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Roof Materials Rated For Longevity, Durability, and Cost

October 23, 2022 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

It’s not surprising that after years of providing you with shade and protection, your roof may get worn out and require rapid repair because of this. When you are in the market for a new roof, it is vital to take a few things into consideration and select a material that will be able to withstand the passage of time. It’s important to remember that not all materials are made equal, since some last longer than others and others cost more than others. This article will go through the advantages and disadvantages of numerous common roofing materials, giving you the information you need to make an educated choice regarding which one will work best for your house.

#1 Asphalt Shingle Roofing

In the United States, the type of roofing material that is used the most frequently is asphalt shingles. They are also one of the most economical options, which is another reason why many homeowners select them as their roofing material of choice. Asphalt shingles are available in a wide selection of hues and designs, allowing you to select a product that is a good match for the outside of your house. Another benefit associated with asphalt shingles is their simple installation process. When compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles typically only have a lifespan of about ten years, which is one of the material’s primary drawbacks. Another disadvantage is that they may not have the same level of durability as certain other materials, which means that they may need to be replaced more frequently in regions that experience extreme climatic conditions.

#2 Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a good option for homeowners as it is extremely durable, has a long lifespan, and is less prone to fire accidents. They can last up to 50 years or more, and does not require too much for its maintenance. Although metal roofing can be more expensive than other materials, they are also fire-resistant and energy-efficient, which can save you money on your energy bills, making it a good investment.

#3 Slate Roofing

If you are searching for a material that is both long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing, slate is a fantastic option for your roofing needs. One of the possibilities on the market with one of the longest lifespans is a slate roof since it may last up to 100 years or even longer. Since slate is also a very heavy material, it is essential to verify that the structure of your house is able to support the load before installing it. Expect the price to be higher given that they have been given a rating of 5 stars for their longevity and durability.

# 4 Wood Shingle Roofing

Other than being trendy and attractive, wood shingles are very much marketable for its endurance and lastingness. Wood shingles can last up to 30 years or more, which is much longer, and more expensive than most shingle roofs. However, since they are made out of thin materials of wood, hence the name, this makes it vulnerable to fire accidents. Check for wildfire hazards to make sure that it is safe to have your house installed with wood shingles.

#5 Clay or Cement Tile Roofing

Clay or cement roof tiles are also a good choice for durability and longevity, making them well received and loved in the country. Clay tiles can last up to 100 years, while cement tiles usually last around 50-100 years. Both materials are also non-fire hazards. However, clay and cement are heavy materials which need sturdy and durable framing so make sure that it is well installed by the professionals, and that your house is capable of bearing the weight. Also, these types of roofing are prone to cracking.

To Sum it Up

With the numerous and different types of roofing material, it does you the favor of making you choose the right one that fits your style, taste, and budget. Since longevity and durability is the primary characteristic that you’re going to look for in your new roof, materials that reach or even exceed your expectation, would undoubtedly be shown on their pricing. If you are still not sure what to choose, contact your trusted roofing contractors like Mighty Dog Roofing in Hoover, AL to have you guided with your new and durable roof journey!

Tags: contemporary, home improvement, roof inspection, roof repair, roofing materials

A Leaky Roof is Priority 1 on a Honey-Do List

May 10, 2013 | Remodeling

The last thing you want is your Honey-Do list to turn against you. Even a minor leak in your home can create major damage if left untreated. So, a problem like a roof leak should be addressed with haste.

Don’t Worry, Be Handy

If you’re lucky, you’re only dealing with a small leak, which can probably be fixed without the help of a professional. The hard part about a do-it-yourself project is locating the leak. TheFamilyHandyman.com suggests running water on parts of the roof to find the problem area. If that doesn’t work, the site suggests to removing shingles until the problem spot is found.

If you find one or more shingles that are cracked, This Old House suggests applying roofing sealant under the cracked shingles.¹ You’ll need a putty knife to spread the sealant. This Old House offers a couple more tricks, too, to blend the patchwork in with the rest of the roof.

The cause of the leak could be a number of things, such as weathering, loose installation with a television cable dish, or, as Buildings.com points out, it could be due to poor installation and workmanship of your house’s initial roofing project and the lack of maintenance. Inspecting your roof on a routine basis could prevent costly damage to your home and your pocket.

Heavy Metal

If you have a metal roof, the job could be a lot bigger. If the damage covers a large area, you may have to replace entire sections of the roof, something probably best left for the professionals. Smaller leaks can be taken care of fairly easily, though.

Loose nails can easily be pulled and re-nailed, notes HomeTips.com. Rust should be removed with a wire brush, then primed and painted. Any repair will have to sealed with a urethane roof cement or waterproof membrane.

Avoid the Bigger Uh-Ohs

Most manly men take pride in fixing things on their own. But when you’re facing the potential of thousands of dollars in roof repair, you don’t want that sudden “uh oh” to come up. Choosing a roofing contractor to fix your leak takes time, research and, most importantly, trust. The contractor should be bonded and able to give you references from current and past jobs, according to Roofer 911.²

Paying for the repair may sometime be stressful. Little do most people know, but for homeowners without a rainy day fund, there are actually some federal grants for certain home repairs. According to Roof Rocket, Uncle Sam has many grant programs for home owners who are facing a costly fix and can’t afford it.

A BAND-AID for Your Home’s Boo-Boo

While you wait to figure out which contractor to use and how to pay him, every rainy day causes worry and frustration with each drip that penetrates through the walls. It may not be pretty, but in an emergency, keeping a leak in check until the professionals get there only takes a special roof patch, a putty knife or a caulking gun, according to HomeOwnerCare.com. Don’t be afraid to raid the kitchen to use pots and pans to catch any dripping water. On the exterior, use roofing tar, roofing cement or even thick plastic or tarps to cover the problem area for the time being, according to Roofing Tutor.³

The sooner you apply these quick fixes the less additional damage you’ll have.

1. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,219567-3,00.html

2. http://www.roofer911.com/roofing-articles/choosing-a-roofing-contractor.htm

3. http://www.roofingtutor.com/guides/quick-fixes-for-a-leaking-roof.html

Tags: home improvement, roof repair, roof replacement, roofing

The Average Cost of the Most Common Roof Repair Projects

April 30, 2013 | Remodeling

Repairing your roof is a smart way to correct a problem before it gets out of hand, causing even more damage and expense. If caught early enough, there are quite a number of roof-damage issues that are fairly simple and cost-efficient to fix. Houselogic.com urges homeowners to be on the lookout for signs of roof damage and recommends a roof inspection once a year.

When conducting this inspection on the inside of your home, you should ensure that the ceiling contains no dark spots, that the paint job is intact underneath roof overhangs, and that there is no dampness or water staining on pipes or fireplaces. If discovered, these problems can be corrected with reasonable expense. Since these figures are estimates and vary from location to location, housewyse.com recommends that homeowners obtain bids from several contractors in order to receive the very best value for their money.

Elizabeth Dunn, contributor at AngiesList.com, provides a list of specifics that helps to determine the cost of a roof repair job. Roof type, for instance, can prove a huge factor due to the roofing material, topography, and pitch. Asphalt is relatively inexpensive, whereas white sheet and tile shingles can cost up to 1,000 per square foot, so this price discrepancy will impact your overall repair cost. Dunn also addresses other factors, such as size of the job, water damage, and the adherence to state permits, all of which can greatly impact total repair costs. For example, if your state requires a specific procedure for conducting a roof repair, extra materials may be needed to ensure that the roof meets the standards outlined in the permit. Also, if you have extra navigational obstacles, such as a chimney or a skylight, the contractor may charge additional fees.

Indoor / Outdoor Roof-Related Issues and Costs:

Cost of Water Damage Repairs: Through the use of a clever calculating system, Housewyse.com reports some helpful costs of repair statistics and what actions are required to complete the repair. Again, since there are no set-in-stone prices for such repairs, we will “plug in” the state of Indiana to gather some statistics for the average cost. There is a direct labor expense, or the price of the actual work being performed, and this repair takes approximately three hours and around $220 to complete. The supply cost of items such as fasteners, seam tape, and top compound, will average around $25 per patch, setting the estimated cost of repair at $250.

Roof Gutter Repairs: According to Mike Long, roofing expert and contributor at AngiesList.com, homeowners should take a look at the condition of their gutters to ensure that there is no bending, leaking, overflowing, or rusting. If a problem is determined, Long reports that the repair cost averages approximately $200-$1,000 for a 2,000 square-foot home.

Houselogic.com outlines some issues to look for when inspecting the exterior of the roof, such as bucking shingles and moss or lichen growth. The roofing blog at roofing-directory.com reports that homeowners should expect to pay around $1,500 for shingle repair since shingles are sold by the square, and each square runs between $100 to $300.

A roof shampoo is recommended for moss or lichen growth in order to prevent decay to your roof due to the decomposing action of these fungi. Brian Eckert with CostOwl.com reports that the cost of roof cleaning varies with service professional and location. For a 1,200 square-foot home, you will likely pay around $250-$500 for this service. The roof of a 2,500 square-foot home would probably cost between $375-$750 to clean. Keep in mind that variables such as height and roof size will certainly impact the overall cost.

As houselogic.com explains, a roof that is in good condition is definitely worth the time and money to repair, and you should also explore other options when considering the cost and scope of a roof-repair project. Many repairs are quick solutions that the homeowners can even fix themselves. Others are not so simple, but if the cause is weather-related, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to determine if such damage is covered under policy.

Finally, if a personal roof inspection leaves you with questions, you might consider gathering a professional inspection of your roof to ensure that all issues are adequately addressed. Houselogic.com explains that homeowners can either receive a free inspection through a participating company or can secure a professional roof inspector for around $175 through the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association. Keep in mind, however, that the key to successful roof repair is to adequately prevent and address issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage. In this way, you can work to extend the life of your roof, saving yourself much aggravation and expense.

Sources: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/5-factors-influence-price-roof-repair.htm
http://www.angieslist.com/articles/gutter-trouble-when-replace-instead-repair.htm
http://www.costowl.com/home-improvement/roof-cleaning-cost.html
http://www.roofing-directory.com/blog/2009/10/average-cost-of-a-shingle-repair-job/
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/roofing-gutters-siding/roofing-repair-or-replace/
http://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_repair_ceiling_water_damage.html

Tags: average cost, gutters, repair, roof inspection, roof repair, roofing, roofing damages, roofing materials, shingles, water damage