Home Building - Roofing

The type of roofing material you choose for your new home will depend on the style of your home, your budget, your location and the makeup of the roofing material. With so many materials being manufactured these days there are many options to choose from to create a top that is not only visually astounding, but can weather the elements. In most cases, it is best to pick your basic style and color and then focus on the technical requirements and cost for installing the material.

Choosing a Roofing System

When you begin to choose your roofing system you'll need to consider several factors like the style, color, material, weight and cost. Here's some helpful information to get you started.
The style of the roof on a house used to be dictated by where you lived. In the Northeast it was slate, the South was wood shingles or metal, the West was wood shingles and shakes and Southwest was tile. This has all changed with the introduction of asphalt shingles, which can imitate the look and appearance of traditional roofing material at a much lower cost. It is estimated that 70% of new homes are being built using some kind of asphalt shingle. Whatever style you choose it should not only match the style of your home, but other homes in your neighborhood. Some style points are: slated roofs work best with brick houses, wood exteriors tend to look nice with a wood shingle or shake or a slate look and clay or concrete tile really top of a stucco house.

Color
There are many different colors to choose from because manufacturers are now able to imitate most colors and shades. Slate and wood tend to only come in their natural form and color. Choosing a color is usually determined by what would work best with the style of your home and what color siding or exterior color you are striving for. The color of your roof can also affect energy efficiency. Lighter colors will tend to reflect sunlight, which can be helpful in warmer climates, where darker roofs may be more beneficial in colder areas due to heat absorption.

Material
The roofing material you use can be influenced by local building codes. In general, most areas require that the roof material you use meet local fire ratings. The most flammable material is wood shingles and shakes, which are now required to be pressure treated with a fire retardant. Some neighborhoods have restrictions that only certain types or styles of roofs may be built, such as requiring that only wood shingle or shake roofs be constructed. This is usually in neighborhoods that have been classified as historic areas.

Weight

The weight of the roofing material you choose is important to know, since it may not be suitable for the roof framing you've had built. The weight can range from 250 lbs.. per 100 square feet for asphalt shingles to 2,000 lbs.. for slate. Anything over 600 lbs.. per 100 square feet will require you to strengthen your standard roof framing.

Cost
Cost can be a major factor in what type of roofing material you use. Asphalt shingles are the least expensive with material costs around $25 to $30 per 100 square feet compared to slate which can run in upwards of $500. You might want to weigh the cost of each material versus life span. For example, you'd be lucky to get 20 years out of a cheap asphalt shingle, but a good slate roof could easily last over a hundred years. Once you've selected a material, don't cut corners when it comes to picking a roofer. The material won't matter if the roof isn't properly installed.


Types of Roofing Material

Asphalt Shingles $50 to $150 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 12 to 25 years.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular material for steep-slope roofs and can be reinforced with organic or fiberglass materials. Although asphalt shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiberglass-reinforced products (called composition shingles) now dominate the market. Like most other roofing materials its fire resistance is categorized by Class A (most fire-resistant), B or C. Most fiberglass shingles have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings. These shingles offer great style, color and versatility and even come in laminated grades that offer a textured appearance. If algae is a concern, you can have zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules applied to the shingles to resist an algae attack.

Wood shingles and shakes $100 to $165 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 25 to 75 years.

Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar (the more expensive wood), redwood, southern pine and other woods. Wood shingles are machine sawn; shakes are handmade and rougher looking. Since most wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all, you'll want to find out what your local building codes are before choosing wood. For an additional cost, you can find Class A wood shingle products from certain companies that apply a fire resistant treatment.

Clay tile $300 to $600 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 50 years.

Clay tile is very durable and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Keep in mind it's a weighty material.

Slate $550 to $1000 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 50 to 100 years.

Slate is by far the most durable material you could choose and most expensive since its application requires special skills and experience. Your choice of color and grades depends greatly on where you buy it from.

Metal starts around $100 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) but can run up to $600 for coated steels and copper. Life span: 20 to 50 years.

There are two types of metal roofing products: panels and shingles, which come in numerous shapes and configurations. Metal shingles typically simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles and tile. Aside from its longevity, metal shingles are much lighter than most materials and very resistance to adverse weather.

Fiber cement $500 per square (10 x 10 area = 100 square feet = 1 square) Life span: 20 to 30 years.

Fiber cement is durable and available in a variety of textures and colors. It's a good choice for homes that are near the ocean and must withstand salt air and wind and for homes in very hot, humid climates. The only drawback is it is very heavy and difficult to repair.

Concrete is now a roofing material. Shingles, simulated wood shakes, lightweight tiles and concrete panels are being manufactured from a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. Some are coated with plastics, enamels, or thin metals, and some contain recycled material. The advantages of concrete roofing vary from product to product, but generally they all have a long life span, require low maintenance, offer good fire protection and are resistant to rot and insects. The drawback is the high cost, which varies from manufacturer.

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Different Materials Used For Roofing And Determining The Cost Of Each One

There is never a structure you will find that lacks a roof; it is an essential part of the house or building. It plays a very important role of providing protection and shelter much like the walls. It must be sturdy and durable yet stylish. Many a structure is defined by their roofs. They could be made by a multitude of materials and their designs may vary. Since time immemorial, man has found different ways with different materials to build their roofs, each with different characteristics and advantages and disadvantages. As more materials are discovered with each of their own high and low points, they can be very useful in different types of location depending on the weather and location.

As with any building, housing or structural projects, there are many aspects that influences the final decision in which materials to use for roofing and one of them is cost. Here in this article, you will see the advantages and disadvantages plus the average costs, as costs may vary in different states, in the use of different materials for roofing. The cost of roofing referred herein this article is subjected to the breakdown of the roofing material per one hundred square feet. Remember, roofing costs may add up with the labor and other materials needed for installation, this refers only to the roofing materials utilized.

Building your dream house relies on a number of aspects; there is the location, the design, the restrictions of the area, the budget and a plethora of others. It is the same thing with the roof; you have to consider a number of items to get the perfect roof to suit your taste. Basically it is the overall design and materials used in the structure as well as the location and the local restrictions. Here are some of the more basic roofing materials used and the roofing costs to consider per one hundred square feet.

The most commonly used roofing material utilized nowadays is the asphalt shingles. This form is shingles is categorized into two; the organic and the non-organic (fiberglass). They are produced in a wide variety of colors and are rated by their lifespan and durability. They can range from between 20 to 40 years. Asphalt shingles can be customized by providing additional layers giving them a different shadow line. Many asphalt shingle manufacturers provide warranty to their products especially if the certified roofers install them. Asphalt shingles may range from 30 to 35 dollars for every hundred square feet.

Another roofing material that takes the form of shingles is those made from wood. Usually, wood shingles are made from Western Red Cedar; the reason behind this is that this kind of wood is highly resistant to decay and corrosion. Wood shingles are categorized into three kinds, one, two and three. The first type, number one, is more recommended for roofing because they are more durable, the second and third are better for sidings. They are usually sold tapered and in different sizes. Wood shingles roofing cost ranges from 80 to 170 dollars.

Another roofing material that utilizes wood from cedar is the wood shakes roofing material. They are used to provide a natural look, they are either sawed or hand split. Its distinct look has a side with an irregular unique look from the others while the other side has a natural thinner line for a tapered look. Wood shakes are classified by their weight and their sizes. Roofing costs for wood shake are from 70 to a hundred dollars for every one hundred square feet.

The most durable roofing material is made either from clay or concrete. They can be relied upon to provide service from fifty to a hundred years. The most common form is in the half-barrel or somewhat corrugated shape, but it is not uncommon to find flat or tapered styles. But because of their weight, clay or concrete roofing materials may need extra weight in the rafters adding more to the roofing costs which may run with the roofing materials between 150 to 400 dollars per a hundred square feet area.

Online entrepreneur Sara Jenkins, is dedicated to helping others and their needs to succeed in life by offering free payroll tips everyday. To learn more about her free roofing tips, and to sign up for her FREE Roofing articles and FREE bonus how-to books and resources, visit www.RoofingUp.com.

Thatch Roofing Shingles

Traditionally speaking, thatch roofs were the ultimate roofing choice for making one's home look cozy, ethnic, or even tropical. The making of thatch roofs hails back to prehistoric times when early men had started building their huts and covered them with thatched roofs typically made out of straw, reed, or grass.

Over the years of course, original thatch roofs have lost out in a big way to faux or synthetic thatch shingles that have flooded the market. The idea is to experience the joys of a traditional thatch roofs without the disadvantages that one might have faced while using it in its original form.

Going by recent trends, there are a number of synthetic thatch shingles available, made mostly out polythene fibers that come with a strong U.V. resistant guarantee. These fibers are carefully blended with a thin but tough waterproofing membrane and can protect the owner from the elements quite effectively. Manufacturers provide warranties against color fastness, decay, and rot.

The polythene fibers used to make the shingles are actually tiny plastic particles and a polyurethane-binding strip is used to bond these particles and form a shingle. These can be easily used on any existing roof for a very low installation cost. Although expert professional advice is always welcome, owners can install these thatch shingles themselves without much trouble.

These shingles come in shades of yellow and gold to give a natural straw-look. Brownish-green shades are also available that give the shingle a palm-appearance and reminds one of tropical islands.

Outside the United States, thatch shingles have become very popular in South Africa. Thatch shingles like the ones that have a bamboo or eucalyptus lath finish are becoming increasingly popular.

These synthetic shingles can be installed not only on high-slope roofs but also on low-slope ones. With life expectancy of a minimum of fifty years, these shingles create a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity.

Shingles provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Shingles is affiliated with Home Foundation Repair.

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.

Discovering Fiberglass Roofing Panels for Your Roofing Needs

 

Roofs are an integral part of the house. The design of a roof tells a lot about the structure. They can be stylish, grand, historical, modern, versatile and so much more. When designing a house, building or any structure, the roof cant be taken for granted, they must be complimenting the whole design and yet, will be very durable and resistant to nature’s elements. That is why; designers take into consideration a lot of things like the weather, the winds, the location of the structure and much more, all of them makes an influence on the design of the roof and what kind of roofing materials to use. There are many forms wherein roofs are designed and constructed. They could either be flat, pitched, vaulted, domed or combinations of those types. As stated, these designs are influenced by considerations regarding technical, regional and aesthetic factors.

Since time immemorial, man have found and used different materials to use as materials for the roofs of their houses. Some of the early roofing materials used where leaves, rocks, wood, stones then as time and man progresses more and more have been discovered. Roofing materials made out of asphalt, cement, wood, and synthetic materials like fiberglass and other innovative materials. These new roofing materials have proven to be durable, reliable and lightweight. They can be manufactured in any shape and in any color making them a good alternative if not the outright choice.

Fiberglass has gained quite a following in the past few decades, because of their malleability they can be formed into anything with relative ease. They can also be very tough and durable yet be lightweight and easy to handle. With those characteristics, fiberglass is a good material to be used for roofing. Fiberglass first was introduced in 1938, as the name implies, fiberglass is made from very fine fibers of glass. This revolutionary product then has long been developed and provided with fresh innovations to form other types of roofing panels, which caters to different needs. The flexibility and versatility of fiberglass roofing panel materials makes it a very popular choice.

Fiberglass roofing panels can be shaped as corrugated roofing panels, shingles roofing panels, tapered roofing panels and so much more. Being synthetically produced somewhat, they are easy to manipulate to form shapes, used as composite material, provided different colors and other designs and textures that the manufacturers or public desire. It doesn’t matter what type or form the design of your roof is, a fiberglass roofing panel will provide your roof with a tough and durable membrane, as well as provide it with great looking cover and protection.

Fiberglass roofing panels provide great waterproof sealing for the roof, especially when installed properly. Many fiberglass roofing panels producers provide longer warranties when their authorized roof installers do the project. Aside from their easy to install, durable and lightweight factors, Most fiberglass roofing panels are affordable than the alternative roofing panels, fiberglass roofing panels are about 65 to 70 percent cheaper than the others but gives the same great look and durability with an average of 25 to 30 years.

There are a plethora of choices when it comes to fiberglass roofing panels, each providing their pros and cons, but like any other building project, it is best to discuss this with your architect or contractor. Try to learn more and discuss this with people knowledgeable with all the factors that may influence the look and the lifespan of your roof. More and more new and innovative types, shapes and forms of fiberglass roofing panel are coming out so it’s best to keep yourself updated.

Online entrepreneur Sara Jenkins, is dedicated to helping others and their needs to succeed in life by offering free payroll tips everyday. To learn more about her free roofing tips, and to sign up for her FREE Roofing articles and FREE bonus how-to books and resources, visit http://www.RoofingUp.com