A Guide to roofing systems, roof repairs, roofing companies and roofing contractors. We will review the different types of roofing materials, metal roofs, asphalt shingles, tile roofs and much more!
Monday, July 18, 2011
3 Popular Types of Roofing Materials
Asphalt Shingles:
Today, asphalt shingles cover more residential roofs than any other material. Every year, 100 million squares are installed in the United States. That's ore than 258 square miles, about the size of Lake Tahoe.
Asphalt shingles' popularity is due to several factors. They're fire resistant and have the most color and textures. They're relatively inexpensive both to purchase and install. An experience Denver roofer can install 15-20 squares a day.
Wood Shakes:
Nothing looks like a wood roof except the real thing (even though roofing manufacturer's have tried a variety of products). Although wood roofs are more expensive materials and to install, many people think they look better.
Wood roofs are composed of either shingles and shakes, there are basic differences that set them apart. Wood shakes are thicker at the butt than shingles. Wood roofs are not only expensive to purchase, they are also more labor intensive to install. Because wood shakes and shingles are nailed onto a roof one at a time, it takes a while to cover a roof with wood. A fast Denver roofer can put on 2-4 squares of wood shakes on in a day.
Metal Roofs:
Metal roofing systems are no longer used for barns and mountain homes. The popularity in using metal roofs has led to manufacturers creating many colors and textures in metal materials. Improvements in both metal-coating processes and in waterproof fasteners have made metal roofing suitable for residential use. The increase in metal roofs being installed in the US is higher than any other roofing materials.
Content information taken from Fine Homebuilding's book "Roofing: Flashing & Waterproofing"
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sheet Metal Roofing Information
Posted by: All Roofing
There are a lot of people who like to tackle home improvement projects on their own. Without proper knowledge you are only going to find yourself in a bad situation. If you jump in head first without knowing what you are doing you could very well find yourself spending more money on extra sheet metal roofing materials then if you would have just hired someone else to do the work for you. Even though installing sheet metal roofing looks like it is an easy job, there is a lot that you need to know about before you start.
If you are dead set on handling the project without the help of a Denver roofing company then you first need to make sure that you learn everything you can about installing sheet metal roofing. Make sure that you understand the techniques and the order things should happen in, as this is the only way to make sure that you are completely prepared. You will also want to make sure that you have all of the tools needed for installing sheet metal roofing on hand.
Those common tools that are needed for installing metal roofing panels include a hammer, screw gun, caulking tools, simple pair of pliers, metal snips, etc. In addition, when cutting the roofing panels it is best to use metal shears that are powered with electricity.
Getting A Little Help
Because the materials are so so heavy, it is important to have at least one other person with you who can help you. Of course, if they are only helping you to carry things and are basically just following your instructions then the experience in installing sheet metal roofing may not be all that important.
Choosing The Panels
Modern looking metal roofs come in wide array of shapes, styles and colors. It is important for you to be acquainted and familiar with the different varieties available in the market. In such case you will easily be able to choose the best possible metal roof for your home.
Now the choosing of the correct type of metal, their form and style is complete. Next comes the process's importance is as equal as the metal roof itself. There are various processes by which a metal roof can be installed. Some can be directly installed over and above any pre-existing shingle. While others require that the roof is stripped of all the existing shingles and a fresh new surface is created.
Advantages Of Installing Metal Roofing Panels
There are many advantages to installing metal roofing panels. One of those advantages is you can save substantial money for either the business or home owner with installing metal roofs.
For example, this type of roofing material is cheaper to purchase and install than traditional roofing materials. In addition, the durability of a metal roof is another way home owners save money by installing a metal roof. Metal roofs have a life expectancy of 30 or more years.
Additionally, installing metal roofing panels is a smart move financially because of the maintenance factor. Once a metal roof is installed it is generally maintenance free.
5 Tips for Choosing A Denver Roofing Contractor
Your roof is one of the most important factors that protects you, your family and your valuables from the outside elements. If you have a faulty roofing system you risk damages to the inside of your home and all of your property which is why you need to make sure you get Denver roofing contractors who understands the type of roofing system for the climate you live in.
Follow these Tips for Selecting A Great Roofing Contractor:
1.) Check with the Better Business Bureau or the local Chamber of Commerce to get a list of their recommended roofing contractors. You can be assured these businesses have been researched and reviewed to make sure they have meet all licensing and insurance compliance's.
2.) Ask the potential roofing contractors you are interviewing if they have insurance and the proper licenses for your area. You do not want to hire someone who could be a risk to you. If something were to happen to your home or the contractors during the project, you could be subject to paying for it yourself.
3.) Speak to the actual Denver roofers of your project and make sure you are comfortable with them. A roofing project usually takes the better part of a week if not longer so if you are not comfortable with the people who will be working on your roofing project, you will worry about them while they are on your property.
4.) Make sure you can see the complete written proposal for your project. There is nothing worse than getting an estimate for a job and planning on budgeting and then afterwords have your contractor come to you with a much higher invoice. To save on future headaches, agree on a price before the project even gets started.
5.) The last thing you will want to do before committing is find out how long of a warranty the Denver roofing contractors are offing. Not only do you want a warranty on the roofing materials but you want to make sure the contractors work has a warranty on it as well. If the contractor did not do a good job, you do not want to pay them or someone else to fix their errors a few years down the road.