Roofing Contractors

David Evermon asked:


When it comes time to replace the shingles on your home, you will need all the information you can get in regards roofing shingles installation basics. Therefore, why not start at the beginning, with the types of roofing shingles. There are four popular categories of shingles, wood shakes, slate, laminated, and asphalt shingles. To know which you should be choosing, you should understand how each one works and what features they have, all of which can help you determine which is right for you.

Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular of all types. They are constructed with paper, glass, or fiber, with intense durability. These shingles are designed to last between twenty and thirty years.

Laminated roofing shingles are also becoming extremely popular. These shingles have a design that adds depth, color, and character to any room. Constructed with many different materials, such as asphalt, it creates a look of expensive roofing materials, without the large costs.

Slate roofing shingles also referred to as stone shingles are heavy but durable. Popular, but not overly used before it tends to break easy and can be extremely hard to work with. Many people enjoy the natural, handcrafted, and colorful look that slate shingles offer, as well as the durability, which allows the shingles to last for more than 100 years.

Wood roofing shingles, also known as shakes, are constructed with different treated woods such as pine, spruce, or cedar, and although cedar is the best type of wood used. While with first installation, the wood shingles are bright and lively colors, after the first year of use, it will dull quickly to the color of gray. Furthermore, splintering, warping, and shrinking are common complaints with wood roofing shingles, and generally have to be replaced within thirty years or less.

If you simply do not know how to or want to install your own roofing shingles, your best bet is to hire a professional roofer. When contacting roofers make sure that you opt for a company that is well established, carries a business license, and has permanent addresses and telephone numbers. Ask to view the companies insurance, bonding, training, and certificate information.

You will also want to choose a company that provides you with a full, written estimate of every aspect of the job; this includes time of completion, warranty, labor costs, and materials they intend to use. Before choosing a roofing shingles installer, make sure that you obtain a minimum of three estimates. This allows you to compare prices, as well as warranty, services, and ultimately work ethics. Obtain references, this is obviously important, you are entrusting the roofer with a valuable possession, your home. You want to be sure that they are qualified, trustworthy, hardworking, and professional.



Jeff

Wayne Hemrick asked:


What could be better than installing tile shingles on your roof? Shingle roof tiles are durable, known to last over a century. It is unusual for homeowners to ever experience any problems with tiles unless they were installed incorrectly or your contractor used cheap, low quality tiles.  While you will spend more initially for tile roof shingles, over time they pay for themselves and are quite cost-effective.

Roofs made from tile shingles come with many advantages besides providing a beautiful exterior.  Problems like moss and algae are nonexistent since they can’t eat through the tiles as easily as with a wood shake roof. Repairs for shingle tiles are not as urgent compared to other materials. Tile roof shingles are extensive to install, so it is easier to simply repair any damaged tiles than replacing the entire roof.

Here are a few ways to avoid any issues with your English roof tiles:

Fixing and Replacing Broken Tiles

Shingle tiles can sometimes break or become damaged from extreme weather conditions like high winds or large hail. Improper installation or from being walked on can also cause your shingle roof tiles to break. When working on a roof of tile shingles, work on planks or a roof ladder. Walking directly on the tiles will cause them to break.

If the roof begins to lose English roof tiles for no apparent reason, it may be the fault of the roofer. Perhaps, they used the wrong nails or they just did a poor job.  Relaying all the shingle tiles with the correct nails is the only answer. Tiles can also sometimes be repaired with silicon sealant or adhesive.

Cleaning Debris

As with any type of roof maintenance, keep any overhanging trees cut back. This reduces shade and debris, reducing the growth of moss and algae and the buildup of debris. To reduce the growth of moss, fit some copper wire net to the ridgeline.  Water running over the copper reduces the amount of moss growing below it.

Tile Matching

Matching tile shingles on an older roof is a challenging project. Roof tile suppliers can sometimes carry a large inventory of salvaged shingle tiles. This is usually your best option. If you can’t find a decent match, you can take tiles from a less visible section of the roof and fill in the damaged area.  You can also have custom tile shingles manufactured, but it is expensive and getting an exact match is never guaranteed.



Wanda