roofing project.

 

  1. Energy-Efficient Roofing Systems

Energy efficiency is highly essential in a climate where temperatures can drop below zero on a regular basis. Fort Worth residents often opt for cool roof technology involving metal or weathered wood, in order to reduce heating costs during the winter.

Some roof shingles can absorb the heat of the sun more efficiently and keep the heat contained within your home. As a result, your HVAC will no longer be working overtime, and your gas and electricity bills will come down. Also, both wood and metal roofing systems can have impressively long life spans.

 

  1. High Quality Slate Roofing

There is good reason why slate is the most expensive type of roofing material you can consider. Not only is it long-lasting and energy-efficient – especially in the case of genuine antique slate – but, if installed using newer technologies and high grade materials, its maintenance requirements will also be limited. Slate can easily last for up to 75 years, and even though it’s tricky to install, the most reliable Fort Worth roofing specialists can get the job done in no time at all.

Of course, there’s ultimately no such thing as an objectively ideal type of roof. Depending on your preference all of these solutions can be great for your home, and it is up to you to contact the best roofers Ft. Worth TX has to offer, in order to gain additional insight before making your final choice.

The Benefits of Spray Foam on Roofs – When to consider Spray Foam Roofing?

Why Consider Spray Foam Roofing

Spray foam is a relatively new material used for roofing purposes, but also one that is quickly gaining popularity for the great features and benefits it offers, such as energy-efficiency,

durability, resistance to the elements, easy application and low maintenance needs. Here are some of the benefits provided by spray foam roofs by flat roof repair Chicago – if you think you can use them, too, you should definitely consider getting a spray foam roof.

Seamless Construction for Improved Resistance to Water

Roofing seams – the area where two roofing components or sections are joined – are more prone to developing leaks, which also means that the more seams a roof has, the more sensitive it becomes to water penetration. Spray foam roofs are seamless, so they reduce the risk of developing leaks to the minimum.

No Leaks Around Flashing

The flashing used around chimneys, in roof valleys or around other types of openings, such as skylights are also components around which leaks can develop more easily. Spray foam conforms perfectly to the roofing substrate, forming an impermeable layer that eliminates the risk of flashing leaks.

No Ponding Water on the Roof

Spray foam can be used to create a perfectly smooth surface, without any lower areas as well as to correct the sloping angle of the existing roof to make roof draining more efficient and to eliminate ponding water.

Reduced Roof Weight

Spray foam is a very lightweight material – it weighs only around 3 pounds per cubic foot. This feature makes spray foam the perfect solution for re-roofing projects that involve buildings unable to hold too much added weight.

Excellent Thermal Protection

Spray foam is a material with excellent insulation qualities, with R-values usually in the 6.2-6.5 range, higher than in the case of many other roofing and insulation materials. A spray foam roof can be the solution you need to reduce your heating and cooling-related energy bills – the seamless construction and the outstanding heat insulation properties of the material will maintain the temperature inside the building stable and will reduce the energy necessary for cooling and heating the building, thus reducing energy bills as well.

Spray foam is also a very strong and flexible material, able to withstand the contraction and expansion caused by temperature changes, so it can be applied on roofs in areas with wide temperature variations.

Durability and Resistance to the Elements

The coating applied on spray foam roofs can protect the roof for about 15-20 years. Spray foam is resistant to water, punctures and the right type of coating makes it UV-stable as well. Spray foam is odourless and not attractive to pests, thus helping building owners eliminate one more risk.

Easy Application and Low Maintenance Requirements

Spray foam roof can be applied easily and quickly and the curing process takes only a couple of days, so the installation process causes only minimum disturbance in life of the building’s users. Spray foam is also very easy to maintain – it does require regular, six-monthly inspections and cleaning, but the issues detected on the roof will be minor and easy to correct in most cases.

 

 

 

 

A Short Guide to Picking the Best Windows for Hot Climates

Short Guide Of Helpful Tips

Window replacement is a costly project and if your home is in an area where temperatures reach very high values, the process requires lots of careful consideration – if you are currently looking at frame and glass types that can protect the thermal comfort of your home and also match the style of your building, here are a few tips about how to pick the best windows for hot climates.

Choosing the Best Frame

The frame type that you choose for your windows will directly influence the thermal balance inside your home. The most common materials used in window frames today are wood, vinyl, fiberglass and aluminium. Out of the four material, aluminium is the most affordable and the most widespread, but it transfers the heat coming from outside, rather than blocking it out, so it is not the best type for hot climate areas. Fiberglass comes in next in terms of both cost and energy-efficiency, while wood and vinyl provide the best insulation, with vinyl being the more affordable, but wood being the more attractive solution.

Choosing the Best Glass

Single-glaze windows are a thing of the past, modern windows usually consist of two or three glass panes, separated by air or by some type of inert gas to reduce heat conductivity even further. All glass panels come with ratings that you should know about:

  • The visible transmission (VT) rating indicates the amount of sunlight that is transmitted through the panes – glasses with VT values between 60-80 let more light into the house;
  • The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) indicates the amount of heat that the glass lets through – glass types that come with an SHCG value around 0.40 or lower allow less heat to penetrate the room, so they are better suited for hot climates;
  • The U-value measures the efficiency of the material as an insulator – look for the glass with the lowest U-value that you can afford.

There is a special glass category that is more and more popular these days: low-emissive glass. The inner side of the outermost pane of multi-pane glasses has a special coating made from a combination of metal oxides to prevent the transfer of heat between the panes, therefore these glass types work best in hot climates.

Multi-pane Glass Types

The best windows for hot climates use not only multiple panes, but some type of gas to separate the panes and to increase the energy-efficiency of the assembly. Windows that use air between the panes are the most common and the most affordable, but solutions that make use of the superior insulation properties of noble gases are more efficient and therefore more suitable for hot climates.

The most affordable and therefore the most common inert gas used for windows is argon, followed in the line by krypton, a gas that is much more expensive and used only for special windows that need to have very thin panes and by xenon that is very efficient in terms of thermal insulation, but very expensive as well.

If you still feel that choosing the best solution for your home is too difficult, turn to a seller in your town or city for more advice – the Austin roofing companies experts in the store will tell you more about best windows for hot climates and they will help make the best decision.

How to Fix A Leak in the Ceiling – Steps and Methods

A damp patch on your ceiling is a serious issue that not only ruins the appearance and the atmosphere of your room, but it also indicates serious water damage that can become worse if you don’t address the problem right away, so here are a few tips about how to fix a leak in the ceiling.

Prevent Accidents and Floor Damage

The first thing to do when you notice the leak is to stop the electricity in the room, then to contain the water that comes from the ceiling. Puncture the ceiling with a suitable tool, such as a screwdriver to drain the water, then remove the debris that has fallen from the ceiling, wipe up as much of the water as you can, then lay down cloths on the floor and place buckets under the leak to keep the floor and the furnishing items in the room dry and damage-free.

roof leak repair

The Importance of Identifying the Source

It is impossible to fix a leak properly without getting rid of root cause first. Go up to the attic and identify any signs of water damage that have caused the leak. The most common leak sources are air conditioning pipes that have cracked or have become punctured or cracks and holes on the roof.

Before you go up to the attic, stop and unplug your air conditioner and any electricity that goes to the attic to avoid any accidents caused by the contact between electricity and water. Look for dampness on the attic floor and trace the dampness up to the source – if you find that the problem has been caused by a faulty pipe, call an AC repair technician right away. If you suspect that the culprit is a crack or a puncture of the roof, inspect the roof underlayment, then continue the identification process on the surface of the roof. Remove as much water as you can from the attic floor and then inspect the roofing underlayment to see if you can do anything to dry it, too.

The Roof Repair Process

If you could identify the source of the leak on the roof, you can replace the damaged roofing components, such as cracked tiles or torn shingles.

The Ceiling Repair Process

This phase comes after the source of the leak has been identified and the problem has been addressed to prevent recurring leaks. When the damp patch has dried completely, turn off the electricity in the room, then remove the damaged paint and mortar or the damaged drywall with a utility saw or a prying instrument. If you have a mortar and paint surface, reapply the mortar, then repaint the damaged area, while in the case of damaged drywall, cut out a suitably sized piece of drywall and install it according to the instruction to replace the damaged part and then reapply the painting as well.

This is how to fix a leak in the ceiling on your own – if you consider the procedure too complicated or you want to make sure it is all done professionally, call roofing contractors Omaha experts and then a professional house painter to handle the issue.

Methods for Protecting Roofs from Hail – The Best Way to Prevent Damage

Summer is not only a period of the year when we all enjoy the nice weather and we go on vacation – it is also a period when storms and hail become more frequent and a period when responsible homeowners must figure out the best way for protecting roofs from hail. If you have experienced hail before, you are surely familiar with the devastating force of the strong winds and of the balls of ice that come with hail and you are surely trying to figure out how to hail-proof your home right now, so here are a few ideas to help you.

hail damage roof repair

Prevention with Regular Inspections and Repairs

It is not possible to completely hail-proof your roof, but a strong and impact-resistant roof can endure much more than a weak, leaky roof. Hire a professional roofer to inspect your roof and to address common problems, such as leaks, damaged or missing ridge caps, shingles and tiles, clogged gutters or damaged roof flashing. Get the entire roof surface checked and inspected by roof Manhattan contractors. They should be looking at the flashing around the openings, the ridge caps and other areas where the roofing structure is weakened by joints. These minor repairs don’t cost much, but they are the best way to fortify your roof and to prepare it for facing hail.

Consider Roof Replacement

If your roof is old and the area where you live is likely to get really strong hail this year, too, it might be a good idea to start considering roof replacement with impact resistant materials.

Impact resistant roofing solutions use modern materials that have undergone extensive testing, including resistance tests with steel balls dropped on them to simulate how a hail storm would affect them. The most common impact-resistant materials are special shingles that are more flexible than conventional shingles and bounce back into shape after coming into contact with hail stones. Given the high resistance to very strong impact, hail resistant roofing materials provide enhanced protection not only against hail stones, but also against high winds not accompanied by ice balls as well as against sleet, heavy rain and snow.

When selecting impact resistant roofing materials, check the product specifications and look for products that make reference to impact resistance in their name and check for the product’s impact-resistance classification – currently, roofing materials are categorized into four classes of resistance, the higher the class of the material you choose, the better.

Replacing your existing roof with impact resistant roofing comes with other benefits as well. The initial investment into the special materials and the professional installation is not small, but many insurance companies offer significant discounts for homes that have impact resistant roofing systems. To know exactly how these discounts work, check with your insurer to find out about the materials that they offer discounted premiums for and about the process of participating in such an incentive program.

Protecting roofs from hail is an excellent way for homeowners to improve the overall safety of their homes – whether it is roof Manhattan preventive maintenance and repair that you choose or complete replacement, any action improves the hail-resistance of your roof.

Roofing Products for Colorado – How to Determine Suitability

The presence of the Rocky Mountains, of the Colorado River, the varied geography of the state that comprises forest areas, arid desert areas, lakes and plateaus make the selection of roofing products for Colorado increasingly difficult. While some areas are prone to hail and high snowfall, others are prone to fires, to mention just two types of regions that require entirely different roofing materials. In what follows we would like to present a few material types and the areas they are recommended for to make the choice easier for you.

 

Tile

 

Not the cheapest solution and also a material that might not be suitable for very lightweight buildings that cannot hold a heavy roof, this traditional roofing material is among the best and the most durable. Tile roofing is resistant to rain, snow, hail, fire and earthquakes and they are available in varied colors and shapes. What you must also know about tile roofs is that they require professional installation, but if they are put up properly and they receive regular maintenance, they are likely to provide protection for at least 50 years, probably longer.

 

Metal

 

Metal roofs are lightweight, yet long-lasting, durable and resistant to fires, so they are perfect for arid areas. They work well in rainy and snowy areas as well, but very heavy hail might deform them. However, when used in areas that are not very prone to hails, metal roofs last up to five decades. They are quite easy and quick to install, they require very little maintenance and they are affordable to purchase, to install and to own as well.

 

Stone-Coated Metal

 

Stone-coated steel roofs are becoming more and more popular these days and not only because they are affordable and durable, but also because they are available in an incredibly wide array of shapes and colors – you can easily find roofing components that look exactly like clay tiles or shingles, giving you the looks without the costs. The metal coated in durable stone enhances the structural rigidity of the entire building and is exceptionally suitable for creating durable roofs that are resistant to hail, snow, rain and harsh sunshine as well. The coated surface will not warp or absorb water and it requires very little maintenance as well.

 

Asphalt Shingles

 

The most popular roofing material across the country, asphalt shingles are attractive, durable, lightweight and suitable for roofs that combine various angles and shapes. The other feature that make asphalt so appreciated is affordability – it is not only that the material in itself is cheaper than others such as tiles, but home owners who choose to have asphalt shingles modified by adding special compounds for increased resistance to hail and fire are rewarded with lower premiums by insurance providers in some parts of the state.

 

The best roofing products for Colorado are the ones chosen based on the specific features of the area the home is in – if you choose the material carefully, you will surely enjoy its protection for decades to come.  Any Parker roofing company can provide roofing product specs, to be sure you choose the right one.

The Best Georgia Roofing Products For Reconditioning An Old Roof

Roofing companies in Georgia have taken up all sorts of challenges over the years. Many of them prefer reconditioning projects, as they can be quite testing, but rewarding as well.

Some may think that reconditioning an old roof is a bad idea given the roofing materials that we have today. What they do not understand is that those old roofs are a part of history and true works of art. Where they see something broken, others see potential and something that can be brought back to life. If you are interested in reconditioning an old roof, here is what you need to know about Madison GA roofing options:

  1. Not all materials can be saved

Due to age and weather conditions, roofing materials suffer and get damaged or destroyed over the years. No matter how much you would want to hold on to some of the parts of the roof, you need to understand that they can turn into dust at a simple touch. If you are fond of the beauty of the piece, roofers will offer you the option of recreating that particular part. They will do their best to keep the same details, but you cannot continue using the old one.

  1. New insulation is a must

In the old days, insulation was mostly made out of wool, sponge and even hay. Over the years, that insulation has already gathered dust, bacteria and pests. There is no reason why you should want to keep it. If you want to keep the same idea, you can opt for natural wool insulation. It is safer and offers better insulation than what you can find on the market right now.

  1. Structure

Before you start on anything, you will need to have a roofer and an architect take a look at the structure of the roof. You need to know if the structure needs to be changed. Back in the days, the only option for a strong roofing structure was thick wood. Also, because there were not a lot of treatments for wood, the materials were most likely a target for termites and other pests. We urge you to replace it immediately with something stronger. Try a combination of wood and metal just to be on the safe side.

The best thing you can do in reconditioning an old roof would be to have professionals analyze it first. They will tell you exactly what can be saved, what needs to be replace and what can be recreated. These steps are very important in the process. If you know for a fact that the roof is in an advanced state of degradation, it would be best you reconsider. You also have the choice of having everything recreated in order to keep the same style.

So, before you make any decisions, talk to roofing companies in Georgia about your project and see what they have to say about it. There is a big chance that they might save most of it and give you your dream house.

Types of Services to Look for When Contracting the Best Flagstaff Residential Roofing Companies

Each roofing company is unique, and while some might specialize in repairing leaks and fixing broken shingles, others deal more with modern membrane roofing upgrades and high end energy-efficient roof installation.

When you’re looking for a well-rounded roofing company, however, there are a few specific services you have to check for regardless of the roofers’ specialization. Those services will determine whether or not you can rely on the company to take care of any roofing problem in good time, or at least provide you with adequate information to help you out.

 

Mainstream Services to Look for

To get the most out of your experience with local Flagstaff residential roofing companies, the following services are an essential requirement that any company you plan on working with should be able to provide:

  • Each company you come in contact with should be able to provide Flagstaff roofers emergency support for repairs in case leaks or other problems might damage your home.
  • Free estimates, roofing inspections and roof maintenance programs are also a must.
  • Make sure the company you want to hire can offer reliable repair, replacement and upgrading work for all the most important roofing elements, including skylights, chimneys and flashing.
  • Also find out if they can handle replacing or repairing all the main types of roofing, including shingles, tiles, flat membrane roofing and metal panels.
  • Get information on the cities they target, and make sure Flagstaff, AZ is among them. Also, try to avoid large companies that have their main headquarters hundreds of miles away.
  • Finally, even though it’s not necessarily a requirement, it’s always better to work together with a contractor that has experience in both residential and commercial roofing.

 

Less Common Services You May Require

Most Flagstaff residential roofing companies deal with the removal of old, cracked and broken shingles and the fixing of common causes of leaks. Since the area is not overly rainy or snowy – Flagstaff experiences up to 270 dry days each year – water damage isn’t usually a problem, so you don’t have to look for more than the basics. However, the intense sunshine and dryness, as well as the extremely cold winter temperatures brought about by the city’s high elevation (over 2,000 meters) makes for a far more challenging problem for roofers to deal with.

Taking all this into consideration, the most efficient types of roofing materials you should look for in Flagstaff include metal, composite shingle, slate, membrane roofing and various types of energy-efficient roofing solutions designed to keep the heat inside your home and prevent hefty electricity bills.

Additionally, check to see if the roofers you want to hire are well-versed in dealing with the effects of dry weather, increased sunshine and extreme temperature changes on roofing tiles and shingles. These may include cracked shingles, impaired ventilation and insulation issues. Also, long term maintenance should be considered unless you want to be forced to repair your roof every spring.

These services will help you get the most out of your roof even if you own the least expensive asphalt shingle roofing system without any upgrades. Your roof will last for years without the need for major repairs or replacements.