Archive for 'Roofing'
Rubber What? I Thought You said “Roofing.”
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Rubber baby buggy bumpers. I’m rubber you’re glue, what you say bounces off me and sticks to you. Rubber ducky you’re the one. Rubber roofing. What? Rubber roofing? Stop pulling my leg, rubber roofing indeed. Yes there is. Rubber rain coats keep rain off people, rubber shoes keep feet dry and warm, why not use rubber to keep water and the elements out of a house as a roof?
First it’s time to dispel a rubber roofing myth . It’s perfectly fine to roll rubber roofing over an existing roof. After all, it saves time from removing the old roof. And in areas where the old roof is intact there’s double protection. Wrong! Whatever the other reasons, no roofing manufacturer will honor a warranty of a roof that has not been installed on a completely clean surface. Removing the old roof is a necessary step one, even with a rubber roof.
Rubber roofs can be easy to self install. Both rolls and shingles come in a variety of styles and colors. A perfect material for large flat roofs, rubber roofing will last for years, and won’t split or crack. Rubber roofing breathes and expands in response to weather changes, so it experiences less stress than other roofing materials. In fact the 1st rubber roof, which was installed in Wisconsin in 1980, is still in perfect condition after nearly three decades of service.
Adhesive is used to attach both roll and shingle rubber roofing to the roof. Ensure that the roof is as clean as possible with nothing sticking up which could pierce the rubber. The surface must be dry and clean of oils or dirt. So make sure to blow or sweep away and dirt.
When the base is clean, the rubber roof can be rolled out onto the area being covered, and cut to fit over vents and pipes. Do not apply adhesive until the rubber roofing is cut and shaped. Imagine securing portions of the roof only to find it doesn’t fit, or to develop a bubble or seam. When it has been fit then apply adhesive to about one half the roof at a time, rolling it back to apply the adhesive. Apply it evenly and give it time to set up, to become tacky.
The roofing will be nearly impossible to lift once it’s stuck. So after the adhesive is tacky carefully roll the rubber roofing into place. The first half will have to dry for about an hour before the second half can be secured.
Now your rubber roof is in place. Imagine that.
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The Highly Respected GAF Roofing
Posted on 19. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Founded in 1886 GAF Roofing claims to be North America’s largest residential and commercial roofing manufacturer. According to GAF roofing, “GAF is your best and safest choice.”
To examine that claim let’s start with some of the reason GAF gives for its lofty status. GAF has manufacturing locations across North America - to serve you better. They have a lot of locations but do not sell through large retail merchants such as Home Depot. GAF invented the Timberline shingle which is the #1-selling architectural shingle in North America. If GAF didn’t make good products, people wouldn’t buy them. GAF was Awarded #1 visual brand by Life Magazine, which means GAF products look as good as they perform. GAF’s Fireshield brand roof restoration system was named “Best Product” by the editors of Buildings magazine. GAF was rated #1 in shingle quality by home builders. GAF was the winner of the Builder’s Choice award. Home builders named GAF’s Cobra ridge vents # 1 in quality.
Of course, which home builders and how many would be natural follow up questions. Leading publications and networks such as HGTV feature GAF products. GAF is the premium designer roofing shingles and is a two time recipient of the Architects Choice For Excellence award. GAF’s Freedom TPO self-adhering roofing systems was chosen Product Of The Year by Commercial Building Products magazine . Modeling contractors named GAF the most-used brand of shingles and roof vents, but again the question is which contractors and how many contractors agreed with this. GAF was named #1 in innovation for shingles and ridge ventilation by home builders, and most-recommended brand by upscale remodelers. Finally, GAF was the first company to produce an energy-efficient asphalt shingle available in rich colors, called the Cool Color Series.
Take marketing speak with a grain of salt, but GAF does have a positive reputation in the roofing industry.
The residential brand for GAF roofing is GAF-Elk. This roofing brand includes quality shingles, 100% watertight leak barriers, roof deck protection, low-slope membrane roofing, fiber cement siding, ridge cap shingles, attic ventilation, starter strip shingles and accessory paint. They have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for this line. GAF-Elk products are not carried by large chains such as Home Depot, but they do list distributors on their web site http://www.gaf.com.
GAF Roofing also offers stone, decking and siding to help compliment and complete the home. When selected a roof or any product do some comparison. No matter how well known the company or how many awards it has, it’s always wise to consider a number of options.
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Installing Your Metal Roofing
Posted on 16. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Let’s start with one simple rule for people who want to install metal roofing. If you can’t easily walk on the roof because it’s too steep, call a professional contractor. With that rule in mind if you have a building that needs a metal roof but the professional bids are too high, here’s how to tackle it.
The proper tools are needed. These include a measuring tape, a chalk line with plenty of chalk, a good drill, a good extension ladder and a safe step ladder, pound of inch roofing nails, metal roofing screws, metal snips, and a cloth nail bag to hold the nails and screws.
Using the tape measure the roof’s height adding the desired overhang, generally two to four inches. Make multiple measurements keeping in mind the handy man’s mantra “measure twice, cut once.” Next measure the roof’s length and height on both sides to figure out how much metal edging is needed. Take these measurements to a local roofing supply company. They will tell you how much roofing to purchase. Keep in mind that 3 to 6 inches of unblocked air flow is needed between layers.
Although it isn’t necessary to remove the old roof before laying down a metal roof, it is best. Remove old shingles with a pitch fork, roofing shovel, or roofing pliers . Then lay down 30 pound tar paper as the base for the new roof. If there’s only one layer of shingles on the old roof, lay down 1″x4″x building length pine wood boards screwed onto the old shingles. Once the roof is prepared the metal roof edging can be applied.
Now it’s time to place the metal sheets running from top to bottom rather than side to side. Screw them into the wood slats, using a screw every two feet on both sides of the sheet. Each sheet should overlap the last. At the edge cut the last metal sheet so it’s just past the edge of the roof.
Once the sheets are applied to both sides of the roof it’s time to apply the metal trim along the edges at the sides of the roof. Also apply it at the peak, first scoring it in the middle so it can be bent over the peak.
Of course these instructions are useful only for installing the standard type of tin barn roof seen in industrial buildings, garages and the like. Other types of metal roofs require different methods for installation. But those can be tackled equally as well by a do it yourself person who wants to install metal roofing.
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How to Go About Choosing Roofing Material
Posted on 10. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
When choosing the roofing material for your roof, take the roofing material’s lifespan into account because this dictates how long your roof will last before having to be replaced. And that has an impact on long term cost.
Roofing style, materials, and the climate in the area where the home is located are amongst the factor that affect a roof’s lifespan. Selecting roofing products with nearly the same lifespans will avoid piece by piece repairs over a ten to fifteen year period. In most cases, roofing materials last for about twenty years. That is if the roof has been maintained properly and there has been no significant weather damage. Some materials have a lifespan of up to 50 years while some others last as little as 10 years. Here is a list of some common roofing materials along with lifespans.
The average lifespan of asphalt roofing is from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Asphalt roofing materials are one of the most common types of roofing materials used throughout the nation because of the low cost of the materials and the ease of repairs.
The average lifespan of fiberglass roofing is from 15 to 20 years. Fiberglass roofing requires little maintenance and can be manufactured in many different colors and styles to give the homeowner the desired look. Roofs made from this material are water resistant and mold resistant.
Wooden shakes and shingles are common in the northeastern United States. These roofing materials will generally last between 15 and 20 years, and could last for as many as 30 years if the shakes and shingles are well maintained.
Slate roofing materials are some of the longest lasting roofing products on the market, with an average lifespan of 40 to 75 years.
Metal roofing can last nearly 50 years. Metal roofing products come in a wide variety of different colors, finishes, and styles to resemble other types of roofing materials such as tiles or wooden shingles. These roofing products are nearly indestructible from weather and can be installed over the current roof.
Rubber roofing is a less known roofing material. It’s easy to install, to maintain, and it lasts a long time. It comes as a roll or as individual shingles. The very first rubber roof ever installed was in Wisconsin in 1980. It’s still doing its job after nearly 30 years.
So you see, there are many different roofing materials each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
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Residential Roofing Considerations
Posted on 04. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Is residential roofing an exciting topic? Residential roofing specialists such as roofing contractors might talk about it, but who else would? Home owners should. The roof is one of the most important aspects of a home. Therefore it’s necessary for homeowners to be up to date on the subject of residential roofing at least as far as it pertains to their own residence.
Location, location, location is often discussed as the #1 rule in real estate, it’s just as important when it comes to residential roofing. Needs for roofs vary by region and include such considerations as ability to withstand tree limbs, wind resistance, fire resistance, ability to withstand the weight of snow, and even color when it comes to a good looking roof for the area. Residential roofing needs are quite different in New Hampshire than they would be in Los Angeles. For those who purchase homes it’s important to be familiar with the features and maintenance needs of the roof. For those who build homes, especially if they serve as their own general contractor, selecting the right roof for the region is essential.
Since purchasing pre-built homes is more common, let’s examine some maintenance practices that ensure best performance and longest life from the roof. Timing is right at the top. Proper maintenance should begin the second the roofing system is complete. This will ensure a long term savings. Immediate maintenance includes inspecting the work and checking the contractor’s license, insurance, and whether all aspects of the roof were installed to manufacturer’s specifications or to local government guidelines.
After six months to a year the roof should be inspected for debris such as sticks, leaves, and even garbage such as aluminum cans, and those debris removed. This should be repeated at least once a year. Also make sure the gutters are cleaned at least once a year to ensure proper drainage. Leaks will develop if the roof can’t properly drain. Leaks cause a great deal of damage, including the possibility of mold that can completely destroy a home.
After only a few years the material at the bottom of vent and other roof protrusions, called pipe boot, may need to be replaced. This is particularly true in states like Oklahoma that don’t require pipe jacks to be made out of long lasting lead.
Many roofers convince home owners that the entire roof needs replacing even when there’s only a tiny leak. That’s nonsense. And the best way to avoid the scam is to have the roof inspected twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. An easy way to remember to have the residential roofing inspected is to do it when the clocks spring forward and fall back.
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The Increase in Metal Rookfing for Residential Homes
Posted on 01. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association residential metal roofing has become much more popular over the last decade. No, it isn’t that the corrugated tin barn roof look has come into style. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Formerly only popular for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home - on homes.
There are other advantages to metal roofs. In addition to those already mentioned, metal roofs are quick to install and great at reflecting the heat from the sun. People think metal roofs make the home hotter because if they stand on a metal roof it’s hot. But that heat is reflected away from the home. If it’s hotter on top, it’s cooler down below the roof.
Metal roofs are made mostly from aluminum and steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some popular styles retain a decidedly commercial look found by architects to give a home clean lines.
Surely its not all peaches and cream for metal roofs. Metal roofs also have drawbacks which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. but unless the plan is to sell within a few years this cost will be recovered in the long run, and metal roofs help save money by minimizing the need for maintenance of the supporting structure. Anyone who wants to know what life is like inside a drum can live in a house with a metal roof during a rain storm. A metal roof can be much louder than other types of roofs.
But sound deadening insulation helps minimize this noise. Just like it can a car, hail can dent softer metal roofs such as copper and aluminum roofs. Some metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. Metal roofs can also be slippery when wet, something to keep in mind for gutter cleaning, inspection, or other maintenance that requires walking on the roof. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although again they’re generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.
A quick note on lightning for residential metal roofing is, don’t be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn’t the case, particularly when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.
When you wish upon a star, and residential metal roofing is where you are, look up at the shining light, and be happy your choice was right.
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The Tools You’ll Need to Start Your Roofing Job
Posted on 30. Mar, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
You can’t go wrong hiring a qualified professional for a roofing project. But with a little bit of time and knowledge, and often with the help of a few friends, replacing a roof can be a rewarding do it yourself project. If you use the right roofing tools the job can be relatively easy. Look for these tools at a local hardware store.
Nothing beats a slate cutter for cutting slate and shingles. It cuts through most roofing materials like a hot knife through butter. For even the thickest shingles an industrial version slices them easily. For an easier start and more control make sure to get a model with a punch.
Instead of throwing the shingles to the ground, which requires a constant trek to the perilous edge, consider a ridge bucket. These buckets hug the roof so they won’t slip even on a steep roof. It’s safer and quicker to use this bucket to dispose of materials.
Use a hip runner to install ridge cap and hip ridges perfectly straight every time. Contractors use hip runners, so do it yourself roofers should take the hint.
Seaming pliers are another important roofing tool. They’re for pulling off shingles, especially stubborn shingles that almost have a mind of their own intent on staying in place. Seaming pliers have teeth to grip the shingle without tearing it. Combine the pliers with a good pair of thick work gloves to save your fingers and hands from injuries such as scrapes, bruises and blisters caused by gripping and pulling rough shingles.
What has a hammer head on one side and an ax and blade on the other? No, not a movie hero’s weapon, it’s a slater’s hammer. This roofing tool is for both for removing the old roof and installing the new roof. It’s also useful as a regular hammer and with the ax and blade for other projects besides roofing.
Most local hardware stores rent these tools as well as sell them. This way a roofing novice can use the best quality tools rather than one that’s cheaper to purchase. Keep in mind too that knowledge is a roofing tool as important as any other. These local hardware stores are also sources of information on roofing. Between books they carry and staff on hand who can give you advice, they can prepare a person for every step of the roofing process.
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Roofing Materials You’ll Need (or Want)
Posted on 29. Mar, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
A variety of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, can be used to top a house. Location is a important concern when selecting materials, for example in coastal areas where hurricanes are common a sturdier material is used. In the medical world a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but in the world of homes it’s “owner know thy roof.”
A base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated granules are fiberglass asphalt shingles . This inorganic shingle is highly fire resistant and has a longer expected life than other shingles. This type of shingle does not absorb water, and it resists cracking. According to Underwriter Laboratories it can also withstand high winds. Seems like a winner!
An inorganic, three dimensional shingle is Architectural Shingle. Because it is multi layered it has depth and thus an appearance close to wood or slate roofing. These shingles weigh more and cost more than most other shingles.
Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles. It can be used on roofs with shallow grades, or in addition to shingles on steeper roofs. Most people have seen this type of roofing, most often on industrial buildings. It consists of a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. This roof is easy to install and will last a long time, 10-20 years.
Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. Zinc is used in the best steel panels. Like roll roofing this is most common on industrial buildings. Durable, long lasting and resistant to fire, metal roofing is a great choice.
Wood shingles are the oldest type of shingle. Cedar is the most common wood used for these shingles, but many consist of a variety of woods. These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. Wood burns. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but does not eliminate it.
In the interest of being complete, a discussion of other elements of the roof is necessary. These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of strips of sheet metal or roofing material placed to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. The boot is a flashing made to fit around the base of a vent pipe. Boots containing lead generally last longer than the roof. A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to help protect wood portions of the roof by shedding water. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Felt paper also contributes to protecting the wood portions of the roof, particularly the frame.
A great source of information on roofing materials is the Internet. Ignore this information and you could be all wet.
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The Benefits of EPDM Rubber Roofing
Posted on 24. Mar, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
An excellent rubber roofing solution for flat roofs where inflexibility, weathering and failing joints often cause roofs to leak is EPDM roofing . If you’ve been struggling with a flat roof leak, or you’re working on a flat or gently sloping roof project, you’ll be excited to discover EPDM rubber roofing. With billions of square feet installed, EPDM has been proven to give many years of leak free service. Best of all, it’s easy to install.
EPDM is ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber with a benefit of not polluting run off water. Therefore the water falling from the roof can be re-used for sanitation purposes. Since harvesting rainwater is an element of the green movement, EPDM roofs are popular in green projects. EPDM roofing, like TPO roofing is a membrane product. It is commonly used in big box stores with large open areas. Chances are if there’s a Walmart nearby it has an EPDM roof.
First used as a roofing material in the 1960’s, efforts to recycle it began in the early 1990’s. Presently there are more than 1 billion square feet of EPDM new roof coverings installed each year, with over 20 billion square feet already in use. In 2007 the EPA raised the recycle bar to call for 50% of roofing materials used in any new project to be recyclable. The EPA conducted a study in 2007 to determine if EPDM could be recycled to that level. Although the results were positive, some questions remained as to whether the material could be produced in enough quantity to be useful.
EPDM roofing has its own trade association, the EPDM Roofing Association. According to this group, “Since the early 1960’s, EPDM single-ply rubber membrane roofing products have gained wide industry acceptance and respect by providing long-term, economically efficient, dependable roofing solutions for the construction community. Their attributes include long-term warranties, low life-cycle costs, reduced labor costs, minimal maintenance and user-friendly code approvals. The sustained growth of EPDM roofing systems is attributed to the development of complementary technologies that have made it possible for EPDM roofing systems to be beneficial in a wide number of applications. Architects and contractors have come to depend on this proven track record of performance. As environmentalists and code regulators place more emphasis on the long-term performance of building materials, EPDM has become an increasingly obvious choice. The need to provide the construction and roofing communities with current and accurate data documenting the many benefits of EPDM roofing systems led to the formation of ERA.”
One benefit of EPDM roofing pointed out by the EPA is wind resistance. EPDM roofs can be designed to resist winds of 120 MPH or more. For buildings in hurricane areas, that’s of huge benefit.
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TPO Roofing (Polymer Roofing)
Posted on 23. Mar, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
DOW invented TPO Roofing in the early 1990’s. TPO is a trade name for a variety of polymer roofing blends. TPO membranes are a combination of rubber and hot air welded seams made from ethylene propylene rubber. They have excellent resistance to ozone, are algae-resistant, are eco friendly and safe to install. The material is often advertised as a monolithic (seamless) roof. TPO is highly tear resistant, resists impacts, and resists punctures with good flexibility to allow for building movement. TPO’s are available in white, light gray, and black with thicknesses of either 45 mils (.045″) or 60 mils (.060″). Membrane width depends on the manufacturer but they usually come in widths of 6 to 6 feet and are one-hundred feet in length.
TPO Roofing is considered a fully-adhered roofing. In other words the roofing membrane is already attached to the substrate material with adhesive, thus it forms a strong chemical bond. TPO is highly heat reflective, fire resistant, and energy efficient. It also resists UV rays and dirt. TPO is also popular in the automotive industry where it is known for impact resistance. Because of the potential for hail damage this same property is important in the roofing industry.
roofing contractors and manufacturers love the shift from some lower priced materials like EPDM to more expensive TPO materials. Commercial roofing sales were $3.3 billion overall in 2007 with single-ply products being the largest segment. TPO has been expanding its portion of that large share.
As the green movement grows, TPO is becoming more and more popular, particularly because it is recyclable. Not only can it be recycled for roofing materials, but it can be burned as a fuel. TPO burns very cleanly with no toxic emissions when no flame retardants are present. It therefore has a high potential as a high energy fuel for waste-to-energy programs.
TPO roofs are categorized as “cool roofs.” A cool roof can be defined in a variety of ways by people or by different municipal codes. Basically, a cool roof reflects and emits the sun’s heat back upward without allowing it to pass into the building or home. The more sun it reflects and emits, the cooler the roof. The Cool Roof Rating Council, CRRC, maintains an on line database of cool roof products. Some TPO roofs score high on the scale, some do not, so be advised.
TPO roofing is the way to go for many .