FAQ About Roofing

Sun, wind, rain and hail have all had a chance to damage your roof and the time has come to think about re-roofing. How do you know if your roof is ready for re-roofing? Who will give you trustworthy advice? Where do you start? How many bids should you get? What part should you play during the construction process? What is fair to expect of a contractor? What are the permit and licensing laws in the State of Your State?

If these are questions you are asking yourself, you have come to the right place! The Roofing Contractors Association of Your State (RCAT) is an organization of professional roofing contractors dedicated to the practice, and teaching, of the skills needed to protect your building from the elements. We offer this guide as a sincere effort to help the customer and contractor arrive at a happy conclusion to a successful effort.

Are you ready for a re-roof?

After a hail storm has hit your area, it may or may not be obvious that you need a new roof. While some hail may produce leaks that appear immediately, quite often hail may only fracture your shingles, which leads to premature roof failure. An inspection by a professional roofing contractor can answer this question. If you have a roof that is fifteen years old or older and it starts to show signs of deterioration, or produces leaks, it is time to call your roofing professional for an inspection and consultation.

Choose a member of the

Roofing Contractors Association of Your State

The State of Your State has no licensing requirement in place for roofing contractors at this time (2000 - 2001). RCAT is a twenty-five year old organization that was founded with the expressed purpose of bettering the roofing profession through education and the pursuit of a quality product. By choosing a member of RCAT to be involved with your project, you are assured that you have a contractor who has had a successful track record in this field. To become a member, a contractor has to produce qualified references and be known to his competitors in the roofing community. What is a Certified Roofing Contractor?

In the absence of licensing laws in Your State, RCAT has developed a comprehensive testing program. These tests are strictly monitored and require thorough knowledge of commercial roofing, residential roofing, and business and contract law. Certified contractors are leaders in their field who are bringing a proven professionalism to your roofing or re-roofing project.

Certifications are:
CCRC
Certified Commercial Roofing Contractor
CC-RRC
Certified Commercial and Residential Roofing Contractor
CRRC
Certified Residential Roofing Contractor
These certifications are noted in our membership listings.
Getting the estimate

Choosing the right contractor is the most important step. Be sure that you obtain at least three written estimates. These estimates should all be based on the same type and quality of materials. Time needed to complete the project should also be included. Be sure to inquire how work will proceed and how trash will be handled so that you will know what to expect as the job proceeds. Understand the differences in your bids if there are variations. Donft automatically choose the lowest estimate!

Ask for a list of successfully completed projects in your area. Check references and inquire about quality of work performed. If possible, go look at the contractorfs work. Check with the BBB to see if any complaints are unresolved. Ask for written evidence of coverage from the contractorfs insurance carrier. Ask about warranties.

The contract

The agreement can be as simple as a signed proposal. It should have the contractorfs name, address, and phone number. All areas of work and materials to be used should be described. If it is verbally promised, it should be written down. On large jobs where monthly draws will be necessary, a standard AIA contract form, available at most business supply stores, could be a consideration. Whatever document you decide to use, your contractor should supply two copies that you both sign, one of which you should keep. Keep any receipts of money paid. Pay by check. With a regular sized house, it is considered usual for you to pay one third to one half of the cost of a job at the time that all materials are delivered onto your property. The balance due is then usually paid at the time of successful completion. This varies in different areas and with different contractors but should be worked out and written in your agreement. If you will be paying for this roofing in conjunction with a building loan or insurance claim, or if for any other reason there will be a deferred payment, this should be written down and agreed to by both parties. Warranties and guarantees of workmanship must be a written part of the contract. Obtaining a roofing permit

In many communities, a roofing permit is required. Check with your contractor or the permits department at your city hall to obtain information. Be sure it is understood who will obtain and post this permit.

During the job

You have followed your instincts and from the information presented, you have made your choice. You have his handshake, a written and signed proposal, a copy of his insurance, and you have gone over the scope of the work. You have done well; now let that roofer go to work. With proper pre-job paperwork and planning, you have helped to ensure that this upgrading of your buildingfs element protection is effective and long-lasting. It is not unreasonable to expect a daily report from your contractor, but the best thing to do now is have confidence in your choice. If your contractor is a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of Your State, he is pledged to your satisfaction.

Being aware that most roofing applications cannot be worked on during rainy weather. You should expect that the number of working days need be increased by the number of rain days experienced. As long as weather is factored in, you should be able to monitor the work from a bit of a distance. If things are on track, let them work. If you are unsure of any part of the progress it is best to contact the person who contracted with you. Donft try to run the crew; let their boss do that.

DO NOT use a contractorfs ladder to go up onto the roof. Good safety practice and insurance regulations prohibit it.

Final payment

At the time of final payment, all work should be done, grounds cleaned, warranties dated and signed. Get a receipt for all payments. If you keep these receipts and warranties, they can come in handy in the case of severe weather damage in the future.

If you are pleased with your contractorfs work, let him know that this is a job well done. These folks work mighty hard for you out in the hot Your State sun, they can use an "Attaboy."

Remember to...

Verify the name, address, telephone number, and references of your roofing contractor. Ask if he is a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of Your State. Make sure that he is insured.

Obtain at least three bids, and get a feel for the work and materials offered. Check zoning and permit laws in your community.

Make sure that all agreements are written and signed and you have a copy. Don sign any agreement that you don fully understand or agree with.

Once you have selected a contractor, give him the access he needs to get the job done. Final payment should be made when all work is complete. Donft pay cash in advance to a salesperson or contractor.

BEWARE of...
Contractor whose references are all out of state.
Contractor who wants money before materials are on site.
Contractor who is not an established member of the community.

Flat Roofing Materials

It’s a fact that your roof is one of the most important parts of your house and is the one thing that provides the building structure, the building occupants and the building contents with protection from the elements. Many roofs are in a state of disrepair but homeowners ignore this until the roof gets worse or until the weather gets worse. With regular maintenance and the early identification and fixing of any problems you can usually avoid the big problems that have equally big price tags attached to them. Regular maintenance in this way will also help extend the life of your roof.

Selecting flat roofing materials.

Flat roofs have extra difficulties associated with them. Because they do not slope rainwater does not automatically run down the roof and drain off. It is absolutely vital that flat roofing materials are as water resistant and water tight as possible to prevent serious damage to the roof itself and to the rest of the building and it’s contents. New types of flat roofing material are being used and while these offer more in the way of protection they are also more expensive as a general rule. There are still three main types of flat roofing materials that are used on a regular basis on new and older houses.

Built up flat roofing materials.

Built up roofing is basically just that. Built up roofing consists of laying down several layers of tar and water resistant materials and then covered with gravel. This is quite an old technique but the introduction of new waterproof materials has seen the strength and durability of this technique increase. The gravel acts as a good fire resistant layer and can be made to look very attractive. It is usually the cheapest of the flat roofing materials available, however, it is very heavy and may require strengthening of the joists. It is also impractical to use on residential houses that are being lived in because it smells terribly. The gravel itself can clog gutters and other vital aspects of water drainage.

Modified Bitumen flat roofing.

Modified bitumen is another stalwart in the world of flat roofing materials. Once upon a time it was necessary to use torchdown techniques that involved burning the roll of material onto the roof, however it is now possible to get adhesive varieties, thus cutting out the potential fire hazard that is sometimes associated. The mineral surface that is used to create modified bitumen can be created in light colors, effectively reflecting the heat and sun. This will cut down on your energy bills during the summer months, and it can even be installed by any avid (and competent) do it yourself fanatic.

Rubber membrane.

Rubber membrane is another method of coating your flat roof. As far as flat roofing materials go it is durable and resistant to general wear and tear. Leaks are easy to find and repair, but the cost is really quite high. The standard black rubber does not reflect heat and paying for a lighter membrane will cost you more, however, it is quick to fit and will cause little disruption to your house life during the process.

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Does your website need more exposure to the search engines? Add Your Site Today to our free directory.

DIY Roofing - Is It Advisable?

Whether it’s snow, rain, sleet or hail, our roof endures a lot of exposure and often takes a serious sting from mother nature. Regardless of what home improvements, decorating or repairs you have done or are in the process of doing, nothing matters if you do not have a solid and stable roof over your head. Before you take on a DIY roofing project, bare the following in mind:

You should only attempt a DIY roofing project if you have completed a similar project successfully in the past, have extensive knowledge or training in roofing or plan to hire a contractor to help supervise your progress. When it comes to your roof, you will want to make sure that it is done correctly in order to avoid leaks and other mishaps. Afterall, your roof is the only thing between your family and the sometimes harsh weather elements.

When it comes to a DIY roofing project, you will need to consider what type of roof you want to install. Do you prefer shingles or a metal roof? Many are selecting a metal roof if they live in areas that are prone to strong storms, hurricanes, etc. Shingles are the more attractive option, but are easily damaged and may require frequent repair and/or replacement. Always be sure to keep this in mind when starting out on a DIY roofing project.

When choosing your roofing material, take the time to consider the manufacturer’s warranty and recommendations. For instance, some roofing shingles are fire resistant and some carry a warranty of 40 or more years. In addition, more shingles are being made that are said to withstand high winds. The warranty and type of roofing that you choose will largely depend on the weather patterns in your area.

Some final points to consider before moving forward with a DIY roofing project is whether or not you are afraid of heights, the weather conditions surrounding the necessary repair or replacement and your budget. If at all possible, it’s best to complete roofing projects on a fair weather day. Working in the rain or other inclement weather could result in slippery conditions, either on the roof or a ladder. In addition, a contractor is obviously going to cost a little more financially, but hiring a professional could be the difference in spending a few more dollars now or a lot more later if the roofing project isn’t completed properly. So, is a DIY roofing project advisable? Only if you are absolutely certain that you can, in fact, do it yourself.

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Does your website need more exposure to the search engines? Add Your Site Today to our free directory.

5 Types of Commercial Roofing

Small and large businesses will often seek a company that can provide them with commercial roofing service that will not interfere with their regular business. Some roofing companies will provide special services just for commercial property. Leaving parking lots free of debris and keeping entry ways free of obstructions so your business can continue to operate smoothly.

There are several types of roofing to select for your commercial building. Selection of course may depend on cost, the slope of your roof, and the weather conditions in your area.

1. Asphalt Shingles

These are the most common type of shingles used on home and commercial buildings today. Reinforced with organic material, wood fibers or fiber glass, these shingles can last from 20 to 30 years. Laminated shingles are also made of asphalt but come in a variety of colors and textures that give this shingle the appearance of more expensive shake or slate tiles. These more popular shingles can last between 25 and 50 years.

2. Metal Roofing

Steel, Aluminum, Standing Seam, Metal Tie, and Copper are just a few of the metal roofing materials used today as commercial roofing. If installed correctly, metal roofing may last between 30 to 50 years, which is just as well as the more expensive asphalt shingles. Metal roofing is not as costly as slate or tile roofing. In the past colored aluminum roofing has been known to fade, oxidize and peel, but many manufacturers have found the solution to this problem. This type of roofing can withstand most extreme weather but has been known to dent when hit with hail. Now a new granulated coating is offered to prevent this outcome. Copper is another option, though more expensive than aluminum. With a copper roof you can expect it to last up to 100 years.

3. Wood Shakes

Most roof shakes are made of treated pine, spruce or more commonly, cedar. Hand split shakes off that rough and thick look many seek. Most wood shingles are actually cut using a machine. This gives it a smooth finish, making it easier to install. Cedar is the first choice in wood shakes, offering up to a 30 year life. When shakes are first installed, they appear brown or red in color but expect the weather to fade the real wood and leave it a soft gray. Installation for wood shingles can run as much as 50% higher than other types of roofing.

4. Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are heavy and harder to install. Though they are easily breakable, they can add beauty to any home. This roof can last from 45 to 70 years and some claim it will last over 100 years if installed properly. These colorful and rich shingles will add a high price to your structure, costing as much as 400% more than other materials.

5. Tile Roofing

Tile is often made from clay but can also be made of concrete or even rubber. There is a large variety of colors and styles of tile roofing available today. Clay is more expensive than concrete tiles but the basic performance, durability and look of the tiles is the same. Lasting more than 50 years, this type of tile is often very heavy and your roof may need extra support.

Whether you have a new structure to roof or are re-roofing your commercial building, be sure to select the roofing company that can do the best job for you. Selecting a company that has completed roofs for commercial structures before will be your best bet. Ask if you can view a job they have completed recently. Be sure to ask about your specific needs, such as a flat roof often found on commercial buildings, heating, air vents and other roof obstructions. Also ask to see their roof installation license.

Ronald has been in the roofing industry for over 15 years and has worked in residential and commercial environments. To get classic roofing tips and step to step instructions on picking and installing the perfect roof for your home, visit http://www.dtsarchitects.com, his roofs site.

Metal Roofing 101

Today I received a phone call from a nationally published and recognized remodeling magazine in regards to their future article on metal roofing. It turns out that one of their editors tasked with writing an article about metal roofing decided to consult with me after looking at one of the metal roof guides on my metal roofing resource and information library.

Our conversation involve many different aspects of metal roofing and it was what prompted me to publish this metal roofing article, which will hopefully answer a lot of questions that you may have. I believe you will find this guide especially useful if you are considering a re roofing job.

First of all let's address some of the things that you probably already heard about before:

Metal Roofing costs significantly more than regular roofing. Answer to this question is both yes and no.

It turns out that although, initially you will probably pay higher amount for metal roofing than you would with regular roofing material, in the long run metal roofing will pay for itself making a it a no nonsense investment for somebody who is looking for longevity of their roof, its durability, great looks, and energy savings.

What happens is that the higher price you pay for metal roofing initially gets off set by the increased value of the house, or building where metal roofing is installed. In addition to the increased value of your home you will also gain the following benefits:

Long lasting Roof Hopefully you did your homework when selecting a metal roofing contractor, and you chose the knowledgeable and skillful metal roof installers performing the installation of your metal roof. Modern residential metal roofs come with up to 50 years material and labor warranty. Thus you can set it and forget it, figuratively speaking! Thin about how much money you will be saving considering that the average asphalt roof lasts only 17 years.

Beautiful Metal Roof We all love our homes, and with metal roofing our house can attain very desirable and sophisticated looks that could be the envy of the neighborhood! A great variety of metal roofing styles and choices will ensure that every homeowner can find something that they want in residential metal roofing.

Energy Savings Did you know that meta roof can greatly decrease your air conditioning bill during the hot months of summer? One of the significant benefits of metal roofing is that metal has sun reflectivity properties, which allow it to reflect the heat radiation away from your roof keeping your house cool and your energy bill low. That is just one of the ways that metal roof will pay for itself. After all, our monthly air conditioning costs can add up to a big chunk of money during the summer time.

Metal roof Government Tax credit Even the U.S government will provide you with a tax credit incentives if you install the approved select energy star rated metal roof.

Now information above is just common knowledge in regards to metal roofing. Hopefully it has cleared up and answered some of the general questions that you may have had.

Now going back to my todays conversation, I would like to talk about more in depths metal roofing concepts.

Many homeowners have heard about metal roofing before, but have very little idea as to what are the choices and options available to them.

So, I thought it would be a good idea to list three main metal roofing materials used in the industry, as well as touch up on the available metal roofing choices and styles.

Residential Metal Roofing Materials:

Steel: This is the most frequently used metal roofing material today. Steel offers a great degree of durability in metal roofing. It is usually protected by a layer of zinc and aluminum alloy, which protects it from rust and corrosion. Most commonly used steel shingles would be galvanized steel such as G-90, which is sprayed over with Kynar 500, or Hylar 5000.

This type of galvanized steel offers a great degree of protection from corrosion and is known to last over 30 years, in fact Tamko galvanized steel shingles, slates, and tiles come with 50 years material warranty, which shows a great confidence this manufacturer has in their product.

Galvalume steel is another common type of steel metal roofing, it is commonly used in standing seam metal roofing panels that go over many commercial and residential roofs.

Steel has deserved its good reputation as a metal roofing material of choice because of its excellent corrosion resistance and relative affordability.

Aluminum is another popular metal roofing material, which is corrosion resistant and is known to last over 50 years in professionally performed metal roofing applications. It is more expensive than steel, but it is very light weight and very popular among the homeowners.

Copper is perhaps the oldest type of metal roofing material that has been in use for a very long time and is known to last for over 70 years. In fact it is said that copper is getting better as it ages. Copper is highly expensive and that's why it is usually used in limited applications such as the the facial coverings of the windows. There are however complete copper roof systems that are available to be installed over residential properties. They come with a great premium, but there are people who want the best and are willing to pay for it.

Finally, keep in mind that even the best metal roofing system is worthless if it is not installed professionally, so make sure that you do your homework and carefully investigate the prospective metal roofing contractors in your area.

Good luck

Aleksandr Biyevetskiy has been involved with metal roofing installations for many years, and now co owns a Massachusetts based metal roofing company http://www.newenglandmetalroof.com Quality of metal roof installation, and customer satisfaction are the main objectives of new england metal roof. Our website features helpful information about metal roofing, roof prices, and how to guides on roof estimating and measuring.

Effective Roofing Repairs

The roof is one of the more prone areas of your house and it is vital that you not only have quality roofing installed but that regular checks and repairs are carried out to ensure it’s long life. Consider the fact that all roofing is subject to wind, rain, snow, sun and any other element that can be thrown at it and you should realize that your new roofing and subsequent roofing repairs would need to be top notch to avoid any nasty accidents or surprises. Having new roofing installed can be a pricey affair but only regular check ups and minor repairs when needed can prevent the worst from happening. If you haven’t had your roof checked for ten years then it is highly advisable that you get it seen to as soon as possible. It may not be leaking yet but if you leave it much longer it could be.

Age.

The biggest roofing killer is the age of the materials. When shingles begin to look worn this usually means they are. Even shingles that have a 40-year warranty should be checked every few years. Roofing contractors will perform a relatively inexpensive check up of the whole of your roofing and if you pick a reputable company they will tell you exactly what needs repairing now and what is likely to need repairing in the future.

Repair or replace.

Sometimes shingles can be blown off and merely need replacing but if this is happening more and more often you need to consider that they may need replacing. Repairing your roofing may cost less but if you have to repeatedly repair it then it is a much more cost-effective solution to have new roofing. A contractor will be able to help you assess the best option for your roof.

Protection.

Roofing is the thing that protects the rest of your home from the elements and the damage they can cause. As such your roofing is facing this damage itself and it should be given all the ammunition possible to complete its job. Shingles are available in a wide variety of sizes and costs, but the cheaper shingles are virtually useless and you should spend as much as you can possibly afford on buying top quality roofing shingles that will stand up to more than a light shower and a gentle breeze.

Cost of re-roofing.

Having new roofing costs money, but by continually paying for repair work to be done you should consider that there may be an underlying problem with the wooden sheathing underneath. The only way to tell whether this is the case or not is to have the old roofing shingles completely ripped off and have the underneath inspected and repaired properly. Once this is done you can pay for top quality roofing that may set you back a little more than the repair work would have done but will undoubtedly last you much longer. That said, if a shingle blows off during high gales there is no need to rush out and have your entire roofing replaced without seeking advice first.

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Does your website need more exposure to the search engines? Add Your Site Today to our free directory.

Classic Roofing

There are quite a few advantages to using roofing shingles over other types of roofing design. While roofing needs vary depending on weather conditions in the part of the world you're in, shingled roofs are the most common type to be found in most of the United States and Canada.

Shingles are basically small roofing tiles which are used to cover a roof. They are stacked in an overlapping fashion across the length of the roof, allowing rain to slide off easily. One of the biggest advantages to using shingles over, say, a single metal sheet (a common roofing technique in some Asian countries) is that it provides the house with better ventilation and heat management.

In the summer, hot gases, with their tendency to rise, will seep out of a house via the gaps in the shingles, leaving the interior of the house cooler. In the winter time, however, the shingles become packed with snow, allowing the roof and the snow itself to become a heat-retaining layer of insulation which helps keep the interior of the house warm.

Shingled roofs are also generally sturdier than single-sheet or standard concrete roofs. The tiles are tough yet, because the roof itself is not made of a single piece of material, the overall effect is one of flexibility under pressure. Where a solid piece roof would crack under sufficient weight, shingled roofs provide a certain amount of "yield" under pressure that keeps the roof intact.

Lastly, one of the nicest advantages of roofing shingles comes during repair-time. Whereas one-piece roofs need to be overhauled almost entirely for repairs and can get expensive, shingles are small, easy to install, and cheap to replace if they get broken.

There are, however, two major drawbacks to using shingled roofs that make them inapplicable to some climates. The first drawback to shingled roofs is that their tiles are more vulnerable to thermal stress. Thermal stress does not mean merely extremes of heat and cold, but rather refers to sudden and drastic changes in temperature.

Being composed of small tiles, sudden changes in temperature from high heat to cold or vice versa leave the shingles more brittle and prone to damage, sometimes even actually causing them to suddenly crack under the rapid temperature change. This makes shingles inapplicable in certain tropical climes where a blazingly hot tropic day can suddenly be punctuated by an ice-cold rainstorm.

Daniel Roshard is a interior designer fascinated by garden architecture, he is currently studying interior design integration to public parks and gardens. Daniel is writing Roofing and Roof construction reviews for http://roofing.zupatips.com at ZupaTips.com

Roofing Contractor

 

A contractor is essentially someone who consents to complete a task for a charge or a specialist in the building business, whose job requires hiring workers to construct a ‘paid for’ assignment. Even though a contractor's foremost concern is hiring capable subcontractors, at times he may also carry out some of the construction work by himself. These principles remain the same in reference to a roofing contractor.

Most roofing contractors are highly experienced personnel. Working in such a specific industry over time enables them to learn nuances of the trade and carve a niche for themselves. Most roofing contractors have knowledge and experience of varied roofing materials. This enables them to undertake varied roofing projects over vast terrains.

Roofing is a very important aspect of ones home, which makes it all the more essential for a homeowner to find the right contractor. Roofs are exposed to the elements at all times, which makes regular maintenance a compulsion. Roofing contractors may be called upon to do minor repair work or re-roofing. Clients must always remember that re-roofing is a very profitable venture for contractors, since it involves replacing an entire roof. In order to avoid this, a contractor should be called upon as soon as a minor flaw or condition is detected.

In most cases houses change many hands, making it difficult to locate the original roofing contractor. In such situations a new contractor who is hired should be allowed to study the project and make decisions.

While selecting a roofing contractor, one should select a specialist in order to be certain of quality work. Another effective practice is to work with recommendations from friends and family. Homeowners need to realize the importance of maintaining a roof since even the smallest leak can cause significant damage. Hiring the right roofing contractor at the appropriate time goes a long way in preserving ones home for years to come.

Roofing provides detailed information on Roofing, Metal Roofing, Roofing Contractor, Roofing Material and more. Roofing is affiliated with Asphalt Shingles.

Metal Roofing

 

For generations people have returned home, day after day, to enjoy the peace and quite of their own abode. The phrase “a roof over your head” highlights the importance of the topmost surface of any establishment. It cannot be denied that a roof is one of the most important components of any house.

Metal roofs are fast growing in popularity, replacing the traditional asbestos roofs. Metal roofs have a great capacity to contract and expand with heat along with providing protection against hurricanes, winds, snow, hailstorms and heat waves.

Metal is fire resistant, compared to many of the roofing options available. This makes it a popular choice amongst people residing in wildfire and forest fire regions. Metal is considerably more durable than asphalt tiles and can last anywhere between 30-60 years. Along with a long life, this roofing is subject to minimum crumbling, breakdown and corrosion.

Metal roofing is a popular choice amongst homeowners as it also reflects a considerable amount of the sun’s energy. This in turn may help people save money throughout the life of the roof in respect to power and heating costs. If people opt for a light-colored roof, it enables about 20% reduction in the air conditioning operating costs during the summer. In selected states, metal roofing reduces the homeowner’s insurance.

Metal roofing can be constructed from a high proportion of recycled material, which makes it popular with environmental activists and advocates. It is also much lighter than other tiles and coverings and puts minimum tension and pressure on beams and walls of the house.

After selecting the right kind of metal, the homeowner can coat the surface in any color. In comparison to other typical grids, people can use them in vertical designs, counterbalance rows, small tiles or outsized panes.

Metal roofing proves to be not only an economical option, but also lends durability and aesthetic beauty to the home.

Roofing provides detailed information on Roofing, Metal Roofing, Roofing Contractor, Roofing Material and more. Roofing is affiliated with Asphalt Shingles.

Roofing Shingles

Only professional roofers and contractors know how much work, measurement, and precision go into each roofing job; what looks like a simple pattern of overlapping roofing shingles is actually the last step in a very involved process. From measurements to laying plywood to affixing each and every shingle in a professional manner, roofing is challenging and painstaking work. Getting your measurements right is crucial to getting jobs completed correctly and under budget.

Getting a good estimate on a roof is important to a client. Roofs are not cheap! The right estimate will allow them to make an informed decision about which roof and which contractor to go with, and a good estimate will prevent you from under-bidding and losing revenue. Overestimating the amount of roofing shingles you need can seriously cut into the profit margin of a job.

Speed up Your Roofing Shingles Process

From the first measurement of a roof, to laying the last roofing shingles, it's important that the job be effectively planned and timed. Roof Calculator 6.1 can keep jobs clean and easy, with the right materials on hand, and every measurement and total you need available at the touch of a button. From plywood to sectionalized calculations of roof squares to other metrics, you can pull up the details of present and past jobs in an instant.

Running a business depends on having good information, and conveying confidence and consistency to clients. This is exactly why we have developed this software. As roofers with years in the business, we know what it takes to make a great impression!

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Does your website need more exposure to the search engines? Add Your Site Today to our free directory.

Other Roofing Products VS Metal Roofing Products

While most people know only roofing panels made of metal, in reality, there are many metal kinds of roofing products being produced. They are in demand these days for their affordability and industrial usefulness. Several types of these metal roofing products have been used years ago but are now in style again.

Here are some other product materials being used in roofing, which can be compared to metal:

1. Asphalt shingles are used for up to the whole surface of a roof in the United States. They are used to evaluate factors such as wind resistance, fire, tear strength, and other performance gauge. They come in standard or designer varieties.

The standard type is light-textured with a flat surface while designer types are heavily textured. Metal does not have these characteristics. It is actually up to your decision how well you will like this kind of roofing product material once you try using it.

2. Wood shingles and shakes are also used in metal roofing. They are commonly made from redwood, cedar, southern pine and other woods. Handmade wood shingles have rougher looking appearance compared to machine-sawn types.

They are not used these days as some building codes prohibit them due to susceptibility of catching fire. Most of them have class C ratings in construction materials. In comparison, class A products are applied with a fire-resistant coating. You can definitely choose metal over wood, as they are more fire retardant.

3. Tiles are also used and are a very durable product material. The Spanish round-topped and mission tiles are used widely on Florida and nearby places. There are also flat styles to get an impression of English and French look.

There can be various colors and finishes. Tiles are heavy, if you want to replace your roof with tiles, make sure the load can be supported by the structure. Heavy means too much load and roofing products must be lightweight and can be transported easily. It may not be advisable to use.

A roof can be fitted with metal roofing from small to big structures. Architecture and builders can use different roofing products to achieve the desired effect. As with the client's preference, they can modify appearance, aesthetic, and performance or various materials.

These roofing materials may come in copper, steel, aluminum and other steels. Most of them are made of recycled materials and coated or treated to prevent corrosion or rusting.

For tips on installing metal roofing, visit http://www.metalroofing101.com